The Jordan Lake Neighborhood was water-logged this morning and the rain just kept falling on eagles, vultures and crows. Oh, and on Doc Ellen.
The Jordan Lake Neighborhood was water-logged this morning and the rain just kept falling on eagles, vultures and crows. Oh, and on Doc Ellen.
Tiny winter visitor – the ruby-crowned kinglet. While waiting for the bald eagles to decide if they were going to fish the Haw River this morning, I had the delight of watching one of the birds I call “itty-bitties”. These are birds that are very small and tumble through the branches and bounce about their day looking for hibernating insects and the occasional left-over winter berries for their meals. There are 2 species of kinglets that visit the Jordan Lake Neighborhood for the winter. There is the ruby-crowned-kinglet – the red-patch on his head is there to signal when he is upset and the patch flairs. Then there is the golden-crowned kinglet – I’ll have to see if I can get a photo and show you. The hummingbird is the only bird smaller than the kinglets – so I am indeed talking “tiny itty-bitty bird”!
A 3-year-old bald eagle caught a fish in the Haw River, just below the riprap of the dam. An adult bald eagle decided it wanted the youngster’s fish. The adult eagle tries a couple of tricks to get to the 3-year-old’s catch. Hope you enjoy the action.
CHALLENGE for a rainy Friday evening! There are 26 bald eagles in this photo I made this morning from the MID-POINT of the riprap. Can you find all 26 of them in the photo? If you go to the lake to look, remember that MID-POINT distance because if you go further down the river riprap, the eagles will go further down river and you won’t get to see the glory of the Gathering. Keep at least 330 feet – a football field distance – away from non-breeding bald eagles. Take your chair, sit, wait, the eagles will come to you. Thank you for your patience and good seeking for the 26 eagles!!!
I sat down to pick a photo for tonight’s post – I had several decent action shots to look through. But, the very first photo of this morning caused me to pause and ponder. Of late this world has been full of chaos and fear and anxiety. Way down the Haw River this immature bald eagle perched. Quietly. Waiting. A living, breathing, vibrant silhouette giving me, and I hope you, a chance to just be still for a moment or two. Enjoy the peace and grace, Doc Ellen.