Hawks and Eagles
Labor Day Weekend - Last Dance of the Ospreyf
Ospreys are enjoying their last weeks at the Jersey shore as they prepare for their long migration to South America. I counted 19 in three locations over the course of two days without any particular effort. Driving into Heislerville, four greeted me from two trees near the road. Near Turkey Point, one was perched on a telephone pole. But the best - as always - were to be found The Forsythe refuge at Brigantine, where the patient are often treated to an anaerial show or fishing expedition.
In 1782, the Bald Eagle was declared the US national bird, over the objections of the eminent Benjamin Franklin, who thought that distinction should belong to the turkey. In 2011, approximately 220 million turkeys were eaten in the US, mostly at Thanksgiving, while the protected eagle enjoys an amazing resurgence following environmental threats in the 20th century. Here's to the turkey, the eagle, and Thanksgiving!
Captive Golden Eagle - once injured but always proud.
A rescued bald eagle shows its predatory side.
A rescued and rehabilitated red tailed hawk shows off her winds at Hawk Mountain in Pennsylvania.
The Well-Appointed Nest
In Panama City, the wisest of osprey equip their nests with electricity. Out on the bay, there is good food, perfect weather, lighting to spot fish in poor conditions, warmth for the chicks and a great vantage point tto watch humans as their boats go by.
Florida birds FloridaBirdsPanama CitySt. Andrew Bay ospreyFlorida
