Osprey and Young

March might seem a bit early for birds to start nesting, but not for so-called “sea-hawks.” A pair of adult ospreys (Pandion haliaetus) returned to the local nest site that they used last year. Here it is, the highest available spot along the waterway we know as Taylor’s Creek — see the osprey on top of the man-made navigational tower?

MARCH 23, 2021. Since no nesting materials were left from last season, the pair of ospreys began constructing a new nest from scratch. The roles of male and female in this process were clearly delineated. The male’s responsibility consisted of searching and fetching sticks for the task…

Then while he rested, his mate took each stick and found its proper place in the structure.

Some sticks required some serious effort…

More sticks were added over the next few weeks. Here’s the bulky, finished nest and it’s female occupant…

MIDDLE OF APRIL. With the nest completed, the female osprey laid between two and four eggs in the center area. Placing herself on top of them, she began the long vigil of sitting steadily for the next four to five weeks of incubation.

Although it is possible that the male also sat on the nest, it’s more likely that he left that task to the female. His job was to hunt for food and bring it to the nest to share with his mate.

These “sea-hawks” are superbly skilled at hunting for fish. They hover over the water until they spot a fish coming near the surface, then dramatically dive feet first to grab the prey with their talons. They carry captured fish with the head forward for aerodynamic reasons…

The meal was devoured at the nest site by both adults…

Another job of the male was to guard the nest, particularly while sitting on the railing…

MIDDLE OF MAY. During this time, the eggs hatched, and the female continued her vigil, keeping her young nestlings warm in the nest. They were not visible from the ground for the first weeks. When the mother stood to the edge of the nest, I was able to get a first glimpse of the two nestlings on June 4, when they were about two weeks old.

After that, they poked their heads up quite often…

As the two nestlings grew, it started getting a bit crowded in the nest. The speckled backs of the juveniles distinguished them from the solid black color of mother…

MIDDLE OF JUNE. The young were soon climbing around on their own…

JUNE 30. This juvenile looks ready to fly away…

JULY FOURTH. The nest had been abandoned. More than three months after the pair of Ospreys started building their nest, they were finished. The family had likely relocated to a more secluded area nearby. Instead of ospreys, there was a pelican perched comfortably in this once forbidden territory…

With an empty nest, I like to think of the Ospreys inhabiting a more tranquil site and living somewhat closer to earth. It sure is easier to photograph them…

To see a previous photo-blog about another pair of Ospreys, click here >>