Follow-up Visit Aug 16, 2011

So, how are the chicks doing.  Dawne swung out to check the afternoon of Aug 16.  There were some visitors flying overhead.

All three chicks were hanging out in the nest.

And dad delivered a fish.

And they shared a meal.

When I showed up, one of the chicks flew at me on their way to the happy hunting grounds.  I did not get a shot, but Dawne did.

All in all, while I was there, the only chick that seems to be hanging around the ball diamond is Nod.  But they seem to be doing well and having fun.

Two of the chicks hang out.

Aug 6--My how kids grow up so quickly!

So it has been nearly a week, and despite the cloudy weather we decided to go check on the "chicks".  Last we saw, two of the chicks had obviously gotten the hang of flying and were seen flying out of sight to the south.  The theory we had was they were off to learn to fish...but one was seen dogfighting with some redwing black birds.

So when we showed up this morning we were greeted with a very loud single chick in the nest, with dad on a nearby pole.  After a few minutes, dad flew off to the North and returned with a branch that must have been 6 feet long.

Is he from Griffindor?

For most of the time we were there, dad flew around, delivering two sticks and just flying around.  Nod, never left the nest, and Winkin and Blinkin were not seen at all.  Until the end, we noticed one of the other chicks on a pole at the very south edge of the field.  When I got closer, it became obvious that she had a fish she was eating on her own..

After she flew off, we left for 4 or 5 hours.  When we came back, there were two chicks in the nest, and one did a few low laps.  then a third showed up, giving us proof all three are still around.  They flew around, hung out on a couple of poles.  then I decided to play some music on my cell phone while waiting--and the first random song that came up was "Three Little Birds"..how appropriate:-).  then all three chicks gathered at the nest, and dad showed up with a mid afternoon snack!

So we have photographic proof of Dad and all three chicks still hanging out together sharing meals.  Great to see!

Aug 1--Nod is flying..a little dangerous..

When we went out this morning we were pleased to see Nod getting some pointers from dad..the 48 hours appear to be all she needed.

She did many circuits, flew past dad..and even tried to land beside him again... with embarassing results.

Hi Dad!

NOD--LOOK OUT!!!

DIVE-DIVE-DIVE!!!!!!

You knocked my feathers off!!!

On our way home, we saw a Kingfisher we have been keeping an eye out for..and when we tried to see him, we saw an Osprey (it was mature and male so it could be dad...) out fishing!

July 30--Waiting for the Nod...

Another early morning check out of the chicks. We did not see dad, but did get a chance to see how the chicks were doing. Both Blinkin and Winkin decided to prove their endurance and flew out of sight.  We think they decided to go get fishing training from dad.  This left poor Nod as the lone Osprey on duty.  He tried, and tried..but this is the best he got.

Meanwhile, Blinkin was having playful dogfights with a red-wing blackbird or two on the horizon..kids, they grow up so quickly!!!

July 28-Wow..talk about progress

We went out this morning with the hopes of seeing some good flying.  Last night was nice, but we wanted more.The first thing that happened was dad decided a female flying by was an interloper and chased her off.

(Don't you hate when the mother-in-law drops by unannounced!)

Then, we got some proof that two of the chicks (Winkin and Blinkin) are very good, capable and adventurous fliers! And that Nod is still trying to get the required confidence.

Blinkin? takes off for a quick trip..

Fails to land cleanly on a light post...She then proceeded to roost on a nearby building.

Then, Winkin picked up what was left of breakfast (breakfish?) and flew with it to the nearby platform...

Leaving an upset Nod...

Blinkin flew to the platform too..

And Nod tried her? best!!!

When we left, Winkin and Blinkin were calling back to the nest as they ate on the platform, either taunting or encouraging Nod to join them.

Mid Afternoon, Dawne and the girls came out to see what was up..and got a great air show. Both Winkin and Blickin were doing low passes over the playground. There was also a large tent that was put up for some reason, that intrigued the chicks. They tried landing on the top of the post, and landed on the peak a few times...great landing challenges I guess.

 

This little piggie went to market......

 

A bad feather day!

Then, not satisfied with that challenge, they decided to check out the ball diamond!  I have never seen an Osprey on the ground, let alone two.

Can you find the two Osprey?

OUT!!!  SAFE!!! OUT!!! SAFE!!!

There were times they were so close the camera could not zoom out enough to catch the wingspan!  of course by the time I showed up they were done..but Dawne and Rachel (8years old!) got some nice shots!