Osprey, a sure sign of Spring

The Osprey have returned to my neck of the woods. A large bird of prey which feeds off fish it captures with it's hook-like talons. They come here to build nests, mate and rear their young.

I understand they live in Europe as well.

Osprey? I don't think I have seen one of those.

I remember visiting a bird sanctuary a long time,it was composed entirely of eagles.
Such majestic birds but cruel in searching for food.

Joanie wrote:Osprey? I don't think I have seen one of those.

I remember visiting a bird sanctuary a long time,it was composed entirely of eagles.
Such majestic birds but cruel in searching for food.

Nothing cruel about eagles, hawks, or falcons hunting. It is the way of nature. Cruelty is a human attribute and does not exist in animals. It has been this way for millions of years, long before humans took it upon themselves to pass judgement of such, or put themselves above all other living things.

Wisa'ka wrote:

Joanie wrote:Osprey? I don't think I have seen one of those.

I remember visiting a bird sanctuary a long time,it was composed entirely of eagles.
Such majestic birds but cruel in searching for food.

Nothing cruel about eagles, hawks, or falcons hunting. It is the way of nature. Cruelty is a human attribute and does not exist in animals. It has been this way for millions of years, long before humans took it upon themselves to pass judgement of such, or put themselves above all other living things.

You are so correct there,Wisa'ka. When I see animals cruelly treated it makes sick.
Half starved dogs and cats....deliberate cruelty.

Joanie

The Osprey and Bald Eagle here were almost killed off sometime back by a man made chemical called DDT. It was an insecticide farmers sprayed on their crops which ran off into the rivers and consumed by fish. The Osprey and Eagles that ate those fish began to die off by the thousands. DDT spraying was stopped and both species made a comeback.

Still bad things go into the air, earth and water.

Not far from where I live,there is an eagle enclosure with demonstrations.
The eagles was well looked after and last time I visited the handler gave a great demonstration on handling an eagle. Can't remember what type of eagle it was.
But very majestic. Very proud birds they are.

I remember seeing a program recently on penquins,mother penquin with baby.
That upset me,to see eagles swooping on the baby penquins. I was quite surprised to see this. Never realised that would be the food that eagles would search for as prey.
Joanie

The best fishing folk in the world. Many times while angling and doing rather poorly, I would see these birds swoop down and grab a fish right in front of me

My dad was a poor fisherman as well....but would never admit it.
Interesting topic,thank you.

Joanie

Joanie wrote:My dad was a poor fisherman as well....but would never admit it.
Interesting topic,thank you.

Joanie

Ahhh, many times I did poorly and many times I did rather well, but a bad day of fishing is better than a good day at work.

Wisa'ka wrote:The best fishing folk in the world. Many times while angling and doing rather poorly, I would see these birds swoop down and grab a fish right in front of me

What a stunning photo! I'm pleased to hear those birds made a come back Wisa'Ka