This Osprey nest is located in the Whatcom Creek corridor in Bellingham, Washington. It is a rich and gorgeous forest environment near Lake Whatcom. Whatcom Creek runs from Lake Whatcom, past the Scudder Pond area, through our most special Whatcom Falls Park, through downtown and into Bellingham Bay. When I was younger, I used to swim in this creek. This is the third year that this pair has nested here. Last year, two young Ospreys successfully fledged. Over the winter, their nest was blown off the top of the snag. At least one of the birds returned around April 1, this year. I was told that they worked on the new nest for a while, but their work was destroyed in a storm. I started watching them on 4-20-11. They were working hard on their second attempt at a new nest.

Some of you may remember hearing about a pipeline leak and subsequent fire here in Bellingham, June 10, 1999.
A pipeline was damaged and leaked gasoline into Whatcom Creek.
The creek ignited and lives were lost, a forest ecosystem was severely damaged and is still scarred.
Here are a couple stories and photos about the event ....

Whatcom Creek explodes into flames

Stories and Pictures of Whatcom Creek Fire

Many huge, ancient Douglas Fir and Cedar trees were burned. In the last ten years, many of these trees have had their tops blown off. The dead trees are a wonderful environment for many birds. This Osprey pair is using a large Douglas Fir tree for its nest location. This section of the creek is at the bottom of a small gorge.

4-20 * 3:43 PM

The Osprey pair mating.

4-20

4-20 * 3:46 PM

After mating the male hops off and perches next to the female.
She resumes her meal.

4-20 * 3:46 PM

She is not sharing.

4-20

* click bigger *

4-20 * 3:54 PM

4-20 * 3:54 PM

Female flies off.