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!