Wednesday, April 14, 2010

Uninvited Shipmates


We had been gone only eight days on our most recent trip to Florida.  On our return, due to the heavy rains that fell when we were gone, we first went to check out the boat and the canoe at the dock.  Hubby saw something strange on top of his boat cabin.  The weather had been stormy but he was surprised that several large branches had been flung to the top of the cabin along with some marsh grasses.  He balanced on the port side and reaching to the center cleared them off.



The canoe at the end of the dock had been completely turned over and was sitting (still tied to the tree) in the marsh and filled with rain water.  We emptied it and secured it to the dock.




Later that evening we unpacked and fell asleep early after our long drive.  The next morning as I sat up in bed, I saw this scene in the photo below from the bedroom window.




We have never seen osprey on our boat or even our dock for that matter.  We were concerned that these osprey had arranged for a spring lease on the roof of the cabin for raising their young ones as one of the osprey swooped in and dropped a large branch on the cabin roof as I mentioned the scene to my husband.  There are laws about messing with Osprey nests.  I watch them both for a short time as hubby put on his clothes to head down and chase them away.  We were lucky.  It appears this was just a staging platform for them before flying to the crane on the other side of the river.






They had nested there two years ago, but were not seen last spring.  I watched amazed that he could balance and weave sticks with such carefulness and then he dropped one into the water and had to begin again.  I was impressed by their skill and patience.  As I watched, I noticed that sometimes he just flew up and down the river with a long stick in his claws, perhaps to show off his acrobatic skills for his mate.  




If you are having a really bad day, try to imagine building your house with just claws and a sharp beak in a precarious area exposed to all the elements of the coming spring and summer.  Try to imagine that your family's life will depend on this construction perched high over a river.  I am in awe.

20 comments:

  1. what a cool thing to be able to watch...new neghbors.

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  2. How cool is that??

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  3. Awesome! Yes, we would give up constructing our abode. Lovely and peaceful setting here.

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  4. Incredible photos!!!

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  5. Wow! What an amazing event to witness. And good for you for getting such incredible photos.. Just, Wow!

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  6. Lucky, lucky you, Tabor! I see ospreys fishing in our bigger pond or the Tay River from time to time, but never have I seen them nesting on our place. This is special.

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  7. I'm amazed that the bird can carry such a huge stick!

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  8. Well Tabor, I'm glad that the Osprey hadn't decided to 'nest' on top of your boat. What would you have done????? You captured some great pictures of him... I'm sure he was proud of himself!!!! ha

    Great post.
    Hugs,
    Betsy

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  9. What a show you witnessed. Nothing that interesting - at the moment - going on in the woods.

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  10. Yup, that seems a legit' use of that overused word - awe!

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  11. That's just totally remarkable, Tabor.

    Some good timing and some excellent camera work and we got to witness this too.

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  12. Wow, amazing and fascinating. If you're legally not allowed to interfere with a nest, I wonder at what point it legally constitutes a nest. Presumably you can interfere at the first twig, then they'd have to nest elsewhere!

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  13. Rachel, sounds like you have the makings of an environmental lawyer!!

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  14. They are fun to watch ... There's a pair nesting on a stand built specifically for them where I work.

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  15. I am in awe too...! :) Wow. What an amazing bird. Great photos!
    Congrats on the POTW from Hilary.
    Loved your post! /Jo.

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  16. Wow! Totally awesome! What a blessing to be able to witness this!
    Congrats on your POTW
    Hugs
    SueAnn

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  17. Isn't the determination of nature just the most awe-inspiring thing? I don't know how well this will translate into text, but my husband will often be looking at the world around us, turn to me and say, "Nice world you have here." and he knows that I've been noticing the same thing.

    We get really caught up in our difficulties and problems, which is understandable. Still, the ability of the world around us to soldier on, constantly, is a source of both wonder and strength.

    What a lovely reminder you provided, Tabor. Thank you for it, and congratulations on the post of the week mention over at Hilary's blog.

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  18. Congrats on the POTW mention from Hilary

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  19. They're amazing critters, aren't they? What a treat for you to be able to watch and record them. Thanks for sharing the experience. :)

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  20. tabor, your photography is absolutely stunning! i was fascinated by your detail and knowledge...your site was my excellent find!!

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Glad to hear from you once again. I really like these visits. Come sit on this log and tell me what you are thinking.