I've Got A Good Feeling....

  This morning's hike put me in one of those "right place at the right time" situations.  The sun was just popping up over the pines on the far side of the Bayou when I rounded the first bend in the path.  The old dog was busy sniffing a rabbit trail when a sudden shower of raindrops sprinkled down on my head.  Uh, oh!  My first thought was to hightail it to the Little Bayou House but then I realized that Mr. PJ was not budging from his rabbit scent.  Strange, since the old dog hates rain and will usually beat me to the house.  Ok, so my raindrops were not from clouds but from a tree limb not far above my head.  

  A beautiful osprey had settled in on a pine branch about twenty feet above me sending all the rain from the last shower down upon me.  Thanks, Osprey!  Well, I should be grateful as it could have been something else showering down upon me!  With the bird in clear view and the dog preoccupied, it was the perfect opportunity to get a few photographs.  I started snapping pictures thinking my movements would startle the bird into flight.  Nope.  In fact, it became interested in what I was doing and kept an eye on my every movement.  The bird sat as I photographed it until a real thunderstorm threatened.

  We have a good number of ospreys that call the Bayou their home now.  Years ago, the birds became threatened by the widespread use of the pesticide, DDT.  The chemical settled into the food sources and caused the shells of birds' eggs to become too thin to support the chicks.  Once DDT was banned, the birds made a comeback all over the country.  About twenty years ago, a lone pair moved into the area and, since then, they have multiplied greatly.  Dozens upon dozens of the birds now nest in our area and you can hear their high-pitched calls as they soar above the property.  It makes you feel good to watch them dive for fish knowing the Bayou is healthy enough for life...it makes you feel good.