immature bald eagle

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By Jordan Lake, Haw River Gathering: CHALLENGE

 

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!!!

By Jordan Lake, Haw River Gathering, Sunrise Bald Eagle

 

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.

 

By Jordan Lake, Haw River Gathering, 4-year-old Bald Eagle

 

I have been watching this 4-year-old eagle for more than a week. I love the plumage of the 4-year-olds. This one has piqued my curiosity. She is almost as light in brown coloration as is Hershey, the dad at the H&G Nest. I wonder if she is one of his offspring – but that I will never know. So, I will simply watch her and enjoy her brocade silk patterns.

 

By Jordan Lake Dam: Haw River Gathering, Contrail Race

 I watched the 2-year-old bald eagle break away from the group of eagles that were squabbling down river. As he climbed upwards I realized he was going to intersect the contrail of a very high jet. I thought about how ragged the eaglet looked. He was still using the same flight feathers he had left the nest with when he fledged, and there were now gaps as the new flight feathers were beginning to emerge. He appeared to be racing past the jet and I cheered him on towards a third year of life.

 

By Jordan Lake Bald Eagle Gathering, 5 photos
Jordan Lake Bald Eagle Gathering, the Haw River at Jordan Lake Dam. PLEASE NOTE: to get these photos I got no closer than 330 feet to the eagles – any closer and they go down river. 330 feet is the minimum distance stated in the Federal Register for approaching non-breeding eagles. These photos were taken at a distance of more than 600 feet. In other words, don’t go more than half the length of the riprap down river. Just don’t do it, please.
Every winter bald eagles become more or less communal. More or less. They will kind of share trees even if they are not next of kin. Sharing fish, no way! In the photos the 4 immature eagles are: the furtherest up and behind everybody is a yearling. The tumbling 3 year-old eagle to the left purposefully knocked the 4-year-old eagle off the perch that they both wanted. A 2-year-old watches the melee. If you would like help in getting the best possible shots of the Gathering, please consider taking one of my classes seen at this link: https://www.docellensphotography.com