Nesting Diaries
9:55AM - I was surprised to see an Osprey at the nest site (top of cell tower) as I drove by on I-64. So, I turned around and drove back. From the cemetery, I checked with binoculars and saw two Ospreys on top of the cell tower together. When I went to take a photo, one Osprey flew off; so the photo (posted here) shows the one that remained.
48°F, overcast and starting to rain. Although it's chilly today, temperatures recorded two days ago at Norfolk International Airport reached at least 80 degrees and broke the all-time record for Feb. 23, according to the National Weather Service. https://www.pilotonline.com/weather/vp-nw-record-heat-cold-20230223-wpawtccgwnaz5p7vrc6ysff6ii-story.html
Also, this was our third consecutive week with temps in the 70s. Dogwood, cherry trees and daffodils are blooming. Sunday I saw Dismal Swamp Red cockaded Woodpeckers copulating and three species of butterflies. Heard Spring Peepers and Leopard Frogs too.
One of the few remaining occupied nests in Norfolk; located between two major freeways. Adults routinely transect Chambers Field flight path en route to Mason Creek. Adult and nestling observed. A clearly urbanized family.
Striking (jet black/white) adult perched above nest facing north. Only one nestling visible.
One nestling observed in nest. Adult on edge of nest.
Saw a bird in the nest in March, today saw two. One was definitely an adult, the other was behind the first and not clearly identifiable from ground observation.