Osprey Remodel

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osprey, nest, wildlife, birds, nature, photography, birding

The osprey returns to the nest with a stick.

They began rebuilding their nest the day she arrived and the two osprey were back together.  This is what they typically do after the winter storms take there toll on the nest.  This particular nest is only one year old and must have weathered the winter fairly well.  They spiffed it up the first day and that was that.  They moved in.

osprey, nest, wildlife, birds, nature, photography, birding

The building materials arrive.

osprey, nest, wildlife, birds, nature, photography, birding

Doing some touch up to the nest.

osprey, nest, wildlife, birds, nature, photography, birding

Off for more sticks.

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Just a bit of work and this nest is good to go.

The picture below is how the nest looking in 2011.  Usually, they add a new layer to the nest every year.  Not so much this year.   In 2011 the nest had been built up much more and was on the opposite side of the tower.  Normally, the nest gets taller and taller until a severe Winter storm blows the top of it off.  I’ve seen the nest over 6 feet tall.  Last year the nest survived some very bad storms.  Late in the season the nest was gone after a moderate storm.  I checked under the nest for debris, but found very little.  I found out later that the local power company employees climbed the tower and removed the nest.

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This was the nest in 2011.

When they osprey returned and found no nest they immediately started rebuilding.  Although, as often happens with men and women they had a bit of a disagreement.  They each began building nest on opposite sides of the tower.  As typically happens when there is a disagreement, she got her way and the nest ended up in it’s current location.

osprey, nest, wildlife, birds, nature, photography, birding

The is nothing more relaxing then a cozy nest.

35 thoughts on “Osprey Remodel”

  1. These are great photos of the Osprey nests. On Cape Cod we have Osprey nests near many of the beaches and in the marshes. Its a favorite pastime to watch them at work and at rest. Thanks for sharing. Have an artful day! Marian

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    • I been carefully watching them as I come and go, trying to get some good shost, but we aren’t always on the same schedule. Since, my dogs come with me to work I have to let them out of the truck now and then, so when I do I carry my camera.

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      • I think it is good men know their boundaries, hehe 🙂 I think it is the sign of a good wife! Anyway I really want to thank You and The Backdoor Artist for all you support on my site. Its really kept me going. I didn’t know what to expect having a blog – eventually my Daughter might unchain me from the computer – or not – if I show her I have (almost) moved into the 21st centuary 🙂

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        • I don’t know about the whole boundaries thing, but I do know that I really enjoy your blog so keep it up. We are pretty new at it ourselves. Back in the 80’s I was the tech savy one teaching my family, but I was left behind years ago and now they’re all dragging me along. I feel your pain. I have found the blogging to be fun and stimulating, and the folks that we have made friends with (I hate to say followers) have been really great.

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  6. I love your pictures, your sensitivity what’s happening in the world right under your nose, and I love your telling.

    When you wrote ‘when she saw no nest she ended up building again’ – it reminded me of people who are victims of bush fires and floods. I just don’t know how they do it. I swear, there’d be such a strong part of you that would want to lie down at stare at the sky, numb, for days, maybe weeks. But the ‘just starting again’ – that really resounded with me. Cheers – I really enjoyed your post 🙂

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    • Thank you so much. I’m sorry to be slow to respond, but I was away.

      The osprey are a pleasure to watch. With them it is just their nature to continue. I don’t think it is good or bad to them, it simply is what it is. I guess we are just more introspective. We could learn a lot about doing from the osprey. When I am facing a daunting task and am having trouble getting started I like to pick one small piece at a time rather than get overwhelmed by the totality of it all. You have to build those stairs one brick at a time. 🙂

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  10. Pingback: Run Of The Mill View | THE FORESTER ARTIST

  11. Great story… wonderful to see the natural world making the most of the obstacles that mankind litters the countryside with!!! And not taking no for an answer when those officious wage slaves cleared away their home !!!!

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  14. That is one satisfied bird .
    I’m trying to imagine the 6 ‘ high nest :-O a long drop to the bottom 😉
    Lovely photos and observations Tim !

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  15. I live within a half-hour drive to the smallest county in the UK called Rutland. There is a beautiful lake called ‘Rutland Water’ where ospreys were re-introduced some years ago. It’s one of the few places in England where they live, so we all look out for their return every year. I think they’re more prevalant in Scotland and Wales but a very rare sight generally. Amazing to see them on your doorstep – fabulous creatures. Excellent photos, Tim 🙂

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    • Thank you Maxine. We are fortunate to have so many of these beautiful birds here and having them out the backdoor makes it easy to keep tabs on them. It is good to know they were reintroduced there and are doing so well.

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Let me know what you think!