A four-year-old bald eagle, to me, often has very interesting plumage patterns. They are in the process of finally attaining the totally white tail and head and a body cloaked in deepest dark brown feathers that at 5-years of age marks their maturity. Captain Doug and I found this youngster landing as if she owned the whole cove. I’m sure that’s what she thought.
Up the Haw River yesterday flew a very determined immature bald eagle. I could see as it banked and reversed course at the tail race of the Jordan Lake Dam that the youngster was one of this year’s fledglings. Fly young one fly, learn how to fish successfully and survive.
Jordan Lake. Captain Doug and I were out on the main lake today – first time since the flooding had occurred. We got to First Nest cove and there was one of this year’s fledglings. Looking like he owned the whole cove. Mom Kate seemed to be happy to ignore her youngster and simply survey the area. Great seeing both mom and offspring! PS some of the Lake’s areas are open… and some are not. If you want to go I suggest calling ahead to make sure the area you want to enter is open.
Jordan Lake. I watched the two-year-old bald eagle launch. Found myself wondering if I reached my arms up high enough towards the sky could I somehow make feathers appear and I, earthbound human, join the flight? Oh my.
Jordan Lake. First Nest. Captain Doug and I had slowly circled the First Nest cove and had not seen any bald eagles – adult or fledglings. We turned to float back out of the cove when out of a very very tall tree popped one of the fledglings. It was sure good to see it out flying as if it owned the skies!
Jordan Lake. Mom bald eagle brought a rather large fish to Captain’s Nest. Within minutes one of her fledglings showed up to claim it. Mom had removed and probably eaten the fish’s head before the nest delivery. Now the fledgling has to figure out how to lay the fish down, put a foot on it and tear a piece off in order to eat.
doc ellen's journey 