Meet Orville the Osprey Who is Driving Me Mad!
By DianneN
@DianneN (247184)
United States
December 11, 2017 7:49pm CST
Most of you know how much I love my children, grandchildren, and my friends. I love animals, too. I even love Orville the Osprey, a raptor, who befriended me here in South Florida where my husband and I winter for four months.
Our friend, Alex, lives here full time. He's an animal lover, too. He told me a few stories about Orville.
While Alex was fishing at high tide, Orville swooped down and took the fish Alex had just caught while it was still on the line! Alex told Orville that he must let go. He did!
We have many Pelicans here. Orville suddenly saw one he didn't want in his territory and killed him three weeks ago. This was the second time Alex saw this happen.
Orville and Mrs. Orville had two babies this year. They both can be seen teaching the babies to fish. The last five days, Orville screamed at them from one of our palm trees. Trust me. I have heard. Then he goes out over the water to supervise them, yapping and directing constantly. It's a madhouse, but I can't have enough!!!
I managed to get a photo of Orville today that is pretty clear. All I have to do is call him and he comes to me. I'm still amazed.
34 people like this
36 responses
@allknowing (137959)
• India
12 Dec 17
This is perfect companionship not heard of often and that too a bird that is not trained. Hats off to you. It is those vibes that bring him to you.
That is a great photo.
9 people like this
Orville really does rule the roost.
@DianneN (247184)
• United States
12 Dec 17
@Courtlynn Yeah, right! lol It's the teacher in me writing.
1 person likes this
@infatuatedbby (94914)
• United States
13 Dec 17
Wow what a great shot of Orville. Congrats to him and his wife on the two babies. I hope no more screaming (well at least not in the early morning?) :)
2 people like this
@infatuatedbby (94914)
• United States
14 Dec 17
@DianneN Hehe just not at like 4AM though right! Heheh. Do you see Mrs. Orville often too?
1 person likes this
@DianneN (247184)
• United States
15 Dec 17
@infatuatedbby Right! Ha ha! I've only seen Mrs. Orville up close once. Orville introduced her to me at my window as a goodbye our 3rd season here. When she fishes or teaches her young to fish, I never know who is who. Usually she sits in her nest. lol
1 person likes this
@JamesHxstatic (29413)
• Eugene, Oregon
12 Dec 17
That is incredible behavior for an Osprey or any Raptor. I suppose that the pelicans compete with this "fish hawk, so he wants ot thin them out. Nature is not a peaceful place really.
3 people like this
@JohnRoberts (109846)
• Los Angeles, California
12 Dec 17
Orville must have a crush on you.
3 people like this
@lovinangelsinstead21 (36850)
• Pamplona, Spain
14 Dec 17
What a wonderful thing to happen and for you to witness also.
Orville would be my best friend forever and I told you he would survive did I not?
Survive and with another two future "Orvilles" in this world.
Plenty of stories to come out of that one.
1 person likes this
@lovinangelsinstead21 (36850)
• Pamplona, Spain
15 Dec 17
@DianneN
Is that the photo you took?
Its fantastic it really is.
He is a handsome fellow to be sure.
1 person likes this
@DianneN (247184)
• United States
13 Dec 17
@jaboUK That's what they say. Some live a lot longer. My husband and I have been watching and listening to him just a little while ago. Actually, he's still on his palm screeching and whistling to his boys. We were saying how much we enjoy him and hope he lives for many, many more years. He is such a character. Soon he will catch a fish and return to his nest for the night.
Are you still in Spain???
1 person likes this
@FayeHazel (40243)
• United States
12 Dec 17
Wow, a majestic, but naughty bird. He's partially tame :-)
1 person likes this
@DianneN (247184)
• United States
14 Dec 17
@FayeHazel I had no idea until someone told me when we first came down.
1 person likes this
@FayeHazel (40243)
• United States
13 Dec 17
@DianneN He's a stunner -- I had no clue what an osprey was like before
1 person likes this
