A natural clearing, maintained by the local kangaroo population, around this long-standing nesting site at Lake Macquarie State Conservation Area (Morisset section), just a short drive from home. The perfect spot wouldn't you think, for the ultimate birds-eye-view, watching out for prey down on the ground, and then to go fishing nearby at the lake.
It's not every day you get to see these wonderful raptors. A little off the beaten track, to get a glimpse of the Osprey.
One decided to take up a new vantage point on first approach
Using the tele-converter lens, I'd drawn an imaginary line in the ground as to a safe and respectful distance between me and the birds. Wasn't sure how much closer I could've moved though, without upsetting the Osprey. Decided to err on the side of caution, since aside from giving them any angst, I wasn't exactly sure what might be the appropriate strategy to undertake if an enraged Osprey came hurtling my way.
Off the nest and out onto a limb, when approached from a differing track/angle
the nest amazes me, twig by twig gathered, that's a lot of flying time ...
Sharing with Wild Bird Wednesday
Magnificent eagles! The nest is huge! It's hard to tell how big the birds really are because the nest is so monstrous! The last photo is excellent and shows just how regal these eagles are!
ReplyDeletewow, they're beautiful! and what a great aerie they've built in that craggy tree!
ReplyDeleteHow wonderful to be able to observe such magnificent creatures so closely...and get photos! Amazing!!
ReplyDeleteLove that old tree and nest! And the sea eagle of course.
ReplyDeletewell captured!
ReplyDeleteWhat splendid pictures of a rather fine bird of prey!
ReplyDeleteI too am impressed with the amount of and size of branches eagles use for their nests. The last photo is a winner.
ReplyDeleteSuch a beautiful bird. Glad you didn't get any closer, would hate for the birds to be upset at you or maybe fly away or abandon the nest.
ReplyDeletea wonderful series of photo's!! with his wings spread, this raptor reminds me of our osprey.
ReplyDeletethe nest is remarkable, you got some amazing close-ups!!
Great photos of the nest and birds. That nest must have been used and added to for years. Umm?? I wonder if the birds are White-breasted Sea Eagles or Ospreys? The dark line extending through the eye looks like Ospreys to me and even in such distant photos I can see signs of their dark "necklace" - or at least I think I can!
ReplyDeleteMick thanks for picking up on the id of this raptor. I thought sea-eagle but seems I thought wrong. It does perhaps look like the osprey afterall and I'll adjust the subject title to suit. Assumption can be a dangerous thought-pattern!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful captures of one of my favorite raptors Carole! Osprey are found on every continent except Antarctica and with those fish hook talons, they are the best fishers around! The nest looks like it an old one as they add to previous years nesting material every year. Gorgeous photos! Here's a link to their range map from wiki: http://bit.ly/MMvvFT
ReplyDeleteGreat series!! Osprey I think also. Boom & Gary of the Vermilon River, Canada.
ReplyDeleteFabulous photos! That nest is really impressive.
ReplyDeleteWonderful captures Carole!
ReplyDeletePaper Hugs,
Jan
WAU - where some amazing pictures you show :)
ReplyDeleteAwesome collection of Osprey photos. It is a cool looking bird. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteI really like ospreys - and these are great pictures.
ReplyDeleteI like the fact that they are a world bird - your may be in here in Australia, but you can see the same species all over the globe - I like that.
Stewart M - Australia
Wow! Love the character in that old, dead tree!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful capture, Carole! Love the last image. Such a dramatic setting really sets off the osprey!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful shots Carole! I'd love to get some raptor pics.
ReplyDeleteWhat excellent photos!
ReplyDeleteI'd be hard-pressed to choose a favorite.
Beautifule pictures ;-)
ReplyDeleteCéline & Philippe
Amazing captures of a beautiful bird.
ReplyDeleteThe nest is extraordinarily large; It's likely been used repeatedly.
Gorgeous!
Beautiful pictures of the osprey Carole! I wasn't so lucky as you when I was trying to capture photos of ospreys on Merrit Island NWR in Florida. Great shots especially the last one.
ReplyDelete