Idyllic days at Anchorage Cove. It's sunny and warm, and at night, a full moon lights the river. Butterflies drink from the lavender buds, purple martins flit and dive and swoop and the ospreys play tag. Mama and Papa tend to their chicks. We haven't seen fuzzy heads in the nest, but any day now we know they'll appear.
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Saturday, June 4, 2011
JUNE 4, 2011
The babies must be here. We haven't seen them, of course, but both Mama and Papa stand on the side of the nest, gazing fondly down and offering tidbits with their beaks. Mama settles in once more, covering the chicks with her warm feathers. Time for an afternoon nap.
Saturday, May 28, 2011
MAY 28, 2011
Papa has been busy collecting grassy material for the nest. Either Mama has complained about the discomfort of sitting on sticks 24/7 or the chicks are almost here. Or both.
Monday, May 23, 2011
MAY 23, 2011
After three years as the ospreys' neighbors, we have been accepted. Jack went out for a sail in Little Bird, our ketch. Mama kept a sharp yellow eye on him, but made not a peep. When he returned, she was still on the nest, of course, but she moved her head from side to side as he pulled up to the pier. According to a raptor expert we know, that's the way that hawks customarily greet each other. After a time, some people are deemed worthy of being considered hawks and also get the side to side head bob. We're in!
MAY 20, 2011
We've seen a bald eagle soaring above the river near our cove, and we're sure the ospreys have, too. Mama does not leave the nest unless Papa is standing guard.
Sunday, May 15, 2011
MAY 15, 2011
After a tumultuous beginning, the ospreys have adopted a lifestyle befitting parents-to-be. Their nest has grown larger and sturdier, and the couple spends more time there -- without the rapturous wing-flapping and sky-diving of earlier this spring. About a week ago, the female took to the nest full-time. Today her mate arrived with a fish. After eating, both stood on the edge of the nest inspecting their eggs. Then she settled in once more.
Monday, April 18, 2011
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