These are from Mason Neck National Wildlife Refuge, from a while ago, May 2012 to be exact. At the gate the park ranger told us that some visitors had spotted Bald Eagles flying around, and he pointed out the trail where we might see them. This was the trail we were heading too and ever hopeful but keeping expectations low, we were bowled over by first seeing the Osprey, and then the Bald Eagle. Gregg took all the photos of them, except the one I took of him at the end of this post. They were flying very high, but I have cropped the picture for a better look.
The first indication of the birds were their calls as they flew over our heads. They sounded very agitated and were squawking loudly. Then we saw the Bald Eagle flying across their territory and we thought this might have been the reason for their distress. We also thought they probably had a nest nearby and were being protective.
We could now identify the two Osprey.
Very agitated as previously mentioned...
because of the Bald Eagle.
A beautiful sight for us...
but not for the Osprey. They didn't settle down until the eagle was a small speck in the distance.
They made our day!
Gregg agreed!
Well, the first thing that struck me is that Gregg took wonderful photos of YOU! I did not think that Ospreys would be scared of Bald Eagles! I think the Bald eagles may be larger, though. The flight photos are really good!
ReplyDeleteThank you Ginny, just being protective of their nest I guess :)
DeleteWhat a wonderful sight for you two - albeit not for the osprey.
ReplyDeleteIt was fun and the osprey were happy enough once the eagle left the area :)
DeleteOh to see an eagle for photo ops...you live a charmed life!!!
ReplyDeleteThanks Anni, we were fortunate to go when we did :)
DeleteAmazing photos of both the Osprey and Eagle. Have a great weekend!
ReplyDeleteThank you Eileen, you too :)
DeleteThat would have been awesome to see that.
ReplyDeleteIt was, thanks Ann :)
Deleteit was amazing and they are both so beautiful. so are you
ReplyDeleteAwww, you are sweet saying that, thanks Sandra :)
DeleteIn fact, interesting. :) The post is presented in a very dynamic way, I liked it. An excellent year for you. Hugs
ReplyDeleteHi Raquel, thank you so much and a hug for you too :)
DeleteFun commentary on this post filled with beautiful shots of those amazing birds! Hope you and Gregg have a lovely weekend
ReplyDeleteThank you Ellen, glad you enjoyed and I hope your weekend is lovely too :)
DeleteBeautiful photos
ReplyDeleteThank you Christine :)
DeleteGood shots of them.
ReplyDeleteThank you William :)
Deletesuch a cute post!! excellent flight images, i always enjoy seeing these large birds!!
ReplyDeleteThank you Debbie, much appreciated and me too, they are awesome birds :)
DeleteNiezwykłe ptaki , piękne fotografie. Miłego tygodnia😊
ReplyDeleteDziękuję, cieszę się, że ptaki Ci się podobają. miłego weekendu życzę :)
DeleteI love osprey!
ReplyDeleteMe too, such a wonderful bird! Thank you Roentare :)
DeleteLove your commentary :)
ReplyDeleteThank you for all the lovely photographs, and nice to see you and Gregg.
Enjoy your January days.
All the best Jan
Happy you enjoyed Jan, thank you :) Much appreciate your kind comments. I wish you a happy January and all the best to you too.
DeleteThose pictures are amazing. Good job, Hubby.
ReplyDeleteHe did a great job didn't he? :) Thanks Latane :)
DeleteOspreys and Bald Eagles often share territories and hunt for food in the same lakes and rivers. Bald Eagles, ever opportunistic, never miss a chance to harass an Osprey with its prey, trying to steal it. Often they succeed and the hard-working Osprey has to do it all over again.
ReplyDeleteThat's very interesting David and thank you for the lesson on Eagle/Osprey behaviour.
DeleteDenise, what a great sighting of both birds and also enjoyed seeing your and Gregg and the fun comments.
ReplyDeleteThank you Dorothy, glad you enjoyed :)
DeleteThose are some good clicks Denise
ReplyDeleteThank you very much Ashok, and much appreciated :)
DeleteThat definitely *was* a good birding day and I love your dialog posts. "Our" eagles rebuilt their nest (lost to Ian) and have hatched two eggs this month. Hope!!!
ReplyDeleteHello Sallie, it certainly was and am happy you enjoyed my whimsical take on Saturdays :) I will keep my fingers crossed with a prayer for your eagles and their offspring. Must be hopeful indeed!
Delete