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Babies are about to fledge. Yesterday during my visit, I watched as they flapped and lifted a foot or so above the nest. At each of my visits Mama has always been perched keeping a watchful eye on her young and Papa is generally off fishing or sitting comfortable on his chair.

Yesterday I noticed two Osprey flying close together, I wondered if, now that the babies are larger, did mom and dad go to dinner together. But I observed the larger bird flying under and seemingly pushing the smaller one up into the currents. I wondered if I was watching a flying lesson??

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This afternoon I met up with a phriend by the osprey nest. I was disappointed for her as Papa was not on his chair however, shortly after we arrived he flew in, checked on with his family and went off fishing. He circled the water from high above, swooped down and skimming along the top of the water, dragging his talons along. We did not see him catch a fish, but moments later he appeared at the nest with one in talons. After the, now large babies, had a meal, they began testing out their wings. Each taking a turn at flapping until they lifted up several feet above the nest. I imagine it will not be long before they take their first flight.

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We're at the half way point of 365/Year II. Congratulations to everyone who has made it this far.

B and I are celebrating the July 4th holiday with several days off from work. Day 1 was spent taking a three hour nap, a long evening walk down the boardwalk and pizza at the Sawmill. As an added bonus, I left my camera at home so I could devote my attention solely on my husband. I did see a Cedar Wax Wing on the dunes, a stray cat playing in the beach plums and the Magic Men, all would have made for interesting shots.  But thankful for the time with B.

Day 2 ~ B and I spent 5 hours with our butts in our beach chairs listening to the sound of the surf pound the shoreland, while soaking up some summer time sun rays. This evening it's dinner at Longhorns and a relaxing hour in the hot tub with a pina coloda in our hands. I could so retire and spend each day like this!!

Oh, this is a female redwing black bird. I am not very good at identifing the small brown birds and was very surprise to find out the species of this little one.

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gave the Osprey a break today and headed off to find the black crowned night heron ~ success!

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an early morning visit to the nest,

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I have read an Osprey can see a fish, in the water, from a 100 feet above.

 Makes me wonder what she sees when looking at me!

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Today was one of the days I have hoped for; the sun was shining, the air was still and I had an hour of extra time. After a long day at work, I went to my favorite spot on the bay to “renew my spirit”.

With my camera in hand, I headed off to the Osprey nest. Mama; although, not happy I was there and keeping an intense stare on me, remained upright in the nest. This, despite the fact I was beyond her comfort zone. Walking around the corner of the small peninsula, I could see Papa perched on his chair with a freshly caught meal. I snapped off a few shots and continued to walk closer. He remained on his chair. As I very slowly walked on, much to my surprise, he stayed in place.

I sat in the sand and snapped off a series of shots. Testing my luck, and scooting along on my bottom until I was within 25 feet of this awesome avian, I shot rapid-fire not wanting to miss a moment of this once in a lifetime, opportunity. 524 photos later . . .

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Now that I have a 500mm, there will be no peace for the Osprey.

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Mama waits patiently for her little one.

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On the side of a very busy intersection stands a cell phone tower. It is the highest point in the area and for this reason, I surmise, a bald eagle family has chosen it as their home. A new generation was raised there last year and again this year. Today after purchasing a 500mm lens, I made B B drove me over to test out my new lens.

At first only a juvenile sat along the high rail but just as we were leaving an adult flew back to the nest. There she sat calling to the youngster, who was a bit hesitate to trust it’s own wings.

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Aside from all the different avian seen at the refuge, there is abundance of flora. Year after year I find myself drawn to this musk thistle.

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With spring migration at a peak and hatchlings breaking out of their shells, I went down to my local Osprey nest. On the numerous occasions I had checked up on the nest I had only see one adult and was wondering the pair had made it safely back to their nest. I was happy to see the pair sitting together today. I can only assume they were warming and protecting their prodigy, although I saw no little beakers. My only indication was mama laying low.

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With temperatures forecasting to reach near 100 degrees, B and I decided we needed to park ourselves in our beach chairs right at the Atlantic coast line. We were successful at escaping the heat while sitting and enjoying the cool breeze while the ocean water washed over our feet. But as the clock ticked and neared 2:00, the witching hour for the rental return of the 500mm, my heart started to beat faster and I could feel the depression creeping over me. It was soon time, not only to leave the surf and sun, but to bring the lens back.  We dragged ourselves off the beach.

It’s not all bad, we’re packing up the girls and heading back over so they can enjoy a good game of tennis ball retrieval while cooling off in the ocean. And I’ll bring my 300mm to try and capture some fun shot of them playing in the waves.

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I know you’re all tried of see and hearing about “my” Osprey. I have been having a wonderful time watching them and an even better time capturing them. Especially with the rented 500mm.

This little one is the younger sibling to the fledging pictured yesterday. Since Osprey can lay their eggs over the span of three to four weeks, it is possible for these two to be four weeks apart in age.

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I along with the sun rose at 5:44 am. I was at the Osprey nest with the rented 500mm by 6:15am. I was anxious to get out while the light was perfect. Upon arrival I could see one of the parents sitting watch on the nest. Generally, as I approach the nest and entered into their perceived danger zone, the adult will fly off circling the nest while the hatchlings duck down, hiding from the enemy. Today, to my surprise, Mama flew off in the direction of a near by electric pole. There she joined two of her off spring. They had fledged! This being much like children taking their first steps. I estimate their age to be about 12 weeks.

Over the next month, they will continue to practice their aerial maneuvers and fishing techniques until they are successfully at both. At which time the family will migrate to a warmer winter climate.

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I have had the pleasure of watching several avian families this summer. The Osprey hatchlings are growing quickly. I can see them testing out their wings, readying them for their first flight. Once they have mastered flying, Mama and Papa will teach them to fish. Then the long journey to a warmer winter climate can begin.

I have, also, being watching a Bald Eagle family. While this family doesn’t resided quite as close to my home, I make the short trip to watch them. They have chosen the highest point of a cell phone tower to call home. Perhaps not the best choice but they are thriving. I have not be able to capture a web worth photograph of this family, that is until today.

I rented a 500mm in order to enable me to get something that actually looks like an Eagle rather than a small black dot. Today’s visit featured one of the two fledglings. He/she was testing out it’s wings and taking short flights over the tree tops and returning to the safety of it’s home.

Shortly, it’s downy baby feathers will be replaced with regal white one about it’s head. Then our majestic national symbol will take fly over our shining seas.