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Sarasota News Leader January 4, 2013 That is why we should always throw out the cardinal rule of correct and proper scientific analysis in ornithological behavioral studies; i.e., ���Never anthropomorphize your subject!��� If people did not enjoy watching birds and interpreting their behavior in a manner that directly relates to them personally, well, our courtship, love games and our ludicrously adorable chicks would be as much fun and interesting to people as a pile of dead male bee drones. And no one would ever have asked me, ���HOW DO BIRDS DO IT?��� I hope to satisfy people���s prurient curiosity as to how we birds do it. It will take a bit of time and more than one column, because I believe that following the life of a bird ab ovo will answer everyone���s questions. Next week I shall introduce you to a particular Great White Egret (Ardea Alba), a bird that Page 74 exemplifies what people recognize as a beautiful and integral part of Florida���s wildlife, but one whose breeding and nesting habits are rarely seen by most. You will enjoy learning Ardea���s secrets. I sure did! Until then, I leave you with a few candid shots of our beloved south Siesta Key Osprey family. Oscar Osprey constructed a nest. He again attracted Olivia to it. He assumed the missionary (i.e., angelic) position and they mated. She laid eggs, and those eggs hatched into ludicrously adorable chicks. The chicks fledged. Now all members of the Osprey family will be looking toward a nest and a mate and eggs and chicks. Ah, the New Year with all its auld lang syne .... Otus ABOUT OTUS Otus Rufous, an Eastern Screech-Owl, was born on Siesta Key and is a full-time resident there. An avid hunter, accomplished vocalist and genuine night owl, Otus is a keen observer of our local wildlife and knows many of nature���s secrets. Otus will answer your questions about our amazing wildlife, but only if you Ask Otus. So please send your questions and photos to askotus@sarasotanewsleader.com. Thank you. Oscar is in the nest with the chicks, Orville and Amelia. File photo