Whopper, the fledgling Osprey, spreads her wings.

Whop, is just too cute! I guess we all have bad hair...I mean, feather days ;o))

Love the feather Doo, and her expression along with it. The look of a Queen. ;)

Oh now that just sums her up don't it! lol

Love that expression and the feather doo! Priceless.

Oh my gosh...that last shot is adorable...it needs framing for sure! It seems like this Osprey season has just flown by (no pun intended) but hope you still get some action to share with us. Thanks for your devotion and abilities to match!!

"Just washed my feathers and can't do a THING with them."

Well, talk about a bad hair day. In the time I've been going to the nest, I don't think I've ever known wind like today. Checking the local graph when I got home, there were 38 knot gusts at the recording station, which is far more sheltered than where the nest is, with the wind tearing across a large expanse of open water to rush up the embankment. I actually thought I was going to be pushed up the embankment today. Whopper was on the nest, but typical of ospreys, was periodically stimulated to flight by the strong wind. It was grey and we had had some rain, but here she is, hovering before returning to the nest.

"That was a bit hair-raising!"

"I dunno. What do you reckon, one spike...?"

"....or two?"

Wonderful pic's Margaret! Photo contest 2011 for sure! :)

YUP, YUP those are priceless,giggling

They are funny, aren't they?

Before I went to the nest this afternoon, I went to the other site where the male was released. I was relieved to see him perched right at the top of one of the Norfolk Island Pines, so even though he's still not welcome to return to the nest or nest tree, he's still around. Another photographer got a fantastic photo of him with a freshly caught fish over the weekend.

AWW,I sure hope he is welcomed back soon ,if you could only tell his mate he is lucky to be alive !!! That he loves her very much...

Love that spiked doo!

LOL, Whopper sure is a spectacular baby. Love the spiked feathers. I'm amazed that the nest has survived those had winds.

I sure feel bad for the released guy though, I guess it's just still his punishment for leaving the family even though it wasn't his fault. I do hope mom will soon forgive him. At least he's eating which a good sign.

Thanks for enduring all those winds to get these beautiful photos Margaret.

Those pics gave me a good chuckle, Margaret. It gives Whopper a fun personality.

LOL!!!! Those big eys & then the spikes....too funny!

She looks like a cover girl for the latest in Osprey hairdos!! What a gorgeous gal she is!!

well talk of changes - I went today after work and there wasn't a breath of air. Whopper was by herself - mum flew off and hadn't returned by the time I got to leave. Here's Whopper balancing on a single leg......

the next few are a couple of flight shots back to the nest

This one is with 'air breaks' full on. she's very confident in the air now I note.

Fantastic shots, Pete. she is a super confident youngster, isn't she? I didn't go down there because it was so still - and hot - and I didn't think there'd be much activity.

Great shots Pete! She is a gorgeous girl.

Put your right foot in
take your foot out
put your right foot in and shake it all about...lol!

lol Nanny! Beautiful photos Pete! That balancing on one foot is just so incredible.

Beautiful shots. She is so beautiful!

Those are excellent!

Well folks,
It's been a bit quiet over the past week what with Xmas and hideous temperatures here in Perth. We're promised 5 days of 40 c so the birds will be hiding. It's been very windy as well of late. Early in the morning when walking the dog mum and whopper are soaring overhead. She's not fishing yet but otherwise independent. To round of the year I've two photos from late this evening - my last of the year Osprey fix! This is whopper out on the branch this evening about 6.00 pm in lovely light. The first shows just how windy it was with beautiful feather motion. It's heavily cropped so apologies if quality isn't up to Marg's hi standards.

This is the last offering from the class of 2010 - she's got stunning markings. All the best for 2011 to all the regulars from myself and Whopper! Margaret a special all the best to you for continuing to organize this marvelous thread and for sharing many happy memories, Pete

I think they are fantastic photos! She is a lovely bird! Happy New Year!

Wonderful shots Pete!
Thanks for all your contributions to this great thread.

Well, I somehow lost this thread again so I'm just catching up on all the wonderful shots of the Osprey family. Wow, Whopper sure is a big beautiful girl! I bet she will be catching her own fish before long. It's sad in a way that they have to grow up so fast, but it's all part of nature and I'm just so grateful to Margaret and Pete for sharing their wonderful photo's and stories of these magnificent birds!

Margaret: Love the photo from Dec. 18th with her staring right at you, and oh ... those pictures of Whopper with the spiked hair are so cute! I wonder what she'd think if she could see herself in a mirror? She certainly is a beautiful bird!

Pete: Those last two photo's are amazing! Oh my goodness, I love the detail it shows of the eyes, feathers and look at those talons! Those pictures may be cropped but it still looks like top quality to my old eyes ... really beautiful shots!

Have a safe and happy new years eve everyone. Here's wishing you all the best for a healthy and prosperous 2011. I can't wait to see what the new year brings with this Osprey family!

Pete, thank you for adding your last couple of photos. They're just superb. You and Margaret have really spent a lot of time with this osprey family and we're all thankful. Your photos are just beautiful and so clear. Happy New Year!

Many thanks to Margaret and Pete for bringing this wonderful Osprey family to our home and hearts here at Dave's. Here is to wish everyone the best of a New Years along with the great Osprey family. Peace to the world.

Pete, I echo what others say about your photographs. They are sensational. The first one especially has such depth it almost looks as if I could reach in and touch it. Thanks for your comments about the thread. It's a joint effort and I think we both love sharing what we are so privileged to see.

Wishing everyone a a safe and happy 2011.

It's been far too hot to go to the nest recently, but yesterday was quite pleasant and very windy. We're heading into another heatwave so I don't think either Pete or myself will be back there for a few days. Whopper was on exactly the same part of the same branch in a tree in front of Madame X's place that both Aussie and Harmony favoured after fledging. She did an occasional bit of calling, but otherwise there was little action. Big Hook was in another tree, but I haven't seen Dad for a couple of weeks.

She could see something flying high overhead. Possibly another Osprey.

And finally, just before she flew off, a luxurious stretch.

Awwww, has anyone else seen Dad Osprey Margaret? How could he even thinks to be away from home for the Holidays? Besides, there will be bubbly to pop (champagn) and bring in the new year. lol.

Fabulous pics Margaret! She is looking great! Hope Dad is just off on mini Holiday.