The end?

 I knew this day was coming….I went to check on our little friend yesterday morning at 7:15 and found her perched in one of her favorite trees, looking so lovely in the soft early morning light. I took some photos and promised to be back in a few hours. I had to get to the pottery studio to glaze pots for a wood firing this week. Three hours later I came back, and found no ospreys. Sigh. I figured she might have gone for some practice on her water starts, and I had to get home for the repairman who stood me up three times previously! I came back this morning to meet up with Carol, who has monitored this nest, and about five others, for over 10 years. Sadly, we found no ospreys. But we waited, and it’s always fun to catch up with long time volunteers, to reminisce about ospreys we have known and loved, to chat about behaviors, and her beginnings as a volunteer on this project all those years ago. We drove around the area looking for other nests and got a coffee and returned to the nest. Still empty. The area was so quiet, just the rustling of dry leaves and the whistling of the winds. We were there for 5 hours and no ospreys were seen or heard. It’s a bit surprising since we have strong southerly winds, which are supposed to shift on Monday. I believe my sweet friend and her dad, have departed. I have been so lucky to be able to spend so much time with her over the last few weeks, and I won’t pretend that I am not sad….there is grief at this time of year. I have treasured every single minute. I also feel a huge amount of gratitude for all I have experienced, and learned from these magnificent birds. They give so much in their magical ways….nothing I can explain, but I know that Carol understands! Thanks for all the years of support Carol!