Bird Watching: Growing in an Osprey's garden #4

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Author Content MargaretK PERTH Australia November 06, 2009 12:21 AM Post #7246463 We've come from here. http://davesgarden.com/community/forums/t/1051498/ The chick, Harmony, is now 41 days old and everything is progressing beautifully at the nest. I'm getting to know both the spoken and unspoken language between Dad and Big Hook and it is really rewarding to often be able to predict what's about to happen. Predicting what's about to happen doesn't necessarily equate to being able to capture photos of whatever it may be, but I'll continue to try. Here is Harmony yesterday afternoon during one of the times that she was alone on the nest. Click the image for an enlarged view. MargaretK PERTH Australia November 06, 2009 12:28 AM Post #7246482 I'd no sooner arrived at the nest and a huge swarm of bees flew in front of me, close enough for me to make a polite exclamation of surprise. However, they didn't look as if they were out looking for trouble so I sat and watched their passing. Here's a shot I took with the 400mm lens at a distance of probably 20'. It took the swarm about five minutes to pass and they headed into the big gum tree close by. Click the image for an enlarged view. MargaretK PERTH Australia November 06, 2009 12:31 AM Post #7246487 Big Hook was on the nest with a sleeping Harmony. The bees must have been making their way close to the nest, because she immediately called out with concern. Click the image for an enlarged view. MargaretK PERTH Australia November 06, 2009 12:33 AM Post #7246490 Big Hook quickly moved to put her body over the top of Harmony's and spread her wings a little. Click the image for an enlarged view. MargaretK PERTH Australia November 06, 2009 12:35 AM Post #7246492 By the time the bees had mostly vanished into the base of the tree, there were only a few stragglers around. Big Hook moved away from Harmony and things settled back to normal. Click the image for an enlarged view. MargaretK PERTH Australia November 06, 2009 12:37 AM Post #7246496 It never fails to amaze me just how much baby birds grow. This is three days after the last shots of the chick on the previous thread. Click the image for an enlarged view. MargaretK PERTH Australia November 06, 2009 12:38 AM Post #7246501 More flapping and look at those legs. Click the image for an enlarged view. MargaretK PERTH Australia November 06, 2009 12:40 AM Post #7246508 The chick walks around the rest with ease now, despite the obstacles in the form of the recently added sticks. Here, it's still exercising those beautiful wings. Click the image for an enlarged view. MargaretK PERTH Australia November 06, 2009 12:41 AM Post #7246511 One more. Click the image for an enlarged view. burn_2007 Grand-Falls, NB (Zone 4a) November 06, 2009 12:43 AM Post #7246515 That is so touching, seeing the mother's instinct to protect her young, even when the danger was as real for herself as well. That must of been some swarms of bees, by the looks of it. MargaretK PERTH Australia November 06, 2009 12:45 AM Post #7246520 Burn, it was incredible. It was so apparent that that is exactly what she was doing. It was a huge swarm. Big Hook takes off briefly (Dad was close by) and Harmony has a brief rest. Click the image for an enlarged view. burn_2007 Grand-Falls, NB (Zone 4a) November 06, 2009 12:46 AM Post #7246526 Ooops didn't realized you were still posting, sorry I butt in. Harmony is filling out nicely with all those feathers. MargaretK PERTH Australia November 06, 2009 12:49 AM Post #7246534 Burn that's completely fine. You would never be butting in. I'm glad you're there, on the other side of the world, watching as I'm posting them. The chick hadn't finished with the exercise and resumed after Big Hook had flown off. Click the image for an enlarged view. MargaretK PERTH Australia November 06, 2009 12:50 AM Post #7246537 After a flight up and down the bay for a few minutes, Big Hook returned. Click the image for an enlarged view. MargaretK PERTH Australia November 06, 2009 12:53 AM Post #7246544 Not long after that, Dad came in with a fish. He frequently does two or three passes of the nest before he delivers it, almost as if to show Big Hook just what a good provider he is. Last year, Dad nearly always brought a headless fish. This season, from what I've observed, 90% of the time the poor fish is still very much alive. Click the image for an enlarged view. MargaretK PERTH Australia November 06, 2009 12:55 AM Post #7246549 He was so close, I couldn't get all of him in the frame. This shot is uncropped. Pity it was such a sultry day. If the lighting had been better ... etc. Click the image for an enlarged view. MargaretK PERTH Australia November 06, 2009 12:56 AM Post #7246551 The chick being fed by Big Hook. It was actually raining. Click the image for an enlarged view. MargaretK PERTH Australia November 06, 2009 01:03 AM Post #7246561 Dad went and alighted on the left branch. Again note that strange wet stuff that falls from the sky on rare occasions. He may go for brief flights whilst the chick is fed, but he waits with increasing impatience, knowing that when Big Hook has finished feeding the chick and herself, she'll go for a longer flight and often a bath, giving him his turn to be on the nest. It usually takes at least 45 minutes for a feed to be completed, with Big Hook making different sounds to the chick at different stages of the feed. I've noticed that when she first starts to feed it, there is little or no sound, then, as the chick starts to fill up she makes these soft little "wip, wip, wip" sounds which then change to something I can't yet describe. I'll concentrate on that second sound when I next see the chick being fed. Click the image for an enlarged view. MargaretK PERTH Australia November 06, 2009 01:06 AM Post #7246565 It became increasingly windy, a surefire trigger for ospreys to fly. Dad was still waiting his turn, but would go for brief jaunts and return either to the left hand branch or the pole branch (which is not visible from where I normally observe from). He was having fun killing time by doing some hovering. Click the image for an enlarged view. MargaretK PERTH Australia November 06, 2009 01:08 AM Post #7246568 Hovering Click the image for an enlarged view. MargaretK PERTH Australia November 06, 2009 01:09 AM Post #7246572 Then, when Big Hook left, he came down into the nest. Click the image for an enlarged view. MargaretK PERTH Australia November 06, 2009 01:11 AM Post #7246576 However, the wind was too powerful a master and he couldn't resist the urge to do some more hovering whilst flying between the left branch and the pole branch. He he is coming up to the left branch. Click the image for an enlarged view. MargaretK PERTH Australia November 06, 2009 01:12 AM Post #7246580 Still having fun. Click the image for an enlarged view. MargaretK PERTH Australia November 06, 2009 01:13 AM Post #7246581 Last one for now. It's just about time to go to the nest. Click the image for an enlarged view. bootandall Blenheim New Zealand November 06, 2009 03:43 AM Post #7246675 Sorry I am late in telling you how wonderfull this all is. beautiful pics and dialog pelletory Marlton, NJ November 06, 2009 07:45 AM Post #7246812 Certainly is wonderful, the pics are gorgeous and I can't get over how much Harmony has grown! It must have been fun watching Dad hovering. The shot of Big Hook protecting Harmony from the bees is great. She is a wonderful Mother and I love shots with Dad too! Thanks Margaret! MargaretK PERTH Australia November 06, 2009 08:06 AM Post #7246843 Thank you, Boots. I'm glad you're enjoying it. She is a good Mum, Pelle. You're so right about it being fun to watch Dad hovering. Their flight is so effortless and silent. I have just a few pix from this afternoon to post, but won't be able to do so until tomorrow morning. dellrose Conway, MO (Zone 5b) November 06, 2009 08:54 AM Post #7246909 Margaret...your photos are so beautiful and your commentary is wonderful as well. I can't begin to tell you how much I enjoy what you have put into your threads. Truly appreciated...many thanks! Little Harmony is growing faster than a weed...such a beautiful bird. duckmother North Little Rock, AR (Zone 7b) November 06, 2009 09:59 AM Post #7247095 Lovely, Marggie. Harmony looks more like an Osprey...soon, she will be flying all around! MargaretK PERTH Australia November 06, 2009 10:25 AM Post #7247176 Rose, thank you so much. Thanks, Kim. I'll have to check, but I think Aussie was two months and one week old when first observed flying. Lily_love Central, AL (Zone 7b) November 06, 2009 10:35 AM Post #7247209 One month and 12 days in counting...roughly another 33 days until Harmony takes her first step ...urhg I meant flight. Ooooh I can't hardly wait. Thank you Margaret, this thread is definately perfect present for the Hollidays! plantladylin East Central, FL (Zone 9b) November 06, 2009 10:36 AM Post #7247213 Margaret, even with the clouds and rain, your photo's are magnificent! Look at all those bee's, now that would scare me! Big Hook is a wonderful mom Osprey, it's so heart warming seeing her protect her baby like that. Dad is a good parent as well, always providing, and I know he would protect his baby too if he were at the nest and mom wasn't around. Harmony sure is growing and what a beautiful bird she is ... it's going to be so much fun watching and waiting for her first flight! linthicum Linthicum Heights, MD (Zone 7a) November 06, 2009 10:54 AM Post #7247265 Beautiful series of photos, Margaret. You are indeed fortunate and blessed to observe and photograph the nesting Osprey. Based on my understanding, the Osprey nesting population is not that extensive in Western Australia. What is considered their biggest threat to survival ? The fact that they are rather sedentary and non-migrating should eliminate a risk that migrating Osprey are exposed to. Do you actually see them all year round in your area ? Also, what kind of bees did you photograph ? Could they have posed a serious threat to you ? I'm full of questions !!! ducbucln Kelseyville, CA (Zone 8b) November 06, 2009 11:01 AM Post #7247290 Margaret, as I was looking at all your gorgeous photos, I was thinking you and that camera are a perfect pair. Harmony sure grew in just a few days, but still has the look of a child with those beautiful eyes. I'm glad you mentioned how the osprey love to fly in the wind. I've noticed that here with our osprey, eagles and hawks. This family should be recorded in a book for everyone to enjoy. There are so many people missing out on this beautiful story and photos! irisMA South Hamilton, MA November 06, 2009 11:20 AM Post #7247344 Fantastic pictures--look at the development of the wing feathers! Bees would scare the blazes out of me. Mrs_Ed Whiteside County, IL (Zone 5a) November 06, 2009 12:42 PM Post #7247595 Wonderful developments! Too bad the Rainbow Bea Eaters weren't there to snatch up a few bees. That would have been a nice photo! What a funny guy Dad is to fly from branch to branch. Lily_love Central, AL (Zone 7b) November 06, 2009 01:35 PM Post #7247725 Yes, I can immagine Dad is so proud of his child he just has to dance and expressing his happiness! MargaretK PERTH Australia November 07, 2009 07:40 AM Post #7249754 Thank you all, once again. Linth, I'm not sure about the numbers of ospreys nesting in W.A. Within a few km of where I'm watching, there are at least another three nests. There may be a fourth one, but haven't been able to confirm this. Anecdotally, there doesn't seem to be any shortage of ospreys and I've seen half a dozen flying in the area I observe from. I've heard that the number of breeding pairs on Rottnest Island, 18 km off the coast from here are increasing in numbers. I do see them all year round. During the winter just gone, they could be seen, but mostly heard in the trees down a very steep embankment a couple of hundred metres from the nest. The bees were just ordinary honey bees. I'm fairly sure they aren't a native species. There are numerous hives dotted around the river. I'm cautious of bees, but they don't seem to be aggressive. (I hope they aren't famous last words). Mrs Ed, great minds think alike. As they were swarming I wondered where the Rainbow Bee-eaters were. I haven't heard or seen any for about a week now. I didn't manage to get to the nest today, so here are a few shots from yesterday. Dad with a Laughing Turtledove that probably thought it had just made the biggest mistake of its life. Click the image for an enlarged view. MargaretK PERTH Australia November 07, 2009 07:42 AM Post #7249757 The dove wasn't really flying at the osprey, it's the lens that makes it appear that way. It was actually hightailing it outa there Click the image for an enlarged view. MargaretK PERTH Australia November 07, 2009 08:02 AM Post #7249780 "Next". Actually the Willie Wagtails have kept a very low profile this year. This one didn't do any haranguing, just visited Dad briefly, then flew up onto the right hand branch to check to see who may have been up there, found it vacant and left. Click the image for an enlarged view. MargaretK PERTH Australia November 07, 2009 08:04 AM Post #7249783 No exciting activity yesterday, but I thought I'd better include one shot of Harmony. Click the image for an enlarged view. ducbucln Kelseyville, CA (Zone 8b) November 07, 2009 02:39 PM Post #7250691 I'm glad you did add one photo of Harmony. That baby is just so cute!! Goodness, I bet that Dove really was shocked to see dad sitting so close. I can almost see the shock in that little ones eyes when it's discovered the big guy sitting there. Beautiful photos, every one of them!! MargaretK PERTH Australia November 08, 2009 09:10 AM Post #7252621 It was a glorious day in Perth today and with the warmer weather, activity on the river increases. Lots of yacht races, people in their "tinnies" crabbing, kayakers trying to enjoy a peaceful paddle trying to avoid water-skiers who displayed varying degrees of talent at their chosen sport. I spent a couple of hours at the nest. Things were very quiet when I first got there. Big Hook was sitting quietly, Harmony was sleeping and Dad was nowhere to be seen, an indicator that feeding had recently taken place. After half an hour or so, the chick roused itself. Here is the little darling looking at its mum. Click the image for an enlarged view. MargaretK PERTH Australia November 08, 2009 09:11 AM Post #7252626 Checking each other out. Click the image for an enlarged view. MargaretK PERTH Australia November 08, 2009 09:13 AM Post #7252631 Big Hook and Harmony just looking beautiful. Click the image for an enlarged view. MargaretK PERTH Australia November 08, 2009 09:21 AM Post #7252645 Yachts and other pleasure craft are seen in the bay in all but the most awful weather. Today there was a jet-ski with a couple of yobboes roaring around. They were so close to the embankment that I only occasionally got glimpses of it doing "burn outs'. Big Hook was really distressed by it, watching as it screamed up and down the bay. The chick didn't like it either and huddled under the edge of the nest. Here, Big Hook is politely asking them to vacate the area. Click the image for an enlarged view. MargaretK PERTH Australia November 08, 2009 09:24 AM Post #7252654 Harmony sits up and watches as Big Hook continues to berate the jet ski and its occupants, as if to see what its mother is going to do about this unholy racket. Click the image for an enlarged view. MargaretK PERTH Australia November 08, 2009 09:28 AM Post #7252663 Big Hook flew off the nest several times, clearly distressed by the racket. These birds are well accustomed to the passing parade below and it is very unusual for them to become so upset. I'll admit to having some rather uncharitable thoughts about the jet ski's occupants. Here she is, having briefly alighted on one of the nest branches. Click the image for an enlarged view. MargaretK PERTH Australia November 08, 2009 09:31 AM Post #7252668 So, what do you do when the peace is disturbed by noisy humans on a jet ski? You chase a Cormorant. It was obvious she was so irritated and had nothing else to vent her spleen on. Click the image for an enlarged view. MargaretK PERTH Australia November 08, 2009 09:33 AM Post #7252672 Rotten shot, but here she is returning to the nest. The Cormorant escaped unscathed. Click the image for an enlarged view. MargaretK PERTH Australia November 08, 2009 09:34 AM Post #7252677 The Osprey has landed. Click the image for an enlarged view. MargaretK PERTH Australia November 08, 2009 09:38 AM Post #7252681 An airplane went over. Harmony kept an eye on it. Click the image for an enlarged view. MargaretK PERTH Australia November 08, 2009 09:40 AM Post #7252686 It is so aware of its external environment. I just love this shot. Click the image for an enlarged view. MargaretK PERTH Australia November 08, 2009 09:43 AM Post #7252691 Big Hook continued to come and go. It seems that whenever she's distressed, the answer is to bring sticks to the nest - or chase a poor, bewildered Cormorant. Click the image for an enlarged view. MargaretK PERTH Australia November 08, 2009 09:45 AM Post #7252698 A Willie Wagtail dropped by for a brief visit. The WWT's have babies which have fledged. I don't know if they're nesting in a different spot to last year, but there just hasn't been the same amount of harassing going on. Click the image for an enlarged view. MargaretK PERTH Australia November 08, 2009 09:47 AM Post #7252703 Last shot for the next couple of days. Big Hook and Harmony, as the shadow started to make its way onto the nest. Click the image for an enlarged view. Lily_love Central, AL (Zone 7b) November 08, 2009 10:33 AM Post #7252792 Margaret, the last pictures of Mum and Harmony is most beautiful. It's amazing that the child seems to have 'obsorbed' its Mum's behavior as it's becoming more aware of the external environment. The poor Cormorants appear to need some lessons on self-assertiveness? Whereas the Willie Wagtails need to learn a healthy respect for their fellow birds in the community. As far as Big Hook's behavior Quoted: ... whenever she's distressed, the answer is to bring sticks to the nest - or ... hope she finds a balance in her positive energy and destructive behavior, after all she's modeling for her kid's healthy development at this juncture. ducbucln Kelseyville, CA (Zone 8b) November 08, 2009 11:54 AM Post #7252939 I wonder if Big Hook brings more sticks to the nest because she's worrying if Harmony is protected enough from the jet skiis? Whatever the reason, I'm happy to see she's being so protective. Margaret, we'll all miss you over the two days. Your photos are so beautiful. Harmony seems to be growing every day and becoming as beautiful as her/his parents. Lily_love Central, AL (Zone 7b) November 08, 2009 12:44 PM Post #7253074 Hi Duc, I've the same impression, a healthy constructive 'home building' activity contributed apparently by Mum Big Hook. But when she 'took it out on the poor cormorant' I'm concern if that could be excessive at time? If Harmony were a young boy he could emulates such gesture as It's okay for me to become a bully when I grow up ? Then again, if Harmony were a young girl I hope 'she' will intepretate such behavior as It's awesome! Mum can stand up to adversity, so can I when it's my turn . It's a complicated world out there! gardenpom Melbourne, FL (Zone 9b) November 08, 2009 01:40 PM Post #7253234 Margaret that pic of Mum on the branch looking back is just awesome! Harmony is just beautiful! I can just imagine what she is thinking about that plane passing over..."Oh My! What a huge Osprey!" This message was edited Nov 8, 2009 12:41 PM nanny_56 Putnam County, IN (Zone 5b) November 08, 2009 08:59 PM Post #7254462 Oh Margaret that opening shot is just beautiful of Harmony!! Love the one on post for November 8 at 8:10 AM . I may need those I think!! You and these beautiful birds continue to take my breath away... burn_2007 Grand-Falls, NB (Zone 4a) November 08, 2009 09:53 PM Post #7254602 It's amazing, how Harmony's plumage serve as a great camouflage, in that nest. Very well protected. The way you explain things, makes it easy to visualize the goings on there. Making it very interesting. The photos speaks a thousand words also. pelletory Marlton, NJ November 10, 2009 09:37 PM Post #7261671 Incredible shots Margaret!! Their such a wonderful family! duckmother North Little Rock, AR (Zone 7b) November 11, 2009 09:39 AM Post #7262900 Great pix, Marg! ducbucln Kelseyville, CA (Zone 8b) November 11, 2009 05:17 PM Post #7264579 Incredible photos, every single one of them!! I can't begin to tell you how much I've learned from you patiently sitting for hours and photographing these beautiful birds. Each photo is just superb. I can hardly wait until Spring arrives in our area so that I'll be able to observe our own nesting osprey. The lessons I've learned from you on these birds' behavior will certainly help me know what's happening. My only problem will be I'll be so disappointed when my photos will be taken from the ground and not from higher up as you're doing. huggergirl Columbia City, IN (Zone 5b) November 11, 2009 08:17 PM Post #7265203 i lost the thread for a few days I can not believe how Harmony has changed in just a few days ,he or she is beautiful already MargaretK PERTH Australia November 11, 2009 08:24 PM Post #7265230 I wasn't at the nest for a couple of days, but went there yesterday afternoon. I haven't organized my photos for posting yet, but will do so this morning. JuneyBug Dongducheon CpCasey South Korea (Zone 4b) November 11, 2009 10:41 PM Post #7265644 Harmony looks so much older now, can anyone figure out its sex yet, or is it still too early? MargaretK PERTH Australia November 12, 2009 05:51 AM Post #7266235 Thanks everyone. Juney, from what I've read, young ospreys have the dark "bib" on their chests, regardless of what sex they are and until they're a couple of years old, there's no definite way of determining if the bird is male or female. They reach sexual maturity when they're two or three years old. We all tended to think that Aussie was a female, more because of the behaviours "she" exhibited, not because of her breast markings. With the adult birds, the female is larger and generally has a prominent bib, whereas the smaller male has much lighter markings. Duc, it will be interesting to see what you observe. It's a shame you'll be looking at the nest from below, but then I think, hey this is a person who can take photos of Bald Eagles flying past her deck and perching in nearby trees and suddenly the sympathy I feel diminishes a little. LOL. It was quite hot when I got to the nest yesterday afternoon. Harmony was lying in Big Hook's shade. Click the image for an enlarged view. MargaretK PERTH Australia November 12, 2009 05:52 AM Post #7266237 Big Hook would occasionally glance around her, but most of the time she took the opportunity to have a snooze. Click the image for an enlarged view. MargaretK PERTH Australia November 12, 2009 05:54 AM Post #7266239 When the chick rouse, it started to make its way forward. Big Hook immediately acted to put herself between the chick and the edge of the nest, whilst gently using her body to move the chick back. Click the image for an enlarged view. MargaretK PERTH Australia November 12, 2009 05:55 AM Post #7266240 Another shot of Big Hook using her own body to move the chick. Click the image for an enlarged view. MargaretK PERTH Australia November 12, 2009 05:56 AM Post #7266242 Ongoing Click the image for an enlarged view. MargaretK PERTH Australia November 12, 2009 05:57 AM Post #7266243 The amazing maternal instinct to protect the chick from a potentially dangerous area of the nest. Click the image for an enlarged view. MargaretK PERTH Australia November 12, 2009 06:00 AM Post #7266245 Big Hook just continued to block Harmony's movement and coax her back a bit. Click the image for an enlarged view. MargaretK PERTH Australia November 12, 2009 06:01 AM Post #7266246 The chick moved back just a tiny bit, but it was obviously enough to satisfy Big Hook that it was no longer in danger and took off for a quick flight around the bay. Click the image for an enlarged view. MargaretK PERTH Australia November 12, 2009 06:03 AM Post #7266247 Harmony gets up and starts walking to the other side of the nest. It is now very steady of its feet and no longer needs to wing walk. Click the image for an enlarged view. MargaretK PERTH Australia November 12, 2009 06:04 AM Post #7266248 Once again the growth within just three days is remarkable. Here is Harmony exercising those beautiful wings. Click the image for an enlarged view. MargaretK PERTH Australia November 12, 2009 06:05 AM Post #7266249 It is so wonderful to watch. Click the image for an enlarged view. MargaretK PERTH Australia November 12, 2009 06:06 AM Post #7266251 Still exercising. Click the image for an enlarged view. MargaretK PERTH Australia November 12, 2009 06:08 AM Post #7266253 I made the images smaller for uploading, but I just had a look at what I'd posted and they are a bit small. I'll increase the size next time I have a series to post. Click the image for an enlarged view. MargaretK PERTH Australia November 12, 2009 06:09 AM Post #7266255 A short time later, Harmony had turned and was facing the other way. Click the image for an enlarged view. MargaretK PERTH Australia November 12, 2009 06:10 AM Post #7266256 Last one of the chick exercising - for now. Click the image for an enlarged view. MargaretK PERTH Australia November 12, 2009 06:11 AM Post #7266257 In this shot, Big Hook was making her way back to the nest from the bay below. Harmony watches. Click the image for an enlarged view. MargaretK PERTH Australia November 12, 2009 06:12 AM Post #7266259 I'm quite happy with this inflight shot of Big Hook. Click the image for an enlarged view. MargaretK PERTH Australia November 12, 2009 06:12 AM Post #7266260 Preparing to land. Click the image for an enlarged view. MargaretK PERTH Australia November 12, 2009 06:13 AM Post #7266261 Rearing a youngster is so tiring. Click the image for an enlarged view. MargaretK PERTH Australia November 12, 2009 06:16 AM Post #7266263 And this is how I left them. No sign of Dad again yesterday, but Madam X has seen him delivering fish to the nest. I went to the nest this afternoon, but haven't yet downloaded the images. Stay tuned Click the image for an enlarged view. huggergirl Columbia City, IN (Zone 5b) November 12, 2009 06:38 AM Post #7266270 absolutely beautiful shots Margaret,the landing ,you need to enter that photo in a National Geographic contest,or all of your photos,GREAT WORK Margaret.thank you.Tamara MargaretK PERTH Australia November 12, 2009 06:54 AM Post #7266282 Oh, Tamara, thank YOU. I may be lucky enough to get an occasional good shot, but when I visit some websites, their bird photography just blows me out of the water. huggergirl Columbia City, IN (Zone 5b) November 12, 2009 08:30 AM Post #7266349 margaret,you need to enter ,I think you are better than you give yourself credit for ,you know we are always our own worst critic = + } dellrose Conway, MO (Zone 5b) November 12, 2009 09:31 AM Post #7266476 Stunning shots Margaret!! Harmony's growth is amazing and your documentation is outstanding...the next best thing to being there! Thanks so much for your efforts!! plantladylin East Central, FL (Zone 9b) November 12, 2009 09:47 AM Post #7266537 Happy Birthday Margaret! ((((( Hugs ))))) and Blessings on your special day! We all really appreciate your photography talent here on the Bird Watching Forum! I'm loving the newest photo's of Big Hook and Harmony. I hope Dad appears again soon to get into the pictures! Harmony sure is growing fast, I love the photo's of her exercising those wings! That's a great shot of mom coming in for a landing as well ... and that last shot of Big Hook and Harmony is so sweet. Thanks again for sharing your Osprey families with us, have a wonderful Birthday! Lin Click the image for an enlarged view. Lily_love Central, AL (Zone 7b) November 12, 2009 09:49 AM Post #7266543 It's amazing a serries of pictures just for the day! Thank you, Margaret. It's wonderful to see as Harmony excercises her wings! Miracles of life no less. Lily_love Central, AL (Zone 7b) November 12, 2009 10:03 AM Post #7266599 Happy Birthday to you Margaret. Hope your day is extra special for- you are to so many ... Hi Lin, thanks for your posting, without you I'd not have known that's Margaret's Birthday. Click the image for an enlarged view. MargaretK PERTH Australia November 12, 2009 10:08 AM Post #7266611 Well, thank you both so very much. I spent the afternoon of my birthday at the osprey nest - now there's a surprise! plantladylin East Central, FL (Zone 9b) November 12, 2009 10:32 AM Post #7266667 Margaret, I think the Osprey's nest would be a wonderful place to spend a birthday, or any day. With the hustle and bustle of daily life and all that is going on in the world I know many people don't ever get to experience the tranquility and serenity of nature. I savor moments where I can be in nature, whether it's on a vacation in the mountains, out on the water in our little boat, or when I'm just sitting on the bench in my backyard listening to the birds. If more people had a bit of quiet time to sit and reflect on the nature around them I think there would be less turmoil in their daily lives. Unfortunately, the peaceful and quiet times are a luxury many don't get to experience very often. Lily, that sure is a lovely garden photo of your area of the world! ducbucln Kelseyville, CA (Zone 8b) November 12, 2009 11:24 AM Post #7266837 HAPPY BIRTHDAY MARGARET!! Your photos just get better and better-if that's possible. Harmony seems to have gotten so much larger in just a couple days. I can't pick a favorite because they're all amazing. I agree with Huggergirl, your pictures belong in National Geographic!! Please do check into sending them. pelletory Marlton, NJ November 12, 2009 11:37 AM Post #7266896 That's a great idea! Happy Birthday again Margaret! huggergirl Columbia City, IN (Zone 5b) November 12, 2009 01:27 PM Post #7267239 Happy Birthday Margaret,send those photos in !!!! Tamara MargaretK PERTH Australia November 13, 2009 09:08 AM Post #7269704 What you say about people being so busy they can't pause and appreciate the beauty around them echoes my own thoughts, Lin. The more time I spent observing nature, the more life's frenetic pace pales into irrelevance. Duc, Pelle and Tamara, thank you for your birthday wishes and words of encouragement. Yesterday was very muggy, but became quite windy during the afternoon. Dad arrived at the nest not long after I arrived there, but took off skywards soon after to soar with another osprey which wasn't Big Hook because she was on the nest with Harmony. You'll need to look at the left side of the nest to pick the chick out. Both were watching Dad and the other bird soaring two or three hundred feet above. Click the image for an enlarged view. MargaretK PERTH Australia November 13, 2009 09:10 AM Post #7269716 No sound, just watching with interest. Click the image for an enlarged view. MargaretK PERTH Australia November 13, 2009 09:12 AM Post #7269724 A couple of minutes later, Harmony had moved towards the centre of the nest. They continue to keep an eye on Dad and the other osprey soaring in formation in the sky above. Click the image for an enlarged view. MargaretK PERTH Australia November 13, 2009 09:13 AM Post #7269725 ... Click the image for an enlarged view. MargaretK PERTH Australia November 13, 2009 09:15 AM Post #7269730 As you can see by the direction of their gaze, Dad and the other guy had moved to the other end of the bay. Click the image for an enlarged view. MargaretK PERTH Australia November 13, 2009 09:16 AM Post #7269736 A gust of wind caught Big Hook's head-dress. Click the image for an enlarged view. MargaretK PERTH Australia November 13, 2009 09:18 AM Post #7269746 Big Hook couldn't take it any longer and took to the sky. The speed and silence is amazing. It really does take my breath away. Click the image for an enlarged view. MargaretK PERTH Australia November 13, 2009 09:20 AM Post #7269751 Harmony watches the gentle flight above. It wasn't making any sound. Its beak is open because it's so hot. Click the image for an enlarged view. MargaretK PERTH Australia November 13, 2009 09:22 AM Post #7269756 This is the shot I meant to start with. Dad and Big Hook on the nest together just before he took off. Click the image for an enlarged view. MargaretK PERTH Australia November 13, 2009 09:26 AM Post #7269771 Much nicer weather today. I haven't gone through my shots from this afternoon yet, but here's a shot of Dad on the lower branch. I'll post more when I'm organized. Click the image for an enlarged view. pelletory Marlton, NJ November 13, 2009 09:37 AM Post #7269797 Margaret, Your photos are of such excellent quality! The family looks so healthy and happy and of course Harmony is growing by leaps and bounds. Thanks so much for sharing the experience with us! linthicum Linthicum Heights, MD (Zone 7a) November 13, 2009 10:12 AM Post #7269901 Great photos, Margaret. You have a lot of potential with your daily coverage of the Osprey family. It can take on an adult or child's format. That is, if you are inclined to do so. The title and cover become key marketing tools. This book title immediately comes to mind. A Birth in Perth: A Pictorial Story of the Osprey Down Under. We're just privileged to enjoy a preview of the final edition. plantladylin East Central, FL (Zone 9b) November 13, 2009 10:32 AM Post #7269961 Margaret, even with the gray skies that shot of Big Hook soaring above is wonderful. I love the one showing Mom and Dad side by side on the nest also and the one of Dad on the branch with the blue sky in the background is awesome! Can't wait to see more! ducbucln Kelseyville, CA (Zone 8b) November 13, 2009 01:15 PM Post #7270429 I don't know what to say Margaret. Every time I see one of your photos, it just takes my breath away. I believe Linth has another wonderful idea. Your photos and storytelling are both entertaining and informative and would make learning about these magnificent birds easy for any adult or a child as Linth said. I love the suggested title too. Now all you have to do is find someone to help you put your book together. Please think about it. Mrs_Ed Whiteside County, IL (Zone 5a) November 13, 2009 03:09 PM Post #7270747 Ha. A Birth in Perth. That's a good one. nanny_56 Putnam County, IN (Zone 5b) November 13, 2009 08:37 PM Post #7271733 O those shots of Big Hook & Harmony watching are really cool! Wonder what they are thinking... burn_2007 Grand-Falls, NB (Zone 4a) November 14, 2009 01:05 AM Post #7272463 Your very talented Margaret, and a great photographer at that. You put in pictures, what we may never get to see, up close. Thanks a bunch for sharing something so special. MargaretK PERTH Australia November 14, 2009 06:47 AM Post #7272812 I'm very happy to be able to share my experience with you all. When I speak to some people about how I spend most of my spare time, I either get a blank stare or get the question "What's an osprey"? It's heartening to get the enthusiastic feedback I get here on the birdwatching forum. Thanks for the suggestion, Linth. I have thought of targeting children (as readers); however I don't want it to be primarily a children's book. If the book I have in mind ever comes to fruition, and I have made a start, I have contemplated compiling a scaled down version of the visual story aimed specifically at children. From this afternoon - Harmony exercising those wings. I was reading today that ospreys fledge anywhere between 48 and 59 days. Harmony is 49 days old today and there are still remnant "pins" visible on her flight feathers. I tend to think that because there is no urgency to grow fast to be able to migrate, the chicks down-under may mature at a more leisurely pace. Aussie was hatched on the 19th or 20th October last year and didn't fledge until between Christmas and New Year. I think it was the 28th December that I first saw Aussie out of the nest, but of course it may have occurred earlier than that, just not observed. If it was the 28th, that would have been 69 days (I am unquestionably the world's worst mathematician, so feel free to correct me if I'm wrong - I'm used to it). Even if it had fledged a few days earlier, although none of the local observers, including Madam X had seen it, it would have been right on the upper end of the fledging scale. Edited to add that I have just read that fledging may actually extend to 76 days. This message was edited Nov 15, 2009 10:35 AM Click the image for an enlarged view. MargaretK PERTH Australia November 14, 2009 07:05 AM Post #7272824 Dad brings a fish. Harmony eagerly went towards it, although it isn't feeding itself yet. Mind you, I have seen it picking at remnants in the nest when it's been there on its own, so it shouldn't be long now. Click the image for an enlarged view. MargaretK PERTH Australia November 14, 2009 07:17 AM Post #7272831 A gently paced feed commences. Click the image for an enlarged view. MargaretK PERTH Australia November 14, 2009 07:20 AM Post #7272835 ... Click the image for an enlarged view. MargaretK PERTH Australia November 14, 2009 07:26 AM Post #7272842 It became a bit cloudy for a while. Harmony and Big Hook could see something in the sky that I couldn't pick out. Dad went onto the low nest branch after he delivered the fish. None of them was perturbed by whatever it was that I couldn't see. Click the image for an enlarged view. MargaretK PERTH Australia November 14, 2009 07:29 AM Post #7272846 This was my cue to get outa there. Click the image for an enlarged view. huggergirl Columbia City, IN (Zone 5b) November 14, 2009 08:08 AM Post #7272876 Geez,I hope its not illegal to watch ospreys !!!! Oh Margaret I do love your photos and Iam soo glad I do take time to smell the roses,whats an osprey, how very sad for them !! Have a great day,its spose to be 65 today ,Possibly a motorcycle ride ,mostlikely!! the 14th of November ,we are having great weather.sounds like next week could be spitting snow,as it should be !!! Iam goin for a ride. MargaretK PERTH Australia November 14, 2009 08:41 AM Post #7272907 Enjoy the ride, Tamara. pelletory Marlton, NJ November 14, 2009 09:31 AM Post #7272982 Wonderful shots Margaret! irisMA South Hamilton, MA November 14, 2009 09:43 AM Post #7273008 Lovely pictures Margaret. Even before a book, can you give talks at the local community forum? 'What's an osprey' needs to be corrected for adults. ducbucln Kelseyville, CA (Zone 8b) November 14, 2009 03:59 PM Post #7273905 I would think your local Audubon members would love to feature your beautiful photos and the continuing story at one or more of their meetings. I just attended one on owls and woodpeckers that was fantastic. Just the thought of Harmony being old enough to fledge is sad to me and now you're saying this chick could soon leave the nest. I do hope that "slower pace" turns out to be true. We'd all miss this wonderful adventure. Gorgeous photos once again. MargaretK PERTH Australia November 14, 2009 07:17 PM Post #7274451 Oh, even after the chick has fledged, it will be around for several months, initially using the nest and then the nest branches more exclusively, before heading off to a completely independent life. There was something very disturbing on the local news yesterday evening. Since July, a few of the Swan River dolphins have been found dead. Two were caught in fishing lines, but post mortem examination of those two, in addition to the others that have been found dead, have revealed a compromised immune system and high levels of dieldrin and DDT. Both of these organochlorines had been phased out since the 1960's and had been totally banned since 1987. They are persistent chemicals, but it is a huge concern that they have now started manifesting themselves in what has been a healthy dolphin population, possibly pointing towards some illegal use in the Swan River catchment area. Not only is it a concern for the dolphins and other marine life, but also for the local ospreys, who of course live on fish caught in the river. It was the use of DDT that decimated the osprey population in parts of the northern hemisphere by thinning the egg shells to the point that they would break under the weight of the parent bird during incubation. I will try to find out more during the week. Here's a link to the chemicals referred to. http://www.environment.gov.au/settlements/publications/chemi... nanny_56 Putnam County, IN (Zone 5b) November 14, 2009 07:55 PM Post #7274600 Being an "ambassador" for the osprey's or the river in general might be your calling Margaret. That is so sad and disheartening to hear about the dolphins. I get those blank looks too when I talk about the birds. Especially the ones that are not well known. pelletory Marlton, NJ November 14, 2009 08:18 PM Post #7274659 That is sad to hear Margaret. huggergirl Columbia City, IN (Zone 5b) November 15, 2009 08:47 AM Post #7275792 what a terrible thing to happen,ddt affected most birds that sameway,I think about what ddt had done,everytime I see large birds.The population has most definitly has rebounded since it has been banned.TG. ducbucln Kelseyville, CA (Zone 8b) November 15, 2009 11:46 AM Post #7276158 That is very sad to hear about the dolphins. I hate to think of how this will hurt the marine life and the birds that feed on them, not to mention the animals that feed on them. People can be so thoughtless. duckmother North Little Rock, AR (Zone 7b) November 15, 2009 06:53 PM Post #7277273 I have been out of town, Mags, sorry I missed your birthday...I hope it was wonderful! The pictures are just lovely. I hate to hear about the dolphins deaths. I am hopeful that the deaths and the DDT are just a fluke and no more will succumb. Birthday hugs coming your way! Click the image for an enlarged view. MargaretK PERTH Australia November 17, 2009 08:05 AM Post #7281857 No-one seems to know the source of the contamination and there's a chance it will never be located, as it is probably filtering into the river remotely, rather than by direct entry into the river system. I'll post updates when something is available, but it would be truly tragic for anything to happen to the several osprey families that nest and fish along the Swan. Thanks for the flappy birthday wishes, Kim. Head over here for the continuing story. http://davesgarden.com/community/forums/t/1056583/

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