An Osprey Lover Is An “Ospreyer” (Or So I Say)
Unfortunately, our Oyster Cove’s community Osprey nest platform that is 150-200 ft from my balcony did not successfully entice a pair of Osprey to take residence this year again. Part of the reason is the returning resident pair on the southend Kent Narrows Channel Marker #3 pair has used our platform for a perch to keep a close eye on their home and especially now with the Mrs who is incubating eggs. Other Osprey perch on it as well but are always challenged to leave by Marker #3 Mr. Osprey. It is obvious he does think it is his perch, and believe me he keeps his eye on it.
Even though there are no full-time residents for our platform, there still is a lot of Osprey activity so I’m a happy Ospreyer. There are at least eight active Osprey nests that I am aware of on the water within a 1/4 mile, so one is practically in the air somewhere above or in front of me.
Here is an Osprey series from the past month. 🙂
KN Channel Marker #3 Mr Osprey chasing off an ‘intruder’ on his perch!
Marker #3 Mr. Osprey challenged a passing Osprey by flipping upside down and flashing his claws. The Mrs. is down in the nest verbally giving her two cents.
Although they challenge and holler at each other when one is in another’s ‘territory’, on a steady 15-20mph windy day our area Osprey will soar together. Go figure, lol. I was watching six Osprey on April 13 doing this and finally was able to get five of them in one frame. Note the bottom Osprey has a fish. He ate it while flying!
No quarrels here! Five of six Osprey soaring on a windy day. Bottom Osprey has a fish that he ate while flying.
These next photos show those very sharp talons.
High Five!
Geez, looks like he could poke his eye out with those talons.
Our community’s bulkhead was renovated and straw grass was put down to cover and protect our seeded lawn alongside the bulkhead. I have enjoyed watching different Osprey swoop down and grab a clump for nesting material. If anyone in the community wondered where some of the missing straw is, now you know! LOL
KN Channel Marker #3 Mr. Osprey with a snatched clump.
You can see he’s gotten his share of straw for their nest.
A Marshy Creek Osprey resident taking his turn.
Capturing an Osprey with a fish up close is my ultimate challenge. Bingo!
Heading home to the Mrs. with breakfast.
Another one of my Osprey overloads! 🙂
Hope you enjoyed and thank you for stopping by!
Many great shots Donna, however I especially like the last 5 flight captures… terrific “golden” light and tack sharp. Nicely done indeed!!!
Thank you Steve!
I loved all the shots Donna! Good work! 🙂
Thank you HJ!
These were all interesting shots which show how they grasp with their talons, different from other raptors. And yes, they are sharp! I got a kick out of how they are utilizing the straw and flying upside down.. When I got to the last two I was very impressed . Great captures!
Thank you Jane! Great noticing, yes the osprey’s feet are uniquely adapted to “air fishing.” Each osprey foot has a reversible front toe, as well as barbs (called spicules), which help it hold onto a slippery fish in flight. Re the straw, I’ve since spotted a couple small land bird nests in our community’s trees and they are loving the straw for nesting materials too! 🙂
Wonderful! Thanks for observing and sharing your front row seat.
Thank you Martha!
It’s a shame that the nesting platform nearest you isn’t being used for a nest, but that hasn’t stopped you from getting some stunning photos! Especially the last series of the osprey and fish!
Thanks Jerry! I saved the best for last….. 🙂
Spectacular photos, Donna.
Thanks Rick, and I hope your boat is sailing the waters soon so you can be out there with them! 🙂
Wow. Wonderful photos. That last photo is mesmerizing.
Thanks TSC! I did save the best for last, he was a beauty for sure.
Sehr schöne Bilder!
Haben Sie vielen Dank! 🙂
I don’t see how you could stay composed enough to take pictures during such up-close activity.
When they fly that close by me, for sure my adrenaline really is pumping as I try to lock on them. For once, I really lucked out! 🙂
Absolutely breathtaking series of photos Donna. Thank you for sharing them. -Max-
Thank you sunny Max! 🙂
Brilliant close ups to finish a lovely post.
Thank you Tom!
Great photos. Loved scrolling through them.
Thank you Kathy!
Your photos are gorgeous!
Thank you Linda!
The Osprey is one of my favorites, too. But, alas, they have left here for more northern locations, perhaps to your area. But I know they’ll be back in a few months. 🙂
It’s when birds leave us for their migration that we realize how much we miss them and can’t wait for their return! 🙂 Thanks Bob!
Wow so many beautiful images in tis post! The last photo is amazing!!
Thanks so much MD! 🙂
Hi Donna!!
That last one with the fish is his claws is amazing.
Thanks Margie!
I really enjoyed viewing your neighborhood osprey. The close-up photos of the osprey with fish in talons was great, plus what a stroke of luck to get FIVE osprey in one photo. Amazing.
Apparently the boardwalk nearest our local osprey nesting platform was damaged by ice over the winter, so it isn’t open to the public. However there is a nature trail that lets once get close enough to take a peak with binoculars, so I am happy to report the nest is occupied and they seem to be doing well.
Thanks Deb! Great to hear your osprey are thriving too. Hopefully they’ll be able to repair the boardwalk for the locals to get a chance to get up closer to view the osprey family. 🙂
That last photo is just magnificent! I could watch birds in flight all day. Amazing post! 🙂 x
That last shot is magnificent! Amazing photos 😀 x
Thanks Becky! He is a beauty up close, huh?!! 🙂