Hummingbirds are renowned for their remarkable ability to hover in midair. They use their exceptionally fast-beating wings to remain in place as they sip nectar from a flower or sugar water from a feeder. The only other bird I've seen share this skill is the kingfisher as it hunts for fish over a body of water. However on a recent visit to Papago Park, an osprey appeared just as equally accomplished in its gravity-defying abilities.
It was a windy day, which is not always a terrific time to watch birds. Their aerodynamic abilities seem pushed to their limits as the creatures struggle against headwinds and gusts. Nonetheless on the morning at Papago Park, I observed several migratory birds including ring-necked ducks, American wigeons, lesser scaups, and northern shovelers navigating the three lakes without any problems. Meanwhile, at least two yellow-rumped warblers, other winter visitors, flitted just fine through the rustling leaves of trees.
However an osprey overhead attracted most of my attention. I spotted it at the third, highest lake, close to the Crosscut Canal on the park's western boundary. The bird soared over the body of water - not at all unusual - however it also hovered motionless, in one place - quite unusual, at least for me.
For at least a minute I was able to shoot pictures as the osprey eyed the lake from high above, contorting its wings and tail to ride out the wind gusts in one place. Never diving to the lake surface, the bird of prey eventually veered in the direction of a lower lake. Meanwhile I circled the higher body of water snapping photos of gallinules and egrets.
The osprey soon returned, this time gently flapping its wings and flying under its own power, working with the breezes to reach its destination. But over the lake, it paused to again hover practically motionless, surfing waves of wind. I didn't remain long enough to see if the bird finished its hunt from an invisible hundred foot perch.
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| Hovering Osprey at Papago Park in Phoenix. |
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| Hovering osprey at Papago Park in Phoenix. |
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| Hovering osprey at Papago Park in Phoenix. |
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