Best fisherman of the day--a pair of Osprey

I checked the Osprey nest yesterday at the Pueblo State Park that I have watched being built. There had been more material added to the nest. The Osprey wasn't there but I found a pair fishing nearby. The bird in the top photo was perched above some people who were fishing. It did not seem concerned by me under it, probably due to its being used to having a lot of people around as this is a very busy state park. This is different than I have found with Osprey I have found perched in other, less busy areas.

Those fishing nearby were no match for these Osprey who each made one swoop and came up with a fish-in-talon as shown in the bottom pic.

Best fisherman of the day--a pair of Osprey

I checked the Osprey nest yesterday at the Pueblo State Park that I have watched being built. There had been more material added to the nest. The Osprey wasn't there but I found a pair fishing nearby. The bird in the top photo was perched above some people who were fishing. It did not seem concerned by me under it, probably due to its being used to having a lot of people around as this is a very busy state park. This is different than I have found with Osprey I have found perched in other, less busy areas.

Those fishing nearby were no match for these Osprey who each made one swoop and came up with a fish-in-talon as shown in the bottom pic.

Cute little Great Horned Owl nestlings

While at the Pueblo Res/State Park checking on the nesting Great Horned Owls I have been following, I was told about a second nest location with nestlings. This owl nest was in the top of a tree that was basically a snag as shown in the bottom pic. As can be seen this tree is near some picnic tables, though they have likely not been used much due to weather not good yet (and its' not an area where I have a lot picnicers before). A trail goes right past this tree but the nestlings stay mostly hidden.

There are two Great Horned Owl nestlings in the top photo. Owl nestlings are just so cute and these fit that rule as they peak around the tree at me. Mom owl was originally in the nest cavity and flew out when I got close inadvertantly (as I didn't see any owls until she flushed). She flew to a nearby tree where she could watch and she emitted several single note calls to the nestlings when I was first taking these photos, presumably telling them to hide (which they did). I moved away so as not to disturb the owls.

Since there are no branches for the nestlings to climb out on as they mature and from which they can learn to fly, I hope they don't become visible to passers-by when they start practicing flying. Nestling and fledgling owls are very vulnerable.
SeEtta