Today is the beginning of a New Year’s journey. At Jordan Lake I can often hear the trains in the distance … on their own journeys. On this morning there was a chorus of goldfinches and crows as my listening heart remembered my own travels by train. Perhaps the sounds will bring memories of, and hopes for, your own treks. Happy New Year’s Day to each of you, Doc Ellen

First Nest. As of Thursday afternoon mom Kate had not yet laid eggs. Captain Doug and I were out checking on the nests. We found Bard at First Nest being quite put out. He looked left, he looked right, he looked high and was wondering where the heck was mom Kate. Most likely she was out fishing for her own supper. I’ll be back out the next day or two and hoping to find one or the other of the parents in incubation. #FirstNest #DocEllensJourney