Jordan Lake. The first time I saw a female osprey my mind said “Empress“. There is something about the mind set and obvious command pulsing from an adult female osprey that brings that imagery of royalty to me. Enjoy this Empress of Jordan Lake.
Jordan Lake. I don’t often name the Osprey nests. But given the history of this nest over the past three days, I picked a name that I know you will understand in a moment. This is the nest where the father osprey caught his wing in the fishing line on Monday. The veterinarian had to amputate part of his wing. He will never fly again. His prognosis is very poor because it’s very difficult to rehab ospreys because of their feeding habits. Keeping in mind that nature is never cruel but she is harsh, let me bring you the hope of the nest. Mom osprey was still early enough in her breeding cycle that she accepted a new male yesterday. So that is why I am hopeful. 1st photo: mom on the lower limb and her new mate up in the tree above her. 2nd photo: mom osprey. 3rd photo: dad osprey. 4th photo: the pair right at the end of their mating. I am hopeful that it works out that the season is not too late for this new pair.
Jordan Lake: Osprey mom and dad. Mom showed up first, all full of herself! She occasionally chirped from her perch. Then far off, I heard a second chirp. Dad appeared and all was right in the world as the couple reunited after their long solo migrations.
Jordan Lake: the OSPREYS have returned to Jordan Lake for their breeding season. This female has a very large crop so she has eaten well post her flight from Central or South America. Once again the stage is set for the interactions between the two fishing raptors of the Jordan Lake Neighborhood!
Jordan Lake: The fledgling osprey had worked hard most of the morning trying to catch a fish. The bald eagle had been watching. The osprey got her fish and the eagle wanted it. The chase was on…
Jordan Lake: this female Fledgling Osprey jumped from her perch high in a tree on one side of the cove. She was dashing straight across to the other side. Then abruptly the youngster threw on her air brakes, wrapped her wings around herself and looked over her shoulder, hard, down to the lake below. There the dancer hung for a long heartbeat. Then the osprey shrugged as if well nothing there after all and she turned her head back forward. Unwrapped her feathered wings cape and finished her flight to the other side. A true sky ballerina.
doc ellen's journey 