Good Morning osprey

[elleng]

[kirkuchiyo]

1. We have a raptor rescue place nearby.

The lady that runs it will post when she needs a "bird taxi" as she calls them. First person to get hold of her gets to go pick up the bird from wherever it has ended up, usually with the DNR or a veterinarians office. I got to be the "bird taxi driver" four times and once it was an osprey. Got to see it up close. What a beautiful bird but the worst smelling thing I have ever been around. Smelled like a fish monger shop that had never been cleaned. Which, given their diet, was to be expected. But I also transported a bald eagle once and it didn't have a smell that I remember.

[elleng]

2. Very cool!

[kirkuchiyo]

5. My first transport was an American Kestrel

I picked it up from a vet and it had a fractured wing. I remember when I asked at the front desk about picking it up the vet was walking by the door and was like "Oh, your here for the ANGRY bird!". I do remember this bird was able to be re-habilitated and released.

The Bald Eagle didn't make it unfortunately, badly broken wing and really dehydrated.

I don't remember about the Osprey but the fourth bird was a large owl, not a great horned though. That bird was also re-habilitated and released.

[RainCaster]

3. Our osprey young'uns have left the nest

Perhaps two weeks ago. The desperate parents stopped trying to raid our koi pond. All is back to normal till next spring. We love watching them build their nest. The act of breaking off those branches in mid flight is truly amazing.

Our swallow nests have gone quiet, too. Maybe I can close off the attic vents now...

[elleng]

4. 'Mine' have fledged,

that is, able to fly around the area, cross the creek and perch; I suspect also fishing, but haven't seen them eating their own caught fish (other than on the nest.)

Fortunately they'll be around here for another month (or so,) when they'll all fly south.