Back in July, after parking near one of my favorite hiking spots at the local state park, I encountered a woman I perceived to be a park ranger. She was viewing (with binoculars) a nest on top of a very tall (30-40 feet?) power pole platform, using binoculars. I couldn't see what was in the nest, so I asked her. She informed me it was an osprey nest.
Unfortunately, I didn't have binoculars or a good camera with me, so I came back a few days later.
Luckily, the ospreys were again in their nest and protective of their young. They gave me a little show, including sound effects.
Luckily, the ospreys were again in their nest and protective of their young. They gave me a little show, including sound effects.
Recently, I noticed two people, again with binoculars, viewing that same nest. I perceived some slight movement in the nest, but again I didn't have binoculars or my good camera with me. (Note to self: Keep some binoculars in the car.) I thought: It can't be ospreys because they don't overwinter here!
I do believe it's a great horned owl! It's harder for me to zoom in on the bird from below, but I intend to go back yet again to get some better shots from a different angle.
Apparently, great horned owls usually adopt nests created by other species, so this isn't unusual. This nest is in a prime location: near a lake, wooded areas, and open prairies. I'm sure both species' diet options at this spot are plentiful and diverse: from fish to rodents to rabbits and more. It's fascinating to observe both species of birds of prey.
