A long-time Chester reader had an unusual experience observing osprey while vacationing this summer on Bustin's Island, a small island in Casco Bay, Maine, reached by boat from South Freeport.

His letter read in part: “The cottage we rent is very close to the water with a wonderful view which includes a large tidal pool. The osprey were very numerous this year and had nests on Bustin's Island and another small island nearby. One day, I looked up and saw an osprey carrying a dead bird. Knowing they feed on fish I was mystified. It landed by the tidal pool, flew across to the other side and sort of picked at the bird. It took off once again and this time dropped the bird that was black and could have been a crow. I walked out to see if I could find it, but it had evidently landed in the water and sank. I talked with others on the island including our 'resident naturalist,' who was as mystified as I was. One thing that might have happened is that it was a crow that might have been near the osprey's nest and, if there were young, was protecting them. Of course we will never really know as it got rid of the evidence.

“Another thing that happened was two poor sparrows were stuck with a baby Cowbird in their nest — an all too common occurrence.”

I believe our Chester reader came to a logical conclusion with respect to the mysterious osprey's catch. In any case, this is the first time I ever heard of an osprey carrying or “pecking” at a dead bird.

Arthur Cleveland Bent, author of “Life Histories of North American Birds of Prey,” wrote extensively of the American osprey that was published in Bulletin 167, United States National Museum. Bent stated that the ospreys vigorously protect their nests that contain young from crows and other birds. Bent wrote: “Crows are always on the lookout for unguarded eggs … consequently the Ospreys always drive them away from their nesting grounds. Owen Durfee described such an instance. He was watching a fish hawk (common name for Osprey) flying along near its nest, to see a crow fly up and chase the fish hawk, diving down on its back. Finally the fish hawk got tired of this and made a savage swoop at the crow. Apparently the crow did not heed this warning, for he once more rose and dived at the fish hawk. Then the latter bird really made things lively for this crow, attacking him off into the woods, but never appeared to strike him, the crow dodging in fine shape.”

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A North Hampton reader wrote in part on Sept. 16: “We still have female hummingbirds visiting our sugar water several days after the season compared to previous years.”

Male and female ruby throated hummingbirds rarely socialize with each other following copulation. The females build the nest, raise and protect their young, and are noted for driving males away from feeders. After the young are fledged and learn about hummingbird feeders, they too, work to keep males away. Thus, although from personal experience, I can't say whether males leave on their fall migration before females, it sounds logical that they might do so.

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A Renton, Wash., reader, to whom a cousin from Keene has forwarded several of my columns, wrote in part: “I love birds and have a few feeders in our little urban backyard. We live in downtown Renton, in a little house originally built in 1907, old for this part of the country. We have a small variety of birds (sparrows, hummingbirds, nuthatches, goldfinches, and pigeons). The pigeons are quite new to our yard. And, boy, do they learn fast! There are 20 pigeons that wait for the small birds to drop seeds from the hanging feeders. Two of the pigeons have learned to hang off the small pegs and get seeds while flexing wildly! I'm glad the other pigeons have not quite figured this trick out (yet.) The squirrels hang upside down onthe tube feeders when really desperate.

“We also have a family of bald eagles who come to nest on the cell tower next to the freeway. I see the babies up in the nest every spring. One day, about two weeks ago, I took our pet bird, a cockatiel out on the porch to get some sunshine. He became very frightened when a falcon (or a hawk?) swooped down on his cage. I shooed him away but he came back after I broughtthe cage inside. He actually tapped on the glass to get in!” Thanks for your letter.

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A Wilton reader requested the identity of a dead bird but did not include enough information for me to comply. A phone number (not enclosed) might have helped. I will call readers by telephone at no charge. I do not use email.

Stacey Cole's address is 529 W. Swanzey Road, Swanzey 03446.