Osprey chicks at about six weeks old at the Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge in Oak Harbor on Sunday. After banding, they are returned to the nest by Brian E. Washburn, research biologist, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, National Wildlife Research Center. The nest was constructed by the adult osprey on a two-year-old platform built specifically for osprey, who like to live high above ground. This nest is along the south side of the Toussaint River. Lake Erie Tree Service, of Oak Harbor, donated the truck for the birds' banding.
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Brian Washburn, left, and Alexa Martinez with the young ospreys. Martinez, from Chamberino, New Mexico, is an intern from New Mexico State University studying wildlife biology.
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A young osprey with an orange eye and a black-flecked head. The adult osprey has a yellow eye, and its head is white with the brown stripe through the eye.
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Brian Washburn returns the juvenile osprey to the nest.
The Blade/Jetta Fraser
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The adult osprey near the nest after their young were returned after banding.
The Blade/Jetta Fraser
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An adult osprey carries food in its talons while it flies over the nest from which its young were removed for banding.
The Blade/Jetta Fraser
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Brian Washburn, with a banded osprey.
The Blade/Jetta Fraser
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