2017

By neighdoctor February 28, 2017 JL Eagle nest report: H&G nest 1 photo, 1 video 02/28/2017

Momma Godiva was sitting on the rim of the nest

when she dove off and headed straight toward me.

In mid air she swung over on a wing and headed for the water.

She took to the nest a small fish that was happily consumed by the chicks.

JL Eagle Nest Report: First Nest is Threatened 02/03/2017

By neighdoctor February 3, 2017 JL Eagle Nest Report: First Nest is Threatened 02/03/2017

Petruchio the dad was on the nest brooding the chick(s) when an immature turkey vulture tried to invade the nest (see its wing tip at the very top of the first photo of the slide show; the nest and Petruchio are at the very bottom right). Mom Kate was almost out of sight out near the main lake when she heard Petruchio’s calls for help. Kate quickly dashed across the lake and cove and there began a terrific chase across the sky. Kate routed the vulture and soon chased it out of my sight and down behind the trees. Kate returned some minutes later. All the eagles were safe. A slide show of the chase can be seen at https://youtu.be/QpOE-eX2gjU

JL Eagle nest report: LL&H nest 2/01/2017, 6 photos

By neighdoctor February 1, 2017 JL Eagle nest report: LL&H nest 2/01/2017, 6 photos

WooWee!!! There is a CHICK at the LL&H nest.

As I have noted in the past, the nest of Lady Lake and Heritage is difficult for me to get to.

This afternoon with the help of State Ranger McMurray, we got a look at the nest.

I think the chick is about 2 weeks old.

Lady Lake in the nest.

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The dad, Heritage, coming into the nest.

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Just to the left of the main tree trunk, at the rim of the nest,

you can see the light grey form of the chick.

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You can make out the eye of the chick, as it warms in the sun at Lady Lake’s feet.

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Several times Lady Lake looked behind the chick we can see…

I wonder if there is a second chick? Bald eagles usually have 2.

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Eagle parents spend a lot of time simply watching their chicks.

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JL Neighborhood Report 1/27/2017

By neighdoctor January 27, 2017 JL Neighborhood Report 1/27/2017

As most of you know, I visit many different places on Jordan Lake.
For the first time in a long while, yesterday I found myself at the dam.
The sun was wintery, and as usual at the dam, the wind was howling and it was cold, cold.
I sat down on the top of the riprap, half way between the dam and the end of the riprap.
Long hours through several years have taught me this:
going any further down river just chases the eagles further away.
Winter seems to stir eagles up and push them all over the lake.
Go to your closest boat ramp and look!
This 2 year old bald eagle appeared over my head and did a couple of what I call “sky jinks”.
He turned himself inside out, all mid-air, and then was gone over the horizon.