osprey family photo diary, part one

I’ve been keeping an eye on this huge osprey nest for a few months now… and as you can see above, they have been keeping their eyes on me as well.

Here’s mom sitting on eggs back in May: “Caution, Only Ospreys Allowed!”:

© 2011 Peter Green. All rights reserved.

I witnessed dad fly to nearby trees and tug on branches until they snapped off… then he would bring the branches to fortify the giant nest:

© 2011 Peter Green. All rights reserved.

© 2011 Peter Green. All rights reserved.

The couple looks very satisfied with their creation, ready for hatchlings:

© 2011 Peter Green. All rights reserved.

And finally, here’s the entire family in late June; mom, dad and two babies are visible:

© 2011 Peter Green. All rights reserved.

Dad usually perches nearby and keeps a close watch:

© 2011 Peter Green. All rights reserved.

© 2011 Peter Green. All rights reserved.

Here’s mom in the nest with two juveniles in late-July:

© 2011 Peter Green. All rights reserved.

Portrait of a juvenile, looking insecure:

© 2011 Peter Green. All rights reserved.

continued in part two…