The Osprey Winter Show
Man, it’s good to see these high-flyers back in town …
Having just returned from South America to South Carolina, the ospreys (cousins to the eagle) made their nest around the Great Falls Dam — and Duke Energy decided, rather than have fried feathers due to the power lines, to move ‘em. In fact, they’ve pitched in to buy a GPS (Global Positioning System) doodad to attach to one of their kids in order for the area’s human kids to study their movements, migration, etc.
I saw plenty of these during one of my runs to Florida and can tell you there’s a lot to be learned just by watching them! One of the most interesting characteristics about the ospreys is their gracefulness in flight; I saw one swing down from the sky, skim the Indian River near Titusville, scoop up a fish, and return to its flight pattern without missin’ a beat! They can soar effortlessly, “light” softly on some of the craggiest limbs, and can hit some serious altitude when necessary … yet, when hunting, can get their prey in mere seconds, no matter how high they are.
Like I said, it’s good to see them back …
It was sad to hear about Ivan Dixon’s passing. This man, while known mostly for his role in Hogan’s Heroes, was as much a pioneer in television and movies as the great Sidney Poitier or Harry Belafonte. Known, by some in the business, for his impatience as much as his acting, he became one of the premier African-American directors at a time when the visual media was still a bit racist. My condolences to his family during their time of grief. He’ll certainly be remembered … and missed.
We’ve got a lot to learn from the ospreys … who’ve decided to put on their show here while it’s still (officially) winter, as well as Ivan Dixon: Both knew how to fly high, beat the odds, and keep going no matter what weather they faced (in one, physical; in the other, sociopolitical). And the Queen City area’s proud that they both chose to bless us with their presence …
Leave a Reply