The osprey circled above the nest as we watched in horror. We were powerless, totally unable to protect the eaglets from what appeared to be imminent death.
The parent eagles were nowhere to be seen. Pop was off somewhere and had not been around for hours and Mom was out hunting or just taking a much-needed break.
Just as the osprey lowered its legs, preparing to perhaps snatch a baby, Mom showed up. The scenario was like watching a Superman episode, except that this was a super bird and it was a female. Mom landed on the tree branch, frightening the discouraged osprey and deterring its intentions. The osprey wasted no time in flying off while Mom witnessed its exodus.
Where had she been before this happened and how did she know that her children might be in danger? I have no idea. What I am sure of, however, was that she was on duty the entire time. That’s Mother Nature, I guess – impossible to understand but always in control.
 — Gloria Wagenknecht
Warblings, Winter 2014-15
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