Jordan Lake. The rushing Haw River continues to escape the dam. The morning golden hour was fading away. This fledgling osprey caught itself a catfish. I caught the reflection of both bird and fish.
Fledgling Osprey Reflection
immature osprey
TagDoc Ellen’s Snippet August 5, 2023
Jordan Lake. Introducing Doc Ellen’s Snippets. I am planning these videos as a way to share with you a collection of several brief video moments that occur during a single outing in the Jordan Lake Neighborhood. Enjoy!
Mom Osprey is a Sunshade
Jordan Lake. Osprey parents will stand up in their nest and make a sunshade with their wings when it is very hot. They help protect their chicks from the sun this way. Both parents will do this activity. In this case it is mom Osprey and in 2nd part of video she is feeding her chicks.
White Dots …
Jordan Lake. A field ID mark on a fledgling osprey is all of the white points at the end of its feathers. They are quite distinct. I have also noticed some of this on fledgling bald eagles, and fledgling hawks. Not near as definitive but it is there. I keep asking the experts do they know why. So look at the neck and head ruff on the eagle and osprey and on the wings and see what you think.
Top of the Morning!
Jordan Lake. You could say this pair of photos were literally “top” of my morning. Yes, the fledgling osprey is looking straight down the tree trunk at me and three other birders who were watching her. I leaned carefully back and pointed my camera straight up at her hoping she wouldn’t bolt! Don’t miss the fish she’s holding!
Big Haul!
Jordan Lake. This fledgling osprey has only been flying about eight weeks. She managed to catch and carry a striped bass that is as long as she is. She never got more than about 2 feet above water. After resting on the log for three minutes she managed to lift the fish one more time and disappeared around the tree line from my sight.
doc ellen's journey 