A visit to Garden Island - Where Old Ma Osprey was hatched.

On Tuesday, Madame X and I were privileged to be given a tour of Garden Island, which lies a few km south of Fremantle and approximately 4km from the mainland. My interest in Garden Island was sparked after I had Old Ma Osprey's leg band identified. She was banded on the island on a beautiful morning on November 20th, 1990, the biggest and heaviest of three siblings. My thanks to Perry, who did the banding, and Alma for that information.

The sandy/limestone island is 12km long and up to 1.5km wide in parts. Parts of it are open to the public who can access it by private boat during daylight hours only. There is no overnighting on the island. It has a large population of venomous tigers snakes and the more docile carpet python. It also has a large population of Tammar Wallabies.

I'd like to share some photos with you.

First, Herring Bay, which is open to the public.

It was a beautiful day and so amazingly quiet.

Another shot of Herring Bay. This bay is on the same side, but opposite end of the island to where Old Ma's nest is.

..

We went to another bay south of Herring Bay where Fairy Terns nest. It was close on midday so not a good time for bird photography and I didn't manage to get any decent shots of the Fairy Terns.

Sanderlings.

I seem to be having Dave's trouble in posting pictures.

Sanderlings

Silver Gulls

This is the nest at the southern end of the island. It was in use and the occupants didn't appreciate our company and promptly vacated it.

One of the two ospreys we saw.

More later.

The two ospreys that were on the southern nest when we arrived are clearly not like the family we usually observe and can get so close to. They both soared above us, one of them, possibly a juvenile screaming at us in displeasure. Then, to our amazement, it lowered its legs and started stomping them in mid-air in an osprey version of a hissy fit. I didn't have my prime lens on, because when I had it attached earlier in the day, the 400mm lens was too long. Therefor these aren't clear shots, but you'll get the idea.

#1

#2

It may be a bit difficult to see, but in this shot, it had both legs up, but at different angles to its body in the upward part of the kicking.

It continued to scream at us.

It drew its wings in and plummeted downwards and out of sight.


This message was edited Jan 16, 2010 6:53 PM

We left there and headed for the nest where Old Ma Osprey was hatched and banded so long ago. This incline leads to the area that the nest can be seen from and gives an idea of the surrounding area.

There, on a limestone outcrop is the nest. Its shape is rounded, rather than flat, or even concave and doesn't look to have been used this season.

It really pulled at my heartstrings seeing where she had hatched and if reports of a dead, banded osprey which was blind in one eye, found on a beach at Rockingham, opposite Garden Island prove to be her, the bittersweetness will have an even greater poignancy, as it is approximately 45km from her Swan River home and would point to her returning to where she had hatched 19 years earlier.

Wow Margaret that is tugging at the heartstrings!!!

The island is gorgeous and your photos are also! It's funny to see the different reactions from Osprey's in each location. I'm always amazed and grateful when they stay put.

Thanks again for taking us along on this visit with you!

Thanks, Pelle.

I'd also like to add my sincerest thanks to Boyd and Jo for the very informative tour.

That must have been very emotional for you, Margaret. Will you ever know for sure if it was Ma Osprey? PS By the way, your shots from this visit are so beautiful!

This message was edited Jan 16, 2010 7:34 AM

It was pretty special, GP. I was really glad that Boyd left her nest until last. I spoke to Denis this afternoon and the people who may be able to help with details about the bird that was found are still in Africa. I'd so love to know. It would draw things together.

A sign on the island.

What a beautiful setting for such an awesome journey...thanks for sharing it Margaret.

Do they band birds every year?

Truely a beautiful spot Margaret...it had to touch you in such a special way. You had such a bond to her, dad and Aussie which led to such a life changing adventure. I think we all are a bit changed just by following along.

This message was edited Jan 18, 2010 9:57 AM

We're all feeling sad for you Margaret. I hope that you'll find your answer soon.

Your photos are so clear of the birds and the gorgeous beaches. What a wonderful trip you had. You are very fortunate to experience the daily lives of these beautiful osprey families and again I thank you for sharing the good times and the bad with us.

Thank you so much for sharing. Looking at old Ma's nest was just wonderful.
hugs,
Elaine

How neat to be able to go see where Ma was born. I'm glad that you didn't run into any of those snakes! What a beautiful place...

I believe it holds true for a lot of humans that want to return to their birth place as it was with Old Ma Osprey, there is no place like home when the end is near.

Jan

I didn't realise that I hadn't responded to comments made nearly two years ago. My apologies for that. It was a special day and I still think of it quite often.

I'm still waiting to hear from the people who know the people who found the dead, banded osprey on the beach. They're back in Africa but Denis has spoken to them and they have assured him they will contact me on their return. I don't hold out much hope of discovering any details, but maybe something will come of it.

Still chokes me up even now......

Me too, nanny.

me three. I hated seeing her going down hill and ending in a bad way with her last single chick.

Jan

Me also. I just loved reading about all her adventures.
thanks for picking up the thread.