April 28, 2010
Many bird species are monogamous which means they remain together for the duration of the breeding season and sometimes for life. During the breeding season, their sexual organs undergo a huge transformation in size which results in behavioural changes.
The osprey courtship is riveting with the male and female vocalizing and performing flight displays. The male will often present the female with a tasty fish.
One osprey-loving Inglewood resident has been keeping a keen eye on the nest this week. Here are her observations:
"I SPY WITH MY LITTLE EYE (and the help of binoculars!).... The male osprey arrived late last week, followed by the female Sunday afternoon. That's when I heard and saw the pair circling around our neighbourhood. Then they disappeared for two days..... HMMM! I just saw them trying to mount on the big tower, followed by stick carrying to the platform, and now what may be more "pair bonding"!! It is great to see them again --year 15 at this site!"
Lisa McDonald is the Calgary Zoo's Visitor Education Specialist.
April 20, 2010
Each fall, millions of Canadian birds migrate to over-wintering grounds to the south.
Migration is an instinctive behaviour, and each species follows a flight path to its destination. Last September, our ospreys began their journey which would take them as far south as Chile or Argentina. They generally return to Calgary to begin nesting in the third week in April.
Once they hatch a hungry brood, the lengthening days and warmer weather will allow them to find ample food for their young. Migration is not without hazards as birds may encounter changes in habitat or other hazards at the rest stops along their route. With luck though, our ospreys will return to Calgary and nest again.
Lisa McDonald is the Calgary Zoo's Visitor Education Specialist. At the moment she's watching the nest to see when the osprey return!