Good morning!
It’s Thursday, and the summer visitors are starting to return.
When I checked the big tree where the osprey nest last week, it was empty. But yesterday there was no mistaking the telltale screech of a new arrival (or returnee?). Even the crows, far off in the woods, kept yelling, “Keep it down over there!”
Naturally, I had to investigate. While our path gives the tree a wide berth, the newlyweds were still keenly aware of my approach. While one stayed in the nest (could she be guarding eggs already?), her companion took to the sky, making a wide circle around me before stopping directly overhead.
I’ve seen them do this hover trick before, usually right before making a nosedive into the water to retrieve a large, wriggling fish. I did not wish to meet the same fate as a fish, so I yelled “hello!” and waved.
He kept flapping and studying me. Maybe this osprey doesn’t speak Human?
“Welcome back!” I tried again.
Flap flap flap.
“Well alrighty then,” I said, backing away, “I’ll leave you to it!”
And I left him to it.
“Small cheer and great welcome makes a merry feast.”
—William Shakespeare
A metaphorical feast, that is.
Onwards,
Clara
Yaaay they're back!
Wonderful awakening