"SOMEWHERE OVER THE RAINBOW, WAY UP HIGH"

Osprey - 7 Photos

The female Osprey was perched on a branch just east of the nest. She had obviously been out fishing from the wet state of her feathers (Photo #1). She spent some time grooming (Photo #2 & Photo #3) and changed to a higher branch closer to the nest.

Then she began to chirp excitedly and the Osprey was off (Photo #4 & Photo #5). Another Osprey had appeared in the sky above and initially I thought it was a trespasser but as he passed above, I saw there was something in his talons.

Mum returned to the nest, Dad landed close by in a tree thick in leaves and from the incessant chirping of young Ospreys, I assumed dinner would soon be delivered.

It did take some time, accompanied by a lot of vocalization from the youngsters but eventually the male Osprey reappeared, deposited the fish into the nest and took a perch on the branch his partner had been originally stationed. And all went quiet.

Once I downloaded the photos and did some research on fish species, I discovered that the male Osprey had caught a Rainbow Trout, a species of trout that the Alberta Government stocks into lakes & rivers (Photo #6 & Photo #7). The male Osprey may have been guarding his valuable catch, ensuring there was no opportunity for piracy by other birds before flying back to the nest, while eating his portion of the fish which usually is the head.

A great meal for the Osprey family & an amazing catch, considering the current state of the Bow River, which at the moment is fast running and very muddy. Their skillset of eyesight, diving & grasping a fish underwater & bringing it to surface is incredible.

PHOTO #1

PHOTO #2

PHOTO #3

PHOTO #4

PHOTO #5

PHOTO #6

PHOTO #7