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I don’t know if Papa is getting use to me, if it is the distractions of the boats on the busy bay, or just pure luck but as he sat resting on his chair, I was able to get about 20 feet from him. This allowed for some excellent up close shots.
 

visit other awesome creatures over @ camera critters

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My quest to capture new and interesting subjects, while participating in Project 365, has brought me to many of the local area which have long been on my must see list. B and I have traveled all round our state and are being to know the ins and outs of very town, large and small. We have visited all of the NJ lighthouses, battle fields, wineries J, and now I can check off all of our great boardwalks.

I had been to Asbury Park, Point Pleasant, Seaside, Atlantic City and Wildwood but had forgotten about Ocean City. How, I don’t know. Last week on our way home from Wildwood/Cape May, I took notice of exit 30, Ocean City and last evening B and I took a walk along their boards.

While each of the boardwalks have amusement rides and food, lots of food each has it’s own feel. Ocean City is a “dry” town (meaning no liqueur) making it a wonderful place for families and children. The boardwalk was full of fun; a freckle contest was taking place, several bands were playing, a hula hoop demo could been seen and of course, the usual magic man was performing.

It was the perfect evening to take in all the excitement of the youngsters, have an ice cream cone and to watch a yellow/orange sunset.

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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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Early day at work today which lead to an early dinner. I checked the tide chart and perfect . . . low tide 5:30pm. Packed up Yellow Girl and her tennis ball. During our long walk in the sand we meet several new doggie friends and had a blast playing in the waves. On the way back to the mainland, we came across this fellow looking for a dinner time snack.