I knew there were two chicks on the Osprey's nest, but haven't had time to go and check it out. However, yesterday I made time. So I set out early with two things in mind. Some more sorting out at dad's house, and a few Osprey photos on the way. I'm glad to say I achieved both objectives. On my arrival at the nest, mum was sitting on the edge, and as she usually does on my arrival, she flew off but came back within 15 minutes. So, I was ready for her. Here she is returning with a twig and something else attached. At first I thought it was a berry, but I suspect it's a lump of pink fish flesh. I could hear dad in the background, but couldn't see him anywhere ... although my look out spot is quite limited. It affords a good view of the nest, but everything around is blocked by high pine trees. As for the chicks, well you'll have to wait and see ...
How exciting to see mum feeding…it seems quite late in the year to have very young ones but I suppose it doesn't matter as much when they are native birds that won’t be migrating. Looking forward & hoping you might be lucky & get a glimpse of a chick.
Super details. I really like the motion of the wings. It almost looks like the head of a bird looking towards us in the center of the nest just to the right of the green that is sticking up from the nest.
@happypat As you'll see from today's photo, Pat, 'baby' Osprey is rather large and quite ready for fledging. Not sure when they migrate (but they do), and I think they return to Africa sometime around September. I just read that the 'females start the return migrations, followed by males, and then young. They cross the English Channel, they travel down through France and Spain into North Africa. Some then cross the Sahara desert directly, while others follow the West African coastline. Most spend the winter in countries such as Senegal, but some travel as far as South Africa.' Quite a fascinating thought! Wonderful birds.
@jamibann Wow I never knew all that Issi….I always imagined they were permanent residents. I have just read up on Google…. Educating myself, can’t believe I thought they were native birds!
