[obol] unusual osprey behavior

[Romain Cooper]

Hello obolers,

Christie and I observed an OSPREY on Lake Selmac, Illinois Valley, 
Josephine Co. on October 7th, sunday a week ago.

The bird's behavior was new to me (though may not actually be 
unusual).  I first very briefly saw the bird on the water and did a 
double-take (is this a gull?) as the bird appeared to be floating on 
the surface.  The bird then flew up and circled and then dove down 
toward the water surface.  I thought it was fishing but when it hit 
the surface, it lingered in the water and actually started walking 
around.  I assume the water was shallow because the bird appeared to 
be moving around propelled by legs?  Then the Osprey spread out its 
wings and submerged them in the lake water.  A Great Blue Heron waded 
toward the Osprey (making loud croaks) and the Osprey flew up.

The Osprey was very wet and shook water off its wings in flight.  The 
Osprey then repeated the above sequence - flying low over the water, 
diving in, wading around, wetting a good bit of its body and wings 
and then flying off to a perch.  The GBHE harassed the Osprey this 
time as well.

I suppose the Osprey was bathing? but hadn't seen one doing this before.

Romain Cooper

Siskiyou Biological Services LLC
Romain Cooper
10398 Takilma Road
Cave Junction, OR 97523
541-592-2311