I saw my first Osprey of the fall migration today at Rose Lake in Yukon! These beautiful birds of prey, sometimes called “fish eagles” are striking with their black and white plummage. They are also known for carrying their prey, a fish, facing forward. Legend has it that Ospreys do this so the fish can see where they are going. I don’t have a clue if there’s anything to this tale, but, indeed, one way to identify an Osprey in flight is by the way it carries the fish it has caught… and it’s always face-forward! I have a photo of this on my Photo Gallery. I didn’t get a very good photo of today’s Osprey but will be watching for them!
I spent some time this afternoon birding with Terri Underhill and we also saw: Loggerhead Shrike, American Goldfinch, Yellow Warbler, Black and Forster’s Terns, Red-tailed Hawk, Mississippi Kite and a few Turkey Vultures during our drive along dirt roads in Yukon in 100-degree heat. We stayed in the car… but we sure didn’t get to stay cool.
And I saw the juvenile Laughing Gull again at Stars and Stripes Park, Lake Hefner. The bird is simply beautiful. But I’m glad to be home, out of the heat, and spending a lazy evening with my cats. Happy birding to everyone!
Pat
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