[va-richmond-general] Osprey.....Colony? Floodwall, City of Richmond (4/3/12)
- From: Ellison Orcutt <mr.ellyo@xxxxxxxxx>
- To: Richmond Audubon Society mailing list <va-richmond-general@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>, va-bird@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
- Date: Wed, 4 Apr 2012 21:49:25 -0400
Hi Birders,
A day late on the post.
I visited the Floodwall in Richmond Tuesday afternoon and observed an
impressive congregation of Ospreys. By the best of my ability to keep
track of all the birds, I carefully counted 12 birds! I watched 6 birds in
the air together feeding in the same section of the river. Not only that,
I observed 5 birds sitting on nests! As In 5 different birds sitting on 5
different nests. On the abandoned railroad tresels there were 4 nests
spaced from one side of the river to the other and a fifth nest on top the
high tension wire tower. I have read about Ospreys nesting in close
quarters when conditions are excellent but certainly this would be a
remarkable thing for the city limits of a major city (and a great sign for
the James!). Not only that, I certainly could not say that there isn't
other nests. I could only view one small section of the river, and much of
the river downstream is obstructed from view. Also, longer period of
observation would be needed to see if a couple of those nest may be birds
doing a practice run. None the less there were 5 birds sitting low on 5
different organized arrangements of sticks within one small section of
river.
Also of note. There has been a flock of approximately 40 Bonaparte's Gulls
feeding in the flatwater off of Brown's Island the last few days ( I did
not check today). Arun Bose first told me about these birds on Sunday.
They seem to maintain the same behavior of moving upstream as night sets
in.
Also, upwards of 350 Double-crested Cormorants, a fly by Bald Eagle, and
the heron rookery is rocking.
While I'm at it I must encourage people to bird Richmond's system of parks
along the James. The parks set up brilliantly for a birder, access points
everywhere. It's quite remarkable what's taking place with birdlife in the
back drop of a city skyline. The heron rookery, the nesting Ospreys,
Eagles, Peregrines and so much more. Thanks to everyone that's had a hand
in bringing this river back from a sad place. And most of all, thanks to
the River. You are magic. Keep on flowing.
Happy spring everyone,
Ellison
Ellison Orcutt
Richmond, Va
(804) 339-6976
Mr.EllyO@xxxxxxxxx
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- » [va-richmond-general] Osprey.....Colony? Floodwall, City of Richmond (4/3/12) - Ellison Orcutt
