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.
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?
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
That’s all for this week. The salt marsh gang sends ❤ to all friends, and particularly to those whose week hasn’t been the best. Tiny
TINY LESSONS BLOG 
Love your photos!
Thanks Mandy!
Ohhhh, three little ones! How exciting! 🙂
That was a good surprise! You can imagine how challenging it is to feed them and to protect them from the heat we’re having. I hope our spring weather will return soon 🙂
Yes, I imagine it’s quite tiring. Here is to your Spring weather returning fast!
🙂
Thank you for this wonderful post
Happy you liked it!
WOW!!! Gawgess birdies, each and everyone! Fab fotos too of course~
They are quite a bunch, aren’t they! I hope to spot some other chicks too in the next couple of months. Thanks Cindy.
Precious shots… Takes much patience and time to get these photos. Thank you so much for the series, Tiny! 🙂
Thanks Amy! This past week I was really lucky, so much action every time I took a walk 🙂
Ooh, what exciting news! 🙂 (Now, I don’t want to upset their feelings, so I’m just whispering this … but, my goodness, they’re not very attractive when they’re little, are they?? How long do they look grey and scruffy like this?) Look forward to further photos, and good job on the reporting from the salt marsh, Tiny! 🙂
You made me laugh so hard 😀 They are not attractive at all yet, but their feathers have started to grow already. In a couple of weeks they will look much better, then in a month they will look just like mom and dad – only with some white pricks 🙂 And then it’s time to learn to fly. Thanks, Sally!
Great captures Tiny – especially of the familia 🙂
Can’t wait to see what that reddish egret gets up to next. He can be very entertaining!!
The familia thanks you for your nice comment, Val 🙂 The Reddish Egret is likely have a show soon. He’s been practicing diligently 😉
Oh my! Can’t wait 🙂
What a colorful crew! Great shots, Tiny.
Oh, they are a colorful bunch! And fun to work with 😉
It’s so thrilling to see the chicks!
The third one was a total surprise. I hope they all make it!
LOVE the osprey photos!
Thanks much Neil!
technicolor!!
nature-made technicolor 🙂
The best kind. These birds’ feathers are really pretty.
And just now at their prettiest as it is nesting time!
Triplets! Awesome!
That’s right! Triple the joy…and three times the fish 🙂
Loved the fashion show made all the better with such crisp shots….and such exciting news about there being three chicks! Oh happy day!
The show was great, first time I’ve seen so many birds at sunrise. And the Osprey parents had another surprise in store…now I’m keeping my thumbs up that all of them will make it!
Oh, I love your bombshell ending. No wonder Papa was bringing so much food to the table. He has a hungry horde to feed. As for the birds in the salt marsh; their colours are so intense. Utterly beautiful.
Oh, I couldn’t believe my eyes…but you’re right, PO has been hauling in so much food. Even the “baked” fish is gone now. The sunrise colors make everything glow in the salt marsh…and this time there were so many birds around.
Loved all those colourful birds and followed the story of the ospreys with great interest. thanks for sharing.
Thanks Susan, I’m happy you like the true story of this little…now bigger…Osprey family. They are such wonderful birds.
What a glorious avian parade. That roseate spoonbill is really something. Good to hear the ospreys are thriving.
They really “showed off” last Sunday morning. The Spoonbill is at its most colorful now, at breeding time. The osprey chicks are growing fast and will be more “presentable” in a couple of weeks. I’m just hoping for rain and cooler weather…that would add to the chances that all three will make it.
three siblings…it is the bomb! eventhough your photography offers offers every imaginable amenity, it would be fantastic to enjoy them live ❤
I’ll try to get some video once the chicks are a bit bigger…or you could come and see them here 🙂 ❤
Amazing shots! These really made my day 🙂 ❤
Thanks Takami! I’m happy you enjoyed, have a wonderful weekend! 🙂 ❤
Magnificent days! Beautiful birds captured and the 3 new Osprey offspring, too! Such a great day to start the day!
Thanks Cyndi. Last Sunday morning the birds really did put up a magnificent show…and later I got lucky to actually see all three chicks standing on my bench. The curious one really helped Papa to check the skies, and even looked at me. Good to get acquainted early on 🙂
So many birds, all captured beautifully. Your Osprey pictures make me want to go back and check on the ones at EBF refuge, but maybe they only have eggs at this time, no chicks yet.
Thanks Hien. This osprey couple are among the earliest even here in south-central FL…some others have apparently just hatched. I would love to see pictures of little ospreys from the EBF refuge in time!
Lovely photos.
Happy you enjoyed the birds, Celestine.
So, don’t count your eggs before they hatch? Or something like that?
Three cheeps, how cute!
I love all the other bird photos though. If I lived there I would never be indoors, I would be birdwatching all day 🙂
Thanks! Mama didn’t let me count the eggs 😉 And the Hubs is saying I’m out birdwatching all day, but that’s of course not true…
Oh wow! The family has grown very fast! Congratulations for your new discovery Tiny! Nice post! 🙂
Thanks H.J.! The family grew while I was watching 🙂
Fantastic photos of the Osprey family. So there are 3 chicks. the parents must be so proud. 🙂 Love the early morning fashion parade.
The parents are both proud and busy! The little ones want fish…yesterday! The parade was rare, usually the birds are still sleeping at sunrise. Happy you liked their spring fashions, Sylvia.
Magnificent.
Thanks kindly, David.
Wow, what beautiful photos! And a big YAY for the triplets — hoping they all keep on doing well!
Thanks Meg. I didn’t have the time to check on the babies today, but yesterday took a few pics from my terrace and saw all three were being fed. I’m hoping for rain because it’s been unseasonably hot here this past week.
Thanks, Tiny for the awesome show and update! Your birds are so so beautiful 🙂 Enjoy the rest of your weekend 🙂 ♡♡
Happy you enjoyed the nature’s beauty parade, Lorrie. Have a wonderful Sunday 🙂 ❤
The most beautiful beauty pageant of all! Thanks, Tiny! And how exciting to see three chicks!! I hope you have a beautiful Sunday morning tomorrow. 🙂
Glad you enjoyed their show. Nature is so full of beauty! Have a wonderful Sunday, you too 🙂
Fantastic! I’m envious of your sightings and captures! Truly beautiful.
Thanks Elena! The sightings are wonderful, capturing still needs lots of improvement…little by little.
Really awesome photos, Tiny. So very exciting to have good views of the three new chicks. 🙂
Thank you Jet. I think (from talking to a park ranger yesterday) that this is the first time they have three chicks. I started following this couple last year when they had only one. Three is awesome 🙂
Wonderful news!