Bird Watching: Osprey season 2011. Guess what we've got!, 1 by MargaretK

MargaretK wrote:
Iris, I'm going to the nest each day, as I am compelled to see that all three chicks are doing well. The Bee-eaters sure will have a feast when they arrive in greater numbers.

Kim, it was really good to hear Whopper, exactly a year to the day after she hatched (presuming she was the first hatched last year). Dad has always been a wonderful parent in the time I've been watching them, even when our beloved "Old Ma" was still with us. Big Hook isn't as restless and unsettled as she has been the two previous years, so hopefully, with maturity and experience, her parenting skills will get better and better.

Thanks, Pelle. The chicks really do look good. Even the youngest one is now starting to lose the down on the back of its head.

Nanny, fingers crossed, there has been no sign of any sibling rivalry. So different to last year when we watched as that poor little soul was bullied to death. I've always been scared of bees, because I react badly to their sting. However, my attitude towards them has changed (until the next time I'm stung) and am mostly able to ignore them in close proximity, but I will move away if one persists in buzzing around my head.

Burn, your yellow jackets sound ornery critters and I'd make myself scarce if they were around. Yes, here's hoping that things at the nest continue as they are at present.

I haven't been able to use my 500mm lens as I've hurt my back and the 400mm is my lifting limit. However, the back is on the mend and I should be able to get some closer shots within the next day or two. Here's a shot from yesterday. The "blonde" as Kim put it, is in the middle of the three chicks, which were being fed equally by Big Hook.