July 28, 2011
Osprey in Lemhi County, Idaho

Yesterday afternoon we stopped for some internet access in Salmon, Idaho, and noticed a man-made osprey nest nearby. We decided to spend the night because it was quiet and the internet connection was so fast. After dinner, I went out to photograph the osprey as they flew up and down the Lemhi River, and it was like shooting fish in a barrel. They'd go up and down the river following a mostly smooth trajectory, so it was easy to get lots of flight shots. I was surprised to see one adult fly right up to a dead tree and break off the tip of a branch to carry back to the nest. I thought the adults would be done with nest building because they already had two fledged young. Maybe they're preparing for a second brood.