Saturday Critters #648

An Osprey couple generally take up residence each year in a nest in Spring Lake Heights, NJ.

I have been periodically checking in on the nest to monitor the comings and goings.

The nest is pretty easy to see and getting pictures of the birds is not too challenging.

Unlike many birds, both sexes of Osprey are similar in appearance.

The female is larger, up to 20% larger than the male and she is a heftier bird.

The females also have more brown coloring on their chests.

I think this is a female.

It is the only occupant in the nest, I have not seen a partner and there does not appear to be any eggs.

Always on the lookout for any prey.

Showing off its talons.

Osprey generally live about 10 years but can live for as long as 20 years.

Osprey will usually return to the same nest each year.

If you observe two birds on a nest early in the season, 

it is probably the same couple returning to the same nest structure.
Osprey pairs are monogamous and often mate for life.

Sharing today images with Eileen at 

Viewing Nature With Eileen 

for Saturdays Critters