osprey family photo diary
© 2011 Peter Green. All rights reserved.

osprey family photo diary

I’ve been keeping an eye on this huge Osprey nest for a few months now… and as you can see above, they have been keeping their eyes on me as well.

Here’s mom sitting on eggs back in May: “Caution, Only Ospreys Allowed!”:

© 2011 Peter Green. All rights reserved.

I witnessed dad fly to nearby trees, tug on branches until they snapped off, then bring the branches to fortify the giant nest:

© 2011 Peter Green. All rights reserved.
© 2011 Peter Green. All rights reserved.

The couple looks very satisfied with their creation, ready for hatchlings:

© 2011 Peter Green. All rights reserved.

And finally, here’s the entire family in late June; mom, dad and two babies are visible:

© 2011 Peter Green. All rights reserved.

Dad usually perches nearby and keeps a close watch:

© 2011 Peter Green. All rights reserved.
© 2011 Peter Green. All rights reserved.

Here’s mom in the nest with two juveniles in late-July:

© 2011 Peter Green. All rights reserved.

Portrait of a juvenile, looking insecure:

© 2011 Peter Green. All rights reserved.

I read that the male osprey needs to catch 6-8 fish every day to feed a family of two babies, so I’ve stopped by this nest in Providence a few times recently to document the action.

© 2011 Peter Green. All rights reserved.
© 2011 Peter Green. All rights reserved.
© 2011 Peter Green. All rights reserved.
© 2011 Peter Green. All rights reserved.

this poor fish was still alive and flapping… had no idea there was a world outside of the water…

© 2011 Peter Green. All rights reserved.
© 2011 Peter Green. All rights reserved.
© 2011 Peter Green. All rights reserved.

The juveniles are almost fully grown and ready to leave, so dad’s intensified fishing activity won’t last too much longer. Below are two juvies on the left and mom on the right.

© 2011 Peter Green. All rights reserved.
© 2011 Peter Green. All rights reserved.

6 Comments

  1. Adam
    Posted 31 Jul ’11 at 9:34 pm | Permalink

    Just wanted to pop in to say that as a resident of Providence this is one of my favorite local blogs. It’s clear that you really love what you do and I really appreciate the insight into the lives of these beautiful creatures. Thanks!

    • Peter Green
      Posted 31 Jul ’11 at 10:10 pm | Permalink

      Thank you sincerely, Adam, that’s great to hear

  2. Graham
    Posted 3 Aug ’11 at 9:42 am | Permalink

    Fantastic shots! As always!

  3. Posted 8 Sep ’11 at 4:53 pm | Permalink

    WOW! We do not have these in Missouri or not around St. Louis anyway. Really great captures!!

  4. Paula Nichols
    Posted 31 Dec ’14 at 9:03 pm | Permalink

    Are you aware of the osprey nest in Warwick, it is on the top of the cell tower on Warwick Ave behind the Washington Trust Bank. I watch every spring as they arrive and have their babies, watch all summer and they leave in the early fall..

  5. Mark Williams
    Posted 23 Aug ’18 at 2:36 am | Permalink

    Glad to be reminded that fish are a primary source of food

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