Ospreys and Eastern Kingbirds

An Eastern Kingbird dive bombing an Osprey

Near the Field 7 parking lot in Heckscher State Park there is a platform with a large nest on it. This nest was skillfully constructed from twigs and even a bit of green fish netting by a pair of Osprey who return every year to raise their young in it. If you sit on the bench across from it, you can get a good view of these industrious parents as they bring fish back to feed their babies. Undoubtedly, you will also see a pair of Eastern Kingbirds, who are not too pleased with having Ospreys as their neighbors. They are relentless in their attempt to evict the docile Osprey from their territory. The Kingbirds stand guard on nearby tree tops, on the lookout for any bird who dares to fly into its domain. It is unfortunate for the Osprey family that their home is in what the Kingbirds deem as their territory. When one of the fearless Kingbirds spots an Osprey it begins to attack, despite its victim being quite monstrous in size compared to it. Although, the relatively small bird is not a physical threat to an Osprey, it can definitely annoy one. I am reminded of times when I was bothered by a fly or mosquito that was relentless in pursuing me. Native Americans called the Kingbird "little chief," and as I watch these Napoleonic like birds dive bomb the Osprey nest, I think "little chief" is a good moniker for them. I'm sure the exasperated Ospreys nesting near Parking Field 7 would agree.