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By Bald Eagle Lectures this summer

JL Bald Eagle Lecture dates:
I will be giving a bald eagle lecture at the Jordan Lake State Recreation Area on two different dates this summer. The lectures are free and fun for all ages. Info at https://www.ncparks.gov/jordan-lake-sta…/events-and-programs
Dates: July 15 & August 12, Saturdays at 2:00 PM
Location: Jordan Lake State Recreation Area Visitor Center at 280 State Park Road, Apex NC 27523

4-year-old bald eagle photo was made yesterday at the dam during the quarterly bald eagle count.

By Hershey and the Eastern Kingbird are at it again……
Today the eastern kingbird had the audacity to up the ante.
He spied Hershey again crossing the cove.
The bald eagle understood what the smaller bird was up to.
So Hershey rolled up on his side to deny the kingbird a landing place.
Yes, landing space on the eagle’s back.
When that didn’t work Hershey rolled back flat and reached for a higher gear.
No dice.  The kingbird had the groove, the draft from the bigger bird.
In the little bird flew and got his piece of defiance with a sharp peck!

By size doesn’t matter!
When you have babies in the nest, 
your size and that of the potential predator doesn’t matter.
The parent eastern kingbird felt Hershey flew too close to the nest.
The small bird escorted the bald eagle all the way across the cove.
Hershey simply ignored the much smaller kingbird.
 
Size reference: the king bird is about the size of a robin.

By Memorial Day Remembrance 2017
thank you to all our military, thank you
for those alive, vibrant present
for those living, yet again in our memories
without your sacrifices 
I would not be able to walk freely
stand silently as eagles wing by
wander quiet coves as beavers swim past
sit in meadows filled with warblers’ songs
lean against oaks holding nesting squirrels
freely inhale stars riding night’s winds
greet warming sun each morn 
all in freedom because you gifted me 
by your love of country and your service

By UPDATE on 3 Eagles + 1 Osprey
I have had several delightful questions sent to me about my video.
I thought I would share my answers here with photos from the critical points:
1. The little male osprey caught a very, very large fish.
He has it tucked against his chest as he muscles the fish up.
2. It took several tries for the osprey to lift the fish from the water.
3. The osprey got some altitude and was making the bend toward his nest when he saw the eagle heading for him.
4. Bald eagles make a habit of stealing fish from ospreys … so the osprey tried to up his speed but…
5. Out of the cove to the osprey’s right (regretfully I didn’t get the osprey in the frame)
came a second bald eagle and the osprey dropped his large fish (you can see the splash).
Two eagles are not good odds for an osprey to face.
6. One of the bald eagles made a dash for the fish.
7. The fish was so large that the eagle was having trouble getting out of the water (don’t worry, eagles swim well).
8. While the first bald eagle was trying to get out of the water,
the second bald eagle made an attempt to harass the first eagle into abandoning the fish.
9. Bless his heart, the little osprey tried to get back his fish –
he’s in the upper left of the photo and was easily missed in the video.
The osprey gave up the chase and the fish.
The first eagle finally cleared the water without the fish.
10. Out of the back cove, Hershey dashed in (sorry about the focus) and grabbed the fish. Whew.
11. Hersey makes the mad dash for home.
And, THANK YOU for all your wonderful responses to my efforts with the Jordan Lake Neighborhood series!!