Bald eagles like to hide while keeping an eye on their territory. Captain Doug and I floated past LadyLake this week while we were out checking on the health of each bald eagle nest.
Eagle Eye
bald eagles of Jordan Lake
TagCatfish Prize
Captain Doug and I were out today cruising the lake and checking on nests. The day was delightfully dry, just cool enough, and with some moderate wind. We saw several bald eagles. This bald eagle gave us a good look at her catfish as she launched.
Jordan Lake Rising
Jordan Lake this morning at 224.16ft was still rising. The Haw River as it was exiting the dam was very quiet. Lake and reforming downstream river were very unlike the water systems to the west of us. As I watched this bald eagle appear out of the distortion caused by the dense fog on the river, I thought of the horrendous impact Hurricane Helene has made from Florida to our NC mountains. I am reminded that Nature is as elegant as the bald eagle and as fierce as a rampaging river.
Great Surprise!
Up the Haw River yesterday flew a very determined immature bald eagle. I could see as it banked and reversed course at the tail race of the Jordan Lake Dam that the youngster was one of this year’s fledglings. Fly young one fly, learn how to fish successfully and survive.
First Nest Fledgling & Mom Kate
Jordan Lake. Captain Doug and I were out on the main lake today – first time since the flooding had occurred. We got to First Nest cove and there was one of this year’s fledglings. Looking like he owned the whole cove. Mom Kate seemed to be happy to ignore her youngster and simply survey the area. Great seeing both mom and offspring! PS some of the Lake’s areas are open… and some are not. If you want to go I suggest calling ahead to make sure the area you want to enter is open.
Details Count
Jordan Lake. It is often said the devil is in the details. In this case the details are in the bald eagle. I often tell people if you can’t see a bald eagle: look for bright yellow feet or maybe all you will get is a glimpse of a bright yellow beak. Captain Doug and I came across this eagle last week and he sure put on a beautifully detailed launch.
doc ellen's journey 