eagles of Jordan Lake

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By Jordan Lake: Hope

Jordan Lake Dam, Haw River:  Aa I photographed this bald eagle, flying towards the rising sun this morning, I found myself thinking about this afternoon and its promise of possibilities: the possibility to once again gather in small groups, the possibility to be responsible in our distances within those groups, the possibility to protect others by wearing our masks.  It is hard, as a social species, to be apart and not gather and hug and hold each other.  But, we humans can do what the bald eagle cannot: we can thoughtfully make decisions and then live by them.  I am waiting as patiently as possible – to know that all of you are safe and healthy. So, go into this afternoon, rejoice and know that this is a first step.   Peace and Grace, Doc Ellen

By Jordan Lake, Haw River: Solid Landing

In this evening’s uncertainties, I found myself wondering just what do I need to do next … what should be my next action.  Then I remembered this 4-year-old bald eagle from January 14, 2019.  He picked his path, set his eye on the perch he wanted and solidly made a landing.  May we all find a perch, a place to stop and breathe and know that we too will stick the landing and greet the next moment with assurance and hope.

By Jordan Lake: Bald Eagle Captain’s Nest, Thirsty Bald Eagle

Raptors usually get all the fluids their bodies need through the moist food they eat. But sometimes a good drink of water is needed. Did you know that most birds cannot swallow water like you or I or a cat or dog can? Nope, their anatomy allows them to lap the water into their beaks but they don’t have the ability to swallow the liquid like a horse would do. So, they lap up the water, tilt their heads skyward and let gravity take the liquid into their digestive tract. Watch the birds at your waterers at home and you will notice the same behavior that Captain Mom is showing us here. I made this series of photos on 03/18/2020.

By Jordan Lake: Bald Eagle Fledgling

I photographed this fledgling yesterday morning. I recognized that the eaglet was one of this year’s fledges … but I didn’t think it was from Jordan Lake as some of our chicks are about ready to fly, but haven’t yet. So I asked for input from one of the eagle experts I know and he suggested that perhaps it had explored it’s way here from Florida as the breeding cycle there is a couple of months ahead of here in NC. It is not unusual for bald eagles to cover more than 200 miles/day when they are out seeing the countryside!

By Jordan Lake: How to Get Doc’s Attention!

I was trying to capture the light, just so, on a Texas toadflax blossom.  The golden light was fading fast.  Then a shadow appeared and I forgot about the wildflower for a couple of moments.  The young eagle was just starting his second year of life and he was beautiful as the full brightness of a Carolina blue sky filled his sight and my morning.