A "Bat", An Osprey and Lots of Gnats!

  I am beginning to think that the resident ospreys feel that they are just "part of the family" now.  The pair that hang near the pier and Bayou have pretty much lost all fear of me and will linger nearby as I photograph them.  At times, one or the other will also fly low over the pier as if to "check" on my wellbeing especially if I am still for too long.  Maybe I am reading too much into it but it feels as if we have made a connection somewhat.

  This morning, I left Bat, the cat, wallowing in a sandy spot near the marsh edge.  I have no idea of how to even explain the odd actions of this crazy animal so I just let him do his own thing.  As I ambled down the pier, I saw a large bird alight in the top of a pine tree just above where I left the cat.  Hmmm...wonder if that was an osprey or the redtail hawk?  The osprey would not be problematic but the hawk could possibly be.  Well, there was nothing else to do but head back to where I left Bat taking his "sand bath".  He would be completely oblivious if an aerial attack took place.  

  I eased my way along the marsh edge and was delighted to find that the bird was Friend Osprey.  The bird was on one of the lowest limbs of a scrubby pine tree in the edge of the marsh.  I soon was a mere 30ft from the bird with it being fully aware of my approach.  These birds miss nothing!  After a few loud screeches, my friend settled in to watch the cat play.  Neither would be a bother to the other.  I, on the other hand, was almost eaten alive by the swarm of gnats as I photographed the osprey.  Enough already!  I had to get back to the pier where there was a slight breeze.  Ugh...spring...while it is nice weather...it brings biting gnats!  Tons of biting gnats...but, at least, I had a short and sweet visit with Friend Osprey!