Our eagle tour finally happened on the third try after two previous rain
outs. This was probably the 6th or so tour I have done this year with
Capt. Mike Ostrander on Discover the
James(http://www.discoverthejames.com/). We had a beautiful morning to
enjoy the sunrise on the river and the eagle and ospreys were active
today. The boat left out of Deep Bottom Park in Henrico near the
Charles City line. The boat goes up to the area in front of Henricus
Dutch Gap and then back down the river and around a loop to come back to
the park. This was a three hour photographers tour which allowed us
time to watch and wait for birds and get some awesome pictures.
Fellow va-bird members Reese Burgoyne and Bill Millhouser accompanied me
along with three others from my photo group. We all had a great time
and saw some beautiful birds. Along with 5 pairs of eagles and some
immatures, we had about 8 pairs of ospreys with young. Most of the
young along the river have not fledged yet and were still in the nests.
We saw at least two sets that had fledged but were staying close to the
nests sites. We also encountered a rookery that housed about 4 great
blue heron nests and one osprey nest all in the same tree. All three
nests were full with two or more chicks....large chicks. While we were
watching, one of the adults flew in and began feeding one of the gbh
chicks. It was something to watch and we all enjoyed seeing nature in
action.
We saw several encounters with bald eagles chasing immatures and osprey
invading their areas. The group had sightings of prothonetary warblers,
kingfishers, swallows of several kinds, mockingbirds, egrets, kingbirds,
cormorants. cardinals, robins, and had a hawk circling at the ramp when
we returned.
All in all, it was a great trip and great to meet some of the fellow
list members.
Pictures start at: http://fynefoto.phanfare.com/5979835#imageID=191275158
I have only done a few....but the ones I liked the most. Should have
more later.
Barbara Houston
New Kent, VA
