Fascinating sight at Port Douglas, Tropical Queensland, Australia
Birds of prey have always fascinated me. Gracefully gliding through the air almost motionless, scanning the fields or waterways for prey is always a sight for sore eyes.
Another successful hunt at Port Douglas, Tropical Queensland, Australia
Ospreys are fish experts and pick out potential prey from a long way out.
Fascinating sight at Port Douglas, Tropical Queensland, Australia
Not far south of Port Douglas, along the Captain Cook Highway, I came across this monumental natural construction. This oversized osprey nest is visible from a long way out and naturally grabbed my attention. It’s carefully constructed on an electrical post and appears to have been there for many years. Late afternoon sun rays reflected nicely on clear blue skies.
Who goes there? at Port Douglas, Tropical Queensland, Australia
6 intriguing eyes stared at me as I pulled Troopy over to the side of the road.
Stunning view nonetheless at Port Douglas, Tropical Queensland, Australia
The angle for a good photo shoot wasn’t ideal, but I was happy with what I saw. An almost fully grown osprey kept flying in circles around the nest, practicing and training it’s flight manoeuvres.
Gliding above me at Port Douglas, Tropical Queensland, Australia
Effortlessly gliding over cane fields and right above me.
Not sure about me? Port Douglas, Tropical Queensland, Australia
Or maybe it was just curious about me?
It’s all in the foot-work at Port Douglas, Tropical Queensland, Australia
Dad kept an eye out on it’s landing technique.
Masterclass landing at Port Douglas, Tropical Queensland, Australia
Pretty good I thought.
And off again at Port Douglas, Tropical Queensland, Australia
Some left over fish was left in the nest and dad made a meal of it. Little bits get picked of with a sharp beak, before the rest is swallowed whole.
Coming in at Port Douglas, Tropical Queensland, Australia
The lighter coloured young bird kept circling around the nest meanwhile.
Ready for take off at Port Douglas, Tropical Queensland, Australia
The darker coloured adult flew off, over the cane fields to it’s favourite fishing ground.
Hanging out at Port Douglas, Tropical Queensland, Australia
To see and photograph an osprey with a freshly caught fish in its claws was something I couldn’t miss. I waited patiently, just as much the hungry chick!
Flying fish at Port Douglas, Tropical Queensland, Australia
A good 20 minutes passed before I saw this dark shadow in the sky again. Success, an airborne decent sized mullet had no chance of escape.
Heavy fresh cargo in its grasps at Port Douglas, Tropical Queensland, Australia
Like a jet plane, it circled in a big loop for the right landing angle.
Not the right angle? at Port Douglas, Tropical Queensland, Australia
Missed by the first attempt, he took on another round. Young mate looked a bit perplexed.
Here I come! Port Douglas, Tropical Queensland, Australia
A picture perfect landing this time. I expected them to claw in to this fresh fish, but that didn’t happen.
Nothing out there! Port Douglas, Tropical Queensland, Australia
Instead, the three of them watched their surroundings for quite some time.
Nothing out this way either at Port Douglas, Tropical Queensland, Australia
Are they waiting for someone I wonder.
Look who’s there! Port Douglas, Tropical Queensland, Australia
And so they did. Hardly visible, an even younger chick made an appearance. This is most likely this year’s offspring. How tiny and cute is this chick? The almost fully grown osprey will be leaving nest and shelter rather soon I presume.
Gentle dinner preparation at Port Douglas, Tropical Queensland, Australia
Dad carefully sliced the fish in smaller pieces for the youngest family to swallow. I left them for their dinner as I was getting hungry too.
Three generations ospreys at Port Douglas, Tropical Queensland, Australia
It’s great to see these majestic birds to thrive up here in Northern Queensland.
Travels with Ben 