Starting at around 9:30 -10 a.m. and continuing sporadically throughout the day, 2-3 Osprey have been "Sky Dancing", screaming, circle-soaring high and also flying low, in the sky up here in N. Matthews Beach. One even landed on a tree in my front yard, but was immediately beset upon by crows and forced to leave the spot. It then flew a half-block away and very briefly landed in/on a tall pine tree before continuing to vocalize and soar to the north. Do any of you know if the platform nest(s) near the NOAA property and/or Magnuson, already have pairs actively nesting yet? I wondered if some of what we've been seeing/hearing here is courtship display - it also seems likely that there is some defensive behavior occurring, directed toward other Osprey who are intruding on a pair's nesting territory. I would also imagine that the Osprey conflict with the plentiful Bald Eagles around here, as well. These current Osprey behaviors here have been noted for at least a week. Any info and thoughts on Osprey behavior, especially near Magnuson Park, would be appreciated.
Thanks.


Barb Deihl
Matthews Beach Neighborhood - NE Seattle
barbdeihl at comcast.net