Jordan Lake dam

Tag

By Jordan Lake: Bald Eagle First Nest Unusual Event

Bald eagles are not usually sociable. They tolerate a mate and their chicks. Sometimes in winter, bald eagles will congregate around a food source, but argue about it. Once a chick has fledged, the parents will provide it some food and protection into the fall, but then the fledgling is on its own. I have watched, once or twice a year, an eaglet (starting its first or second year of life) make a trip back to its home nest and be briefly tolerated by the parents. On March 26, 2020, I finally got to record one of these encounters. Kate and one of her chicks are visited by the 2019 male fledgling from First Nest. Eventually Petruchio took exception to the visitor and chased it away. I sure am glad I could show you this uncommon bald eagle event!

By Doc Ellen’s Natural Minute 04/01/2020
Jordan Lake: I made this Natural Minute on March 26, 2020 but used a different little video to post that day. May this one bring a moment of quietness as we watch the northern mockingbird being busy. You can find other Natural Minutes archived at my blog at
https://www.docellensphotography.com/blog-1
Stop by and visit whenever you need a moment of Jordan Lake.

By Jordan Lake, Haw River: CLOSURES and Plan

UPDATE – All the gates at the dam are closed.  There is no entry to the tailrace.  The only open boat ramps are at Ebenezer, New Hope Overlook, Seaforth and Robeson Creek – and those are subject to close at any moment.  So, I am working on a plan to use my archives of previously unpublished photos and minute videos at Jordan Lake for a daily sharing with each of you.  Please stay tuned as by Monday I hope to have that plan in effect – you will see the heading “Jordan Lake Neighborhood” on those postings.  In the meantime, take this spark from the sunrise at the dam and know it holds the promise that we will get through this, together.  Peace and Grace, Doc Ellen

 

By Jordan Lake Dam: Itty-Bitty Winter Visitor

Tiny winter visitor – the ruby-crowned kinglet.  While waiting for the bald eagles to decide if they were going to fish the Haw River this morning, I had the delight of watching one of the birds I call “itty-bitties”.  These are birds that are very small and tumble through the branches and bounce about their day looking for hibernating insects and the occasional left-over winter berries for their meals.  There are 2 species of kinglets that visit the Jordan Lake Neighborhood for the winter.  There is the ruby-crowned-kinglet – the red-patch on his head is there to signal when he is upset and the patch flairs.  Then there is the golden-crowned kinglet – I’ll have to see if I can get a photo and show you.  The hummingbird is the only bird smaller than the kinglets – so I am indeed talking “tiny itty-bitty bird”!

By Jordan Lake Dam: Goose!

 

While at the Jordan Lake Dam this morning, a large white bird appeared in with a few gulls that were flying above the Haw River. I believe it to be a Snow Goose. However, it is possible that it is a Ross’s Goose. Both birds are rare in this part of NC (there are thousands of snow geese around Lake Mattamuskeet this time of the year). Both birds also readily hybridize with each other. I didn’t get quite good enough photos to clearly see the beak on this goose and that could have helped with the identification. Enjoy this winter-white visitor!