Author Archives: Harriett Raptor

Sitting, relaxing, although with a heightened alert for danger, incubating, waiting, is exciting, satisfying, fulfilling.   There is a lot of peace and relaxation associated with a brood.  But do not get fooled.  Remember this is nature and as we … Continue reading →

I am so sorry for the disruption of our story. The Doctor with all good intentions pushed every wrong button you can imagine. I really thought he was better with IT than that. Last night I had to fly in … Continue reading →

“3 eggs!  I cannot believe it!” thought The Doctor. Harriett is so proud of herself she borders on hubris. This is the first time The Taj Mahal has hosted 3 eggs.  Either the food supply is plentiful or Harriett is … Continue reading →

The Doctor’s cameras are equipped with an ultraviolet light source. We’re cold, Doctor !!!!! Tell Mom to come back.  

DDT thins the egg shells of many birds, especially the eggs of raptors.  The thin shells can not stand the female’s incubation and cracke under pressure, during the time DDT was in widespread use.     Rachel Carson highlighted the dangers … Continue reading →

Two Eggs Parents Proud Mom The breeding season of migratory populations occurs in the spring and summer, with egg laying in April and May. Two to four eggs are laid over a period of several days, each 1 to 2 … Continue reading →

Ecological history    The stunning beauty of osprey clutches was not lost on the old naturalists. There was gamesmanship of climbing to nests to collect the eggs. The 19th Century hobby of egg-collecting was called “oology”. There was even a … Continue reading →

I am very proud.  Jonathan is ecstatic; he started flying huge circles around the nest screaming a high pitched creech-scree-creeeh! Nesting Facts The female lays two to four eggs within a month. The eggs are Cream to pinkish cinnamon with bold … Continue reading →

   One of the most widespread birds of prey, the osprey is found on every continent in the world except Antarctica. The osprey is also called the ‘fish hawk’, as it is well adapted for hunting fish. The Osprey is … Continue reading →

Adult male Ospreys usually arrive at their nesting sites a few days before the females. Together they build or rebuild their nest from last year. After a brief courtship (including The Sky Dance), the female settles into her nest and … Continue reading →