While down doing some computer work for my mother in Des Moines proper, we
wandered down to their beach access area on the south side of the Marina
Jetty. While sitting there watching the usual BLUE HERONS and BARN SWALLOWS
fly around, we could see some larger predators circling in the air south of
our location. Since they were over the point by Saltwater State Park, we
couldn't really see what they were... until they decided to follow the
coastline north over our location.

What a fun surprise to see a pair of adult OSPREY doing the slow cruise
along the water's edge looking for food. Since my mother had her 3 lb dog
with her, she thought it might be a good idea to have it hang out in her lap
until they passed!

Was able to get some pictures from under them as they went somewhat
overhead. I have combined a few of the better ones together here:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/90639512 at N00/

Of course while starting back to the condo, looked East and saw another
large predator - some type of eagle heading north. It was too far away for
me to notice what type of eagle it was exactly, but I do know it wasn't
another Osprey - too dark overall! Oh well, maybe next time!