Ospreys nesting 2

Our Osprey pair are very entertaining. It seems that their inability or lack of motivation to bring in sticks to build a nest might have been a product of their insecure relationship. There appeared to be some dating, some relationship building and then more a commitment. I equate it in human terms...they moved in together to try out their relationship. They had some intimate relations, it seems to be going well, so now they are buying furniture. They have been hauling in sticks regularly.

Hopefully at some point they will fill the nest with some eggs and then nestlings. Nothing seems assured with this pair. They like their privacy, yet they built a nest next to a dock used daily by humans. Not too bright a tactical move if you ask me, but hey, I'm not an Osprey. So it goes, I am having the best time watching them, but they are none to happy when I come by or sit to watch them. One is much more skittish than the other, but I haven't yet identified which is the male and which is the female. Their color tones are different. One is pure white and dark black...I'm guess this is the younger one. The second is off white and a charcoal gray. I guess these are normal variations in color. Once he climbs on top of her again I will try to observe which color tone goes with which sex. I don't want to scare them off, so I have to tread lightly!

When they want privacy, they have a "private office" up on a big dead tree a hundred feet from the platform, and the top of a cedar tree in the opposite direction a hundred fifty feet.  They also use these spots as their private dining room when the neighbors  (me) get too nosy! All in all I guess they planned well....they probably are not going anywhere!

If you take a close look at the photos to the left and below you can just make out the Osprey's shilhouette right in the center of the photos. On the left the bird is holding the fish with its feet and then shredding the flesh. In the photo below it is taking a breather while eating its catch. When they catch a fish and carry it back in the air, they turn it so its head faces forward for easier flying and transport.