Osprey Tales

If the sky dance is spectacular foreplay, then the copulation itself is fast and furious, lasting just a few seconds. Successful fertilization requires a “cloacal kiss.”

A male will land on a female’s back many times without this final contact being made.

Sometimes Harriett is just not in the mood.

Early in the breeding season, males typically perform an undulating aerial display called the “sky-dance.”

At the top of each undulation, males hover briefly with their legs dangling and their tails fanned, and then dive downward with their wings drawn in. They may repeat this sequence several times.

While performing the display, males usually carry a fish or nesting material and call repeatedly a “creee” or “creeek creee.”

It has really been a wonderful afternoon

Older, more experienced birds arrive in their old nesting areas first, always to the very same nest they built the year before. Males precede females by three or four days and start to rebuild their nest.

“Jonathan and I have taken care of the Eagle threat,” said Harriett.

“Next, nest repairs.”

“I do so want the Doctor to be proud of me.”

It’s not the size

Hell hath no fury!

Plus, it was two against one.

“No contest,” said Harriett. “We no longer have a problem.”

My nest and the Doctor’s platform weathered the winter well.

Thank you Doctor.

Chirp, chirp! Whistle. A high-pitched, excited succession of chirps follows—Harriett’s way of saying,                “Feeling good.”

Having just arrived from her winter vacation, Harriett is in high spirits. Despite losing one third of her body weight and evading the dangers of migration, she has survived the 5,000-mile trip. She is glad to be home.

Harriett and Jonathan up close.