Blue Cypress Lake - Peregrine Falcon vs Osprey

[Second Hand Pat]

Blue Cypress Lake is near Vero Florida and it is the most beautiful lake in the state (IMO). The lake is totally surrounded by large/old Cypress trees both growing on the shore and within the lake and the only way to explore the lake is by boat. A large population of Ospreys nest in the Cypress trees. Immature Peregrine Falcons hang about the during nest season and will grab a young osprey out of the nest of the parents are not paying attention.

First some photos of the lake...

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[Second Hand Pat]

So we cruise the lake looking for nesting or flying Ospreys. Sometimes the ospreys bring in nesting materials...

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[Second Hand Pat]

and then there are these guys...

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[Second Hand Pat]

and the osprey parents take exception to them hanging around...

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[Second Hand Pat]

and the falcon just move to a different spot...

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[Second Hand Pat]

and the Ospreys still manage to raise plenty of chicks...

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[brewmaster15]

Really nice series Pat. Now the only thing you need to do is find those Falcons Nests.

Al

[Second Hand Pat]

Really nice series Pat. Now the only thing you need to do is find those Falcons Nests.

Al

Thanks Al, as far as I know the Falcons do not nest in Florida, they only pass thru the state is my understanding.
Pat

[AquaticNerd]

Love the short story telling you gave with those images Pat - not to mention how great those pictures look. The baby/juvenile osprey picture is so cool!

[Second Hand Pat]

Love the short story telling you gave with those images Pat - not to mention how great those pictures look. The baby/juvenile osprey picture is so cool!

Thank you Jake, I think a little storytelling adds to the thread. In very last photo the osprey flying is a juvie. It's like he is taunting his nest mates to start practicing their flight skills.
Pat

[brewmaster15]

Thanks Al, as far as I know the Falcons do not nest in Florida, they only pass thru the state is my understanding.
Pat

Im really surprised by that. They nest on the dry tortugas so It seemed likely in Florida.Especially since the keys are such a huge peregrine fly through.

I would not be surprised with all the climate disturbances if you don't start seeing them nesting there eventually. Jacksonville city buildings would be a great location for them.

[Second Hand Pat]

Im really surprised by that. They nest on the dry tortugas so It seemed likely in Florida.Especially since the keys are such a huge peregrine fly through.

I would not be surprised with all the climate disturbances if you don't start seeing them nesting there eventually. Jacksonville city buildings would be a great location for them.

You could be right at some point Al. Guessing they like nesting in the old fort at the Dry Tortugas. I went there once in 2009 with Tom, Diana and Mike and it was awesome.
Pat

[LizStreithorst]

I don't know if I have ever seen a more beautiful spot. Fabulous pics, as always.