At the end of July and in early August, we enjoyed a reprieve from sweltering heat. The haze of humidity was replaced by clear blue skies. After the humid weather returned followed by torrents of rain, we again had a few days of clear sky and low humidity. Of course, the cycle has continued.
Overnight and this morning, the city was drenched with rain.
Osprey Update
Life on the nest has changed quickly. On July 25, the second young Osprey (Beta) fledged two days after its sibling (Alpha). Very soon, the two were hanging out on various perches around the stadium. We felt like we were playing a game of “Where’s Waldo?” as we located the two on the various stadium lights, the low platform, the nest, or the screen behind home plate.
Sometimes, they took in a ball game.
The two still depend on the male Osprey to feed them, and can be found together on the low platform waiting for fish to be delivered.
Delivery of fish to the platform. Male landing and taking off.
The adult female is still present, but more often leaves the two young birds, presumably to find fish for herself. We expect that she will start her migration south before long. After their extended period of incubation and tending young, female Ospreys leave their fledged offspring in the care of the male. The male will continue to feed the young until they have learned to catch fish reliably enough to fend for themselves.
By mid-week, we found that one or both of the young Osprey were sometimes absent from the baseball stadium. They were clearly flying farther afield from time to time.
Young Osprey in flight
Last week, when we were walking along the river across from the stadium, we saw first one, then the other young Osprey land feet-first in the river. After staying largely submerged in the water, they each took a bath for several minutes.
We tend to think that the adolescent Ospreys have a slightly goofly look about them as the explore the world and new experiences.
One took a couple of tries to lift out of the water. When it finally took flight, it scattered some Kildeers on the shore when as it flew low toward them before gaining altitude. The two are becoming stronger flyers and practicing the skills they need to catch fish and feed themselves.
This week, however, the two young can still be found around the ballpark, sometimes calling for food. Alpha takes possession of the fish that are delivered and Beta waits or hovers nearby until Alpha is ready to relinquish what is left of the fish. So far, Beta often remains on the nest and doesn’t seem to be venturing as far afield as Alpha seems to be. We still see the adult female Osprey keeping watch…
Wandering Bee Flowers
In May, I purchased a Dahlia tuber from Dan and planted it in a large pot on the balcony. It has grown tall and I have now harvested our first blossoms! You can see why the variety is named Wine eyed Jill. The plant has grown taller and there are many more flower buds since this photo was taken.
Celebrating Friends
I enjoyed sampling songs to build this playlist.
