Salish Sea, Pacific Northwest
June 20, 2017
Summer wind isn’t uncommon in these parts. One afternoon we were driving home, came down the hill and around the corner on the road to the harbor. When it opened up along the beach there was a blast of wind. This is a west-facing shore with a miles-long fetch, and wind waves had kicked up chop, muddying the water along the beach.
.
An osprey was fishing in those less than optimal conditions.
The Daily Bucket is a nature refuge. We amicably discuss animals, weather, climate, soil, plants, waters and note life’s patterns.
We invite you to note what you are seeing around you in your own part of the world, and to share your observations in the comments below.
Each note is a record that we can refer to in the future as we try to understand the phenological patterns that are quietly unwinding around us. To have the Daily Bucket in your Activity Stream, visit Backyard Science’s profile page and click on Follow.
|
We stopped the car and I got out to watch for a bit. The osprey carved through the wind, gliding then curving around, tipping, arrowing straight through. Sharp pointed wings...maneuverable in three dimensions. Great finesse and control in any skies.
Usually an osprey hovers in place, searching for prey, judging distance and angle for an attack. This one wasn’t. Couldn’t, I guess, in the gusty 20+ knot wind.
A couple of times the osprey appeared to be finding a way to see into that murky maelstrom below. Twice while I watched it focused on something, and stooped.
No luck on those attempts. Pulls up just above the surface to try again. Just too rough.
How can it possibly see into swirled up sandy mud, spray blowing off wind chop, confused seas? I’m holding onto the car to avoid getting blown over. Cold in the sun.
This osprey is one of two that’s been around since May. I’ve only seem them together once. There might be a nest somewhere but it’s unknown to me. Occasionally I see one fishing in this bay or the next.
It’s always a good day when I hear its chirpy call. One of the joys of summer.
Osprey passed overhead, heading southward down the beach, into the sun. Maybe heading to the other bay which is better protected in a westerly wind.
How’s your summer going? Nature observations from your neighborhood?
"SPOTLIGHT ON GREEN NEWS & VIEWS" IS POSTED EVERY SATURDAY AT 5:00 PM PACIFIC TIME AND WEDNESDAY AT 3:30 ON THE DAILY KOS FRONT PAGE. IT'S A GREAT WAY TO CATCH UP ON DIARIES YOU MIGHT HAVE MISSED. BE SURE TO RECOMMEND AND COMMENT IN THE DIARY. |
Sending special osprey good wishes to martyc35 who’s a bit under the weather right now.