Hi All:
I checked the Osprey nest south of the West Seattle Freeway today and found
two long-winged young that look like they will fledge soon. The adult female
was perched nearby. She flew off to the west and returned with about a 3
foot stick, which she worked into the nest, moving around the young birds.
A little later, she began vocalizing and looking north, where an Osprey was
circling north of the West Seattle freeway bridge. After ten minutes or so,
the male showed up, carrying a foot-long fish. There was another Osprey
above and a little behind him - appeared to be another male.
The male with the fish then did an undulating flight, hovering between
undulations, gradually descending toward the nest area. When the second bird
was close above him, he made a quick gliding descent to a light standard.
He perched there for what seemed like a long time, with a crow perched above
him, while the female gave almost continuous "bring me a fish" vocalizations
(at least that's how I interpreted it). Then, as usual, he helped himself to
part of the fish before taking it to her. The nestlings didn't seem very
interested in the fish, but she sure did. For a few minutes, all four were
on the nest. He left when one of the young started waving its wings. She
remained on the nest, after scarfing down the fish, until both young started
flapping; then she retired to a quieter perch.
Has anyone else noticed the House Sparrows that are hanging out in the
"basement" of the Osprey nest? I know passerines do sometimes nest in the
perimeter of large stick nests of much bigger birds - have always wondered
if that's what these guys are doing.

Ruth Taylor
Seattle/Ballard
rutht at seanet.com