Lane Cove River Birds – 7 July 2020

After visiting some fungi sites, I made my way down the Lane Cove River to see the nesting pair of Osprey. On the way to the park where their nest is, I had to negotiate  a short section of cliff above the river. Here you need to place you feet in cut out steps and hold onto spikes. Its actually very easy to do, and you are just above the high tide level.

While I was doing this, one fo the Osprey flew past. I had my bird camera around my neck, but it is hard to hold onto spikes and take photos at the same time, so I missed the best shots.

As it was flying upstream, I turned around and went back up to a site whee you can get a good view over a section of the river. I waited here to see if the Osprey would fly past, or be   fishing nearby. On the far side of the river was a Pied Cormorant –

Then, the Osprey did fly past. It must have bene perched downstream. Again it was too fast for good shots –

Then I noticed the Cormorant had caught a good sized fish. Then a struggle ensured. Not between the fish trying to escape from the cormorant – but the cormorant trying to swallow the fish.

The cormorant took the fish under the water to get a better grip and to move it into abetter position. They have to swallow them head first.

The cormorant looked rather pleased with itself when it eventually climbed out onto a perch.

I then wade my way back downstream and soon arrived at the Osprey nest. the second Osprey was sitting on the nest.

I was ready to watch it for a while. At one point is suddenly flew off upstream. Was it going fishing? No, it soon returned with a small stick to add to the nest. From its neck colouring, I think this one is the female.

Then all of a sudden the male bird appeared. It landed on the nest, and may have tried to mate with the female. I could not see what was going on. But it was clear it had not retrained with a fish for the female.

The male then perched on one of the corner of the lights.

Then the female started making a whining noise. I think it may have been complaining about the lack of food. After doing this for a few minutes, it took-off. It them made large circuit of the sporting field.

It headed off upstream. Perhaps it was going to catch its one fish? The male stayed perched where it was.

I waited for while to see if the female would return with a fish. But I could not wait forever.  Just as I was leaving the field, it did return, and with no fish.

This had been almost interesting day.