Back in March, I shared that the Ospreys’ nest had temporarily become the domain of a pair of eagles, taking advantage of the Ospreys’ migration absence.
But no worries. By April, the Ospreys had returned, and were once again sitting on their royal throne high above the lake. They immediately began making repairs and adding insulating materials, working to get the nest comfortably in order.
Throughout May and June, the Osprey pair devoted themselves faithfully to their nesting duties. The female tended the nest, while the male took on the vital roles of hunting and keeping watch from nearby branches, ever vigilant against threats.
Regrettably, nature’s unpredictability demonstrated its strength this month, as a thunderstorm accompanied by strong winds and heavy rainfall inflicted considerable damage to the nest. As a result, the nest partially collapsed, forcing the Ospreys to abandon it.
Despite this setback, the sight of Ospreys flying in the vicinity signals hope. Only time will reveal if these resilient birds will reconstruct their prized nest at the same location or opt for a different nearby place for their next chapter.
“It is strange how new and unexpected conditions bring out unguessed ability to meet them.” ~Edgar Rice Burroughs
walking on a country road 
Nature can present many challenges to nesting birds, without a doubt. I’ve noted low successful fledgling rates here, probably due to unseasonably cool weather at night. Not all years are good ones. 😢
This has been one of the hottest and most humid summer season that I can remember. I don’t know how any of the little creatures can stand being in it continually. Makes me very thankful for air-conditioning.
Those are amazing photos.
Thanks so much.
Life is so tenuous for so many creatures.
Let’s hope for a better outcome in the future.
The nest had been added on to for several years and had gotten quite heavy. Hopefully they’ll find a nice spot to start over.
They are really cool!
They are certainly fun to watch. 🙂
That’s interesting Rebecca and such a shame. I hope they nest close by to you. I am impressed they were able to get rid of the Bald Eagles and I’m wondering if it was the heavier weight of the Bald Eagles that made the nest fall apart in places? I am also impressed by that massive branch on the right-hand side that the male brought back to the nest.
It is a shame. They were really quite vested in this nest. Since it had grown and gotten quite heavy over the years, I really think it just collapsed during the wind storm. It’s a shame that it had to happen during nesting season. I’m thinking that the branch on the right may be part of the cypress tree the nest was built in, though it does give the appearance of being part of the nest.
I hope they nest nearby, but unfortunately this year’s offspring were lost. The fierce winds I’ve seen here in the last year could certainly do some damage, even to a large nest like they had. Nature can be so cruel sometimes.
I don’t know if you’re following Jackie and Shadow, the bald eagles on the web cam and Jackie, the female who was attacked by other female eagles. She is being rehabbed, hopefully to return to her eaglets soon. I was amazed to see a video of her getting a blood transfusion from another bald eagle to help her recuperate.
If they are like eagles, they’ll nest close by in their territory.
I’m thinking so too. Time will tell.
Great photos.
Thank you. 🙂
A great view on these amazing birds. 😃😃. Nice article.
Thanks, Ted. It’s fun to watch what’s going on in this very visible nest.
Enjoyed your words and photos.
Thanks so much!
Beautiful phiotos!
Thanks, Timothy.
Fascinating!
Thanks, Mary. 🙂