We have a chick!
I went to the nest this afternoon. Big Hook was sitting when I got there. I zeroed in on the nest when she moved and was astonished to see a chick. I don't know if there is a second chick - I couldn't see one, but I could only see one egg.
Here's my first shot of the new life.
If anyone wants to go back to what's been happening, here's a link to the previous thread. http://davesgarden.com/community/forums/t/1215590/
This message was edited Sep 22, 2011 4:26 PM
Big Hook had flown to a low branch on the pole branch and the proud father was keeping vigil from the top of the pole branch.
Another shot of the gorgeous little chick.
Big Hook was gone for only a minute. Here she is coming back in for a landing. See how she lands with claws bunched into fists to avoid causing damage to eggs or chicks. She's actually landing extremely close to the chick.
She quickly drew herself backwards. This shot was in a burst and therefore a split second after that last shot.
After regaining her composure, she moved gently forward to start covering the chick and the egg.
And to finish, a shot of Dad. When Big Hook was on the nest, he'd briefly leave the pole branch and do a quick fly around.
That is wonderful! Congratulations! Chick is adorable.
How wonderful, congratulations! I found myself keep coming back to look at the sweet chick! And Moma of course, and of Dad too. Great timing Margaret.
Thanks, Pelle and Kim. I gasped when I saw a chick when I was actually expecting to see eggs.
It's so Fluffy!!!!!
Isn't it just? I'd love to know just when it hatched. I'd like to think today, but no way of knowing, I guess.
Exciting news! Yeah!
Great pictures Margaret. That chick is adorable and mom and dad are beautiful.
It's wonderful, isn't it, BeaHive and GG? I won't be able to go there tomorrow - how DARE people get married during Osprey season? Saturday, we're expecting brilliant weather and hopefully both Pete and I will be able to catch up there.
Just because I can't resist this beautiful bird, here's a shot of Dad as he sat atop the pole branch.
... how Dare people get married during Osprey season?
Glad that the nest seems deeper this year.
LOL, Kim. I think you've hit the nail on the head.
It does seem deeper than last year, Iris. Here's hoping for less sadness.
Congrats on the first hatch...great shots of the chick in the nest...yes Dad looks great! Nice shots Margaret!
wonderful shots of your Osprey family, great view of the beautiful wee chick ,and egg.
Oh, sure...hold those claws together to protect the chick...but don't worry if you knock it out of the nest....just kidding, Margaret. This is GREAT news! The baby is adorable. Hope the second one comes close behind so it will be similar in size to the firstborn.
Such great news. Lovely family.
Well great news everyone, I was down at the site yesterday afternoon for half an hour only. In that time mum and dad were quite active flying around. I clearly saw a single chick, HOWEVER when I got home and uploaded the pictures it was clear that two chicks were present in the nest!
The first photo shows mum landing on nest. You probably will struggle to see the tiny fluffy chick in the side of the nest in-front of mum. Unfortunately I don't have a teleconverter.
In the next photo I've done a severe crop and you can see two distinct tiny furry chicks in the lower centre of the photo - unfortunately they are so low they have a twig in front, but two heads discernible.
Unfortunately I left early as I got stung on the side of the face by a bee! Will have to be careful today........
That is really wonderful. I really feel this year will be much different than last year. Every year these parents will get better and better at raising chicks successfully. Not sure I can see them in the pic....maybe.
This message was edited Sep 24, 2011 5:55 AM
Fantastic news!
WOW ..I was gone for 3 weeks and look what happens...YAY...Great photos too Margaret
Oh I see the two darling chicks!!!! I saw them, I saw them. Wooohoooo!!! Oh Margaret, how is the bee sting coming along? I hope you are not feeling much pain from it?
Great news!
Rock on Chicks!
Boo Bee!
Is that their names, Boo and Bee?
;-)
^_^
LOL
Splendid, looking forward to the events that will unfold, hopefully all joyful ones.
lol Resin,
I'm twisting my fingers anticipating the 3rd baby.
Is there a third egg?
You bet, look. :) http://davesgarden.com/community/forums/fp.php?pid=8782522
I do wish that plastic bag would disappear.
I sure hope that third one comes quick.
I was hoping to respond to everyone's comments individually, but time has really got away from me. I'm so glad you're all enjoying what's happening at the nest. I have even better new than that posted yesterday by Pete ........ (drum roll) ........
THREE CHICKS!
We were supposed to have rain today and it actually did sprinkle for a few seconds, but then the sun came out, albeit in fits and starts. So I went to the nest to check if both chicks were OK and was pleasantly surprised to see three little darlings.
Dad spent nearly all his time on the pole branch or on the right hand branch leading from the nest, but flew to the other side of the river to catch a fish when Big Hook asked him to. He took his catch to his preferred branch outside Madam X's place and eventually brought the headless fish to Big Hook, who fed all three without favouring or ignoring one above the other.
Thanks for your concern about the bee sting, Lily_love. It didn't hurt me a bit, because it was Pete who was stung.
Silly me! LOL I was jumping with joy with the news of the third chick, I even laughed harder at myself when I didn't even noticed of how different how Pete looks compared to our sweet Margaret. Sorry Pete and Margaret. Hope you will forgive me Pete.
