Chesapeake Bay Osprey Are Back
On schedule, my neighbor’s Osprey pair have returned to their man-made nest platform, the male on March 12, female March 20!
Our warming Spring temps dropped again since and it’s been quite windy. Neither is even thinking about bonding or nest building as yet. It’s probably more like, “Why are we here, this is not pleasant.”
No photos of the pair together yet, I haven’t had time to gear up and run over each time I catch a sight; but here’s a cropped poor shot from my front porch of the female when I saw her the morning of the 20th.
Female Osprey returned March 20, 2026
You can see only a few sticks remain from last year’s nest. So far, she’s been recuperating from her 3,000-5,000 mile journey to here from her winter grounds in Central or South America. But I’ll soon be hearing her demands for sticks! Get ready and onboard, Mr. Osprey!
To celebrate, here’s a few Osprey shots I hadn’t shared from last year to get us excited for the Chesapeake Bay Osprey breeding season!
Bay Photos by Donna 
So wonderful to see them. Thanks for sharing, Donna. I hope there is enough menhaden for a good nesting season.
Thanks, Martha! Have you been to one of the two lectures circulating Maryland about the Osprey demise, one was by Greg Kearns? I haven’t but read into the menhaden problem. I’m on Harris Creek and all of our Osprey nests failed last year, including this one I’m sharing. I’m hoping for a comeback this season!!
No, Donna, I haven’t been to any of the talks, but have been reading about and otherwise following the issue – the science and the policy. It is heartbreaking — especially so for those of you who watch nest development on a daily basis.
Thanks for reminding me of Greg Kearns’ name. Perhaps I can invite him to present at the speaker series I chair.
Here’s hoping for a better year.
So pleased they are back. The last shows a great setting for these two to return to.
Thank you, Sandy!
With the arrival of this Osprey pair, spring will be celebrating. Thank you Donna for sharing the news. I need to return to a nearby nature park to see if their nesting pair have made it back.
I hope yours have returned or are on the wing as we speak!
So glad they’re back. 😊
Me too! 😊
👏🏼
🤗💃🤗
Great shots of this beautiful bird. I particularly love the two images with the fish in their claws. (Suzanne)
Thank you, Suzanne! I know you’ve seen Osprey all over the world!
Awesome captures, Donna!
Thank you, Egidio!
Wonderful photos
Thank you, Sheree!
I’m always amazed at the size of the nests they build, Donna. Some of the sticks are pretty darn big as well. Great photos. We just had a fun time watching birds in Costa Rica. I’ll do a post on them in the next few weeks.
Thank you, Curt! Osprey are quite entertaining! Sometimes it’s like watching a marriage on display. 🤣 Looking forward to Costa Rica birds!
Great analogy! 😄
I was going through my bird photos from Costa Rica last night. I took some 250. Many of the same birds, of course. There are some good ones! I did butterflies today. Next week I want to do Fica trees to give myself more time for the birds, so to speak. The week after I should get to them. There will be at least two posts I’m thinking.
A wonderful series, Donna😊. I wonder if they’re the same pair as last year?
Thank you, Belinda! With Osprey reusing their previous year’s nest, the male has instinct to high-tail it home to secure that nest, with the female following usually a week or so later. So usually the early Ospreys on nests are the returning ones. New young Osprey would still be scouting out for a mate or nest location as they get their act together. 😁
Interesting, thanks!
Great news and awesome photos!
Thank you, Michael!
You’re welcome.
It is so exciting when birds come back to their previous nest sites. I find it so heartwarming. I loved all the photos, Donna, and especially the one with the fish in the osprey’s talons. Have fun watching this pair, you have a great perch!
Thank you, Jet! After months of quiet, hearing the hourly cries of the female now seems right for Spring celebration!
Nice series Donna!!
Thank you!
Isn’t it great to be heading into spring season! Wonderful celebratory shots, and I especially like your last image, showing the wider view.
Thank you, Ellen! The Osprey really make it feel Spring is really going to happen, lol.
Just fabulous photos, Donna! I can hardly wait to see an Osprey around here. One was seen last year checking out a nesting platform that was put up recently, but so far we haven’t had any takers.
Thank you, Lisa! Fingers crossed there’s a pair that find that platform perfect for home this season. “Waterfront property” is the best they say! 😉
Great to see the return of your Osprey Donna, it is like old times again ! Always love seing them carry fish into their nests.
Thank you, Ashley! They arrived right on time, it is always amazing each year when I see this. The Mrs. has begun her demanding already, we’ll see how that goes, lol.
Exciting times ahead! 🙂
Yes, indeed!! 🙂
Beautiful shots Donna – the Osprey’s intense eyes mesmerize me. Good catch with the fish for you and the Osprey too! You have a good view to watch them as they plan their family. 🙂
Thank you, Linda! I saw the pair on the nest this morning and ‘geared up’, by the time I got outside to head over there, they had both flown away, ugh, lol.
I know you will pursue them tomorrow, weather permitting. They are on to you Donna – probably laughing because they dodged the photographer. 🙂
Probably! 🤪
Anticipating EXCITEMENT AHEAD!
Fingers crossed!!
What a catch! (A remark for two individuals)
They are indeed great fishermen!
Great moment and great photograph. Thank you dear Donna, Love, nia
Thank you, Nia!
Picture #6 is amazing! I love the expression on his/her face and wonder what he or she is saying. You must be looking forward to following the returning couple’s new season.
Thank you, Barbara, I am! They did not have a successful season last year, so fingers crossed this year is positive.
Nice series of images Donna! Enjoyed seeing them!
Thank you, Reed!
The bird whisperer never disappoints!
Thank you Sue! 😊
Such lovely photographs in all of your posts. Thank you for sharing them with us.
Thank you, Donna, and you’re welcome!