This Osprey Pandion haliaetus was eating a fish shortly after the observed copulation shown below.
We have good numbers of Osprey that breed in Washington State, U.S. We have essentially none that spend the winter here. There have been a few reports up to two weeks ago about early returning birds, but I saw my first-of-the-year (FOY) Osprey in the state today.
Note the Canada Goose Branta canadensis on the huge old osprey nest to the left and the copulating Osprey on the right.
I visited an annual nest site at the mouth of Chambers Creek, and found the past years nest occupied by a Canada Goose that looked to be sitting on eggs.
Shortly after I found the new "under construction" nest site, with copulating osprey right on the nest.
Caught in the act.
Very cool to have our "fish-hawks" back.
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Good birding. Good Day!
