Jordan Lake. Hard Luck Osprey Nest. You may remember that last year the parents at this nest lost their offspring to a bald eagle and then they lost the tree and their nest in a storm. This year the parents, at a new tree and nest, have a chick that’s gotten to the stage of wing wapping and it’s thinking hard about flying in a few weeks!
Jordan Lake. Doc Ellen‘s Natural Minute brought to you through the generosity of Captain Doug and his expert helmsmanship. We came upon an Osprey family. Mom Osprey to the left and her three chicks to the right. Note that they are starting to exercise their wings … but are still unsteady with their bodies. Flight is their goal!
Before an osprey can fledge, can fly, it must develop flight muscles.
The chicks are taking turns “wing wapping”.
Wings are stretched, the air is beaten hard, the soul gets concentrated.
One day soon the leap into flight will come.
photo taken June 28, 2015
There is not much room left in the nest.
I’m not sure who is more worried about sharp talons landing in the wrong place –
mom osprey or the chicks.
Note that as mom lands, her toes are knuckling under to prevent her talons from accidentally harming a chick.
The eagles do the same when in the nest and there is no fish to hold down for shredding.
Mom and one chick are looking for the arrival of dad and breakfast.
Two of the chicks are trying to figure out whether or not that new pile of leaves is worth their interest.
The “pile of leaves” is me in my camouflage and mom dismissed me within seconds of my settling into place.
Quickly the chicks too forgot about me and soon all four ospreys were waiting for dad.
The blessings of a long lens and camouflage allow me to bring you photos without disturbing the family.
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