At Spencer Island, an estuary in Everett, Wash., about 20 miles north of Seattle, I walked in, looking as usual for raptors. I eventually did spy an Osprey, but after being distracted for 2 1/2 hours by Tree Swallows. I usually take these birds for granted because they’re using flitting around at warp speed, chasing down insects. However, in a patch of the reserve, they were landing on snags.

I let this pair become acclimated to my presence, then I moved in a little, to get a spot-on view. I had some morning sun, which was a blessing since I always seem to draw dreary, cloudy and usually rainy days when I’m out photographing birds. I may be anthropomorphizing, but the following played out several times and it sure seemed to me a scene right out of human parenting, probably circa teenage years.

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