Jordan Lake Dam, Haw River: Doc Ellen’s Evening Note 10/20/2020. Just as this fledgling great blue heron is gathering himself to take the mists of dreams with him to his evening roost, may you too gather your dreams and sleep well. Peace and Grace, Doc Ellen
Jordan Lake, Haw River: Out of the fog that completely blanketed the riprap at the dam this morning appeared this 3-year-old bald eagle. For a brief moment a diffused beam of sunlight lit the tree and the eagle. The autumn morning suddenly had an eaglet brooch and I smiled.
Jordan Lake, Haw River: Now that you have seen the pine warbler … look for his sleeping neighbor. Ah. The monarch butterfly sleeps under leaves or below branches where it is protected from predators and where it is somewhat warmer. You can see that the pine warbler is puffed up against this morning’s cold. The monarch hadn’t yet gotten enough sun warmth to be on the move. I don’t think the bird saw the butterfly and I doubt if the butterfly had yet sensed the bird. The bird moved on to feed and about 30 minutes later the monarch warmed up had headed for the butterfly bush to gather nectar.
Jordan Lake, Haw River: Doc Ellen’s Evening Note 10/04/2020. It is a comfort to me to know that there are a pair of eyes joining those of the Creator to make certain I have undisturbed sleep and sweetest of dreams. Thank you red-tailed hawk for being a guardian this night.
Jordan Lake Dam, Haw River, October 2, 2020. It was a big bird day: a fledgling bald eagle over head. It was a little bird day: a red-breasted nuthatch in flight. Migratory update: I last saw the Kirtland’s warbler at noon on Wed. at the dam, did not see her Thursday or Friday. I have been watching palm warblers and Cape May warblers in the same area. Most likely the Kirtland’s has headed on towards the Bahamas – I hope her flight goes well!
Jordan Lake, Haw River, Wednesday September 30, 2020: Update on Kirtland’s Warbler – she is STILL HERE! Yes! I had wondered if last night’s rain and colder weather would send her on the next part of her journey, but there she was, 1) eyeing a protein packet 2) happily eating a spider protein packet 3) a yellow-throated warbler was also there. She has been active all morning, up until noon and then again in the later afternoon … I hope she is still there tomorrow and that those of you who haven’t seen her yet get a chance to do just that.
doc ellen's journey 