During the five months of my birding activity and my excellent Field Biology class I have had many great sightings and encounters. My family and I have seen 132 species of birds, 17 species of Mammal, 8 species of Reptiles and lots of other critters. We have seen once in a lifetime things and explored our area of the world . Our favorite critters have become a pair of Osprey that nest about 15 minutes from our house on the Sacramento River. We have observed them building there nest, fishing for one another, watching the sunset together and finally hatching chicks. From a scientific point of view, I was looking forward to seeing the birds learn to fly and hunt. From a more emotional point of view, we had all become very close to Opie and Annie.
Today I was observing a large Beaver family and wanted to check on my birds before I headed home. I was horrified to find Opie and Annie perched in there snag, staring at the empty space where the branch that held the nest and there babies. The nest they had built ever so carefully was gone. The sun was setting on the river as many days before. I have observed them facing the sunset, perched on opposite branches. Today, they were on there branches at sunset but facing the other way, directly towards the branch that was not there.
To any of the great people who use this site, let me tell you I saw something I did not understand fully. These birds were devastated by this loss and it was in plain sight. This revealed a level of feeling I did not know existed in a bird. They were mourning and we are too! I took a solitary, sad picture and called my wife and kids to tell them. We are sad, but this is a humble reminder about the balance of nature and the true emotional connection you can have with animals. our hearts go out to Opie and Annie!!!
