Osprey Love 2012

Not only did I find two Ospreys (endandered in Illinois) at Tri-County State Park today, but I happened to see them mate. 

Last year I observed a pair in the same location, but the male had to be euthanized after a serious injury during a storm.  Perhaps this is the same female as last year, but with new mate.

Ospreys are also known by common names such as sea hawks, fish eagles, or fish hawks.  They are unique raptors on account of their diet of live fish and ability to dive into water to catch them.  As they hunt, they dive with their talons stretched forward.           

This pair of Ospreys built their nest on a powerline pole.  Manmade structures, such as telephone poles, channel markers, duck blinds, and nest platforms have helped to reestablish Ospreys in areas where they had disappeared.  It is encouraging to see another nesting attempt at this site after last year's tragedy.

Prairie Smoke 2012

Prairie Smoke is a native forb of Illinois, named for the wispy plumes of the seeds.  It's one of the earliest plants to appear on the spring prairie.

Early Migrants 2012

Here's a collection of a few early spring migrants I saw at Tri-County State Park.  Starting from top left: Savanna Sparrow, Great Blue Heron, Red-winged Blackbird, Tree Swallow, Osprey, Barn Swallow, Swamp Sparrow, Orange-crowned Warbler.