Along the Magothy River on the Chesapeake Bay, the Osprey have flourished in numbers. An evening cruise on the upper river passed by nests on nearly every channel marker along the way.
Their teenagers were tucked in for the evening, some enjoying their supper. A curious one sat up and wiggled his head back and forth in query to my passing.
Mom and dad sat vigilant on the nests, glad to rest from a full day’s of fishing. Feeding teenagers is no easy task.
About thirty years ago, the Osprey population was having a difficult time to reproduce due to thin egg shells. It was discovered that DDT was the culprit, and the chemical was banned from use in the United States in the early 1970’s.
Since that time the population is now growing strong. Wintering in places from Florida to South America, these birds return to the Chesapeake Bay in early March to begin the mating and breeding season. Their children leave the nest usually around mid-July and the family starts their southern journey at the beginning of September.
When the family returns the next year, their children tend to nest close to their parents and thus an Osprey colony is created. The abundance of Osprey present on the Magothy River indicate a healthy fish population.
As for us, upon my return to the dock, Esperanza was sitting on the nest fussing at Zorro who was across the river sitting on a piling eating a fish. So they are still here, and it was wonderful to see Esperanza again. She’s usually absent, but Zorro appears now and again on the new nesting platform.
In fact, just the other day, a young whipper-snapper of an Osprey was checking out the platform to see if he might like to move in. Zorro sat firmly on the nest screaming – “It’s Mine !” Oh yeah, the kid got the idea when Zorro chased him off.
Emily Carter ~ Nature as Art 
Zorro is mighty and proud! rightfully too! he fought for it 😀
He shows up when he needs too. It’s HIS high rise, make no mistakes.
I’ve seen these birds in aerial combat, whew it’s brutal :O
Magnificent! Obviously, an osprey’s nest is his castle! So glad they’re nesting again! 🙂
The osprey really are amazing on the river. You would love it, floating by in a boat and having an osprey scream at you.
Nice piece, great photos! I like the shot of the chick. Well done!
incidentalnaturalist.com
Thank you so much David ! Means so much coming from you.
Great photos of my favorite birds! The little ones are so curious…and they grow up so fast, eating all the time. Our three chicks have now all fledged, and the first born has already left the area. I root for Zorro and Esperanza to have a great nesting season next year.
Is that right? I wondered if the kids took off after getting their wings. On the river here, I think the kids are spoiled rotten and never want to leave.
The first two chicks left about 3+ weeks after fledging. The last born been doing lots of fishing practice but was still in the nest this morning. I haven’t seen her since lunch time…I could see daddy got an extra fish for her dinner, I guess, but by now (8 pm) she’s not yet back. She may have left today (:
Never knew the chicks had such orange eyes! Great shot, Emily!
That orange is crazy ! I can’t even begin to understand it. Thanks!
Reblogged this on Wolf's Birding and Bonsai Blog.
Thank you for sharing this with your readers.
Great photos. The last one is spectacular.
Thank you so much my dear. I had so much fun checking out their nests. Need to get back out there again.
Entertaining and wonderful post…
Take care and happy blogging to ya, from Laura ~
Thank you so much Laura, you are so very kind.
Go Zorro, go Zorro! 🙂
LOL ! Well..he’s playing hooky again. Go figure.
Those eyes are amazing, full of intent and menace……nothing is going to escape their gaze. Great captures Em.
You’re right Mark ! Those eyes would stop anyone in their tracks. I sure wouldn’t want to piss them off. Thank you so much for your kindness.
Cool!
Thank you!!
Great photos!
I do miss these guys. Don’t see many up here, although they are supposed to be up here. ..
Is that right? Now that is surprising. Perhaps more on the lakes? Truly a pleasure to share these with you then.
Yes. Near Lake Michigan and the many ‘chain lakes’ we have here. I read about them nesting in places somewhat nearby, just never have adventured out to see them. Gotta get off my lazy butt!
Very cool ! Love how these guys are all over the place.