One Incredible Osprey

An Osprey (Pandion haliaetus), sometimes known as the sea hawk or fish eagle, spent a good portion of time with a large fish it had struck about 50 yards out from the shoreline. It first just sat on top of the water keeping its wings partially extended aiding in keeping itself afloat. With tremendous effort it finally was able to get enough elevation to get its quarry within a couple yards of the shoreline. Finally all labor paid off and fine dining followed.

Then... Out from nowhere came a second osprey. Wanting I'm sure what the other had worked so hard to have. Our hero spread his wings and covered his catch with its tail. The invader was not going to attempt any thievery. He was discouraged quite quickly and left the area.

All is well in Osprey Land. A full belly and enough for tomorrow. Now all that needs to be done is to get this buffet back home.

Snappers, Coots and Dragons

The common snapping turtle (Chelydra serpentina) is a large freshwater turtle. Common snappers are noted for their belligerent disposition when out of the water, their powerful beak-like jaws, and their highly mobile head and neck. Today's specimen was quite cooperative and allowed me some time with him/her. The American Coot (Fulica Americana), inhabiting wetlands and open water bodies. This one was a loner as far as I could tell, no mate or fellow companions. Dragonflies (Anisoptera) are valuable predators that eat mosquitoes, flies, ants and very rarely butterflies. They are usually found around lakes, ponds, streams, and wetlands because their larvae, known as “nymphs”, are aquatic. Here mating dragonflies have latched on to each other demonstrating their method of reproduction.  

Snapping Turtle

American Coot

Dragonflies

Snakes, Frogs, Turtles... Oh... and Birds

Located just outside Knoxville Tennessee is Ijams Nature Center, a 275-acre wildlife sanctuary offering it's visitors miles of hiking trails, among many other programs and events. By the time we arrived at the Center, some time after 1 PM there was a significant crowd of visitors hiking and biking the park. With their pets. The area had a high wildlife potential but arriving early or staying later may have been the more prudent way to approach this visit. Any way, we selected a trail that led us to a rather secluded bog that offered some wildlife of a different sort. My wife and daughter did just fine until we came across the brown water snake. Neither of them are snake people. They kept their distance while I took photos.

Brown Water Snake

Frogs 

Painted Turtles

Boat-Tail Blackbird

Two and a half hours at Lilypons... I Really Love This Place

I had a fruitful photographic time at the Lilypons, here in Frederick county. The only photos you won't see here are of the mile high bald eagle. I did take a couple of photos, I almost always do when it comes to eagles,  just not blog material. The line up of birds and critters follows...

 Lots of painted turtles taking advantage of the sunshine.

Mamma and Poppa Canadian Geese coming to protect their clutch of eggs

 

Red-Tailed Hawk

 

Song Sparrow

 

Groundhog

 

Great White Egret

Black Crowned Night Heron

Black Crowned Night Heron Rookery In the Park

These guys were so busy tearing small branches out of the trees for nesting materials they weren't bothered by me running around snapping a few photos. Considering the size of the branches they were tearing off they must be rather powerful birds for their size.