The Resident Male

The Osprey saga of 2017 has begun.  This is the male from previous years who returned about 10 days ago.  Our female usually returns later, around the end of the month.  For those who weren't following me last year, this is the story.  There is a nest on a tall pole in a pond at the fairgrounds about a mile from my house.  A few years ago the county set up a camera above the nest and the entire courtship/mating, egg laying, hatching, raising young, and fledging can be watched on line.  It is so amazing to watch the whole story unfold and the website has comments that explain everything what is happening.  I'm lucky to be so close to the nest so I can pop over and see them in person as well!  Back to the Ospreys....the same pair has nested here since 2009 and the male always has waited at the nest for his mate to arrive.  About 4 days ago a young female appeared on the nest and the male started courting her by bringing fish and attempting to mate which he has not done with any other female in the past.  So now we are all waiting to see if our resident female will arrive and what will happen when she does.  Here is a link to the Osprey Cam if you want to check it out.  :-)