Jordan Lake. A field ID mark on a fledgling osprey is all of the white points at the end of its feathers. They are quite distinct. I have also noticed some of this on fledgling bald eagles, and fledgling hawks. Not near as definitive but it is there. I keep asking the experts do they know why. So look at the neck and head ruff on the eagle and osprey and on the wings and see what you think.

bald eagle fledgling
osprey fledgling

Jordan Lake. You could say this pair of photos were literally “top” of my morning. Yes, the fledgling osprey is looking straight down the tree trunk at me and three other birders who were watching her. I leaned carefully back and pointed my camera straight up at her hoping she wouldn’t bolt! Don’t miss the fish she’s holding!

female osprey fledgling with the fish she caught

Jordan Lake. This fledgling osprey has only been flying about eight weeks. She managed to catch and carry a striped bass that is as long as she is. She never got more than about 2 feet above water. After resting on the log for three minutes she managed to lift the fish one more time and disappeared around the tree line from my sight.

Jordan Lake. While cruising with Captain Doug, from far off we could see a huge fish under the talons of an osprey fledgling. She was quite proud of the fish. Captain Doug got us around to where we could see the Osprey’s front. The fish’s head is missing. Most likely one of the parents caught the fish, removed the head and then gave the carcass to her daughter.