Osprey Eyrie

Usually located near open water and hunting grounds, an eyrie is a majestic stronghold as well as a lofty cradle of intertwined twigs lined with bark, sod and grasses. Osprey tend to return to the same nest year after year. They repair nests as needed, often resulting in massive feet-deep structures. 

Although the sleek raptors seem accustomed to people and recreational activities at Jordan Lake, they are leery of human intrusion. It’s breeding season, a time they are particularly cautious and sensitive to threats near their nests. 

© Ilija Lukić 2026

Osprey Eyrie

Ebebezer Church Point shoreline at Jordan Lake NC

Unchosen Choices

Nature unknots mind filled with confusion,

Her purposeful flourish and verve confirm

Free will is real, yet hints of illusion,

Unchosen choices, both short and long term. 

© Ilija Lukić 2026

Seeking Divine Guidance

Near Osprey Point at Ebenezer Church Shores on Jordan Lake NC

A Springtide Daydream

As bountiful spring blooms, refreshing vernal breezes and dew-kissed mornings yield dominion to unseasonably early summer swelter, body and spirit crave comfort.

Mind’s eye drifts to cool, misty autumn landscapes. In said daydream, every leaf speaks volumes to the heart, wakes memories of flowered hillsides and allows the bright breath of springtide reverie to hearten resilience in sultry climes.

© Ilija Lukić 2026

Springtide Reverie

Seaforth Peninsula promontory on Jordan Lake NC near Cooper's Cove

Spring Shindig

Feast eyes my friends on nature in her prime—

Dressed to the nines, unabashedly arty.

As Mother Nature exhales one more time,

She woos all creation to her party.

© Ilija Lukić 2026

I am en route to a local store…when a symphony of pleasant afternoon spring airs, wispy clouds brushed across azure skies and nearly calm Jordan Lake waters divert attention from well-laid plans to shop for a new pair of shoes. Could my restless mood, easy diversion from life's routines and newfound energy to wander and explore be spring fever?

The shoreline at Cooper’s Cove beckons. After a meandering hike to Osprey Point, I double back to the cove with frequent pauses to take in and reflect on nature’s offerings of physical and spiritual sustenance. My heart, soul and mind soar as my essence reaches out to a solitary raptor and shorebirds on the wing above placid lake waters.

As in years past, last traces of pine pollen still accent beach sands with warm hues; while once again, baby-green foliage highlights the spring renewal along wooded shores—where mere days ago stark tree skeletons whispered of inhospitable winter nights for man and beast.  

Spring Fever

Cooper's Cove on Seaforth Peninsula at Jordan Lake NC

Portal To Osprey Point

View from Seaforth Peninsula promontory

In defiance of severe drought conditions in Central North Carolina, Jordan Lake brims near normal levels thanks to effective water management by the Army Corps of Engineers. Its breeding season for migratory osprey and the lake’s numerous sheltered coves along the convoluted shorelines are aquatic sanctuaries that teem with prey. The raptors have returned, repaired last year’s nest, mated and take routine advantage of the prolific hunting grounds.

Fishing Hole

Osprey hunting grounds on Seaforth Peninsula

Gnarly Encounters

Life’s a bumpy ride

Time soothes gnarly encounters

Grace unburdens soul

© Ilija Lukić 2026

Fallen Loblolly Pine needles gently take the edge off the ravages time, elements and the heavy hand of human activity have bestowed on surface roots of the mother tree that nurtured them in their summer heydays. Her majestic canopy reaches defiantly into vernal skies mid whispers carried on spring breezes. I lend ear to her tale about the circle of life, her patience, her resilience and optimism in the face of uncertainty. I allow her message to unburden my soul, reassured that no matter how gnarly the encounters on the road of life…they too will pass.

Gnarly Encounter

On Seaforth Beach at Jordan Lake NC