Osprey season 2011. So far, three chicks doing well.

We came from here. http://davesgarden.com/community/forums/t/1221447/#top

In case anyone wants to go back to the thread at the beginning of this season, here's the link. http://davesgarden.com/community/forums/t/1190091/

The three chicks are thriving. I met up with Pete (Unsteady) at the nest yesterday and we discussed how the chick's mother, Big Hook, seems a lot more relaxed and less demanding this year. She is far more cautious when negotiating around the chicks and we simultaneously said that she has matured. Dad rarely leaves either the pole branch or on of the branches leading out from the nest, but frequently comes down onto the nest to have a closer look at his chicks. He brings all the fish to Big Hook and she alone feeds the chicks. A surprising number of fish are being brought in live and kicking.

Neither Pete nor myself have noticed any sibling rivalry and all are being fed pretty well equally, although the two bigger chicks have a greater capacity. Unless something untoward happens, there seems no reason not to be optimistic about their progress through to fledging.

This heavily cropped shot shows all three chicks. The smallest is on the right of the screen and you should see its bulging crop. The other two are now well and truly into their reptilian stage and the little one is showing signs of its down being replaced.

Here's the little one. It turned 10 days old yesterday, so it is now able to regulate its own body temperature. Up to 10 days, the chicks are absolutely reliant on the body warmth of the parent (usually the mother), to keep them warm or conversely, shade from the parent to keep them cool.

The little one being fed by Big Hook. The other two are satiated and content to sit in the shade provided by their mother.

The beginning of another feeding session. The little on is on the right hand edge of the picture having a snooze.

All three chicks together. One of them is tucked behind the other one, making the reptilian-looking one appear to have an extra wing (it hasn't).

Last one for now. This is a heart-melter. Just look at the position of the one on the right of the picture.

I should be able to get back there this avo. Hopefully Pete will have some shots to post from yesterday as well.

Just amazing Margaret! Your shots are outstanding this year!

Ahhh .. a full tummy followed by a nap...nothing better than that!! They are a beautiful little family!

It is really wonderful to be seeing this after the tragedies of last year, Wild Rose. The relief I experience when I arrive there each afternoon and see the three chicks is amazing. Thanks for the comments about my photos. I only post the best - you should see the trash bin!

BeaHive, they sure are contented - and beautiful.

Speaking of beautiful, here's a shot of Dad gazing at Big Hook feeding the chicks. The blood on his feathers must be from the poor fish.

Nice shots Margaret! The chicks all look close in size compared to the last time...and healthy!

Thanks Burd. I'm sure they are only 4 days apart, which gives the youngest a greater chance. Last year was distressing to watch - yet I was aware I was watching something that has been repeated over millions of years. If that chick hadn't been accidentally kicked to the edge of the nest last year, the youngest might have had a chance, but with something like 5 days between it and the oldest, it really didn't stand a chance. And Whopper, the survivor, turned into a huge bird; much larger than either Aussie or Harmony.

Amazing shots Margaret! The chicks look wonderful with Mom and Pop doing a great job!

Thanks Pelle. It is so interesting to see the difference in Big Hook this year. She is so relaxed. Not like the previous two years when she was unsettled and demanding. She'll now happily doze, on and off, for a couple of hours. The previous two years she would be constantly moving around, tripping over her own feet as she tried to carefully move around the nest and squawking at her poor mate. She seems very contented.

There was very little activity this afternoon. I was there for well over two hours. Dad vanished and still hadn't returned by the time I left. The chicks barely stirred and Big Hook was happy to have her brood around her.

Here's a shot of the youngest one.

..

The two old chicks. Not all that easy to see.

Great pictures Margaret. Gosh, they are just too adorable. Love the shot of the "napper". What a lovely family. Looks as though Dad needs a bath!

Aren't they just the most gorgeous little darlings? It's so sweet watching them nap. They stretch out a wing or a leg, or both, luxuriating in the warm safety of their Mum. Sometimes I could just burst from the sheer joy of being able to see all of this live.

Thanks to your efforts, we also get to see it. Not live, but close enough. The quality of your photos and the wonderful commentaries make it real.

Margaret, I enjoy reading your postings because I can see the love for this family in your words. I'm so happy to see that the chicks are being equally fed and hope that this continues. Your photos are always exceptional and so heartwarming.
Thank you for spending so many hours of your days to share this enjoyment with us.

It's heartwarming especially for me having the priviledge of seeing Margaret's sharing this wonderful development with the Ospreys family for the last several years. From Ausies, then Harmony, then Whooper. Not without tears when they lost the little unnamed chick last year. And the heart drenching of the missing 'ole Mum...
Here is best wishes to the developing triplets for the coming year.

Fantastic shots Margaret! Even thru your photos you can sense a calmness and experience about Big Hook now.

Rooting for them all, but especially that youngest chick. Mom is more experienced now and it shows. So nice seeing them content and well fed.

I soo agree,Just wonderful

My GAWD, that 500mm lens sure gets us up close and personal. what a difference. You can really see the reptilian-ness of the chicks this year. So glad to see the family doing well.

I am also rooting for the youngest one, seems to be in the biggest danger long-term. Great shots Margaret.

yes, as they get larger there may be more problems, but hoping all will be well.

Please excuse me for not responding to every comment individually, but it's almost time to go down the nest again and I haven't even started to post yesterday's shots. Madam X has also noticed the difference in Big Hook this year. As to the survival of all three - hope for the best, but know the best doesn't always happen.

I absolutely love the 500mm lens, but I'll admit to having some evil thoughts towards Denis, who was there a couple of days ago with his 800mm attached to his 1D Mark IV. I'll ask him if he can post some he took so you will really be able to see detail.

Here's some from yesterday. First, Mum, Dad and the kids.

Big Hook feeding the chicks - the second feed whilst I was there from the same fish. None was particularly hungry.

The littlest one starting to make its way forward.

The little one being fed. I've still not witnessed any rivalry or bullying.

The three gorgeous little ones snuggled up together.

Just because he's so beautiful.

Big Hook dozing, using one of the chicks to rest her head on.

Love all your shots Margaret, but that last one is special. 800mm lens?! Wow can't wait to see those shots.

Outstanding shots Margaret! Love the 3 together and I'm so glad there is no fighting. The last shot is precious!

Love them all, but that last one is really special.

Beautiful shots Margaret. Love the last one at nap time.

Such wonderful proression. How sweet it's!

Margaret... may I share one of your photos in a posting I am making on Flickr? Full credit to you of course, and people would not be able to access your photo for download. I love the one at the top of this thread!

Thanks for your consideration!

I think Margaret has a flickr account. perhaps she can post a few there.