Ospreys atop their huge nests or diving for fish in Flaming Gorge is truly an awe inspiring sight and the annual Flaming Gorge Osprey Watch is the perfect time to catch the birds in action. “The birds are super active this time of year, especially during the morning hours,” shares DWR outreach manager Tonya Kieffer. “In the afternoon, the temperature climbs, the wind starts to blow, and the birds become less active.” The Osprey Watch is a fun family event that is absolutely free. Biologists will be available with spotting scopes along with displays to teach about the life history of these unusual fish-eating birds. “If you’re lucky,” says Kieffer, “you might be watching right at the moment an osprey decides to dive feet first into the nearby water, only to emerge with a fish in its powerful talons. After capturing the fish, it will carry the fish back to its perch or nest and share it with its mate and young.” Osprey are the only hawk in North America that eats a diet primarily of fish. The annual Flaming Gorge Osprey Watch will take place July 15th. For more information, call 435-781-9453.
