Watching and Waiting

Several of the osprey "keeners" were out yesterday, hoping to see the lone male (Dad, for now) find and dance with his mate. It didn't happen, but the camaraderie and action around the nest made the continuing experience very enjoyable. Henry Wong, Andre, Robert, Marianne and Bill were all there, as well as a few others whose names I have not yet learned. This is a quick post before school, and there is no time to provide links, but I am sure there are some wonderful pictures to see, and I hope to pass on some of those soon.

There are quite a few eagles around. This young one was flying overhead, as I walked along the shore to the nest. Occasionally, there are battles, and Robert told me that Dad has a small puncture wound under his wing. Fortunately, it doesn't appear to be bothering him. He is flying strong and expending lots of energy on the nest.

Seconds after I arrived, Dad flew to the top of a ship mast, quite a distance away. He stayed there for a long time. Birds are teaching me patience. They seem to have, from my perspective, unlimited quantities of it.

A Blue Heron came by,

flying very close to us, but not taking into account that the background wasn't the best for photos.

I loved its landing, chest out and wings back with a, "Here I am, like it or not" attitude.

This Canada Goose came very close, and the intermittent sun just happened to catch the water droplets on its face and neck.

Dad finally left the mast, and came to the nest.

Although we were out on the shoal, and quite close to him, he seemed perfectly comfortable with our presence. I love the intensity in his eyes, and the way his head bobs to the side when he is checking out sticks (or, sometimes fish) in the water around the nest. His neck moves independently of his body, rather like the young dancers I enjoy watching at my school.

I am hopeful that his hard work on the nest indicates confidence that either his old mate, or perhaps a new one, will arrive soon.

He brings quite a variety of sticks and material to the nest. You would need to click on this picture to see it more clearly, but it appears to be a piece of wood that he may have found lying around the dock.

I stopped at Stanley Park on the way home to check out the heronry. There is the chatter of chicks in many nests, and although it is impossible to see them, I thought I saw the tiniest hint of one in this picture.

This heron stepped very gingerly around the nest, probably tending to at least one chick.

Picture taking becomes more and more of a challenge, as the buds turn to leaves. This fellow had just delivered something (nest material or food, I'm not sure) and was preparing to go back to work.

That was yesterday, as I saw it.

If you get a chance, vote just above this post, for possible osprey names. It is difficult to see the poll, but if you click and highlight over it, it becomes much more visible. That problem is a blogger one that I have not been able to correct. If you vote, and then change your mind, there is an option to give you a chance to choose new names. I look forward to and appreciate each comment and/or vote, so many thanks for that input.