Whenever I go out birding, I’ve this expectant mindset: ‘Surprise me,’ or, ‘Make my day.’
Here’s one serendipitous find a few weeks ago. The Osprey family. I’ve since gone back to visit them many times and see their baby grow.
Papa watching over the family home:
Mama and baby in the nest. I’ve since learned that other than just the size or the plumage, I can tell the difference between an adult and a juvenile Osprey by the colour of their eyes. Mom’s are yellow, baby’s orange. You can’t see here in this small pic, but on my laptop they’re dramatic.
A nice spot to build a home, by the river:
Just a couple weeks later, baby has come out of the nest. Sunbathing with Mom. Baby’s the one closer to the nest. Yes, almost as tall as Mom.
And a few days later, trying his wings. Who taught Baby to fly? I never saw any training wheels. You might ask, how do you know it’s Baby and not Mom? The secret’s in the eyes.
Even blew a raspberry at me:
Kids these days, sure grow up fast.
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How impressive and beautiful — that’s quite the wing span (and for a young ‘un!). Interesting about the eyes — I never know that. The scenery is as beautiful as the birds. What a wonderful find.
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Actually Ospreys aren’t rare here but finding a family is a delight, especially when I can watch the baby grow. Just like the Owl family in previous years.
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Oh Arti! These Osprey photos are amazing and getting your blog is like watching a nature channel!!
Thank you for sharing your beautiful experience with me.
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It’s my pleasure to share sightings I find interesting, albeit you’re too kind and generous. 🙂
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I see a lot of ospreys, but they’re usually flying with a fish in their talons, heading back to the nest where their babies are waiting for dinner. They do grow fast, and I’m sure the parents are happy when the kids can begin to get dinner on their own!
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It’s not rare for us here either, but not a lot. Serendipitously finding this family is a delight. I’ve been waiting and always on the lookout to take a pic of the osprey bringing lunch home, but no luck so far. Although in years past, I’d got one but it was too far away, small and blurry. And yes, I do remember you’d taken such a photo. What a pleasure it must have been to be able to capture the moment. 🙂
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Wow! How very cool for you to come upon this great scene! Love all the photos!
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I’m sure you see a lot of hawks and ospreys in your neck of the woods too, Ellen, and maybe with them bringing lunch home. 🙂
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