Jordan Lake. First Nest. The chicks this morning were doing a lot of wing wapping and trampolining. The biggest of the chicks was certainly hogging most of the space much to the annoyance of the other two chicks. The big chick was getting a lot of vertical air between its feet and the nest!
Haw River
TagNest Repair
Jordan Lake. First Nest. With 3 rapidly growing chicks bouncing around in the nest, the parents have to bring in sticks and repair the nest. Dad Bard went dashing out and grabbed the top of a small pine tree and headed back to the nest. That’s him piling into the nest from the left-hand side while mom Kate is on the right hand side with fish to feed the chicks. Crowded!
First Nest Triplets update
Jordan Lake. All three of the TRIPLETS are alive and doing well! Captain Doug and I managed to get out today to monitor our nests after the big rain, high lake levels and wind. Dad Bard is feeding his chicks. Second photo with arrows so that y’all can see where all three chicks were in the nest. I hope all of you are smiling as big as I am.
Tattered
Jordan Lake. This tiny eastern tailed-blue butterfly – about 1″ long – is showing the wear and tear of it’s daily life. The tattered wings probably came about because a bird or an insect like a praying mantis attacked and because the wings are fragile they tattered instead of allowing the butterfly to become captured. I see many butterflies, dragonflies and moths ragged like this and they fly just fine.
First Nest update
Jordan Lake. First Nest. The lake level is at 219.75 ft which is 3.75 ft above normal. I am still not able to see First Nest. However, I did watch Mom Kate take a fish in past the tree line – headed for the nest. Dad Bard came by on a thermal. Every day I hope the lake is down enough so I can get in and see the chicks. I bet all of you are hoping that too!
Doc Ellen’s Evening Note
Jordan Lake. Doc Ellen’s Evening Note. The tree swallow watches as the evening gathers shadows and the sun cools its heat. As the swallow contemplates heading for its roost may we settle our souls for a night of contentment and quiet peace.
Doc Ellen
doc ellen's journey 