Ospreys

I finished work early and wanted to do something outside on this beautiful sunny (hot) day. So I headed home to change and get my camera. I went to OBNWR and wandered around looking for eagles. I saw one juvenile circling too high to photograph, and as I walked along the shore, a mature eagle flew right over me and disappeared beyond the trees before I could get the camera up. So, no luck with eagles this trip.

But the ospreys are still there. I expect them to leave for their migration by the end of the month. The nests are all empty of juveniles. In various trips there I've seen two platforms and three trees with nests and juveniles. There were still ospreys hanging around some of the nests, but these were all able to fly.

Speaking of flying, there were only a few osprey flight events, most too far away to shoot or with an obstructed view. But I did get this flight event.

VH-3D Sea King

I sometimes see the presidential aircraft flying around, usually alone, which would indicate that the president is not aboard. I presume when I see a single helicopter like this one flying around the local area it's just a training mission.

The few bird-in-flight shots that I got were not keepers, but I'll include one here anyway.


Osprey Defecating in Flight

Birds often defecate right before takeoff, but I'd never seen one lighten its load in flight like this. Maybe he/she was telling me something.

Speaking of telling me something, I heard a very vocal osprey as I walked the road near the shore. It was making a lot of noise long before I arrived; I don't think it was complaining about me. But it definitely spotted me when I got close.


I See You!

A nearly-fruitless visit today... But I'm glad I went because it was a good walk, in spite of the heat.