test 600

Test 1159

Osprey, also known as fish eagles, are Canada's second largest bird. Only the bald eagle has a slightly longer wingspan than the osprey. They are ferocious predators, able to catch and carry off large fish that venture too close to the surface of the water. Their talons are razor sharp and they are barbed for holding onto their catch. These talons are not solely for gripping food. They are also used in self defense, which is a not uncommon during nesting season in the spring. The osprey in the nest is the female in a nesting pair that have built this particular nest. They return to it each spring. They have rivalry from a nearby nesting pair that occasionally come to this nest to fight over food or to have a territorial fight. The lady of the house was watching with a keen eye while her mate was off gathering food at a lake nearly one kilometer away. Her mate has caught a catfish and he has brought it home for the pair to feast on. But, before they eat this meal, they have a squabble with the other pair of ospreys who would like to steal the fish from them. The female in the nest is squawking with excitement as she sees her mate approaching and she squeals to show either her delight at the incoming food, or a warning because she can see the impending attack. These fights are not unusual between birds of prey. Such squabbles ensure that hunting and nesting grounds are not over populated, as they encourage new arrivals or weaker pairs to seek a nesting site elsewhere.