To my surprise, I was filled with emotion when I recognized the osprey who had returned to their nests after an annual migration that can span thousands of miles. They use their acute eyesight to navigate vast distances. They possess an innate GPS, which confers their extraordinary sense of direction. Ospreys typically return each year to their well-established nests. They know, as I do, that no matter how far you roam (or fly), there’s no place like home.
And then these magnificent birds begin their task of repairing their nests, foraging sticks and grasses to reinforce their sturdy homes. Typically, they pair as monogamous couples, literally nesting together to await the arrival of eggs. Those eggs will hatch into chicks, who will eventually poke their little heads out of the nest, waiting to be fed a meal of delicious ground up fish, fresh from the ocean. A sight to behold!
You can learn more about osprey and observe them up close. A group of citizen volunteers collects data on the location, activities, and breeding behavior of osprey in the area: the OspreyWatch program. For a time, I volunteered for OspreyWatch and monitored three nests in the area, recording my observations on a weekly basis. Think watching osprey through binoculars do their thing is dull? Hardly – it’s a surprisingly interesting and fun activity. Ospreys appear to have unique personalities—some noticeably squawk and seem disturbed if you get too close, while others simply ignore you. Watching an osprey dive into the water and masterfully extract a hapless fish in its talons with laser accuracy is a marvel of nature, although quite an unhappy ending for the poor fish.
Every time an osprey soars over my deck, fish in tow, gliding effortlessly through the sky, I think how lucky I am to see these beautiful creatures up close as I enjoy my morning coffee.
And so, when I returned from my late March nature walk, I was once again inspired by the return of these awesome birds. Their coastal habitat is our home, too. I announced to my husband that I saw my friends again. And he knew exactly what I meant.
By Jody Gastfriend
Wareham Land Trust Board Of Directors