Rediscovering home: Magnificent flyers
An osprey glides into a nest on the power pole on the Moats Ranch, while its mate sits on the nest. Note the talons ideal for grasping nest material and a fish dinner. (Bruce Moats photo)
A grumpy-looking male lays a stick on the nests. Osprey nests are continually being enlarged and can weigh more than 300 pounds
An osprey looks askance at the plastic falcon placed on the pole in effort to scare the ospreys. The falcon only appeared to just get in the way.
He soared in on crooked wings spreading about five feet across the blue sky, clutching in his talons a branch with black moss hanging from it like a shaggy haircut.
The male osprey landed deftly on top of a power pole about 20 yards from the house, setting down the first piece of what they thought would be their home. The female – osprey usually mate for life – arrived shortly afterward.
Their staccato chirp-whistles rang out as they set about their work.
Become a Subscriber!
You have read all of your free articles this month. Select a plan below to start your subscription today.
Already a subscriber? Login
