Opportunists

 Assholes. Steal the ospreys fish, steal the ospreys nest. Opportunists.

I will add a few thoughts here….its interesting that raptors adapt as populations increase. Eagles are typically thought of as “sub canopy” nesters, meaning below the very top of a tree. I am sure many of you have seen their large nests in cottonwood trees, protected by the tree canopy. Ospreys are considered to be “super canopy” nesters, meaning above the tree canopy. They like to be out in the open, in the highest spot. But as populations of both of these birds increase we are seeing some changes as they adapt to living in more populated areas. Tho it’s not that common for an eagle to take over an ospreys nest, it does happen. Osprey nests are also smaller than a typical eagle nest. The nest in this photo is not very big. We also see Great Horned Owls take over Osprey nests, but that is normal for that species. GHOs don’t build their own nests….but eagles usually do. And now, even geese will take an osprey or eagle nest! We have often seen Eagles build a nest NEAR  an osprey nest, and use the osprey nest as a feeding platform, but they haven’t actually laid eggs on the osprey nest. Both species are attracted to the same habitat, where fish are easily available. So these are interesting changes….and we are seeing increased conflicts between these two species as the populations grow. Time will tell if this is a successful strategy for eagles. Ospreys will not be able to dislodge these incubating eagles….as eagles can and do kill ospreys. I will be searching for a new osprey nest to pop up in the area.