Osprey Tales

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.

March 3, 2020 — The Santo Antônio Dam reservoir, 6 km southwest of Porto Velho, Brazil:

Shorter days, falling temperatures, dwindling food supply.  Genetic instincts, mysterious alignment of the stars, the Great Spirit’s plan.

Harriett longs for home. The urge to breed, to see her nest. To see the Doctor.  To go home! Home………  She is prepared. Has gained one third of her body weigh to use for energy. The flight is 4612 miles, she will need it all.

The Doctor is thinking about Harriett. He cannot help it.

“I wonder, where is she? I wonder what she is doing? With whom is she friends? Does she think about me?”

His head turns southward.

“Three more weeks. Three more weeks until she comes home. North, homeward. The Doctor’s heart aches with longing.