I Spy Yellow Eyes on SPI

By the time you are reading this, I will hopefully be back home from our southern migration. I guess technically I should refer to it as completing our northern migration. This year has been a bit chaotic on the birding front. Our January trip to Arizona netted me over 23 new lifers, but at a cost. Not being in Texas put me over 100 bird species behind for the year – shows you just how good birding is in Texas! We made a quick decision to right the ship and head back to our favorite wintering destination. There are still a lot of misses on the checklist, but did manage to claw back a lot of that deficit bringing me to the exact same point as last year with 272 species for the young 2024 Even managed to pull out three new lifers with one being a first time ever recorded in the US – going to make you wait until those get posted to reveal those gems. To be honest, our timing was not ideal. Probably a week or so early on the birds reaching South Padre Island. High Island was completely dead beyond the rookery residents (guessing 10-14 days early on that location as well). No complaints as there is now plenty of fodder to carry us well into next year (who am I kidding, with my backlog, probably inching into 2026 ha).

One thing that continues to bring a smile is how awesome the Texas birders are (including our fellow winter Texans). Always willing to help get you on a bird, give advice on other hotspots or answer any questions. Proud to say we reacquainted with existing birding friends and made a lot of new ones on this trip. On the downside, I also had three of the most inconsiderate people encounters we have had in a long time (non-birders of course). I can’t tell if this is just isolated cases, the state of the media stoked polarized country or the after-effects of the pandemic, but wow. Intrigued was actually founded as a means to document my human observations and these will definitely get their day in ink – likely on the mothership where the non-wildlife entries are anchored. I may not have yellow eyes like today’s featured feathered friend, but I can assure you my eyes are on constant scan.

Osprey found at the South Padre Island Convention Center Flats on January 2023

Hit the jump to read more about this equally observant bird of prey.

I was thinking about those three “human” encounters as I was searching through the galleries looking for a good topic. Came across this Osprey series – the first shot in particular and immediately decided – yep, that’s the one. Suspect that same look was replicated on my face as I watched those rude encounters play out – especially the one where the individual decided to come at me while threatening me. You are either ignorant or overly confident if you choose to do that to somebody – ESPECIALLY in Texas. Ironically, that would be the same assessment for any bird that would dare to come close to this Osprey with dinner in claw.

Osprey found at the South Padre Island Convention Center Flats on January 2023

One thing for sure, nothing was going to sneak up on this particular specimen. For 20 minutes I stood a safe distance away observing and snapping this killing machine. The fascinating part was it didn’t make any motions to fly off or consume the catch. It literally stood there for nearly the entire time just looking left, right, behind, front an up, almost daring some fellow sand flat visitor to challenge it. This included occasional glances in my direction while wiggling its talons just in case my welcome was overplayed.

Osprey found at the South Padre Island Convention Center Flats on January 2023

Near the end of the 20 minutes or so, the Osprey walked over to a nearby tide puddle. Maybe the fish needed a washing or possibly a clever way to hide its prize from another Osprey that was calling some distance behind me. Looked back thinking mate, but that other specimen made just a few calls and eventually circled well beyond us and then lost contact. Turning back, noticed a Dunlin come into the frame. This did not go unnoticed by the Osprey who proceeded to raise its head feathers up and sternly proclaiming “You, yes you droopy billed varmint, you want some of this (again wiggling its talons) – I’ll make you dessert!” Well, that is what I took from its rather curt whistle.

Osprey found at the South Padre Island Convention Center Flats on January 2023

To its credit, the Dunlin really didn’t react to the shot across the bow and just kept “sewing” the sand. Miffed at the clear lack of respect for its AUTHORITAAAY, the Osprey decided to take flight. The change in light conditions caught me off-guard and I had to bring this shot back in the digital darkroom – really liked the pose as you could see those wicked sharp weapons on the right leg as it deftly kept hold of its prize while maintaining a watchful eye on the skies.

Osprey found at the South Padre Island Convention Center Flats on January 2023

I should note, this series was taken on the South Padre Island conventions center flats in January 2023. This recent visit to the flats were not as productive as the tide was pretty high. For those familiar with the flats, there was probably only 100 yards of visible sand out from the entrance. The expected Gulls, Peeps, Black Skimmers, Sanderlings, Turnstones and Dowitchers were hanging out, but none of prized Plovers that were there in 2023 (Semipalmated, Snowy, Piping etc.). Still one of the best places to be with the one you love, enjoy a beverage and watch a beautiful sunset to cap another incredible day.

Found this extra picture in the gallery and decided to throw it in as well. This one was taken at the Aplomado Falcon Viewing Platform near Laguna Vista – a few miles up from SPI on the mainland. Another Osprey with a fine catch. Just in case you might not be aware, as a general rule, Ospreys carry their catches parallel to their bodies contrasted with Bald Eagles that carry theirs perpendicular to the body. Always a good tip when trying to distinguish the two from a distance.

Osprey found at the South Padre Island Convention Center Flats on January 2023

Will put a bow on it there. Almost home now and we are both pretty exhausted from the long travel days. Enjoy the eclipse tomorrow if you happen to be in an area where it is visible – Brad is heading to a more southern viewing area and can’t wait to hear his account. Stay tuned for those lifers and likely those human behavior stories.

43 thoughts on “I Spy Yellow Eyes on SPI”

    1. I know, I know, I feel like I am in a photography hole and I keep falling further and further behind. To my credit, I have been trying to jump the field outing order to give you some fresher stuff. I have to laugh as Brad is starting to fall down this same hole now with all the trips he has been taking.

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  4. Great photos. They will get any dinner available. I’ve seen them with gophers in Corrales. Bruce got a photo of one with a fish at Tingly beach in Albuquerque.

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    1. Interesting, I have only seen them with fins in their talons – now I need to be on the lookout. I do know the Eagles in our area are starting to forgo the northern migration and just hang around here and live off the fields – there is actually a pair that is nesting in the state park a mile from us – we see them fly over occasionally looking for Poodles, oops, I mean Squirrels.

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      1. We have a few Bald Eagles that commute up and down the Rio Grande and nest in cliffs on an pueblo that I don’t have access to. It’s amazing the size of critters eagles can take down. Although I read eagles won’t mess with Great Horned Owls.

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        1. Yep, GHO are not friendly to Eagles at all and the number one predator of our local Eagle population. They are much stronger and their uplift in their wings is far superior – people worry about the Eagles carting their small pets off, but in reality it is the Owls that are the biggest threat….and Owls are wiser ha.

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          1. As far as birdie IQs go, GHOs are said not to be the brightest. But they are brilliant at surviving. If there were as smart as African Grays, GHOs would rule the world.

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  5. Wow, I really enjoyed these photos of the fierce and successful osprey, Brian. Really lovely photos, especially that last one. I made a trip to High Island about a decade ago and we didn’t have good birds or a good time; it can be tricky there, unpredictable fallouts. Didn’t know about the eagle/osprey differences of carrying prey, thank you.

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    1. Thank you Jet, always fun to look into the eyes of a bird of prey! Glad I could provide a new insight into this species for you. You are right about High Island, the only thing we have decided that is predictable there is hordes of Mosquitoes. I hear if you hit the migration right it is incredible being the highest treed setting in that area, but outside of that – dead. Couple of years ago stopped in there in January – Mosquitoes, no birds. We were likely a week or maybe a 1.5 weeks away from the birds hitting land this year and although the rookery was pretty cool no Warblers and 3 times the Mosquitoes. Pretty sure next year we will go back to Dauphin Island the the migration instead – far less Mosquitoes and plenty of other birds if we do not hit the timing just perfect. We shall see. Thanks so much for dropping in and sharing your experience as well.

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    1. Hahaha, I didn’t notice much of a native Texan twang on this specific specimen, but it did pop on a cowboy hat and hook spurs to its feet before taking off! Probably just one of us Winter Texans just trying to fit in. Take care and thanks for dropping in Donna.

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    1. I have to agree with the memories statement – time does make the good times that more special and unfortunately time to dwell on the bad encounters just makes them worse. Quite possible a young whipper snapper showing off its new set of feet razors. I sure didn’t look like it was trying to get back to anyone waiting impatiently in the nest, that’s for sure. As always, appreciate the drop in Jerry.

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  8. Very intense eyes! Isn’t it instinctual to non-birders that anyone capable of carrying The Beast is very likely capable of whipping their hind end until they are lunch for an osprey? Good tip on prey in talons. I thought the osprey was just taking its fish friend for a ride in the sky, and holding on very tightly so it wouldn’t fall. Eclipse photos forthcoming.

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    1. Something tells me the comfort of the fish wasn’t priority on this specimen’s mind ha. I just don’t get some people. Most of my life (when not running, working out or training) is spent just innocently hanging out somewhere enjoying nature or watching the world go by and yet idiot after idiot feels compelled to interrupt that peace thinking I’m an easy target. Eh, thinking it is probably the emotionally polarized times we are living in now. Looking forward to the Totality post.

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  9. Outstanding images and commentary on one of my absolute favorite birds. Growing up in Florida, Ospreys were my common fishing companions. They usually watched me for awhile, snickered (yes, you know they can do that), and then splashed within about a foot from the boat and came up with nice Speckled Trout. “See? THAT’S how it’s done. Silly human.”

    Sorry to hear about your negative humanoid encounter. It’s just another reason Gini and I love the swamps.

    That last image of the Fish Hawk with a nice Redfish has me planning a dinner of hush puppies, rice and tomato gravy. Now, if I can just get an Osprey to show me where the fish are hiding …

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    1. Thank you Wally, I can definitely see why these creatures are one of your favorites. Strangely enough, I have only seen them “plunge” hunting once in my life and that was down at my parent’s condo in Fort Myers (some backwater/estuary behind a Holiday Inn there). A few were popping into those waters there and absolutely amazing seeing them propel their way back in the air afterwards. Luckily, I wasn’t fishing so they weren’t trying to show me up ha. Honestly, the way things are going as of late, I’d probably have a good chance of getting harassed in a swamp. Something is emboldening idiots these days and would love to know the source of that (I have ideas). It passed without contact as they say so life goes on. Any chance you have room for extra plates at the table?!?!? Linda is a hush puppy connoisseur and I just appreciate anyone who’ll make me dinner with our without Osprey assistance hehehehe. Thanks for coming by Wally and giving a good laugh for the day.

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    1. I think you will enjoy it – we can’t wait to get back, although going later in the year on our recent trip meant we had to deal with the mosquitoes … yes, everything is bigger in Texas ha. Thanks for dropping in Sandra.

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  11. Great photos of the osprey, Brian. I’m always to watch them resurface from their dive with the fish pointed in the right direction. How do they do this?

    I hope you have been able to catch up on lost sleep and get settled in again back at home.

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    1. Finally getting over the trip(s) fatigue. We didn’t give ourselves much time between the Arizona and the Texas trips so it seemed to really hit us on the final trek home. A week in St. Louis for the Poodle Nationals Agility Competition and then a few days in Springfield, IL for the Canine Performance Nationals and then finally a stretch of rest at home … of course that also means the final training for the ultras that start then so maybe no rest for the wicked ha. Take care! Oh, and I have no idea how they get that orientation right at first grab .. clearly more fieldwork needed hehehe.

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        1. Better than being bored I guess – I’ll get plenty of rest after the first ultra of the year in July..until then just have to push through. and make sure I don’t get injured again.

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  13. That photo of the Osprey with his ‘surprise hair’ checking out the Dunlin is priceless! I have wondered, as I sit still taking multiple photos of a raptor, if they can hear me breathing, or, certainly, hear the camera clicking, although I’m easily 60-100 feet away. I think their hearing is just that acute.

    Sorry you missed the peak at High Island – I might try it there next week. Dauphin Island was also not very birdy. I know the weather and prevailing winds have a lot to do with the concentration of migratory birds, so maybe this is just one of those “quiet” years.

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    1. Thank you Sam – saw that in the digital darkroom and immediately thought it was a keeper. I have to agree with you on their hearing, I think you are right they are probably trying to figure out the source of that clicking. I also think there eyesight is so good they can see themselves reflected in the glass and that gets them a bit startled as well. I definitely know Robins, Cardinals and House Sparrows can as my glass has been attacked several times in the field – they aren’t the brightest crayons in the animal box hehehe. Sorry to hear about Dauphin, we have been very lucky the last two times we were there – usually hit it about the 3rd week in April, but as you know timing is everything with the migration. We lucked out in that both times we went there were storms leading up to our arrival which produced nice fallouts – hard on the birds, but good for us photographers! Jury is still out on the migration strength, but as of now, nothing has made its way up here (middle of IL) so it may just be a delayed start. Fingers crossed as I need to get checks on a lot of birds I was expecting to get at High Island!

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