Osprey Nest

I photographed this male osprey (Pandion haliaetus) at the Carolina Raptor Center in Charlotte. Recently, I found a pair of ospreys, also called “Fish Hawks,” nesting in an unusual location.

The soccer field at Freedom Park, a county recreation area, was deserted on that afternoon in May. Except for the activity of ospreys in their nest, built on top of a pole holding field lights, at least fifty feet above the ground. Normally these coastal raptors nest on something closer to the water, like a channel marker or or a specially-designed nest platform.

In the nest above the soccer field a single adult osprey was most likely incubating one or more eggs. Occasionally, she emitted a high-pitched cry.

I waited. Then I saw her mate in the distance, approaching the nest with a fish grasped in his talons. He landed at the edge of the nest and immediately began feeding.

Eventually, he shared his meal with his mate.

A pair of ospreys is said to mate for life, although for most of the year they live separately and remain solitary creatures.

Isn’t it remarkable that human use of the park doesn’t seem to bother the birds? They must be able to tolerate noisy soccer games, not to mention the presence of cars coming and going, as well as kids, dog-walkers and joggers. Imagine if those powerful lights come on.

If you liked meeting these osprey, here are related bird posts to visit:

• Great Horned Owl Nestlings >>
• Let the Nesting Begin >>
• Great Horned Owls: First Encounter >>
• Rooftop Eagle >>
• Look-alike Hawks >>