What a great picture of mama osprey and her three chicks. Yes, they are growing fast and doing all the things they should be at this stage. I'm afraid I'll have the empty nest syndrome when these little ones fly away.
You are absolutely right. They grow so fast. It so interesting to watch the transformation. If this pair of adult osprey are inexperienced at this they are doing a fantastic job protecting, feeding and raising these chicks. I am looking forward to seeing all three fledge but at the same time a little sad because we won't see them anymore.
The red light that is located at the top right of the tower is a beacon light required by the FAA. The 100 foot tower, which is directly beside our office, is half a mile away from the island's airport.
The light operates from dusk to dawn by a photocell control.
Wow, I just came in from a walk on the beach and opened the web cam site to take a peek. And there was a beautiful close up of one of the chicks feeding with mama. Thanks again for letting us enjoy these lovely sights!
Many thanks to the Palmetto moderators and the entire staff for the wonderful cam -closeups- (!) and answering all our questions/concerns! Terrific job :-)
Any thoughts in the future about banding the "O" babes?
I'll attempt to answer a few of the last questions posted:
...do the chicks - after fledging - ever return to the nest, perhaps at night? For at least two weeks after fledging, the young Ospreys may return to their nest for food brought in by the adults.
Usually the young stay in the area near the nest as they improve their skill in the air and then begin to make attempts to catch fish for themselves.
Any thoughts in the future about banding the "O" babes? We have not discussed having the chicks banded.
Did the chicks get fed today? I was off work Wednesday so I didn't watch the osprey cam, but it's probable they ate before late afternoon, when the heavy rains came into the area.
As the feathers come in and get longer, notice that they have a "buff colored" edge. This is the way to tell adults from first year juveniles when they are the same size.
Yes, I believe our ospreys finally hit the camera when relieving themselves. I've noticed several white spots across the exterior lens while panning the camera about the nest. Even with all the rain we have had the camera is still blurry. I believe there may also be condensation on the exterior lens housing. And with the forecast for more rain in our future, we're not sure when it will clear up for better viewing.
That is cute they finally hit the camera..:) They sure are growing and they seem to get so upset when Mama leaves the nest. Thank you for all the close ups and even with a dirty lens you can still see them well. BTW our Scottish mom is due any day now to have her first chick hatch..she has been getting pounded with rain as well.
I have not been on the site for about 3 or 4 days and I am amzed at how much the chicks have changed - they actually look like birds! It is incredible to see this progress of nature - I am going to miss them.
18 comments:
2 questions:
How long before they fledge>
Does a parent always stay on the nest with them?
I am enjoying watching this year, looked the past 2 years and as you said, no eggs.
I have passed the website on to family in other parts of the USA so they could watch and enjoy
What a great picture of mama osprey and her three chicks. Yes, they are growing fast and doing all the things they should be at this stage. I'm afraid I'll have the empty nest syndrome when these little ones fly away.
Vivian
You are absolutely right. They grow so fast. It so interesting to watch the transformation. If this pair of adult osprey are inexperienced at this they are doing a fantastic job protecting, feeding and raising these chicks. I am looking forward to seeing all three fledge but at the same time a little sad because we won't see them anymore.
Mary Pat
The female osprey stays with the chicks the male provides fish for the family.
Time to fledging
48 to 59 days
Time to independence
7 to 17 weeks
Age at sexual or reproductive maturity (female)
3 years (average)
Age at sexual or reproductive maturity (male)
3 years (average)
Everyone else may know this, but do
the chicks - after fledging - ever return to the nest, perhaps at night?
Toni
At 630am (EST) what is that red light that flashes intermittently to the right of the nest??
Does that flash on/off all day and night??
The red light that is located at the top right of the tower is a beacon light required by the FAA. The 100 foot tower, which is directly beside our office, is half a mile away from the island's airport.
The light operates from dusk to dawn by a photocell control.
Wow, I just came in from a walk on the beach and opened the web cam site to take a peek. And there was a beautiful close up of one of the chicks feeding with mama. Thanks again for letting us enjoy these lovely sights!
Vivian
Many thanks to the Palmetto moderators and the entire
staff for the wonderful cam
-closeups- (!) and answering
all our questions/concerns!
Terrific job :-)
Any thoughts in the future
about banding the "O" babes?
Beth
Thanks for answering my query :-)
Wet and rainy. Must have been a tough fishing day.
Did the chicks get fed today?
I'll attempt to answer a few of the last questions posted:
...do the chicks - after fledging - ever return to the nest, perhaps at night?
For at least two weeks after fledging, the young Ospreys may return to their nest for food brought in by the adults.
Usually the young stay in the area near the nest as they improve their skill in the air and then begin to make attempts to catch fish for themselves.
Any thoughts in the future
about banding the "O" babes?
We have not discussed having the chicks banded.
Did the chicks get fed today?
I was off work Wednesday so I didn't watch the osprey cam, but it's probable they ate before late afternoon, when the heavy rains came into the area.
Thanks so much for all your efforts to keep us informed, all the research you've done as well. It has been a real pleasure watching this process.
Toni
As the feathers come in and get longer, notice that they have a "buff colored" edge. This is the way to tell adults from first year juveniles when they are the same size.
Hi
Is there something on the camera lens?
Yes, I believe our ospreys finally hit the camera when relieving themselves. I've noticed several white spots across the exterior lens while panning the camera about the nest. Even with all the rain we have had the camera is still blurry. I believe there may also be condensation on the exterior lens housing. And with the forecast for more rain in our future, we're not sure when it will clear up for better viewing.
That is cute they finally hit the camera..:) They sure are growing and they seem to get so upset when Mama leaves the nest. Thank you for all the close ups and even with a dirty lens you can still see them well. BTW our Scottish mom is due any day now to have her first chick hatch..she has been getting pounded with rain as well.
Thank you again kat
I have not been on the site for about 3 or 4 days and I am amzed at how much the chicks have changed - they actually look like birds! It is incredible to see this progress of nature - I am going to miss them.
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