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

MargaretK wrote:
Thanks, everyone.

Jan, I do indeed remember our chats. I'm certain that everyone on this thread would love to hear of your experiences. Do you feel like sharing them?

It really was uncharacteristic for Dad to act that way. Duc, by the way he kept look towards the top of the bay and was calling, I'm fairly certain he could see her. That was the direction she arrived from.

You're so right, GP. Every day that they survive not falling from the nest or the younger one being able to withstand the periodic bullying is a bonus.

I'm always concerned about the chicks being left unattended on the nest, even if one of the parents is close by on the pole branch. During Big Hooks absence yesterday, when Dad was maintaining a vigil from the pole branch, they were exposed in that shallow nest for at least 15 minutes. When Big Hook came back to the nest to be chastised by Dad, she eventually settled down on top of the two chicks. Now, I didn't get a shot of this, it happened so quickly, but a Kookaburra flew from the nearby trees and actually hit Big Hook as she covered the chicks. Kookaburras don't have powerful feet; that big, powerful bill is the weapon they use to prey on smaller critters, including osprey chicks, given half a chance. I think it hit her with its feet. Regardless, if a Kookaburra was to come out of the thick foliage close to the nest tree, I have my doubts that the parent bird would be able to respond fast enough to prevent a chick being nabbed.

Here are a few shots of the chicks from yesterday. I don't think my photos are close enough t be able to show it, but the older one has tiny little pin feathers coming through on its wings, chest and head. Big Hook is shaking herself after her little "incident" with Dad.