Friday, August 19, 2011

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.


Saturday, August 6, 2011

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!

Monday, August 1, 2011

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!