This morning I approached Papa Osprey’s nest walking silently on the grass behind the nest. A surprise visit. I was wondering how close I could get before he’d discover I was there. I shot the first picture of his tail feathers. And was discovered right away!
In addition to sharp eyes, he has an excellent hearing too. He heard me despite a Blue Jay giving a high-pitched concert in a tree behind me. You know how they sound.
At the same time Papa was keeping an eye on a Turkey Vulture circling high overhead. This only confirms my earlier conclusion that he’s a skilled multitasker.
We talked for a while, as we always do. I told him I’d be away traveling for a few days, and he promised me to continue keeping watch on the skies for Mama Osprey.
Then I continued my walk around the salt marsh. In many places the ground was covered by “snow” from the flowering trees. Even the Moorhen was swimming in a light “snowfall”.
Next, I spotted a “long-time-no-see” Reddish Egret in the shallow waters. Initially, he seemed startled to spot me. But soon recovered and continued his search for some brunch items.
His relative, the Snowy Egret, was the third one to surprise me. He walked right up from the marsh and did an impressive shake-baby-shake routine on the grass next to me.
I decided I’d walk a bit deeper into the park to see if I could find any of Papa Osprey’s friends. I came to the dead palm trunk favored by all three ospreys around here. Nobody at home. Then whoosh! Stanley flew in with a big fish!
That impressive meal got all his attention. And I decided it was time to go home. Enough surprises for one day. Although quite wonderful ones.
Have a great weekend everyone! ❤ Tiny
TINY LESSONS BLOG 
They always know where we are! Love your ospreys! I have only seen ospreys once, what a thrill!!!
They do! And I love your hawks too! I’m so lucky to have the three ospreys living in the park right next to us. And at least one nest, maybe more, if the two others are ready to nest this year. I can’t wait until PO and MO start “nestorations” in January!
I’m sure like me PO will miss you while you are gone. Have a safe trip my friend. ❤
Thanks Jackie! I’ll miss you guys too! See you early next week ❤
Amazing photos!
Happy you enjoyed them Julie. Nature has so much beauty!
Love surprises here. Glad you got a flock-full. Safe travels!
Thanks Eric! I had a great trip, just now catching up 🙂
Great shots. Enjoy your trip.
Thanks Nancy! I had a wonderful trip, but it’s always good to be back too.
Fantastic shots, Tiny.Papa Osprey is so impressive. Love the somewhat dishevelled looking reddish egret, and the shimmying snowy. 🙂 Have a great weekend. 🙂
Thanks Sylvia! The birds are so expressive when one takes the time to observe them…so much fun 🙂
Great stuff. I like these photos and the story you told.
Thanks Bruce! Happy you liked it.
I think you should ask the ospreys to catch a fish for you. Their fish catch always looks so good.
Yes, they are master fishermen! I think they eat Grouper – our best local fish that goes for over $20/lbs – almost every day 🙂
Terrific pictures Tiny, Papa Osprey caught a large meal! Enjoy your trip! 🙂
Thanks H.J. I had a great trip, but now back at home with “my birds” 🙂
I hope you’ve book a babysitter to look after my new friends!
I didn’t book a babysitter, but they seem to have fared quite nicely in my absence!
Absolutely amazing pictures sweet Tiny. I love the look on Papa’s in the first picture…great capture. Lovely birds you got pictures of. I am in awe at how those long skinny legs on the egrets hold their bodies up. Very nice shot of the bluejay too, I know very well how they sound…they can make some noise for sure. He is most likely what gave you away when you were trying to get close to Papa. 🙂 Hugs
Thanks dear Maggie! I also like the look on Papa’s face when he discovered me there 🙂 The Blue Jay was really loud and so fast that it was difficult to take a clear picture of him.
Looks like you and are both heading out for some travel. I’m off to Vancouver tomorrow. Will spend the week out there with my local rep, and getting to know the team in that office. Safe travels.
I hope you have a great week, Nancy, with your local team! I’m happily back home again.
We don’t have Blue Jays in Oz, Helen; so I’m imagining a high pitched concert.! What a gorgeous little bird he is.
The Blue Jay is a really beautiful bird, but I honestly can’t say the same of his singing voice 🙂
Nothing like fish for supper.
Or any meal, for that matter 🙂
I fully agree! These guys get the best of the best local fish. They even eat Grouper that we can’t always get in the shops although it lives right here in the ocean 🙂
Amazing captures, Tiny! I love that reddish egret…looks like quite the character!
Thanks Susan! This Reddish Egret might be the same one that put up a “show” last year, certainly a character 🙂