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Observations & Images
14 March 2006
10th day of incubating
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| The female Osprey was busy eating when I arrived the day of the 103rd anniversary of the founding of Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge. Aside from being an historic date on the calendar, it was just another dusty, dry, and warm day for the Ospreys and for me. |
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After finishing her meal she flew back to the nest. |
| She took over caring for the eggs from the male Osprey who, then, began making improvements to the nest. He is seen here placing a branch he had just carried to the nest in his talons. Another addition added since my last visit is the palm frond seen in front of the male Osprey's tail with the stick resting up against the pine tree. |
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Satisfied with that job, he flew off. |
| Within minutes he was back with full talons of material to cushion the nest with. |
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After packing the material in, he flew off again. His work did not disturb the nesting female. |
| On this flight he headed off over the Indian River Lagoon. |
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The female was visibly panting in the nest on this warm and slightly muggy day. |
THE NEIGHBORS
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| The warm day brought many of the Turtles to the surface of the water. |
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An American Kestrel, North America's smallest Falcon, made an appearance near the Osprey nest today. |
| American Kestrels eat almost anything they can catch including insects, reptiles, rodents and, even, small birds. |
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The Kestrel could pose a threat to the Osprey hatchlings when they appear unless the Osprey parents are on their guard for this and all the other potential predators in the neighborhood who may want to eat their children. |
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