Fairhope, Alabama
Fly Creek osprey nest recently. |
END OF SEA CLIFF DRIVE
The two ospreys that have taken up residence in the pole nest in the city park at the mouth of Fly Creek installed by the city two years ago appear to be trying to start a family (video below).
Osprey mating habits from online sources: "Breeding months range from January through May. Osprey pairs are
generally monogamous and often mate for life. The male selects a nesting
site in a dead tree, on a cliff, or on a man-made structure in or near
the water. The pair collects sticks and other nesting materials
together, but the female generally arranges the nest, which is large and
bulky. Pairs will often use the same nest in following years. The
female lays between two to four eggs over several days, then the male
and female both incubate the eggs. Chicks that hatch first generally do
better than those that hatch later, as they compete for food. The chicks
learn to fly after about two months. They remain in the nest for
another two months, receiving food and protection from their parents and
learning to fish."
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