the osprey have returned

The osprey have returned to Lafayette Reservoir from their wintering grounds to the south, and the white pelicans are still hanging around as well. Pelicans were one of the birds (along with bald eagles, peregrine falcons, and osprey) that almost went extinct in the lower 48 states due to DDT poisoning until it was banned in the 70’s. It’s taken a lot of time and energy by many many dedicated people, but all of these species are examples of successful re-population efforts by humans.

My blog and my life would be much emptier if they were gone. Many thanks to those that saved these beautiful creatures.

osprey and vulture 01 / Lafayette Reservoir CA

osprey 02 / Lafayette Reservoir CA

osprey 03 / Lafayette Reservoir CA

The song sparrows hopping around the tule reeds at the edge of the reservoir were singing, this one popped out and stood still long enough to allow me to watch a brief serenade.

song sparrow singing / Lafayette Reservoir CA

The pelicans were busy harassing the osprey, it’s good osprey are such successful hunters or I don’t know how they’d survive. If it’s not pelicans trying to steal their fish, it’s the cormorants pestering them as soon as they make a catch. One of the pelicans scored a huge fish on its own though, and the other pelicans even tried to steal that (successfully – it changed “pouches” a number of times).