Today’s lunch time assignment in the nature reserve was exciting. Gorgeous weather and lots going on with the osprey family. Their house was clearly in need of repair and cleaning after the rains and winds we’ve had recently.
Papa osprey was busy bringing in new twigs while mama osprey was doing repairs and cleaning the nest. She (I’m sure it’s her) had also potted some flowers on the balcony as you can see in the pictures. Green plants with white flowers.
I wondered whether the flowers were in preparation for the nestling’s graduation. It’s about that time, isn’t it? The youngster had grown so much in the last few days that it was difficult to tell who was who. He was almost the size of his parents now.
I think it’s him here flexing his wings and talking back to his papa. Stereotypical teenage behavior. He doesn’t have as much white on his head as his parents do, his head and beak are little smaller, and he’s still a little “fluffy” at the edge of his wings. Did you notice the little white feather in the air?
And he wasn’t doing any chores. His papa was flying back and forth bringing in needed materials from Home Depot and his mama was busy repairing the nest.
Did you also notice that both papa and mama are looking straight at me, while the youngster had no clue that a budding ornithologist, although carefully camouflaged, was present? So it must be him.
This was also the very first time I saw both papa and mama flying away from the nest and leaving the nestling alone there for a couple of minutes. When mama osprey executed a short flight (for exercise, I’m sure), she didn’t go far from the nest. She just circled it a few times and went straight back. But the fact that she did leave him alone speaks volumes. He’s approaching independence! I hope to be invited to the graduation party. And if I am, I’ll vouch for you too.
Take care now, Tiny
TINY LESSONS BLOG 
Love your observations, and as for those flowers in the nest….I am speechless with admiration for Mama’s housekeeping style.
I am too! I couldn’t believe my eyes when I saw the new potted flowers on her balcony! They looked fabulous. And she seems to be an excellent home renovation professional. She took the long twig (I missed that of course) from papa before he even landed properly, and started putting it in place 🙂
I wonder if the baby is male or female and could one tell by watching which parent it observes the most? Many things to wonder!
I cannot be sure yet. He spends more time with mom, of course. But whenever dad is around, the youngster hangs out and argues with him 🙂
😀
Love your shots and your post. We had a family of ospreys near our home town. They provided hours of entertainment.
Thanks David. I’m amazed by the instinctively wise behaviors they showcase. You’re right about the entertainment, I almost missed my 2 p.m. teleconference because I wanted to see the next episode. Next time I’ll give the client my mobile number.
Beautiful photos and narrative, Tiny.
Thanks Nancy. I had a blast watching them today. And got my exercise at the same time.
Great photos tiny! It’s so exciting seeing the young one growing so fast! And just love the flowers. Too great! 🙂
That trip was the highlight of my day today. The flowers took the price! Have a great week my friend.
What wonderful captures you get of the osprey family. It is exciting to watch the little one grow via your terrific pictures. Thank you so much for sharing your great photography! Hugs
You’re welcome! I’m lucky to be so close to the nature reserve with its rich bird life. Following this little family is truly exciting! I hope to get a break today or tomorrow to go there again…
Flowers on the balcony! Yes!! Fingers crossed for graduation attendance. 😉
Me too…checked today but no party as yet!
Animal behavior is fascinating! You might like these posts: http://soulgatherings.wordpress.com/2014/04/15/in-love-again-at-my-age/ and http://soulgatherings.wordpress.com/2014/05/06/what-ive-learned-from-my-new-love/.
Oh how I wish I could watch these guys! You DO have a great vantage point!