Action at Wellband Creek Park

[nickinthegarden]

This morning I got down to Wellband Creek Park a little later than normal with the plan to test out some different settings on my camera. I spotted an Osprey hovering over one of the ponds checking out the fish. I had seen them do that earlier in the week in the same place. I hurried over just in time to see the Osprey flying with a large fish in its talons.

A Action at Wellband by Nick, on Flickr

As it approached the south pond I became aware that crows were harassing Bald Eagles, maybe someone's nest got raided. I think there was more than one Bald Eagle I am not sure as the action was happening so fast it was hard to keep track.

B Action at Wellband by Nick, on Flickr

As the Osprey approached the Bald Eagle went after the Osprey who dropped the fish.

C Action at Wellband by Nick, on Flickr


The Bald Eagle tried to get the fish and even went into a somewhat dive to get the fish but I do not think it got it.


D Action at Wellband by Nick, on Flickr

In the midst of all the excitement I ran into Gord and Randy who were birding the south pond.

[Randy]

Great series! This was quite a spectacle to see and it was all unfolding less than 50m from us at times.

Gord and I were surprised to see 3 ospreys there today.

Another highlight was 4 blue-winged teal on the south pond.

[KevinC]

Blue-winged teal were still there in the afternoon - lifers for me! They were so far away that it took me quite a while to decide what they actually were, since I like to be 200% sure with lifers
Glad to see this post though, as it confirms my identification, thank you!

[neal]

Great find and photos!!

[gabi]

Great series of photos Nick - must have been thrilling to witness. The Osprey are entertaining to watch. I was at Willband this evening and spotted 3 Ruddy ducks - that was a surprise and sadly no Blue-winged Teal...

[canadianwarbler]

A really amazing series of images, looks promising for the BCFO weekend visit.
John Gordon