Someone on the forum has suggested "Harmony" because of the harmonious relations at the nest. I think that's a grand idea, so Harmony it is and if, heaven forbid, the situation deteriorates into anything like last year, which I doubt, we can rename it "Disharmony".
Here are a few shots from yesterday.
Dad didn't show up for close on three hours, but I suspect that feeding may have taken place not long before I arrived because both Big Hook and "Harmony" were so contented.
Gazing up at Mum
Another. I think I've posted this and the previous one out of sequence.
Gazing at a passing airplane - it was quite warm and it was panting.
Eventually Dad arrived with a fish - as the shadow was over the nest. Harrumph!
It'll be 'Disharmony' next year when there's 2 chicks fighting in the nest . . . ;-)
Resin
Perfect name, Margaret!
I agree, "Harmony" is a perfect name for the baby! Your photo's are really wonderful, I especially love the second one today of mom and baby together, but the one of Papa osprey with wings spread is great too even if there is a shadow! Gee ... they are all spectacular!
Harmony I love ,spectacular I agree !!!
Such beautiful shots Margaret! Harmony is a great name!
I'm holding my hand up as to the person that thought of the baby Osprey's name. I'm so grateful Margaret granted me the priviledge of picking out a name for Harmony . Thanks Margaret. Thanks all for your support for the name of the precious baby.
It's hard for me to pick out one favorite picture. I do love to see the "action" shots of the beautiful birds interact with one another. Thank you, once again Margaret for sharing this wonderful gift .
Great name, Kim! I too, think Harmony is the perfect name.
Yay! glad you raised your hand.
A big Thank You from me too!
Even though the Osprey is common in my area, I would never have gotten to see such amazing close ups of even one of them, much less a family!
Lily, I'm adding a thank you for that perfect name too! "Harmony" fits this little one so well.
Margaret, your photos are so cute of the family together. Incredible pictures every one of them!!
The pictures! I agreed, Duc, they're all so incredible! The story is outstanding, and the personal touch that Margaret has given -- all are so magic !
Thanks everyone. I'm just so glad you're enjoying it. I just wish I could capture some of the dramas on video, along with the sounds.
Well, yesterday (Saturday) was simply amazing. It was incredibly windy, even for incredibly windy old Perth. Ospreys are clearly stimulated to flight by strong (atmospheric) wind, but this was something else. (I read your mind, Resin). When I arrived at the nest early in the afternoon, both Big Hook and Dad were flying in and out of the nest, bringing additional branches. Big Hook had been doing most of the work and Madam X says that Big Hook had been frantic all day. They were obviously building up the sides to prevent little Harmony from being blown out of the nest by a gust of wind.
I have a lot of pix to post and will probably just over-run the cut-off point for a new thread, but will post them all on this thread and start a new one with what I get this afternoon. It is very windy again today, but nothing like yesterday.
Here's Dad and Harmony on the nest. Dad is looking skywards. Harmony may be as well - hard to know.
Dad and Harmony are on the nest as Big Hook arrives with a stick.
Big Hook arrives at the nest. Note the stick over the top of the chick. Maybe trying to weight it down :)
Here she is arranging the stick. It is fascinating watching them manoeuvre them into place.
Their nictitating membranes come across their eyes as an involuntary, protective measure.
Dad left the nest and I managed a quick shot of him as he flew overhead.
Here he is diving towards the nest.
Big Hook arrives with another stick as the chick watches with complete trust in mother's ability to avoid clobbering it.
Fascinating!
This is Big Hook flying towards me. I know it was her because she landed on the nest shortly afterwards.
I've had to do an awful lot of tweaking with the photos from yesterday. It was quite dull and I had the ISO up at 1000. With the birds against the grey sky, it's inevitable that the sky gets burned out.
Thanks Kim. It was one of the highest activity days I've experienced since I've been observing them.
Here's another shot of Big Hook
Here's Dad's contribution to the home improvement
There were so many comings and goings, it's hard to keep track, but this is Big Hook as she was leaving the nest.
Margaret, Big Hook is truly a home-maker in every sense of the word. She's a well rounded female, home-maker, home-renovater. Model for her child!
As always great observations to go with your photos. Well done Margaret. So glad there is Harmony in your life. It's been a treat to watch her grow.
WIB,
SW
Here's Dad. You probably won't be able to make it out, but there's blood on his left foot. They had fed the chick just a while before I arrived, but I'd be surprised if the blood was from that, considering the amount of to-ing and fro-ing. Both birds would leave the nest and soar above the tree tops, then go down into the actual canopy and emerge with a stick. I wonder if maybe Dad cut himself.
Thank you very much, SingingWolf. I never lose sight of the privilege I've been afforded.
Here's another shot of Dad showing the bloodied discolouration on one of the rear, left claws.
And Big Hook flies by.
Harmony is well named. It is just so lovely to see the adults peacefully coexisting at the nest.
Big Hook coming in for a landing. Claws are bunched up into fists, but he still has the nictitating membrane across his eye. The chick is unable to be seen but is behind Dad.
"I swear I saw a ghost!"
"You lot believe me, don't you"?
More comings and goings and Big Hook arrives with yet another stick.
