After visiting the Chatswood fungi area, I walked down to the Lane Cove River, then headed downstream, past the golf course and along the track to the sporting field near Epping Road. On the way, I was on the lookout for birds, but didn’t see or hear too many.
When I arrived at nest area, I spotted one Osprey siting in the nest. It looks pretty settled, and so I waited around to see if it would take-off or its mate would return, perhaps with a fish. While I waited I had my lunch. The weather was not the best – cool and overcast with the threat of rain. And poor photographic light.
I had to wait a fair while – about an hour. And then all of a sudden it took off and flew a short distance to a nearby light where it perched. I missed its flying with my camera.
I thought it would not stay on the light for too long, so was ready with my camera for its next move. This bird looked like the male of the pair.
I thought it may be taking off, but it was only the wind.
A bit more wind, but this time it did take-off
It flew towards the river then went upstream I think. I walked back up the river a bit, but could not see it. As it was quite cool and windy, I did not want to wait around too much longer, so started heading towards the bus stop. I photographed a Kookaburra on my way out –
And a second Kookaburra flew past –
Hi! David!
I am Maki, a novice birdwatcher. I often visit your blog to see your photos and to know where to go for birdwatching.
I am so glad that the Osprays are still there. When I visited the athletic field on 27 June, one Ospray (I didn’t see its spouse at that time) was chasing two Ravens away from their nest again and again. (You could have taken great photos if you had been there!) The Ravens were so brazen that they never stopped coming back to the nest. Finally one of the Ravens was successful of reaching the nest without its owner and started to eat something in the nest.
I haven’t visited Mowbray Park since. I was wondering if the pair would abandon the nest. I am releaved to know the Ospray couples are still there!
Yes – I have seen the Ravens harassing the Ospreys. I don’t know if they try and destroy Osprey eggs. I don’t think these Osprey’s had any chicks last season – from the same nest.