Ospreys return from their winter grounds in late March/early April and begin to rebuild their nests. Last year Ozzie arrived March 8, 2014. This year he did not arrive until Pi day, March 14, 2015. And even more remarkable Harriet did not arrive for another 9 days. There has been much speculation among our osprey watchers; why such a difference in arrival times? It seems the consensus points to the exceptionally cold winter in North America December-March 2015.

Osprey like dead trees, and often build their nests in the very topmost branches. Besides tall trees, the birds like utility poles, billboards, communication towers, channel markers, and bridge infrastructure.

Males generally select the nesting sites, which are typically close to water, open to the sky and safe from predators. Ospreys space their nests about one mile apart. They add sticks and branches to their nest every year they return. The male returns first to checkout the nest and start reconstruction. He then waits to greet the female. When she arrives the male will begin a courtship dance to entice her to the nest. The courtship display of the osprey involves aerial acrobatics with the male making repeated flights over the chosen nesting site, whilst clasping nesting material or a fish.
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