In the past few weeks I’ve been flying in and out of my nest on this barrier island I call home. Several work trips to big cities. Lot’s of ‘osprey time’. And bird’s eye views. Or views from my temporary nest high up in the air in the Big Apple late in the day…and night. … Continue reading Flying in and out of the Nest. With the Osprey Couple.
It’s good to be away, particularly if you can spend some quality time with your grandkids. And then happen to stumble on a bird photographer’s paradise. But that’s for the next post. Here only one picture of last weekend’s adventures. As a ‘teaser’. But first things first. News from a place where I belong. There … Continue reading Papa Osprey’s Fake Wings. And a Flying Mattress Delivery.
Last Sunday when the temperatures finally crept up into the normal range for us here in Florida, Mr. Dylan took me for a hike on Honeymoon Island. We hiked the 2.2 mile Osprey Trail. His nose was pointing down and my eyes were looking up. This state park is known for its many Ospreys and … Continue reading Ospreys and Nests. The Joys and Challenges of Home Ownership (WPC: Variation)
We have finally gotten some rain. Refreshing soft rain has nourished the salt marsh and the whole island for many days now. Luckily it has taken frequent breaks at sunset time enabling Dylan to take me on walks late in the day. And we have walked on the bay side. By design. You see, I … Continue reading Blue Hour Walks. And Adventures of the Osprey Chick.
The Osprey chick is in boot camp. Mama Sandy is trying to get her ‘wingersizing’. It’s time to strengthen her wings by exercising them. And to improve her self-confidence after the tragedy that killed her sibling two weeks ago. So now Mama Sandy is often retreating to her perch to give the little one room to … Continue reading Osprey Chick Boot Camp. And Other Life Lessons.
Returning from our South Florida vacation last weekend, I looked out towards the Osprey nest from my terrace expecting to see two rowdy chicks. The nest was deadly quiet. And no Mama Sandy in sight. That in itself was not alarming because Osprey moms go fishing after the chicks are six weeks old. But there was no … Continue reading Mama Osprey is Sad. On Mother’s Day.
A text message flashed on my screen late on Thursday afternoon. The countdown to replacing the osprey nest platform had begun. Yay! I gathered my two cameras and called my friend Gladys. We arrived at the salt marsh just when the last rays swept over the water. We noticed right away that the Mayor had come … Continue reading Moonlight. Cinderella. And Operation Osprey at the Salt Marsh.
The Osprey couple of the Sand Key nest, Sandy and Stanley, can now be seen sitting together on the bay side during the ‘blue hour’ every evening. I am sure they are discussing the upcoming nesting season and the dismal condition of their home. Perhaps they are also worrying about the fact that they don’t have the … Continue reading Operation Osprey. The Fundraising Issue.
This past week has been very busy. But the good news is that we have finally made some headway on “Operation Osprey”, as my friend Gladys dubbed the project we are working on. I had never thought that helping the Osprey family to get a safe home would be as simple as someone climbing up to the … Continue reading Operation Osprey. Alien Presence. And Family Feuds at the Salt Marsh.
He stretched it out. The announcement was very loud, perhaps even a bit enthusiastic. The Green Heron had returned to his winter home at the salt marsh while I was gone, and appeared surprised to see me. As I walked closer, he repeated the announcement. An Anhinga, who was resting down by the water almost right below him, … Continue reading She’s Baaack! Papa Osprey’s Welcome Gift. And a Storm Brewing.
TINY LESSONS BLOG 