Osprey season 2011. Guess what we've got!

This is from yesterday. One one chick is visible, but I love the way the parents are gazing at it.

Both Pete and I have been scouring the nest for signs of the third egg and our collective imaginations have been in overdrive. We both thought we could see things that might have been a discoloured or discarded egg, but it's just that bit too far to be able to see in that detail.

One thing Pete and I witnessed yesterday was Dad going after a Cormorant that was innocently flying below the nest, just above the water. Nothing unusual in that - Cormorants and Gulls fly underneath constantly. Well, who knows what it was about this one that Dad took a disliking to, but he plunged down from his perch on the pole branch in pursuit. We both heard an almighty splash (couldn't see the event because of vegetation). Dad came back up within just a few moments and we waited and waited to see if the Cormorant would re-emerge. It did, probably after a full minute, and flew, seemingly uninjured, southwards.

I'm walking on nine cloud having seen the three babies all so pretty and healthy. Congratulations, let's pass the cigars everyone!

Kim, that's absolutely fine. I thought of you when I saw the three chicks this afternoon. All that finger wringing worth it. Likewise, GP, I am relieved that the three chicks have hatched within four days of each other. Gives the youngest a more level playing field.

Another shot from yesterday, showing the size of the fish that Dad had delivered - very much alive.

Again from yesterday, Dad gazing at his young family from the pole branch.

We're expecting lousy weather for the next week, but as usual, if there's a break from showers late afternoon, I'll head down there and will provide updates as I can. In the meantime, fingers crossed that Big Hook has learned to exercise more caution than last year. Watching her manoeuvre around the chicks, especially when she's got a fish clasped in her talons, always seems fraught with danger. She knocked one of the chicks upside down yesterday and it took it several minutes to right itself.

Another shot of Dad from yesterday.

Congratulations you two. Glad Pete's sting didn't hurt your, Margaret.

Those chicks are adorable. I love the dark eye patches. It is hard to imagine that those tiny balls of fluff will grow into a large Osprey!!

Great pictures Margaret.

Thinking positive thoughts that all three babies will grow to be strong and healthy. Mom and Day may have to build an addition on to the nest when all begin growing!! LOL

Thanks, Mrs Ed. Yes, I was glad it didn't hurt. Pete looked like he'd been in a title fight, his face was so swollen. Our bees are usually very placid, but there was one buzzing around me today and I removed myself for half a minute until it went elsewhere and the resident swarm has been very active. Also, I thought Big Hook was reacting to someone on the low path this afternoon, but having a look at my photos, she was concerned about a bee. Bees are one of the few things that perturb them. I've cropped this shot heavily to show the bee, just in front of her to the left of the picture.

GG, both Dad and Big Hook brought sticks in whilst I was there this afternoon.

What proud parents! Really great news and let's hope these three all grow up well and strong.

What a wonderful surprise to be gone and on my return to see three chicks. Your photos are awesome Margaret. I do hope all three chicks survive.

LOL, Marna, me too. Wondering how come Margaret didn't suffer Pete's bee sting. Pete, I hope you get to feel better. On the other hand, Margaret, are you sure that was bee's sting and not because Pete has an argrument with the Mrs.? LOL

All jokes aside, DH was stung by Yellow Jackets and he's really weary of those bees and others in general.

Margaret, it's so comforting to know both Ospreys are bringing more sticks back to the nest, while you were there photographing them. I was especially proud of Dad chasing at the Cormorrant -- just in case, no one is allowed by the babies, at least not until they can fend for themselves. Go Dad Osprey!

Let's hope for triple success, GP.

Welcome back, duc. Exciting stuff, eh?

IrisMA, I wish that plastic would disappear, too. They don't seem to be paying any attention to it now. Other thing on my mind. It'll be a real concern when the chicks start exploring the nest and playing with things.

The weather people got it right. We have showers. I'll still head down there this avo if there are even brief breaks.

Keep the fish coming! Great shots Margaret!!

Thanks Burd.

It was cool and wet today, although the showers cleared by mid afternoon. I spent 2+ hours at the nest, waiting to see if there were still three chicks. Whew! all three are still there. No shots of the three of them as each time they were all out together the sun was behind a cloud. Just a couple of shots to share with you. First, a different view of Dad leaving the pole branch, which I cloned out.

Dad, Big Hook and two of the three chicks.

Big Hook and the largest chick, which wriggled out from beneath her wing.

This thread is so awesome!
Thank you both so much for sharing!

Ladi_Burd, you've found the best thread on bird watch forum. Welcome on behave of Margaret. I am beside myself having found this wonderful gift. Thanks again Margaret, and Pete for sharing. Okay, folks. Is it a good time to name the 3 babies?

Boo, Bee and ...? ^_^

I've heard of a osprey chick named Giblet.

Welcome, Ladi_Burd. Glad you're enjoying it. It's a treat to be able to share the lives of these remarkable birds.

LOL on the names, Kim and Pelle. Kim, you say the nicest things. Thank you. Early days for names, though. Let's see what their characters give them.

Speaking of characters, I haven't heard Whopper for probably two weeks.

Ooops there goes!!! Time for Whopper packing up for college. lol

I do hope Whopper is safe and well. Love these photos, especially that last one with Big Hook and chick. I agree, too early to name the little ones. It seems like the last time "Whopper" came up just at the right time.

Well...once more I am late...just now stumbled on to this thread. How exciting to have 3 chicks hatched!! Now more stress to what transpires....keeping fingers crossed!

Boo, Bee, and Baa, for now?

ROFL with the Triple Bs. Resin.
Kim

Of course we won't know which is which while they're all alike! As they get older, no doubt differences will become visible.

Resin

Aww, now look at those 3 darling little fluff balls. They are so precious, and the parents looks so proud!!! Fantastic pictures Margaret and Pete.
You both are doing such a great job on relating the happening at the nest.
Sorry about the bee sting, Pete. Hope your are doing fine.

When I went to the nest yesterday, I watched for half an hour whilst Big Hook fed the chicks. The little one was between and behind its older siblings and was missing out. It was only when one of the two larger chicks was displaced sideways and upside down when the piece of fish it had in its beak was pulled by Big Hook, who didn't seem to realise that she still had hold of one end. The little one was then able to move forward and managed to get a small feed. The chick who was dislodged upside down righted itself within half a minute.

Needless to say, I was concerned that the youngest chick would be deprived of regular feeds and hobbled to the nest this afternoon to check things out. Big Hook was covering the chicks, but eventually got up and started eating the remnants of a fish. (See photo). The chicks all roused from slumber, but none showed any sign of being hungry, which would indicate that the little one had also had its fill.

Here's Big Hook swallowing the tail of a fish. She spat it out several times as it was proving to be a difficult customer, but her persistence paid off in the end.

Big Hook and one chick. The other two are there, but are hidden.

Big Hook and two chicks.

Big Hook and all three chicks.

Beautiful Dad, who has been doing some flamboyant manoeuvres around the nest. This isn't one of them.

Thanks for the wonderful pictures Margaret. Glad to hear that all three chicks are being fed. Big Hook is certainly a gorgeous bird.

just wonderful...

So absolutely wonderful!!! It's so very nice to be able to see all 3 babies, and at the end of the day none seems to go hungry, especially the littlest. Margaret, the nest seem to be deeper? Is that why it's hard finding the 3 babies together? Once you do (find them together) they're soooooo hugable! ~grin. Also, I'd like to make a comment on Big Hook; things that parents do for their offsprings; like trying to swallow the inedible portion of the meal just so the kids are provided Priceless.

It's pretty special, isn't it? We're by no means out of the woods with the chicks' chances of survival, but will hope for the best.

Kim, the nest cup does seem to be a little deeper than last year and both Dad and Big Hook are continuing to bring in additional small sticks to shore up the sides.

Nest building seems to be an ongoing task--good.

Same things this afternoon, IrisMA. Dad brought in small sticks before heading off to the other side of the river.

Very quiet at the nest this afternoon, which probably means that the chicks were fed not long before I arrived. There are still three chicks. I didn't manage to get a shot of all three, but have a couple of shots of one of the chicks with Big Hook (the others were underneath her).

The first chick was hatched a week ago today. When they are 10 days old, they can regulate their own body temperature. Before that, temperature control is absolutely reliant on body heat from the parent birds - or if the temperature is really warm, on shade provided by the parent.

Rarely a day goes by when I don't see bottlenose dolphins cruising by. This one was a bit distant, but it was the only shot I got where its face was out of the water. Dolphins are so hard to photograph. Well, they are for me.