A pair of ospreys have built a nest atop a lamppost in the parking lot where I work. It’s is fascinating to watch them from so close.
I’d noticed them flying around lately, being hounded by the smaller crows and jays. Yesterday I saw one with something clutched in its talons, which I thought was some poor mouse. Imagine my surprise when I see him land atop this giant nest maybe 15 feet in the air, smack in the middle of a huge parking lot.
I took pictures and videos this morning, and I’ll post them here tonight after work.
I wonder if they’ll stick around long enough to have babies? Hopefully, no one will complain and have the power company knock the nest down.
I don’t believe Osprey’s are protected, their number dwindled 20+ years ago because of the heavy use of DDT in North America. They have made a great come back, but I’m not sure if they are listed as threatened or anything like that. I do know that Osprey will usually not exert the energy in building a nest - or taking one over - if they are not going to fledge their young in it. If the Osprey in question in the OP is sticking around the nest then it is a good indicator they will lay eggs [which is going on right now for the species] and fledge the young right there. We have an Osprey pole at our beach and it is very fun to watch the male, bring the female fish. Soon the eggs will hatch and we’ll see some little fledglings…very excited for that!
We had a nesting pair last year by our cabin. The nests are almost as impressive as eagle nests!
One thing I will tell you: be glad they’ve built it near where you work, rather than where you live. Once the baby is born, it DOES NOT SHUT UP. And it doesn’t sing pretty, either. We’re talking non-stop kinda shrieky babble from barely pre-dawn until after sunset, which in the summer is a loooong time.
Because of their presence, we also saw a lot fewer bald eagles, presumably because of competition for space and food.
Ospreys are protected in most countries where they are native. Some of them are included in the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918, as Amended (U.S. Code 603-711; 40 Statute 755)
The United States of America, Canada, the United Mexican States, Russia and Japan
are signatories to the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA). This act provides the statutory
foundation for the federal protection and management of migratory birds in the United
States (50 CFR, Parts 1-199).
I’ll second the loudness of the young. But they are amaxingly cute when the start to try and fly. Lot’s of dive bombs unto the marsh or where ever is near their nest. Then they regain their composure, and fly back up to the nest…rest and repeat.
I managed to get close to one by parking under a tree it was perched in. Quite the inquisitive guy, too…kept looking over and tilting its head. I got some lovely video…and laughed when he decided to ‘squat and release’! (not on my car, thankfully)
I’ve been around pet birds my whole life, but never had a chance to observe a fully wild bird of prey. I’m so happy.
Are there any Raptor centers around where you live. If you email me I can point you to some good ones - I’ve got a few friends who are naturalists who know some good spots around the country. It may be a good opportunity to volunteer. Good on you for getting some pics.
I guess this is possible, but I think it unlikely. If anything, the opposite might occur. Bald eagles are considerably larger and heavier than ospreys, and apparently lazier too. Eagles will sit on a perch and watch an osprey fish. Once the osprey comes up with something appetizing, the eagle will swoop out and at least harrass if not actually attack the osprey into dropping its meal. The eagle will snatch it from the air and fly away, while the poor osprey is back to square one. Nor are eagles above taking over osprey nest sites. Over the years we’ve treated a number of ospreys for multiple puncture wounds, apparently from eagle talons. Some ospreys are stubborn, sometimes too stubborn for their own good.
I fully agree with you about their ‘voice’. Shrill, constant, repetitive, and – as soon as the novelty wears off – amazingly annoying.
They are though incredibly beautiful in flight, especially when fishing from ‘on high’. It is great that several of you, including the OP, can enjoy up close and personal encounters with them.
Hey, thanks for the info, CannyDan! I was sharing family speculation, so I will pass it along to them as well.
We had a nesting pair of bald eagles on our property for years (or maybe a succession of nesting pairs? I can’t recall offhand if they mate for life) until a bad storm blew down their aerie. The ospreys moved in that summer, and we’d assumed it made the eagles reluctant to inhabit the area. But maybe they just found a better spot than our little chunk of paradise.
Watching ospreys in flight and fishing is terrific! Here’s a photo I got of one of the adults. I don’t have my shots of their nest online. Bummer.
One night this summer, my sister and I decided to sleep outside. In early hours of the morning we heard the dawn chorus lifting all around us, only to be drowned out every few minutes by Baby. I remember laughing and saying to my sis, “He’s like, ‘I sing pretty too! Listen – BRRAWWWWWWK!’”
We have an osprey pair that nests on the highway between our house and the in-laws. They’ve been there for years and are fun to watch. Around here, the electric company builds platforms for raptor nests so the birds won’t build in the power lines. It makes it easier to watch for the birds just by following where the platforms are.
Our area has a lot of raptors. More hawks and osprey but we get a few eagles as well. There’s a raptor center about an hour from us. I’m hoping to take the kids this summer.
On my way home from work, I spotted another osprey nest, this one a little closer to the ground. I was able to park right beneath and take a few pics and videos of this particular beauty while he devoured a small animal and chirped his enjoyment.
Now that I know where to look, I’m seeing osprey and their nests everywhere! I found two on the ride home (about 10 miles).
I’m so happy.
