A pair of Ospreys that I have been observing every time I drive through the Edwin B Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge must have young chicks by now, although they remain unseen in their nest. Yesterday, the mother was not incubating but standing guard at one side of the nest.
Mother Osprey guarding nest. Atlantic City skyline is in background.
About a minute later, her mate, who is quite a handyman (handybird?) returned with some twigs to build up the nest even higher.
Male Osprey, the handyman, returning to nest with twigs.
He started rearranging things as she watched.
Handyman Osprey tinkering with nest.
Suddenly, she jumped in.
Female Osprey jumped into the nest.
She grabbed the remaining part of the fish which was her meal, after he had previously eaten the head.
Female Osprey snatching part of fish.
Holding the fish with her feet, she circled the nest.
Female Osprey flying around nest with fish gripped in her talons.
Then she landed back.
Female Osprey returning to nest with fish.
She proceeded to eat the fish while the handyman kept working on their nest.
Female Osprey eating fish while her mate worked on their nest.
The refuge has seven or more Osprey nests, but this couple has the best looking and well-built fortress.