Raising Aussie Osprey #7

And Aussie asked: "Have I got fish on my face"?

Beautiful... I can see the wagering claw.

I was wondering if it was a lesson also. Not only how to fight for your food, but to lesson the bond between mother and child.

I have seen a eagle with a juvie out front here and they will fight for food. In this case the parent won, but threw a duck leg to the offspring during the meal. Very interesting to watch behavior.

I have noticed that the osprey and eagles pick their food, herons and egrets swallow whole and kingfishers slap the fish on a stump or tree several times to soften before swallowing. It is all an amazing show.

I find it wonderful to be able to continue watching this thread after Aussie has fledged to continue to see her progress. What a great show you have brought to all of us. (esp in the frigid north where everything is now a block of ice)

I thought the same thing cparts. It was a little nerve wracking to watch it unfold though as I didn't want to see either get accidentally hurt.

Wonderful series Margaret!

Those pictures definitely tell a story. I like the interaction between Mum and Aussie. There's something being said there. Great capture.

Are you going 2 write a book?

She sure better! Not too many authors have a built in customer base like she does! I am waiting...

Thank you again, folks. I've been asked to write an article for a newsletter and have made a start on that and think it will give me some ideas of how I want to expand the story. Ooow, Mrs Ed, my own personal graphic designer.

I didn't go to the nest site yesterday, but will head off this afternoon. Because Dad Osprey isn't seen much, I managed to grab a shot of him when he brought the fish to the nest a couple of days ago. Aussie had been up on the branch, having just eaten a fish when the male brought this one. Aussie acted like she'd never seen food before and flew down to retrieve it off Dad.

Aussie quite a character.
Hey Margaret , your lucky to have your personal graphic designer. Seen her work, she does a super job. :)

Yes, she's one clever gal, Burn. I'm very lucky.

Yah, but I'm such a jerk to work with. LOL. ha. not really.

Yeh, so I've heard. (No, not really).

LOL

I never pass up free food either ;o) What a smart girl!

awesome series of pics, Margaret. I bet Mom is teaching aussie to survive. Waiting on the article or book....

Elaine

Ditto!

I've been to the nest site every day but haven't posted because of ongoing computer problems along with writing a sequel to War and Peace. Each day I've been there, Aussie and Mum have mostly been on the nest. What I've observed is the increasing tetchy relationship between them. I don't know if this is part of the normal process of "C'mon girlie, time to get out and start making your own way in the world" or if Mum is showing signs of stress due hunger. It's almost like there's a role reversal occurring, with the juvenile Aussie becoming more assertive and demanding and Mum becoming less authoratative.

They are doing a fair amount of almost ritualistic posturing, walking around each other with wings downwards and partially opened. The verbal interchange is not aggressive, rather it is sounding hesitant and a little anxious, as if neither is exactly sure what the others reactions are going to be.

It isn't very clear because the nest was in full shadow, but Aussie has her back to the camera with wings semi-splayed and Mum is facing her, in a similar position.

They continue to move around each other. Aussie has a lump of nesting material in her claws.

The tension mounts

Both birds seem puzzled and uncomfortable with the changing relationship.

The display takes anywhere up to a minute and then they stand together calling before settling into the more normal routine of waiting for the male to bring a fish.

Things are starting to settle a bit

They were taking it in turns to call rather than trying to scream the other one down

.....

A truce has been called.

I'll have to continue with today's shots tomorrow. It's not all that far off midnight here.

Margaret, can you tell if Mum's body look like she is going without food? When was the last time that you saw her eat? I am so hopeful that this is normal! I only know the Wood Duck world...Mom never stays as long as Aussie's.

Thanks for the update Margaret...looking forward to more photos of their behavior. Sure wish we knew what they were saying!

ah, teenagers…

HA HA HA HA Boy, that one really made me laugh, Mrs_Ed ;o))

Please tell us about your War and Peace book you are writing? Wanda

Beautiful pics Margaret!

Does the other Aussie watcher say anything about this behavior? Is it normal for this to be taking place just before leaving the nest? It seems like it to me, but what do I know...

I'm not sure, JuneyB. Hopefully he'll be at the nest today or tomorrow and I'll be able to ask him.

A competition to see who can scream the loudest. All the action's taking place whilst the nest is in shade.

Aussie taking a bit of a stumble; probably an indicator of her level of anxiety.

Kim, I last saw her eating just on a week ago. I'll post a shot of her coming in for a landing a couple of days ago. I thought she was looking a bit lean, but I may also be reading things into her situation that aren't necessarily true. Here's a shot of her coming in for a landing three days ago.

Straight after the stumble. She was really quite distressed by these events.

Three frames on. I'll continue to post in stages - busy socializing today.

Aussie's trying to force Mum out of the nest

Mum is in an entirely defensive position