Chasing the Osprey

Rarely do I get to get reasonably close to these birds. Osprey also known as fish eagles are very protective of their area, and this one was no different. We drove down the road saw him away from the nest, my husband was going to pull over, but me being the person I am wanted to be on the same side, he was watching for predators, and enemies I guess.

I got within 80 feet of him, give or take, then he took off, I got one shot.

I followed him up the road, again, I got within 80 feet or so of him tried to move closer, he took off, across the street. Being the stubborn person I am, and that we had to turn around, I decided to try one more time. He was in a denser tree and I got right underneath him and shot him from the car. Yeap he was watching every move I made. He would turn his head and then glance back at me, it was more than obvious I was invading his personal space.

I'm pretty sure he didn't know what to make of my camera, but I stayed focused on him, and eventually he decided he had enough of me, and he took off across the street to where his nest was.

When there are eggs in the nest the female stays in the nest with the eggs, she only goes out rarely to hunt for food. So I am pretty sure that the bird I was chasing in circles was the male.

Osprey and eagles are often in direct competition with each other and it has been known to happen where the others will distract the parents of the other and go in and kill the babies. Simply because they have the same food sources.

I have seen eagles chasing the osprey in the area that I live in, and I am always amazed at not only the grace and beauty of these birds when in flight, but the speed of which these birds can travel.

Osprey will build their nests on a pole, or platform, with a clearing around it so they can see their enemies. Even seagulls are their natural enemies as they will carry away the eggs, or go for the young babies.



Until Next time
God Bless.