An Osprey's Quick Visit

The sky was bright blue. Today was one of those incredible clear winter mornings. Deciding to check on my rose garden and taking my camera with me as I was hoping to spot some interesting bird subjects. LOL, I have been called a "super optimist" by a good photographer friend because I am always hopeful I will see some interesting bird subjects and never give up on finding some. Even if it's my own back yard!

Admiring the new red rose that just bloomed this morning, I heard a very familiar sound. I turned and looked up but saw nothing in the sky. I know what I heard, it's the soft distinct chirp of an Osprey! Looking east from the rose garden, I spotted an adult male Osprey perched atop my neighbor's star pine. I quickly take a few shots and decided to see if I could get a closer look from the deck over my garage. The tall star pine is located about 25 feet from my deck. Standing on the deck, I click away taking shots of this handsome adult Osprey. I believe he is our resident male that claims San Elijo Lagoon as his territory. 

Many raptors have perched on this star pine but this is the first time I have seen an Osprey perched here.

At first, I thought he had a fish in his talons and was eating something. But the more I studied his behavior, I decided he appeared to be bringing up a pellet. Also clearing his nostrils of salt water. I hope all is well with this Osprey and that he is otherwise in good health.

Shots from the deck.

Bubbles coming out of his nostrils?

Coughing up a pellet?

He spots me with my camera clicking away.

I speak softly to him and wonder if he remembers me from my walks to the lagoon.

He sure is starring at me. What a sweet bird.

Eye to eye!

LOL, he sways his head from side to side, giving me quite the look-over.

Hi there!

Hello!!

Another struggle with something in his throat.

One big sneeze.

A bird flies close by in a quick attack but the Osprey wing slaps at it and the attacking bird moves on.

I follow the bird with my camera and find that it is a Kingbird. I am shooting straight into the sun but wanted the identity of the attacking bird.

Appears to be a Cassin's Kingbird.

I see the Osprey drop his crop. He must be done with expelling the pellet.

He give his surroundings a good look. Now he appears to be ready to take flight.

This is full frame! He decides to fly right over me. He is heading towards the lagoon.

Close-up.

Hello!

More full frame.

Close-up.

 

A shot of his talons as he flies over my roof.

Rushing down stairs and looking southwest from my patio to see if he landed nearby. I can see the top five feet of the star pine that is half a block away south of my house. The Osprey is there perched on the tip of this huge star pine down the street. I say goodbye to our wonderful Osprey from San Elijo Lagoon and hope he will be back soon. Yes, I am very optimistic he will return!

Have a great weekend everyone!