Chick Cleared for Take Off

photo courtesy of Dennis Swayze

Three days later on my return and I find the nest empty…or so I had thought. Until the calls of juvenile could be heard.

The nest is large enough that when sitting down inside the birds are completely hidden.

Then some movement and a lone chick appeared, and a distant chick calling could be heard. Well one had fledged as it was pole perched away from the nest.

Then the jumping and flapping began at the nest…then lift off.

Perhaps it was a first flight I’m unsure never the less both chicks now up and flying.

Flap, Flap, Flap

photo courtesy of Dennis Swayze

This past week-end found Osprey chicks doing some major flapping ( wingersizing ) in pre-fledge preparation. I even went as far as thinking of doing a countdown till lift off.
Well one can’t always foresee the future as lift off was suspended temporally…even after spending three hours it appeared my timing was off as the chicks settled down for a nap after all the exercise.

I’m sure my next visit will find them up and flying.

Tree Decoration ?

photo courtesy of Dennis Swayze

If it’s a tree decoration it dependently appeared to be real…just sayin !

Great Horned Owl found resting after what appeared to be a morning of feeding the youngsters.

The tell tale stains around the beak was a clear indication.