Osprey Update

[dicklynch]

An update to my post of 13 May on “our” Ospreys.

On further investigation I have discovered a total of seven Osprey nests. A second one on a light tower about 200 – 300 yards from the one I spoke about in my first post and five others on man-made platforms near the Potomac River. All are occupied. On Saturday 22 May I saw two chicks each in three of the nests. I’m guessing, as I have no experience to draw on, but I think all the nests have young as there was at least one adult bird on each nest all the time I was watching and it was raising cane trying to get someone to bring something to eat. Did see an adult on ”my” light tower nest, bring a fish home and feed it to the chicks. The other two nests with chicks were not dinning at the time I was watching.

I looks to me (and please remember I know next to nothing about birds) but the chicks have lost their down covering, if in fact Ospreys are covered in down at birth. If this is true these guys must be at least a couple of weeks old?

Also saw twelve Great Blue Heron in the river. Great day.

Dick

[A CHAPLIN]

I loved reading your post. It must be great to see so many Osprey nests in one location. We have an Osprey nest at Bassenthwaite in our Lake District and the pair are incubating eggs at the moment.

It is the 50th anniversary of the return of Ospreys to Scotland and there are several special events being held to commemorate this. I watch the Webcam and read the Warden's diary at the RSPB's Abernethy Forest reserve, the Ospreys nest at Loch Garten.

You may gather I am an Osprey lover.

Ann Chaplin

[dicklynch]

Hello Ann,

Thanks for the kind words, I too have really become fascinated with these birds. Have always enjoyed watching all the birds that come to our backyard, but these guys have really “tripped my trigger” as far as bird watching goes. They really are an enjoyment to watch and I do know how lucky we are to have so many so close to the house.

If you would like, I will email you some of the pictures I have taken. Don’t know how to attach pictures here, but emailing is not a problem. These next couple of weeks should be exciting.

Keep us updated on your expected arrivals.

Dick