Raising Aussie Osprey

"I'll go and G-E-T some F-I-S-H".

You're right Knip. It's just fascinating to watch.

LMBO Margaret.

Wonderful pics and thread! What a lovely place you live in.

Tina

Thank you so much, Tina. Glad you're enjoying it. It is a pretty special place.

Seems like Dad would appreciate the help with fishing about now and Mom has the nest version of "cabin fever"

I went to the nest site again today. The chick is certainly growing and could be heard very clearly. The male had just brought a fish in and the female commenced the usual half hour or so of feeding it, ever so gently.

Another. The male has been bringing additional sticks to build up the sides of the nest. There was one stick that kept getting in the way.

In this shot the chick has turned its head sideways, showing its bird of prey profile.

It is becoming more mobile and aware of its surroundings.

It's starting to move all around the nest.

It kept looking up at its mother, clearly wanting to get up there with her.

I love this shot. Pity the female had her head hidden deep within a preen.

I took a zillion more shots, but that's it for today. I hope you are continuing to enjoy them as much as I do in sharing little Aussie's early days.

Sorry, I lied. Couldn't resist this one of the female. After she'd finished feeding the chick she took off, leaving Pop to keep an eye on things. She reappeared on a low branch, obviously having had a bath. Gorgeous girl

Well I for one am certainly still riveted to this thread Margaret! I notice in your last shot that she has a ring on her leg.

Thanks, Knip. Yes, the female has the band on her right leg and has a ? blind left eye. I don't know if she was banded after being injured and rehabilitated or something.

Margaret, The nestling is truly endearing. Keen eye kniphofia has as I didn't notice the band on the leg.
Busy day, must run and start the process of getting ready. Lee

The chick is so adorable! Great pics Margaret!

Marvellous shots as usual Margaret! It's interesting that the male is building up the sides of the nest as the baby becomes more active, rather like using a safely gate at the top of the stairs for a toddler.

I love seeing what you found each day! The chick is really growing by leaps and bounds. I would be a nervous wreck worrying about it falling out of the nest!

Resin, that's VERY interesting about the insecticidal nest-keeping.

Thank you for your comments, Pelle, Lee, Nanny and Wallaby. It remains such a wonderful experience and is getting more enthralling as the chick grows and starts to explore its environment. I definitely need a longer lens.

Good analogy about the safety gate, Wallaby.

Resin, I have seen the male bring in twigs with fresh eucalyptus (gum) leaves attached. Makes sense now, as eucalyptus is know for its cleansing, anti-bacterial properties.

Mafternoon, Mrs Ed

Mevening, margaret.

Hi Margaret, You might want to think about starting part 2 of this wonderful thread soon.

Margaret that chick is growing so fast and changing colors too! I am truly enjoying seeing this family and thanks so much for your updates! It is wonderful to see up close the habits of these gorgeous birds! Thanks again!

Thanks Rose, it really is a delight to behold.

Pelle, I will start a second volume, but I'll need to be led through the link thing again. ? tomorrow (13th)

Hi Margaret, can't tell you all how fascinated I am by this site and all the Best info and pics . Finally I can SEE all those beauties in other countries. Thanks sooo much for your efforts and sharing! Very much appreciated.

Page number 2 starts. Please join me there. http://davesgarden.com/community/forums/t/923348/

Thanks for you comments Taklat. Glad you're enjoying it.

This message was edited Nov 13, 2008 9:35 AM