Just an "otter" day in Greensboro

Today while feeding our two resident geese and a flock of mallards, two otters popped their heads up out of the water right where I was standing! It was amazing and they are so adorable. I think they were as surprised as I was because of course, that big dog was with me. She even had her head extended up and over the top of the fence desperately trying to eat the duck food. Huge rings spread out across the water every where as they popped. Sierra and I continued walking around the boardwalk and then on across the dam trying to see them. They outsmarted us though and we never got to see them again. Last year, three little otters were on the lake for about three days. They made little chirping and clicking sounds and ran up and down the hill on the far side of the lake. Then there would be a splash and into the water they dove. I am hopeful these two will stay for a few days and I will get to see them again!
Happy birdwatching, ya'all!
June

The Eagle Has Landed

Actually, two eagles! Yes, the pair which mate for life is back and sitting high atop a nearby tree guarding the nest or aerie. It was a glorious sight and despite the cold, pouring rain I had to jump out of the car to gawk at them for a least a few minutes. This picture shows the Greensboro pair last year on a beautiful day, however, this is exactly how they looked yesterday! They are very territorial and will guard up to two square miles surrounding their nest. They dive, swoop and soar nearby. I hope to catch a glimpse of some of that guarding. It is spectacular. I drive through this territory on my way to work and on my way home so I keep a close eye. Last year, one of the pair swooped over my car with a huge fish between its talons! I can only hope to experience that again. Either way, I will be mesmerized by the pair for the next 6 - 8 weeks and anxiously awaiting the Birding Club to set up the scopes for everyone to view the eyrie, the brood in the nest!
Happy Birding, everyone,
June