Boulders Nest

As the western Oregon spring days alternate between the warmth of summer and the chill of winter, we have eagerly anticipated the return of the Ospreys to the nests here in Eugene along the Oregon’s Willamette River between the Greenway and Owosso bridges.

In the 2024 Osprey Pre-Season article, I recapped the highlights from the 2020 through 2023 seasons, noting the range of behaviors from fishing and raising their young (usually three nestlings) to aggressive interactions with Bald Eagles and Turkey Vultures. I noted the remarkable regularity of their arrival dates between March 15 and 20.

The first time I spotted an Osprey near the Boulders nest platform this season was on April 1, and the next morning, an osprey was in the nest. The photo above is from the afternoon of April 2, when the light was favorable.

In 2023, the male and female were in the Boulders nest together on March 21. The late arrival was causing me to worry.

After much anticipation, I was delighted and relieved to see both Ospreys in the Boulders nest on April 4. Ospreys are known for using the same nest site year after year (nest fidelity), so it is likely this is the same pair that raised three hatchlings here last year.

I had turned around to leave after capturing the above photo when I heard one of the Ospreys calling. I turned back to see the male flying up to mate with the female, who will probably begin laying eggs shortly.

Owosso Nest

The Owosso nest platform is about one mile downstream from the Boulders nest. After being relocated, it hadn’t been used for several years. Last season, a pair of Ospreys raised one hatchling there, and we hope they return this season.

On March 23, we spotted an Osprey hovering over the Willamette River near the Owosso nest. A few moments later, we spotted the same individual perched in a tall snag close to the nest. This was the first Osprey we had seen this season, and we were excited to think this nest would be occupied earlier than last year.

Our hopes were further raised when we spotted an Osprey (the same one?) perched in the same spot the following morning (see photo above). However, we haven’t seen one there since, so we have concluded it was probably passing through on migration to a nest site farther north.

When will the Owosso Ospreys arrive and will they be successful in fledging nestlings again this summer?

Witnessing these remarkable Ospreys’ annual return to the same nests over the years demonstrates nature’s intricate connections. It also reminds us of the value of looking at the world with a sense of curiosity. I look forward to what this season of observations will reveal.