You might be in for a treat while visiting the Brighton millpond this summer. Ospreys have nested atop a cell phone tower a half-mile from the pond. Don’t worry. They won’t dine on millpond ducks, but they might compete with the pond’s fishermen. Read more about these large hawks at Wikipedia and the Cornell Lab of Ornithology.
The State and dedicated volunteers have been rebuilding the Osprey population for many years. Young birds have been hacked out at Kensington Metro Park, only seven miles east of here. These Brighton birds are probably youngsters from there. Phone crews have helped by climbing up the 200′ tall cell towers and banding chicks when they are born.
Joyce, owner of the Wildernest store for nature lovers, has set up a powerful telescope in her shop and you are welcome to walk in and have a look at their nest. You might see them bringing twigs to further their construction of it or watch them feed their chicks. There aren’t any chicks yet and they might not have any. They nested there in 2011 and no young were born. Whether they breed or not, they have to eat so you might see them hover over the pond and then swoop down to pull a millpond carp out of the water with their sharp talons. If you see that happen, you’ll never forget it!
This, without question, is a serious hunter. Look at those piercing eyes and deadly talons! Again, thanks for the reference. What a sight to see this beauty in flight!
Wow! I love to see these birds soar and hunt over the Perkiomen Creek. Enjoy, Doug!
fantastic photos doug, the birds and the light just right!