Dear viewers, could you help Doc Ellen? I had knee replacement surgery last Friday. I can’t get out and about for the next 4-6 weeks. I am already missing the lake. Would you mind sharing with me some of your photos that bring you joy and laughter? The photos don’t have to be of the lake, just need to be of your heart! Your sharing would ease my soul as I work towards healing. Thank you!

Ospreys are one of the most daring fishers on the lake. This mama osprey actually dove in between the two walls of the dam’s tailrace to pick up a fish for her breakfast. I always catch my breath and hold it when I watch an osprey do this daring dive! I hope you enjoy the sequence. Jordan Lake, Moncure, NC, March, 2025

Wooooo! American white pelicans paused in their migration at Jordan Lake this morning. Flock of 20-25 of them. They were happily fishing among a hundred or so double-crested cormorants. The knob on top of the beak of some of the pelicans is a caruncle that appears during their breeding season.

Spring has Sprung! A small flock of Buffelhead ducks landed at the lake to take a break before lifting off and heading north on their spring migration. I will miss seeing their bubble gum feet!

The bald eagle chicks at the HP nest are always a challenge to photograph … the nest is literally adorned with a multitude of pine cones. Capt. Doug and I slowly eased past the nest, keeping the large chicks in sight, and shooting between the pinecones the best we could. These chicks are almost old enough to start branching.