One Perch – Two Hours – Three Big Birds
My last post featured a Bald Eagle captured in flight as it went up and down Cambridge Creek.
There was more to the story…. 😉
It’s possible mate was on the Osprey nest platform. (Oh, Osprey Bella would be so upset if she knew!)
Bald Eagle
Because there was no fighting or aggression between the two Eagles over the fish meal, I suspected they were mates.
Bald Eagle with a fish
The Eagle in flight did leave the area after flying past me, leaving this Eagle to finish its meal.
Eagle cleaning its beak alongside the wood.
Eagle cleaning its beak alongside the wood.
Eagle cleaning its beak alongside the wood.
After the meal was gone, the Bald Eagle cleaned its beak alongside the wood
Did you notice the leg band above? I discovered it when I downloaded my photos! I unfortunately could not make out any numbers or letters.
Finally, a great Eagle profile when the sun shined.
Bald Eagle showing off its leg band
I checked a half hour later to see if the Eagle was still on the platform. It was gone.
But look what I found in its place.
Great Blue Heron
Well, that was a pleasant surprise!
Great Blue Heron
The Great Blue Heron was just hanging out in the breezy conditions. Nice! I watched it off and on for a few minutes.
Great Blue Heron “one-legging it”
Less than a half hour later, I did a quick look; the Great Blue Heron was gone.
Oh, but now look what I found perched!
Turkey Vulture
While the Eagle was eating its fish, there was a Turkey Vulture soaring overhead, I’m sure keeping an eye on the platform and any possible leftovers.
But then that Great Blue Heron showed up after the Eagle departed.
Finally, with the Great Blue Heron gone, the Turkey Vulture could land and clean up the platform.
Turkey Vulture eating the remains of the fish
Turkey Vulture
This two-hour experience has me back to glancing at the platform more often, who knows what I might see on it next time!
A lot of visitors to Osprey Home!! 😀
They all know a great perch when they see one!! 😊
Great photos! And what a fantastic surprise. What are the platforms used for anyway (other than rearing osprey chicks or as perches for many birds) ?
Thank you, Mike! That’s exactly what they’re for….for rearing and perching! Just don’t let Bella know….. 😉
How exciting to have so many visitors stop by 🙂 Although I still feel “empty nest” syndrome following the Osprey family’s departure, it’s wonderful to see many other birds ❤
It was great, Takami, a highlight to my morning of chores! 😊 Yes, me too, it became so quiet so fast after they left. The local gulls and blackbirds use the platform regularly. But they’re not as exciting. 😉
That last photo is a great illustration of how the bird got its name. Where I used to work I would often see one or two turkey vultures on my way out of the office park area. I always thought the were one of the ugliest things on earth but yours does not look nearly so bad. 🙂
Turkey Vultures do have a unique look of beauty, and I’ve not caught that very often in past years. I was very pleased with that last photo, you can almost see an iridescent coloring on the chest in the black/brown feathers. And, of course, spreading that tail like a turkey completed the ‘beauty’! 😊
That perch sure comes in handy! Wonderful pictures!
😊 The more visitors, the merrier! The local gulls and blackbirds have been enjoying it quite often since the Osprey left. But that morning’s three birds were pretty awesome!
Nice progression of visitors to the platform! That Eagle is gorgeous. I wonder how far it’s flown to be there and where it was tagged? I suppose we’ll never know.
It was, thanks Deborah! Wish I knew, I’d really love to know information on a bird’s origin when I see them banded.
What a perfect perch😊. Excellent photos Donna!
It sure was that morning! The local gulls and blackbirds like to visit it a lot, hoping I’m sure there is something there to eat someone else left. 😉 Thank you Belinda!
Beautiful!
Thank you Diane!
A great perch, no wonder B&B covet it! Great shots, even of the janitor. 😉
Prime waterfront property! 😉 Thank you Eliza!
That’s the magic platform! You might find a dragon the next time, Donna! 🙂
Your photos are great!
LOL I just might! 😉
Thank you, HJ! 🙂
This platform is like a bird stage for performances Donna, and you have a front seat with a seasons ticket to catch them all. Some beautiful captures Donna, that Turkey Vulture is an interesting one,
It sure is, Ashley! Years back when I had another Osprey family (Olivia & Oliver) on our property, it too was a fall/winter stage for other birds, especially Eagles. Thanks, the TVulture is quite unique looking, I am thrilled with my shot really showing the beauty of it. They are very important to our environment, always cleaning up the rotting carcasses that lay around. 🙂
Well worth looking at the perch a lot if this is a sample of what you might see!
Oh my goodness, I can’t stop looking at it now. Who knows what I’ve missed! 😉
Wow Donna! That is one active platform! Enjoyed seeing all the birds passing by!
Thank you, Reed, it sure was that morning! Now I am constantly glancing out at it, lol. 🙂
Wow! 🙂 But where is Sesame Street’s Big Bird?! 🙂
LOL I should have shown a little cartoon shot of him at the end! Thanks, Tom! 🙂
Very cool to see all the visitors, and for the Vulture to be doing his clean up thing. Nice series, Donna!
Thanks Ellen, they sure made my morning more delightful! Yes, the TVulture did a very nice job, I didn’t see anything left after he departed. 🙂
A popular little place.
Waterfront perch at its best!
Eagles rule,everyone else drools!
Thank you, Wayne!
Goodness. That is a busy perch.
The blackbirds enjoyed it yesterday. 🙂
Community perch! Heh.
😊
My theory is transmogrification, and Calvin would say! 😊
Perfect!! 😊
How did you get so lucky to have so many different visitors to this convenient perch? That’s actually pretty funny. I’d hate to be the one to tell Bella.
I’m thinking it happens more times than I know, and I’m missing others. hee hee I’ve seen the GBH return to the platform a couple other mornings, but not daily. I’m with you, Bella would not be happy for sure. 😉