Osprey season 2010. Towards fledging.

Thank you for your comments. Whopper is indeed a big bird. She (lets assume) is already making adult noises and even though she continues to be fed by Big Hook, she is certainly able to feed herself. I haven't actually seen her flying yet. Plenty of time for that. Big Hook has brought in a fish the last two days when I've been there. In this shot, she had flown from a perch under the nest towards the northern end of the bay. I am absolutely serious when I say it was no more that FIFTEEN seconds and she was back with this fish. the fish is what is locally known as a flathead. They are bottom dwellers are are armed with the most painful spines on their dorsal fins (and somewhere else as well, but I can't remember).

Whopper remains completely laid back. The day before yesterday there were some really big yachts racing close by. It was a very windy day and not only were the yachts right under the nest, occasionally their sails would make one helluva racket in the wind. This shot was taken just after the last one - Big Hook has just landed with the flathead as Whopper starts to raise herself from a reclining position where she had been enjoying the entertainment put on just for her.

It is fascinating seeing just how big that girl is.

Frogs and any other poorly considered introduction to a new environment wreaks such incredible havoc on native species. When Australia was first colonized, predators were limited to some animals such as Tasmanian Devils, Quolls, Crocodiles and the Tasmanian Tiger (which is now extinct). Delicate fauna and flora were able to flourish in this harsh climate because of the lack of large predators. Since colonization, we have or have had massive problems with foxes, cats, dogs, rabbits, goats, camels and now the cane toad. I know every country has similar problems as a direct result of accident or ignorance.

Kim, I agree with you. It's no fault of the cane toad that it is creating such huge problems. I can't abide that cruelty to some animals is not only tolerated, but actually encouraged, simply because they are a despised species. The freezing process is probably the most humane way to deal with the problem. I don't know what they do with the carcasses, but I would think they would be incinerated.

Whopper

Here's Big Hook arriving with another fish, this time a black bream. I cloned out that branch because it was almost touching her beak.

Thanks, Resin. I'll look them up. I didn't mean that my list was all-inclusive of native species that have been affected.

Last one for now. I'll start a new thread next time.

They are magnificent birds, so nice to see them up close. I have a feeling that pretty Whopper is a girl too.

Good gravy, you are the QUEEN of cloning!

Margaret: Thanks for the updates and these really awesome photo's! I don't know a thing about photography or the equipment one needs for it, so I couldn't comment on the new lens that some were talking about earlier in the thread. I do know that it's not only the equipment but the eye behind the lens as well, and you have a great eye for detail ... quality work my friend!

The photo's get better and better. It's wonderful getting to see photo's of these magnificent birds on the nest, in mid air, on the branch ... and in flight! I see one like the photo above with Big Hook in mid air with the fish in her talons and think it's my favorite ... then I click on another and it becomes my favorite! The last pic above of Big Hook and her daughter (?) having dinner together is so sweet!

I will be watching for the new thread.

Just awesome Margaret....love that last one!

Gosh, it won't be long before Whopper fledges. It seems she has grown way too fast. Each photo is just so clear and sharp. Beautiful work Margaret.

Wonderful photos of the Osprey Margaret. I have certainly learned a lot about Osprey life from your photos. In summer there are quite a few Osprey in this area but all are gone for the winter now.

Donna

I thank you all for your continued enthusiasm for these wonderful birds.

Donna, I often think of the northern hemisphere Ospreys and the associated perils of migration. I'm so glad ours don't need to.

LOL, Mrs Ed. You sure you didn't miss out a "w" in cloning?

To close this thread, here's a shot of "Whopper" eagerly awaiting delivery of dinner.

Here's the link to the new thread. http://davesgarden.com/community/forums/t/1144786/

This message was edited Dec 12, 2010 8:21 PM