16 | April | 2015 | TINY LESSONS BLOG

Last Sunday was my big outdoors day. I was up before dawn and went for a walk to see the natural world wake up to a new day. I was happily surprised to find so many birds up and running at the early hour. It was like watching a pageant right there in the salt marsh. One beauty arriving after another. I invite you to join me.

tricolored heron at sunrise Sand Key Park Clearwater Florida — First out was the Tricolored Heron carrying her multi-colored feathers with exquisite beauty…

a great blue heron Sand Key Park Clearwater Florida — The Great Blue Heron was next….pausing to showcase the whimsical cut on the back of his suit…

The Snowy Egret on Sand Key Beach Clearwater Florida — The Snowy Egret was walking like a pro, demonstrating her elegant white gown and great posture.

a roseate spoonbill in Sand Key Park Clearwater Florida — Next out was the Roseate Spoonbill in her hot pink dress…something worth reflecting on.

Little Blue Heron in Sand Key Park Clearwater Florida — Ms. Pink was followed by the Little Blue Heron showcasing her deep purplish-blue dress with sophisticated grace.

a reddish egret in Sand Key Park Clearwater Florida — The pageant file-through was completed by the Reddish Egret, appropriately clad in striking colors for his upcoming show.

Needless to say, I was delighted by all this natural beauty. But where were the Ospreys? The answer: still sleeping. It’s wonderful that the exhausted parents got to sleep in on a Sunday morning, isn’t it?

sleeping osprey in Sand Key Park Clearwater Florida — Everyone in the nest is still sleeping…it’s barely daylight.

When I arrived at the nest, Mama Sandy was the only one visible. Slowly she opened her eyes, and soon another sleepy head appeared. Papa Stanley was waking up. It looked like he had slept in the nest, for a change. I observed their morning ritual. Both flexing and preening for a few minutes. Then Sandy started asking for breakfast. And Stanley complied after a short, remarkably quiet discussion. No sign of the kids, they were still sleeping.

osprey couple at sunrise in Sand Key Park Clearwater Florida — Mama Osprey asks Papa to go get breakfast just after 7 a.m.

male osprey leaves for an early morning fishing trip Sand Key Park Clearwater Florida — Papa Stanley leaves for an early morning fishing trip.

I took another walk at sunset time the same day. I found a late dinner in progress at the nest. Again, I didn’t get to see the chicks.

Dinner at 7:40 p.m. at the osprey nest in Sand Key Park Clearwater Florida — Dinner at 7:40 p.m. Sandy is feeding, but no chicks visible.

So on Monday morning, having my coffee on the terrace, I looked at the nest with binoculars. I blinked. And blinked again. But still saw the same scenario: not two, but three little heads came up when Sandy distributed breakfast. That’s dropping a “bombshell” on me. And a very good one at that. Sandy and Stanley have three chicks!

I didn’t get the opportunity to go see the chicks, who must be about three weeks old by now, until midweek. When I arrived at the nest, lunch was being served. And I got lucky. The table was in plain view from the ground. And I could see all three chicks being fed in turn.

osprey feeding chickSand Key Park Clearwater Florida — Sandy feeds the first chick.

three osprey chicks in Sand Key Park Clearwater Florida — Sandy feeds the middle chick…but you can see all three here.

osprey female feed chicks Sand Key Park Clearwater Florida — Gimme food! Sandy feeds the last chick.

They are already moving around, and one of them even came close to the edge and looked out into the big, wide world. I’m guessing it was the first born.

A curious osprey chick looks out of the nest in Sand Key Park Clearwater Florida — A curious chick scans its environment.

The kids’ lunch lasted about 40 minutes, and then it was Sandy’s turn to eat. Finally Stanley started collecting what was left of the fish, took it and flew to his man cave to enjoy a late lunch.

male osprey collects the rest of the fish in Sand Key Park Clearwater Florida — Stanley collects his lunch box…

male osprey flies with the rest of the fish after chicks have been fed Sand Key Park Clearwater Florida — …and flies to his man cave, passing right above my head.

This ritual is repeated at least three times a day, maybe four. I hope all three nestlings will thrive, despite the hotter than normal weather. And that we’ll be able to watch their flying lessons in about a month. That should be fun. Here’s a teaser. This is how their only nestling, a girl, fledged last year.