Wasps—particularly Western Yellowjackets—have been bountiful this summer. People who normally favour an outdoor meal have been driven indoors by the nuisance of them.
Yet, imagine the problem faced by an outdoor fish eater. Below is an Osprey chick that has no choice but to sit amongst the remains of many fishy meals.
I think all the campers at Kokanee Creek can totally sympathise with this chick!
Do you think that the feathers may possible offer a layer of protection against a sting?
Ken, in most places on the body, yes. However, I suspect that a chick would frequently bite into some fish with yellowjackets on it and be stung inside the mouth—just as it has been known to happen with humans.
copper pennies are a surprisingly effective deterrent.
Doug, I will tell you where that osprey nest is and you can toss your old pennies into it.
The wasps have been so bad at the nursery this year, feasting on aphids..
The osprey chicks are getting so big, it looks like they will fly soon??
What a fabulous capture. Thanks for sharing.