Bird Watching: Osprey season 2010 - Two chicks in a shallow nest., 1 by MargaretK

MargaretK wrote:
Well, life is never dull watching Ospreys. I received an email from Madame X earlier today telling me that the older chick was almost chasing the smaller, younger one around the nest to peck at it. She was afraid that the smaller chick might go over the edge of the nest, so desperate were its attempts to escape its older sibling - (something I can relate to, believe me).

Whilst I was there this afternoon, the chicks were together in perfect harmony.

When I arrived, the chicks were alone on the nest and Dad was on the pole branch. There was no sign of Big Hook. Time passed and still no sign of her. After about 30 minutes, Dad came down onto the nest and stood near the chicks. He occasionally glanced towards the northern part of the bay and I assumed that Big Hook must have been down there. He then started calling, which is very unusual for him, all the while looking to the end of the bay. Big Hook eventually decided to return to the nest, at least 50 minutes after leaving. The sounds he made were a sure indication that she was on her way in.

In this shot, he's getting up from a half sitting position.