Doc Ellen’s Natural Minute. Sunrise Jordan Lake 10/25/2024. The prominent song you can hear is a tiny Carolina wren. I could occasionally hear a golden-crowned kinglet but never saw it. A duck floated past. A couple of woodpeckers occasionally knocked hello.
wild bird
Tag4-year-old Bald Eagle Plumage
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.
Eagle Eye
Bald eagles like to hide while keeping an eye on their territory. Captain Doug and I floated past LadyLake this week while we were out checking on the health of each bald eagle nest.
Catfish Prize
Captain Doug and I were out today cruising the lake and checking on nests. The day was delightfully dry, just cool enough, and with some moderate wind. We saw several bald eagles. This bald eagle gave us a good look at her catfish as she launched.
Contemplation
The turkey vulture and I spent almost an hour being mesmerized by the turbulence of the Haw River as it tossed waves up against the interior of the tailrace. Interesting, isn’t it, that birds (and most other animals) can be spell-bound by the world they inhabit! I enjoyed the mutual time in contemplation.
52 Great Egrets!
It was a few minutes after sunrise. The Haw River was thundering out from underneath the Jordan Lake dam. Across from me and down the riprap there were a total of 52 great egrets. This time of the year I’m used to seeing maybe two dozen at a time… but a whole 52 card deck of them? There were a few great blue herons in the mix. By 30 minutes after sunrise all but three of the great egrets had left the riprap.
doc ellen's journey 