Peter Cracknell recently photographed an Osprey with its catch.
This year's chicks have fledged but sometimes return to the nest to rest. Two chicks were successfully raised in the nest we watch through our spotting scope.
Thanks to Peter for allowing me to share his photo with you here.
Peter Cracknell caught this Osprey resting on a branch. Ospreys have returned to the Mendonoma Coast to build or rebuild their nests, pair up and hopefully start a new family.
Ospreys build their nests on top of flat-top trees. The nests are quite substantial, as they must survive the winds that blow in from the northwest in springtime and from the southwest in stormy weather. Here is an Osprey nest photographed by Craig Tooley.
The Osprey nest that Rick and I can see through our spotting scope blew down in the December storms so the Osprey pair have been busy rebuilding it. The female is now sitting on the nest so perhaps there is an egg or two in there. I hope so!
Thanks to Peter and Craig for allowing me to share their photos with you here. To see much more of Craig's nature photography, here is his website: www.ruffimage.com.
George Marshall caught this dramatic photo of an Osprey peering at him. You can see the yellow eyes, eyes that can see between three to five times better than humans.
Ospreys dive for fish but they can only go about three feet underwater. Their excellent eyesight allows them to see their prey in the water.
The Osprey nest that I can see through a spotting scope at our house in Anchor Bay looks to be successful. Yesterday I witnessed the male exchanging places with the female on the nest, allowing her to feed.
These birds have recovered from the effects of DDT, which weakened the eggshells so when the parent sat on them, they broke. Once on the endangered species list, they are now thriving.
To hear their calls, here is a link to the Cornell Lab of Ornithology: http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Osprey/sounds
Thanks to George for allowing me to share his photo with you here.
The Osprey nest that we can see with the help of our spotting scope is officially occupied. The female is sitting on the nest, presumably on eggs. Her mate will be hunting for the both of them.
Paul Brewer recently photographed this Osprey on the hunt.
Thanks to Paul for allowing me to share his photo with you here. To see more of Paul's photography, here is the link to his website: http://www.capturingnatureswonders.com/
The Ospreys that raised two young in the nest in front of us have gone, along with their two fledglings. I haven't seen or heard an Osprey for a week or so. It appears they have migrated south. It is possible that an Osprey or two will remain during the winter. One stayed over winter near The Sea Ranch several years ago. But the great majority migrate to warmer climes in Central and South America.
Robert Scarola captured a photo of an Osprey with a fish several weeks ago. It's going to have to hold us until the Ospreys return to grace us with their presence next spring.
Thanks to Robert for allowing me to share his photo with you here.