RAPTORS ENRAPTURED

This young couple nests at Cascade Crossing. Their nest is not old so we assume that they are youngish (osprey in the wild live 25-30 years). Or at least they are new to the 'hood.

Unlike the breeding pair we have watched for several years, these two observe courtship rituals with relish. Here is she, complaining of neglect ---

--- While he sits above, preening.

Eventually, he attends to her complaints --

--- And she flies back to the nest.

He carries home a tribute to her loveliness --

--- Settling gently, wing covering her.

Soon we should see chicks!