A breeding pair of Ospreys (Pandion haliaetus) has returned to a nesting site only a few miles from where I live and I was thrilled to get some shots of the ospreys yesterday, on a bright sunny day.
The nest, which has been used for quite a number of years, is built on a wooden piling near the Belle Haven Marina south of Old Town Alexandria on the Potomac River. The piling is tilted quite a bit, apparently because of the pressure of the ice that accumulated when the cold temperatures this winter caused the river to freeze, but the birds seem undeterred and were busily adding sticks to the nest yesterday. It looks like the ospreys may be compensating for the angle by building the nest higher on one side than the other, though it is really hard to tell at the moment.
I took lots of shots yesterday that I need to review, but I thought I would post this one as a sneak preview and suspect that I will have enough shots for another few postings. The ospreys flew by a few times (most often the male) and I was able to get photos of them in flight andworking on the nest. I remember hearing that there were ospreys on the Potomac River, but somehow never made the trip last year during breeding season. This year, I will try to make more frequent trips to check on the couple’s progress.
© Michael Q. Powell. All rights reserved
Mike Powell 
Excellent shot, Mike!
Thanks, Joe. The light was good and the bird was relatively cooperative.
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Great shot Mike and what a fantastic creature 😀
Thanks. This was the first time that I was able to observe ospreys for an extended period of time. It was amazing to watch them at work. A couple of times I thought that I would see them catch a fish, but each time they emerged from the water with a stick for their nest.
Wow ! That is superb shot !
Congrats , Mike !
utham
Thanks. There is always an element of luck in a shot like this, but at least I was ready and had decent settings set on my camera.
very nice photo mike!
Beautiful. How nice to see open unfrozen water. 🙂
Nice shot!
Interesting that we both chose flying birds today! Beautiful shot of this guy.
Great shot, Mike. Love those Ospreys! Especially enjoy watching them hunt!
Great shot. How fortunate you to be close to this pair. We’ll expect great things!
How lucky to have these birds near to you
Yes indeed. I regret a little that I never checked them out last year.
That’s a great capture. I love the way the osprey looks almost as if it is nonchalantly hanging out.
He’s pretty nonchalant, considering he was moving at a pretty good speed. Unlike in many of my shots, his head is in the light, rather than the shadows, so we get a good luck at one of his striking yellow eyes.
He’s looking pretty determined to me.
Great capture.