Jordan Lake. Dawn this morning was nicely cool and crisp… at least to me! However, this immature chipping sparrow was definitely not happy about the drop in temperature. Most birds have a body temperature of 105 to 109°F. So this morning when the air temperature was 67°F this little bird fluffed up to trap its own body heat because it was actually feeling cold.
Jordan Lake. The following critters show up as brief clips from this morning: adult chipping sparrow feeding its fledgling, immature red-headed woodpecker, blue-gray gnatcatcher, American crow, American goldfinch, pennant dragonfly, great egret and an osprey. I hope you enjoy these little pieces of my morning!
Jordan Lake. It is 23 minutes after sunrise. Mom Osprey has gone fishing and is returning to the nest area to feed her two fledglings. They’ve been out flying and trying to catch fish on their own but she is quite willing to help them along – especially first thing in the morning with a nutritious breakfast.
Jordan Lake. The overnight storms soaked everything. This tiny wee blue-gray gnatcatcher was wet down to the skin. It had to take time out before looking for breakfast to get all of its feahters straight and ready for flight.
Jordan Lake. Green herons, when they are frightened, resort to making themselves look like a reed by standing up very tall and straight and the feathers down their neck make them blend right in on a shoreline. However, that trick does not work when you are up in a tree and a fish crow has decided you are too close to his territory. Watch the herons try the trick anyway.
A correction!!!!! Thankfully one of my readers brought to my attention that the species in my photo shown here – the Passiflora incarnata – is indeed native to the US. So am trying to make sure everyone has the right information. Whew!
doc ellen's journey 