Blog

Osprey

With a few other things on the go of late I have been remiss checking in on the Osprey this year. Normally I would have determined if this particular pair had returned and been watching them for about a month by now. Once things were finished at home this morning I made my way out there.

Osprey
Osprey

On arriving I found the male Osprey on one set of pylons noisily alerting to the presence of another adult Osprey. On looking further down I could see the female on this years nest which is on a different set of pylons from last year. So the pair is sitting on eggs, I just don’t know for how long.

Osprey
Osprey

From past experience with this pair, it is usually around the last week of June that the chicks have hatched. Now I will just have to make sure to check in on them regularly until then.

Butterflies

Have not been getting out as much as I normally would of late. The few outings I managed were quiet on the birding and photo front. Fortunately Mother Nature often comes through in these situations.

Mourning Cloak
Mourning Cloak

I came across a few Mourning Cloak and Western Tiger Swallowtail butterflies chasing each around.

Western Tiger Swallowtail
Western Tiger Swallowtail

Every once in a while they would alight and rest on the foliage providing for some photo opportunities.

Great Horned Owl

The rain eventually eased off later this afternoon and I snuck out to the North 40 again. I wanted to have another look for the Western Tanagers I saw there a couple of days ago. I struck out on the Tanagers, but I did see one of the Lazuli Bunting. Only shot of the day,

Great Horned Owl
Great Horned Owl

… was the Great Horned Owl. It was roosting in a nice spot today. Bonus sighting of the day was a couple of Bullock’s Oriole.