Raising Aussie Osprey #3

Well, little Aussie is growing in leaps and bounds and is now exercising his/her wings. Mother spends a fair amoung of time on a branch that leads outwards and upwards from the nest, constantly talking to the chick. The chick is tending to spend more of its time still in the nest, but at the base of the branch that Mum's on. I don't think it will be long before it joins her there. I hope you'll join me in following the chicks progress.

We came from here http://davesgarden.com/community/forums/t/923348/

This message was edited Dec 1, 2008 9:40 AM

Yay!!! You now have your DG posting license.

Great job Mragaret!

I just can't get over how big the chick is getting.

Margaret, the most enjoyable time I had in 2008 was watching my hummingbird nest being built, the eggs laid, they hatched, just about fell out of the nest several times and then finally fledged (flew away). I talked to them everyday since the eggs hatched. I was lucky because the nest was low but protected so I had a "bird's eye view" LOL. After they left the nest they buzzed me everyday. One day they got so close to my face, it kind of got scary. To Close for that pointed beak. I had small tours for the small children in the neighborhood. Their parents accompanied them and were amazed. I hope you have as much joy watching your "Aussie" as I did watching and talking to mine. This picture is when one of the babies was half out of the nest. It got back in and then two days later was out again. I finally figured out that must be part of getting ready to go free.

awww, so cute.

That baby is growing by leaps and bounds.
cute hummers, sk.

Pelle and Mrs Ed, I couldn't have done the hyperlink without your expert help on previous occasions.  Thanks.   And yes, EFGeorgia and Pelle, I have looked at images I took a little over a week ago and it's marvellous to see how much it's grown and in such robust health.

skwinter, what a treat to have hummingbirds nest at your house.  And how good to bring the local kids in.  They would have been amazed by it.  Who knows, one of those kids might become a keen bird watcher as a result of your willingness to share and educate.

  There wasn't much action at the nest this afternoon, other than when the female came back to the nest after a 15 minute absence.  Whilst she was away, the male came down into the nest from the branch he uses to survey his kingdom and oh boy, didn't she give him what for.  He left without argument (wise bird). This picture show the female on the right (see the metal leg band) telling him in no uncertain terms to get out.  

Something interesting passing overhead.

It was such a beautiful day and I made myself comfortable on the embankment underneath a brilliantly coloured bougainvillia.  Surrounded by heavy vegetation bustling with various birds and insects, with the occasional sound of a little lizard in the undergrowth, the expanse of blue sky above broken only by the slender leaves in nearby eucalyptus trees moving gently in the breeze, it was like being in an amphitheatre.   There was minimal activity on the river and even less at the nest.  So I fell asleep.  Does life get better than that?

Sounds like you are having a HORRIBLE time, Margaret. Keep your chin up!

It's really tough, GP, but I'm trying.

Last one for this evening. Mother with chick. Father was off somewhere with a flea in his ear.

So adorable! Too bad the second chick did not make it. Is it usual for them to have only one at a time?

GP, Resin provided an explanation that Ospreys in the higher latitudes in the northern hemisphere may successfully raise 3 or even 4 chicks at a time, the reason being their need to migrate south in winter and the migratory attrition rate is fairly high. Because of our relatively mild climate, migration is not necessary, so if our Ospreys had multiple chicks, there would soon be too many for the local environment to support. There wouldn't be a shortage of fish, but there would be insufficient nesting sites. It's funny you should mention the chick that didn't survive. I often think about it, but today even more so, seeing how strong and confident little Aussie is.

One other point to add, at high latitudes, the adults can fish 18-20 hours per day, which makes it easier to keep a large brood fed.

Resin

That last pic is so adorable! I just hate to think we are getting close to the end of our journey....or will Aussie stay in the immediate area?

Very nice margaret....must be great to be able to see this. Great pics as well..oh, I wish...

Little Aussie is getting cuter every day...I will miss this when the journey comes to an end. Do you know if they will nest again?

LOL

Thanks for your comments everyone. Dellrose, to my knowledge there's been a nest there for the last 19 years. Who knows how long it has been there before that. I'll ask some local (and very fortunate) people who live overlooking the river if they know how long it's been there. Yes, it will be strange when the chick finally leaves. I just hope that my timing's right to be there for its first flight. I keep thinking to myself "oh I won't go there today" but come 2pm a driving force takes over and I'm compelled to go there. And it's a nice place for a nap. From leaving home to being at the site is only five minutes, so it would be almost sacrilegious not to go on a daily basis - unless I'm on the other side of the river watching the Rainbow Bee Eaters.

This shot is from two days ago when the chick was vigorously testing its wings.

This message was edited Dec 2, 2008 9:32 AM

Aww so cute!

They grow up to fast, just like weeds, but much cuter. Handsome little fellow. Won't be long now.
You should write a book after this Margaret, you have ways with words, and wonderful Osprey shots.

I agree with burn, Margaret. You are a wonderful story teller. This has been a remarkable journey, and not to share it would be a shame. I last visited Nov. 22, and I'm shocked at the quick growth of baby in a week and a half. He looks so healthy, and strong. What attentive parents he has. Loved the photos of mom and baby.

It would be such a thrill to be there for his first flight. Hope you are there!

Thank you for your wonderful words. Maybe I should try writing Aussie's story. But the thing is, what on earth would I do with it once I'd written it? I didn't get to the nest today. I was too busy sweltering in the bushland on the other side of the bay shooting pictures of the Rainbow Bee Eaters. I should be able to get to the nest tomorrow afternoon to check how things are progressing.

Marg, the pictures are so wonderful! I have shown the one of baby and mom looking endearingly at each other, to everyone that I can.

And I agree with the others, you are a great story teller.

Margaret, what would you do with your story once it's written? Submit it to as many publishers as possible!

The opening sentence has me stumped.  Once I can get that, I'll start compiling a story.  Thanks for your encouragement and ongoing interest.  I went to the nest this afternoon and I can't believe I had to leave after about 45 minutes due to the threat of rain.  Two hours later and there's a bright blue sky mocking me.

The chick continues to develop.  I took this shot less than a minute after arriving on site.  It was looking directly at me, swaying its head from side to side, its gaze never wandering for a second.   I've noticed the parent birds do this when they're really focusing on something.   It was also panting in the heat. At least it didn't flatten itself to the nest floor so it clearly wasn't bothered by my presence, just curious about the humanoid with the extraordinarily big growth on its face.

The male arrived with a fish, once more with the head cleanly severed from the body. She didn't sent him packing as she did the other day, but he made a fairly hasty exit to his favourite perch soon after delivering the meal.

Another of the chick accepting food from Mum with great gusto.

Exercising those wonderful wings. Mum continued to feed.

Hello Margaret, was hoping you'd post today. The first pic of the baby was interesting. It was if h/she knew you and why wouldn't I? Now, since I've had my bird fix the day is off to a good start? Thanks, Lee

Marg, I am certain that Aussie was saying "There you are. I am so glad to see you" ;o)

Love that first pic, Margaret. That chick is almost as big as his mother!

Thinking about two of the pics from vol. 2 of this thread . . .

Resin

Does the inevitable ever happen??

;-)

I'd like to think so.

Good one, lol! That chick has come along so much in 5 days! It won't be long now by the looks before s/he takes flight, look at those wings!

I wouldn't be surprised if it came and sat on your head Margaret, wouldn't that be fantastic! It's probably checking out suitable perching spots!

GP took the words right out of my keyboard....Aussie is getting sooo big now! lol

:D Resin
Love the one where the chick is practicing his wing flaps. He's sure filling out well. Gorgeous

I'll pop over to the nest again this afternoon. With the preening it's doing, the coverings to the partially pinned feathers won't be there for much longer. I'm sure it won't be long before it follows mum up onto that branch.

Oh, yes, Wallaby, it would be fantastic if it came and landed on my head. Not!! Can you imagine have a scalp massage with THOSE talons?