"FOUR" Osprey at the Cell Tower - Horseshoe and Leonardsberg Rds.

E-mail and photo from Jim Martin:

Hello Fellow Naturalists and Conservationists:

This morning Dick Tuttle & I visited this possible new Delaware County Osprey nesting site. Much to our surprise the was not a pair of Osprey, rather four Osprey. They soared around the cell tower that is very high and there were a few minor encounters, sparing only. All four were persistent and stayed near the tower for the hour or so I was there. Occasionally they flew to the North over the swamps near the cell tower. When Dick & I left two were on the platform and the other pair over the swamp areas. All four Osprey appeared to be mature (size and coloring).

As a point of curiosity, is this two paired Osprey or four "Floaters" (non-paired). I'll work on their sexes in the near future.

The nest is very immature as it has only a few twigs scattered on one of three large cage-lined platforms atop the tower. Not enough to qualify as even a small start of a viable nest. What is most interesting is that there are four Osprey there that are unknown to the Osprey observers. Interestingly, at least two of the four Osprey are banded with two bands each. One blue and one silver, however the blue bands are swapped left and right (Photo: note the bird in the air above the nest and the one below on the right for bands). This photo shows 3 of the 4 Osprey). Also note that I had just driven from the Alum Creek Osprey site and all four Osprey were there, so I am confident that these Osprey were not from Alum Creek.

Much thanks to the two very observant students from OWU & to Jed Burtt for this terrific new find.

Conditions:
a.. Date: April 29, 2007
b.. Duration: 0910 - 1004 Hours,
c.. Skies: Full Sun,
d.. Wind: Light, Gusts at 10+ MPG
e.. Temperatures: 54° - 59°.
f.. Other Birds: 2 "Extra" Osprey,
g.. Equipment: Nikon Digital Camera, 600mm Lens, 35-50mm lens, 180mm lens and binoculars.
h.. Other Observers: Dick Tuttle.

Best Wishes, Jim Martin & Dick Tuttle