Earlier in the day, I had visited Ferndale Park at Chatswood. After that walked down the track towards the Lane Cove River. On the way I stopped at a picnic area for lunch. Not far after that, I was following the track down the river heading towards sporting field. Last year, I had observed a pair of Ospreys nesting there. I had heard that they were back and had rebuilt their nest. So it was time to check them out.
When I reached the sporting field, I looked up and could see their nest on top of the same lights that they had used last year. Looking carefully, I could see one bird was at the nest.
I watched it for a while, then a Raven swooped down at the nest, and landed on one of the lights. The Osprey then flew after the Raven. It didn’t look too happy.
Then a second Raven appeared. The poor Osprey flew after them. It was bigger but they were far more manoeuvrable.
After chasing the Ravens away, the Osprey returned to the nest,
But the peace did not last long. One of the Ravens was back and was being pesky.
And then the second Raven appeared.
The Osprey returned to her nest, but was soon back in the air.
Another return to the nest, and then another Raven.
Peace for a while? Not a long while.
The Osprey went back to the nest, and the Raven came back.
This happened again.
This time the Osprey flew after both Ravens and they all disappeared out of the area. I waited for half and hour or so – but no birds returned.
I hope the Ospreys fair better in the future.
Hi David my name is Genio I have been following the same pair of Ospreys for a while it seems that they have abandoned the nest for good and moved on .I think maybe one of the reasons is as I witnessed on many a occasion Ravens magpies and kookaburras attacking and tormenting the Ospreys not giving them any piece as your great photos show that other river polluted and new lights at the field as night becomes day .Im very disappointed to see them go I hope one day they come back I really miss them I got to know the president of the kayaking club he’s got the guys to keep an eye out for the Ospreys if they’re still somewhere along the river system .
Hi Genio,
I saw the ospreys return to the site a couple of months ago and they are starting to add more material to their nest. Can you tell me how long you have been watching the Ospreys and how long they have been using the light tower?
Thanks
Simon
Ospreys are back in the nest and have chicks hatched now. I was observing them last Tuesday morning. One osprey was close to the nest, and the second was catching fish and bringing them to feed chicks.
Thanks for that update. That is good news.
Hi there, I am a volunteer wildlife carer and was called to a rescue last for an osprey entangled in fishing line dangling from their lofty nest on the light tower. It soon fell to the ground (still entangled) and awkwardly then flew off before I could arrive. Only a matter of 30 mins. The nest is active and today after much searching no injured bird was sighted. We are all still looking and would love to know if anyone sights both adult birds. In the meantime, we will keep looking. Any news would be gratefully received or even a call to Sydney Wildlife Rescue on 02 94134300.
Thanks for the blog and photos!