Saturday, May 16, 2026

Saturday Critters #648

This Osprey couple take up residence in this nest
I have been periodically checking in on an Osprey Nest in Spring Lake Heights, NJ
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 occupant of this nest, no partner and there does not seem 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 
for Saturdays Critters

3 comments:

Ann said...

Amazing photos of the Osprey.

eileeninmd said...

Hello Debbie,
I love the Ospreys, they are cool birds. Your photos are always awesome. I hope you get to see the Osprey chicks.
Thank you for linking up and sharing your post. Take care, have a great day and a happy weekend! PS, thank you for leaving me a comment.

Penelope Notes said...

Great captures of the bird. Just looking into those eyes, I sure wouldn't want to mess with an Osprey! :)