It has been a day both of aching souls and heart-felt thankfulness for courage shown on September 11, 2001. May we take the much needed quiet gentleness of the mourning dove into our sleep. Rest well. Peace and Grace, Doc Ellen

It has been a day both of aching souls and heart-felt thankfulness for courage shown on September 11, 2001. May we take the much needed quiet gentleness of the mourning dove into our sleep. Rest well. Peace and Grace, Doc Ellen

Jordan Lake: 09/10/2021. I believe these are black terns. Not often seen here. The small flock appeared to have both adults and juveniles. Identification as Black Terns has been confirmed by NC Museum of Natural Sciences. Birds seen between Vista Point and Ebenezer Beach this morning between 7 and 9 AM.



Jordan Lake: “Hmmm, it appears I have put my toes in an awkward place. Let me consider this. Naw, I am an eagle and never get into awkward positions. Nope, not me. The toes are just fine, so there. Now, what was I watching…”



Jordan Lake: This osprey youngster is one of this year’s fledglings. The male osprey has caught himself a nice sized fish. He is certainly perfecting his fishing skills!

Jordan Lake: I was watching Mom Godiva on a speed run up the main lake, heading north. I did not expect her to go fishing. Suddenly she did an almost 270° turn and had her feet in the water before I could catch up with her. As you can see maybe Godiva was a little too hasty in her fishing? That’s a big fish. She didn’t quite get a grip on it and flipped it out behind herself. The fish didn’t mind Godiva’s disappointment. Eagle zero, fish 1.


Jordan Lake, August 10, 2021. Doc Ellen‘s Natural Minute. It is a Minute of watching the parent chipping sparrow – that’s the bird on the left – gathering up insects to feed to his chick – it’s on the right. The parent is very vigorous and very good at catching the insects and promptly feeding his offspring. The baby tries to catch an insect a couple of times. Then the parent dashes off to look for insects elsewhere. The fledgling says well I guess I better go back to trying on my own before it decides maybe it’s easier food to go find the parent. Enjoy the breakfast of the chipping sparrows this morning! Take care, be safe. Stay well.