| Author | Content |
MargaretK
PERTH
Australia
November 17, 2011 4:56 PM Post #8894728
| We've come from here. http://davesgarden.com/community/forums/t/1227580/#new
The first thread for this season is here, if anyone wants to go back to the beginning. http://davesgarden.com/community/forums/t/1190091/
The three chicks continue to thrive. No rivalry is ever observed, each patiently waiting its turn to be fed. They aren't eating on their own yet, but I don't think that's too far off. At times the nest looks like it has an octopus crawling around on it, with limbs going in every direction. Wing exercise is fun, especially when all three are flapping at the same time.
Big Hook seems less cranky with Dad, although she occasionally chases him around a bit. He is spending a lot of time in the tree about where we position ourselves to view the nest. I think the reason for this may be that the trees have grown between where he has always sat, outside Madam X's place and the nest.
This shot is from 2 or 3 days ago - all flapping simultaneously.
Click the image for an enlarged view.
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MargaretK
PERTH
Australia
November 17, 2011 4:58 PM Post #8894731
| From yesterday afternoon, before it started raining. The littlest chick is on the left. At one stage, it was even closer to the edge of the nest than in this shot.
Click the image for an enlarged view.
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MargaretK
PERTH
Australia
November 17, 2011 4:59 PM Post #8894734
| One good puff of wind and I can see myself scrambling down the embankment in search of a chick.
Click the image for an enlarged view.
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MargaretK
PERTH
Australia
November 17, 2011 5:01 PM Post #8894735
| I've cropped this so you can see the chicks expression as it gazes directly at me.
The weather is nicer today and I'll head back there this afternoon. That's it for now.
Click the image for an enlarged view.
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burn_2007
Grand-Falls, NB (Zone 4a)
November 17, 2011 5:52 PM Post #8894804
| Fabulous shots of the chicks, flapping their wings. They are some beautiful birds. Wish I could see them with my own eyes. But your skill as a camera handler, is making it just as interesting to watch.. Thanks for sharing this precious family with us. |
Lily_love
Central, AL (Zone 7b)
November 17, 2011 6:08 PM Post #8894824
| Agreed with Bernadette, such wonderful capture of the family in action. Love that chick's expression as it gazes directly at you Margaret. Just think that you'll have to scrampling down the embankment in search of the chicks should one slips off the nest...ooooh I'm getting chill bumps just think about it. |
MargaretK
PERTH
Australia
November 17, 2011 6:13 PM Post #8894834
| Thanks, Burn. Every day is as intriguing as the last.
You think you get chill bumps, Kim. LOL. Just imagine how I feel at the prospect. Fingers crossed that it doesn't come to that. Mind you, looking at their flight feathers, if worst came to worst and one of them did go over the edge, it would probably be able to fly, if its instincts kicked in quickly enough.
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GrannyGrunt
Mount Pleasant Mills, PA (Zone 5a)
 November 17, 2011 6:17 PM Post #8894835
| Oh my goodness, a nest full of feathers and wings! They are so beautiful. Wonderful pictures Margaret. The cropped shot of that chick staring right at you is just too darned cute.
Glad you didn't have to scramble down the bank! |
meadowyck
Bradenton, FL (Zone 8b)
November 18, 2011 4:29 AM Post #8895243
| I with the others your skills with the lens are bringing those of us who can't see first hand such, a treasure for us to be a part of their development.
Thank you again for the photos and updates.
Jan |
huggergirl
Columbia City, IN (Zone 5b)
November 18, 2011 4:56 AM Post #8895270
| LOVE,love the photos,the staring 1 too curious ; ) My heart pops into my throat just looking at the photos of the too close to the edge photos.Cant even imagine how you feel Margaret.whooaa like a rollercoaster ride.. |
MargaretK
PERTH
Australia
November 18, 2011 9:52 PM Post #8896434
| I spent three hours at the nest yesterday afternoon. No sign of Dad yesterday, but Big Hook brought three fish in just under two hours. The chicks are starting to pick at the remnants by themselves. Here's a shot when the nest was in shadow of one of the two biggest chicks struggling to get a rather large piece of fish down its throat - a good look.
Click the image for an enlarged view.
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MargaretK
PERTH
Australia
November 18, 2011 9:55 PM Post #8896437
| I think the little one may be the first to fledge. It is doing more wing exercises than its bigger siblings.
Click the image for an enlarged view.
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MargaretK
PERTH
Australia
November 18, 2011 9:56 PM Post #8896440
| Lift off.
Click the image for an enlarged view.
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MargaretK
PERTH
Australia
November 18, 2011 9:57 PM Post #8896442
| Considering its inexperience, it made quite a good landing into a very stiff sea breeze.
Click the image for an enlarged view.
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MargaretK
PERTH
Australia
November 18, 2011 9:58 PM Post #8896444
| Big Hook flying in with a fish (not visible).
Click the image for an enlarged view.
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MargaretK
PERTH
Australia
November 18, 2011 9:59 PM Post #8896445
| Family photo.
Click the image for an enlarged view.
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MargaretK
PERTH
Australia
November 18, 2011 10:01 PM Post #8896446
| Big Hook went off for a bath and returned sopping wet. I'll be heading to the nest shortly. It's blowing really hard out there. I hope all three chicks are still there, but it wouldn't surprise me if the littlest isn't.
More later.
Click the image for an enlarged view.
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pelletory
Marlton, NJ
November 19, 2011 1:22 AM Post #8896495
| Great shots Margaret! Love the family portrait! |
GrannyGrunt
Mount Pleasant Mills, PA (Zone 5a)
November 19, 2011 4:31 AM Post #8896558
| Beautiful shots Margaret. Look at that little bugger go!!
That family portrait is lovely. So difficult to remember that these lovely chicks were tiny little hatchlings just a short time ago. |
huggergirl
Columbia City, IN (Zone 5b)
November 19, 2011 4:43 AM Post #8896562
| I just cant believe how big they are just amazing.
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meadowyck
Bradenton, FL (Zone 8b)
November 19, 2011 5:48 AM Post #8896658
| Wow incredible as always your shots of thier development/life.
So once they can fly does that mean they won't ever return to the nest? What is your experience with this. Maybe the little one would be first because he is the lightest... or just because he/she is the bravest!!!!
Oh I know they must grow up and leave but gosh, I will dearly miss seeing the day to day adventure.
Many thanks again to you both for your photo coverage.
Jan |
MargaretK
PERTH
Australia
November 19, 2011 6:09 AM Post #8896676
|
Thanks, all. I love the family portrait as well; the way they're all looking at whatever they're looking at in unison.
Jan, once fledged, they will return to the nest for several months, gradually decreasing the amount of time they spend there. Whopper, the chick from last season was still around a couple of weeks ago and it is more than 12 months old. It has spent a lot of its time in a particular tree below Madam X's place. I'll have to check with her to see if she's sighted it recently. so no, we'll hopefully be seeing these three little ones for some time to come.
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ducbucln
Kelseyville, CA (Zone 8b)
November 19, 2011 9:55 AM Post #8896871
| Margaret, I don't want to think about the chicks leaving the nest just yet but that lift off made me catch my breath. I was expecting the next photo to show the chick flying off and I'm so glad it didn't. They're such a perfect family.
Each photo is so detailed and it makes me feel I'm right there with you seeing this gorgeous family. That 7D was made for you-and us because we get to see these photos. Congratulations on the new camera. |
MargaretK
PERTH
Australia
November 19, 2011 1:53 PM Post #8897296
| Thanks, duc. I'm a bit disappointed with the focus on the 7D. I was actually going to mail you to ask you which settings you're using. I made some changes to the default settings at Mrs Ed's suggestion and although it's made some improvement, the focus still isn't right. I'm taking it back to the store where I purchased it for the tech guys to look at both the camera and the 400mm lens. Maybe the lens needs calibrating; I don't know. I don't intend to highjack my own thread, but this shot of a Willie Wagtail is so soft. The lens wouldn't lock on and yet distance and lighting were ideal. We'll see.
Click the image for an enlarged view.
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MargaretK
PERTH
Australia
November 19, 2011 1:55 PM Post #8897300
|
Whinge over for now. Big Hook was sitting on the pole branch after feeding the chicks. Dad flew in with a fish and she was none too pleased with his appearance on the scene.
Click the image for an enlarged view.
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MargaretK
PERTH
Australia
November 19, 2011 1:57 PM Post #8897303
|
She noisily flew to the nest, with the intention of politely asking him to leave. The chicks observe with mild interest.
Click the image for an enlarged view.
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MargaretK
PERTH
Australia
November 19, 2011 2:00 PM Post #8897310
|
She's not yelling at the kids, she's just continuing to yell as she makes her way over the chicks to scold him directly. He was hesitant to leave and I thought she was going to push him with her chest, which I've seen happen before.
Click the image for an enlarged view.
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MargaretK
PERTH
Australia
November 19, 2011 2:01 PM Post #8897314
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The chick on the left got up after its mother walked on it to get closer to Dad.
Click the image for an enlarged view.
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MargaretK
PERTH
Australia
November 19, 2011 2:05 PM Post #8897320
|
He eventually took the hint that his presence wasn't appreciated and flew up to the big tree near where I was positioned. She flew back to the pole branch and periodically yelled at him.
Along with the fish Dad delivered, Big Hook brought two fish within two hours. The chicks are so well fed that when she brought the last one, they didn't even bother getting up, so she ate it herself and that's how I left things yesterday afternoon. The nest is in shadow during the late afternoon so no pics of that. This is Big Hook sending friendly warnings to her mate to stay away from the nest.
Click the image for an enlarged view.
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GrannyGrunt
Mount Pleasant Mills, PA (Zone 5a)
November 19, 2011 2:48 PM Post #8897349
| Great shots Margaret. My goodness, Big Hook is a crabby thing. Wonder why she is so crabby with her mate? |
MargaretK
PERTH
Australia
November 19, 2011 2:57 PM Post #8897360
|
She's female. Does she need a reason?
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Lily_love
Central, AL (Zone 7b)
November 19, 2011 3:47 PM Post #8897481
| Considering having to tend to 3 chicks 24/7. And a mate that's inquently around. Do we suppose Big Hook is experiencing Postpartum blues abeit she has no Mother- in- law telling her that she's losing her girlish 'good look'. lol All jokes being put aside. Do animal instinct tell the mother bird to be overly protective of her youngs thus it appears that she's not treating her mate with tenderness and adoration? |
MargaretK
PERTH
Australia
November 19, 2011 4:30 PM Post #8897562
|
That's probably the explanation, Kim. The nest is her domain and she's responsible for actually feeding the chicks. They don't think as we do and she possibly views her mate as a potential thread to the kids.
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irisMA
South Hamilton, MA
November 19, 2011 8:47 PM Post #8898001
| Wonderful family pictures. Are you still thinking about a book? |
MargaretK
PERTH
Australia
November 19, 2011 9:01 PM Post #8898036
|
It's a work in progress, Iris. |
meadowyck
Bradenton, FL (Zone 8b)
November 19, 2011 9:42 PM Post #8898136
| Margaret
here in FLorida, the mother duck will guard her babies as best as possible due to all males coming in a killing the young, does that ever happen with them? I thinking no, but then maybe it is just the survival of her to keep the babies protected as you said, but not really from dad...LOL
Pour dad...
Jan |
MargaretK
PERTH
Australia
November 19, 2011 10:29 PM Post #8898216
|
Jan, This is the only family I've ever observed over an extended period of time, but I've never seen even the slightest hint of aggression from the male. On the contrary, he seems curious and his demeanour is always gentle. I think it's just the female guarding the nest from all-comers and that includes Dad - at this point in time. I'll see if I can find anything in Alan Poole's book that refers to this behaviour.
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meadowyck
Bradenton, FL (Zone 8b)
November 20, 2011 6:40 AM Post #8898361
| Well that is good to hear. I didn't think it would be the same but it is really terrible to watch the male ducks here in Florida pick off the chicks one my one. I found this out when my son was 6 and the apt place we had just moved into had them everywhere, so we went to the front to visit them, as we were walking up, out of the blue a male comes flying in over the mom and her babies (out for swim in the pond) and attack one. Well of course it killed it and so I never took my son up there again, we would leave food out on our porch for when they roomed through the apt complex. We did save one baby one day, when I was driving in saw another male attached but the baby managed to get under a shrub away from the male and I got out and got the male away and got the baby. Took it to a rescue group. But I would watch the babies start out at 25+ and maybe only 2-3 would survive. It seems that once they reached a certain size the males would leave them alone. Now I can't say for sure if this is the way all male ducks (don't even remember the name of this breed) act or not, but considering this was 25 years ago, you can see it made a lasting impression on me and on my son.
I will say that the ducks and greese up north when we lived in northern OH didn't act this way, so come to think of it, maybe it was just this one group of ducks in FL.
Jan |
ducbucln
Kelseyville, CA (Zone 8b)
November 21, 2011 4:11 PM Post #8900444
| I agree with Lily, mom is just not getting enough rest.
Sorry about your 7D. I keep thinking some of my photos are getting softer too, but then I think it's just me. Your osprey photos don't look anything but perfect to me. Let me know what the tech says please. |
MargaretK
PERTH
Australia
November 21, 2011 5:08 PM Post #8900552
| Jan, what you have witnessed is awful. I haven't seen any behaviour such as you describe with any of our ducks, but I have seen a group of male Pacific Black Ducks harassing a single female with less than honourable intentions. At our local lake/swamp the main duckling predator seems to be the long-necked tortoises.
Duc, I took the 7D with my 400mm lens back to the place where I bought it. They'll test it out this week. The problem doesn't seem to exist with the 500mm lens and when Denis put the 7D body onto his 800mm lens they were likewise as sharp as. It may be that the lens-camera combination needs calibrating.
Well, one of the chicks has fledged! I received a call from Madam X yesterday to say that one of the chicks was out on the branch flapping its wings like mad. She doesn't know which one it was, and by the time I arrived there yesterday afternoon, all three chicks were on the nest and showed no signs of wanting to leave. I suspect it may be the littlest as it's the one which has been lifting off really high. I haven't seen the other two hovering as high, yet.
They are also feeding themselves. They've been doing a bit of picking at remnants for a few days, but yesterday I saw Big Hook arrive with a fish and leave it for them. She flew off for a bath and returned to the pole branch to preen. Again the littlest one was the leader, hoeing into the fish with great gusto, whilst the other two watched, fascinated.
I was really worried about the little one yesterday. I could see a long, brown strand hanging from its beak. It did a lot of head shaking and scratching, trying to dislodge whatever it was. My mind ran riot and I imagined that it had been the one that had fledged and had gone into the water and had somehow come up with a weed covered bit of fishing line and it had swallowed a hook. Just before I left, it had freed itself from whatever it was. When I downloaded the shots, I could see that it was a long strand of fish guts.
One of its siblings was fascinated by the decoration and stared for minutes at a time. It didn't attempt to get hold of it.
Click the image for an enlarged view.
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MargaretK
PERTH
Australia
November 21, 2011 5:10 PM Post #8900559
| Eventually it lay down to watch the fish guts from a more comfortable position.
Click the image for an enlarged view.
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MargaretK
PERTH
Australia
November 21, 2011 5:11 PM Post #8900561
|
It swung around in the breeze as it exercised.
Click the image for an enlarged view.
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MargaretK
PERTH
Australia
November 21, 2011 5:12 PM Post #8900565
| It was still an object of great intrigue as the shadow was coming over the nest.
Click the image for an enlarged view.
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MargaretK
PERTH
Australia
November 21, 2011 5:13 PM Post #8900569
| Da da da daaaaaa.
Click the image for an enlarged view.
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gardenpom
Melbourne, FL
November 21, 2011 5:14 PM Post #8900571
| That's great news, Margaret. Everything has gone so well this season. |
BeaHive
Dallas, OR (Zone 8a)
November 21, 2011 5:19 PM Post #8900580
| Wonderful! Baby has taken her first steps so to speak. I have to laugh at the fish guts hanging off the beak! |
Resin
Northumberland
United Kingdom (Zone 9a)
November 21, 2011 5:29 PM Post #8900598
| It must be the little one that fledged - it takes some guts to do that!
(sorry, couldn't resist!!)
|
Lily_love
Central, AL (Zone 7b)
November 21, 2011 5:40 PM Post #8900616
| LOL with that pun line Resin. Margaret, by "fledging" do you mean the baby took off from the nest, but has voluntarily/successfully returned to the nest as seen above? Or the photos above were taken out of sequence as the story unfold? |
GrannyGrunt
Mount Pleasant Mills, PA (Zone 5a)
November 21, 2011 5:51 PM Post #8900626
| I really like the family all staring at the "attachment".
The wings up, wet look shot is wonderful. |
linthicum
Linthicum Heights, MD (Zone 7a)
November 21, 2011 6:54 PM Post #8900745
| Excellent photography, Margaret. I am glad that you were finally dealt a good hand, with a Full House. That will provide you with a lot of photo opportunities once they fledge. I find that to be the best time (for me) since I can get a lot of flight shots. When I was at Blackwater, two weeks ago, I thought of you. In the visitor center I saw a book entitled "Oscar and Olive - Osprey - A Family Takes Flight". I had to check the author to see if it was you. It appeared to be quite a bit of narrative. Something you are very capable of doing.
I know that you really don't need your 500mm lens at the Osprey nest but are you still using it ? |
MargaretK
PERTH
Australia
November 21, 2011 9:46 PM Post #8900986
|
Yes, GP, fingers crossed that it continues without dramas. The absence of any rivalry, apart from a couple of minor skirmishes about 5 weeks ago, they are so patient and tolerant.
BeaHive, I can laugh at it in retrospect. I felt sick that it might have swallowed a hook and line. I was agonising over what I could do about it and decided that there wasn't much that could be done, although Madam X would no doubt volunteer to climb the tree and nab it.
Kim, I'm not sure if the photos are out of sequence. I don't think so, although the one of Big Hook conducting is from two days ago. One school of thought is that fledging has occurred when a chick clears the nest under its own power, even if it comes straight back down to the nest without going anywhere. Another school of thought is that the young bird has fledged when it has actually flown from the nest, even if it returns. Some birds that have left the nest are still not capable of sustained or controlled flight; they may be out on a branch remote from the nest. Resin may offer an opinion.
Thanks, GG. It proved to be a fascinating attraction to the others.
Thanks, Linth. It has been a truly amazing season so far. The harmony at the nest is just wonderful. I hope to get some flight shots. Should be no shortage of opportunities. I use the 500mm frequently, but it and the tripod are really heavy to carry any distance. I'll use the 400mm for the flight shots. I may retrieve my 300mm lens, which is currently residing in Sydney. It would give even more chance to get things lined up. There are so many trees that there's a narrow window of opportunity to nab one. Anticipation works some of the time. I think I've seen that book you speak about advertised. Sounds interesting.
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MargaretK
PERTH
Australia
November 21, 2011 9:47 PM Post #8900989
| Resin wrote:It must be the little one that fledged - it takes some guts to do that!
(sorry, couldn't resist!!)
Very funny Resin. That gave me a good belly laugh.
|
BeaHive
Dallas, OR (Zone 8a)
November 21, 2011 10:12 PM Post #8901008
| I know how you feel about fearing that he/she swallowed a hook. I once was taking pic of my frogs. This frog had some kind of obstruction in his mouth. I thought it was a stick suck in the mouth. Well, I posted the pic on DG and some nice person assured me that it was the frog shedding. I learned that they eat the shed and that was that what I was looking out!! (gross) But I was so happy he wasn't going to "Croak" and I did not have to get in the pond to try to catch him. Nature is so entertaining! Miss my frogs! |
MargaretK
PERTH
Australia
November 21, 2011 10:17 PM Post #8901011
|
With your pond set-up, they'll be there before you know it. I can remember the shedding post you are talking about. How's the pond going?
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bootandall
Blenheim
New Zealand
 November 21, 2011 11:15 PM Post #8901035
| It's all been very amazing this year , love your sibling and mum photos, and the Da da da daaaaaa. is superb |
pelletory
Marlton, NJ
November 22, 2011 1:28 AM Post #8901058
| That is great news Margaret! Your photos are excellent as always! |
huggergirl
Columbia City, IN (Zone 5b)
November 22, 2011 3:40 AM Post #8901101
| Margaret the Dadadaaa is a perfect photo...I love it..so glad all is well |
Ladi_Burd
Norwalk, OH (Zone 5a)
November 22, 2011 5:18 AM Post #8901162
| Margaret your photographs are so amazing and this thread is so informative!
Thank you so much for sharing this experience with us. |
BeaHive
Dallas, OR (Zone 8a)
November 22, 2011 6:06 AM Post #8901216
| The pond is completed and looks great except for all the fall leaves collecting in the netting & all over my yard. |
Mrs_Ed
Whiteside County, IL (Zone 5a)
November 22, 2011 6:24 AM Post #8901233
| MargaretK wrote:Eventually it lay down to watch the fish guts from a more comfortable position.
well really, that is THE best position for watching fish guts. |
GrannyGrunt
Mount Pleasant Mills, PA (Zone 5a)
November 22, 2011 7:08 AM Post #8901281
| Resin wrote:It must be the little one that fledged - it takes some guts to do that!
(sorry, couldn't resist!!)
That little one has been the gutsy one, hanging out very close to the edge of the nest. |
irisMA
South Hamilton, MA
November 22, 2011 8:01 AM Post #8901362
| ONly so much room. Here's hoping that there are no accidents as things have gone so well. |
nanny_56
Putnam County, IN (Zone 5b)
November 22, 2011 9:27 AM Post #8901432
| The photos on this thread are amazing Margaret!! I got lost so am just getting here...lol!
Hard to believe one had fledged already...where has time gone. Watching them be successful with multiple chicks has really been a wonderful experience. Just never know what journey it will be each year!
This message was edited Nov 22, 2011 7:35 PM |
ducbucln
Kelseyville, CA (Zone 8b)
November 22, 2011 12:53 PM Post #8901659
| I am so glad all was well with that fish gut and not a hook. These birds have enough challenges to go through in their lives.
More gorgeous photos Margaret. Hope you can get the 7D fixed up soon. |
huggergirl
Columbia City, IN (Zone 5b)
November 23, 2011 4:55 AM Post #8902427
| still chuckling over the fish gut watching... |
meadowyck
Bradenton, FL (Zone 8b)
November 23, 2011 8:31 PM Post #8903526
| when first reading I was almost afraid to finish for fear that it wasn't going to be good.
Glad to hear it was cleared from the throat and all is well.
Jan |
burn_2007
Grand-Falls, NB (Zone 4a)
November 24, 2011 5:56 PM Post #8904269
| What great news, It's quite amazing, they all made it through thus far. This year has certainly been a great year, for the Osprey family. Your Da da da daaaa is really a fun, and fantastic shot. And love the curiosity of the chicks.
Madam X is doing a super job, in reporting to you, the updates at the nest. Thanks goes to her also, on my part.
Don't give up on your book, Margaret. Remember, there is more than one fish in the sea. I see Linth is already looking for it, and I'm sure he's not alone. ;) |
MargaretK
PERTH
Australia
November 25, 2011 4:20 AM Post #8904742
| Thanks, everyone for your comments.
The family continues to thrive. On Tuesday, Madam X came home to discover the smaller chick on the right hand branch. On Wednesday, it was seen flying around. The other two haven't been observed off the nest yet. Reading Alan Poole's book, males are smaller and are likely to be more advanced than females. I've thought that the small one was probably a male. Chest markings are no indicator of gender at this young age. So, for convenience, let's assume the smallest is male and let's call it Harry, after Pete's son. Names will come for the other two, but how we'll tell them apart won't be easy. Even telling the male from its siblings will probably be quite difficult unless there are two together for comparison.
I didn't go to the nest Wednesday or yesterday as it was so hot. This afternoon when I arrived, Harry was on the branch. Big Hook arrived with a fish, which she fed to the two that were on the nest. After about 20 minutes it got too much for Harry, who made his way down the branch onto the nest. I was beneath the nest, thus the different perspective. I must go down there more often. The birds were 60' away.
My issues with the 7D seem to have been resolved - my settings rather than any fault with the camera.
Click the image for an enlarged view.
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Resin
Northumberland
United Kingdom (Zone 9a)
November 25, 2011 4:21 AM Post #8904743
| burn_2007 wrote: Remember, there is more than one fish in the sea.
Might not be now, with three hungry chicks!
;-)
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MargaretK
PERTH
Australia
November 25, 2011 4:21 AM Post #8904745
| Big Hook and lets presume, the two girls.
Click the image for an enlarged view.
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MargaretK
PERTH
Australia
November 25, 2011 4:23 AM Post #8904747
| Ha, that was exactly what I thought, Resin.
Harry starts to make his way down to join his siblings.
Click the image for an enlarged view.
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MargaretK
PERTH
Australia
November 25, 2011 4:24 AM Post #8904748
| I was so close, I couldn't get everything in the frame.
Click the image for an enlarged view.
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MargaretK
PERTH
Australia
November 25, 2011 4:26 AM Post #8904751
| I moved up the embankment after Big Hook returned from a bath and landed on the pole branch. Dad was in the big eucalypt and she was periodically yelling at him.
Click the image for an enlarged view.
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GrannyGrunt
Mount Pleasant Mills, PA (Zone 5a)
November 25, 2011 5:31 AM Post #8904804
| WOW! Beautiful shots Margaret. Love that name Harry. Cannot believe his wing span. My goodness, he was the smallest chick in the group.
Hope Dad has learned to tune out his mate. He is such a wonderful daddy. Very few shots of Big Hook show her with mouth shut!! LOL |
MargaretK
PERTH
Australia
November 25, 2011 5:52 AM Post #8904836
|
Yes, GG, they grow so quickly. They are now just 2 months old. I'll have to fish around to see if I can find one of Big Hook with her beak closed. I'm sure I have one or two.
|
Lily_love
Central, AL (Zone 7b)
November 25, 2011 6:14 AM Post #8904848
| Such beautiful a setting. I too am so happy to learn the family is growing in harmony. Thanks Margaret, Pete and Madam X's contribution that brings this beautiful family to ours. I love the name Harry also, and would like to be the first in line to get Margaret's book in the near future. Hint hint. |
irisMA
South Hamilton, MA
November 25, 2011 10:51 AM Post #8905130
| So glad that all 3 chicks are in fine fettle. So good after last year's sadness. |
ducbucln
Kelseyville, CA (Zone 8b)
November 25, 2011 12:17 PM Post #8905321
| I ditto everything Lily said! The photos are so beautiful and sharp. Glad you've figured out the problem with the camera.
The girls seem to have the same markings so I think you'll just have to guess who you name who. They're so beautiful.
Awesome photos! |
dellrose
The Ozarks, MO (Zone 5b)
November 25, 2011 12:39 PM Post #8905349
| This has been such an awesome year for the Osprey! Reading the threads and see all the fantastic photos reads just like a book! So happy that harmony prevails at the nest.
Margaret...how often do Osprey successfully raise 3 chicks? |
meadowyck
Bradenton, FL (Zone 8b)
November 25, 2011 7:48 PM Post #8905920
| book, did someone say you are doing a book, oh my, is it on the birds??????? if so I would be interested as well.
Incredible that the youngest has flow the coop so to speak... but back thankgoodness. Just amazing that they know when they can take off and not fall to earth...
Love the info from all and pics as well, were would all of us be without those of you sending such wonderfing info and pics for us.
thanks so much.
Jan |
MargaretK
PERTH
Australia
November 26, 2011 6:13 PM Post #8906982
| Harmonious relations continue at the nest. Harry and his sisters are occasionally fed by their mother, but more often than not, are being left to feed themselves. I thought they'd squabble over any fish that is delivered to them, but no, their fine breeding prevails and they act with great decorum, each waiting until the other has had a feed and then taking over. They are so polite! Here's a poor shot of Dad arriving with a large, headless fish yesterday afternoon. Big Hook, who was on the pole branch, flew down to the nest to make certain he didn't overstay his welcome, but after he left, flying to the eucalypt where he's spending a lot of his time, she again flew to the pole branch, leaving her three youngsters to tackle the fish.
Rose, I'm so glad you're back with us. You've been missed. I hope everything continues to go well with the new computer. To answer your question, I don't know how often three chicks reach the stage that these three are at, but it seems that there are several nests in the north-eastern US that regularly have three chicks and there are one or two nest that have been known to raise four!
Iris, you're so right about this being a particularly good season, especially after last year. That was so tragic.
The book is in the throws of assessment by manuscript assessors. Trust me, you'll be the first to hear (after Madam X) if/when it ever gets to publishing stage. Jan, the book details the 2008-2009 nesting season, when the old adult female was in conflict with her single surviving chick over food. Here's a link to the first thread from that season. http://davesgarden.com/community/forums/t/915026/
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MargaretK
PERTH
Australia
November 26, 2011 6:16 PM Post #8906988
| The smaller bird, Harry, is the only one to have fledged so far. The others are still practicing. Here's one of them coming back down after a hover - straight onto its siblings neck. Difficult to see as I was below the nest.
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MargaretK
PERTH
Australia
November 26, 2011 6:18 PM Post #8906991
| Here's a cropped shot of Big Hook's feet as she sat on the pole branch.
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MargaretK
PERTH
Australia
November 26, 2011 6:19 PM Post #8906994
| Big Hook receives a visitor. Sorry about the quality. I had no time to make any adjustments, but you'll get the idea.
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MargaretK
PERTH
Australia
November 26, 2011 6:20 PM Post #8906995
| .. 
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MargaretK
PERTH
Australia
November 26, 2011 6:21 PM Post #8907000
| She looked straight at me with an expression that said: "Can't you please do something about this little pest?"
This message was edited Nov 27, 2011 9:48 AM
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MargaretK
PERTH
Australia
November 26, 2011 6:23 PM Post #8907006
| It's a shame we can't post more than one shot at a time, because these next five shots are best viewed in quick succession. The two bigger chicks just gently observing each other and having beak contact.
1 of 5
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MargaretK
PERTH
Australia
November 26, 2011 6:23 PM Post #8907008
| 2 of 5 
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MargaretK
PERTH
Australia
November 26, 2011 6:23 PM Post #8907009
| 3 of 5 
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MargaretK
PERTH
Australia
November 26, 2011 6:24 PM Post #8907011
| 4 of 5 
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MargaretK
PERTH
Australia
November 26, 2011 6:24 PM Post #8907013
| Last one 
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MargaretK
PERTH
Australia
November 26, 2011 6:25 PM Post #8907018
|
One more of the three of them looking mature.
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MargaretK
PERTH
Australia
November 26, 2011 6:30 PM Post #8907026
| I was down the nest at 5 o'clock this morning. I thought it might have been a lovely sunrise, but alas, that was not to be. I did take a couple of shots with my wide angle lens from down close to the river. This is Harry coming back to the nest after soaring for a while.
Click the image for an enlarged view.
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Lily_love
Central, AL (Zone 7b)
November 26, 2011 6:31 PM Post #8907029
| They're such a fine fine family! The brave Willie Wagtail, little fella is so funny. The mother bird did never show aggression toward him Margaret? |
MargaretK
PERTH
Australia
November 26, 2011 6:37 PM Post #8907036
| From way down on the embankment, I took a shot of the eucalypt that Dad is spending his time in. He's actually in the tree, but impossible to pick out.
Now, here's a first. I was up on the other side of this tree, the wind was blowing a gale and Dad was sitting across and above me. Big Hook flew in next to him and I was showered with a stack of leaves that she'd ripped off as she passed her mate. I frequently check the font of my lens to make sure it hasn't gather dust and it had all this white stuff on it. I'll guarantee I'm the only person you know, who has had an osprey poop on their lens. I always carry a lens cleaning cloth and tackled it whilst it was "fresh". It was tenacious, but I eventually cleaned the visible poop off, but my lens now smells of osprey.
Kim, when the Willie Wagtails are really harassing them, they may turn and open their beaks and yell, but no, no aggression.
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Lily_love
Central, AL (Zone 7b)
November 26, 2011 6:44 PM Post #8907057
| The tree is one interesting tree Margaret. Sorry about the incident. Big Hook can be mischievious when she wanted to be can't she? |
GrannyGrunt
Mount Pleasant Mills, PA (Zone 5a)
November 26, 2011 7:00 PM Post #8907098
| Great pictures Margaret! Hope that cropped shot of Big Hook's feet is sharp enough for ya! LOL
LOL re. the look on Big Hook's face when that WW was annoying her. Perhaps she thought that if you would not get rid of the little pest, she would crap on your lens! LOL
Love the beak series. Heck, they are all wonderful. Nice shot of Harry returning to the nest, beautiful background in that one. |
MargaretK
PERTH
Australia
November 26, 2011 7:39 PM Post #8907137
| Kim, I actually got a good laugh out of it. I've read that Osprey smell will last for decades. It'll be interesting to see how long my lens continues to be a bit wiffy.
LOL, on the sharpness of the crop, GG. As I was cropping it, I was thinking how soft it was and how I'd have to try for a better shot. |
nanny_56
Putnam County, IN (Zone 5b)
November 26, 2011 7:46 PM Post #8907149
| I had it in my mind that the smallest was a male from the get go! Harry is a good name...my stepdad was named Harry!
Love the beak series...would be grand if they could ever get so you can post more than one shot... |
pelletory
Marlton, NJ
November 27, 2011 2:14 AM Post #8907338
| Incredible shots Margaret!!! |
meadowyck
Bradenton, FL (Zone 8b)
November 27, 2011 8:36 AM Post #8907638
| As always such amazing shots and I love your comments to go with the pics. Thanks for the link I'll check it out, but must admit, I know nature being what it is, just breaks my heart anyway when tragedy hits.
Jan |
Burd_Fotos
Sandusky, OH
November 27, 2011 5:29 PM Post #8908256
| Beautiful shots Margaret!! Kool that the smallest has fledged first...love the DaDa Da shot! Thanks for posting the nest and eucalypt tree photo's. |
ducbucln
Kelseyville, CA (Zone 8b)
November 28, 2011 1:00 PM Post #8909179
| What a great family-all the photos are so beautiful Margaret. I love coming to this thread to see how this family is doing. |
mnshutterbug
SW, MN
November 29, 2011 7:02 PM Post #8910835
| Incredible photo documentary. It's beem mesmerizing. I love the angle of view that you are able to shoot from. Thanks for sharing your amazing adventure. |
meadowyck
Bradenton, FL (Zone 8b)
November 29, 2011 8:25 PM Post #8910942
| Hello Margaret, so what is the latest update on your book? Have you thought about including these last several years as well?
To go back to when you first started sharing your photos, to having others who are there with you sharing and the comments you all have been sharing with us. This is just wonderful beyond anything that I've been so lucky to follow along with.
So thanks go to yall for blessing us with this osprey family.
Jan |
MargaretK
PERTH
Australia
November 30, 2011 8:24 PM Post #8912079
| Thanks Pelle, mnshutterbug and duc. They are co operative subjects.
Nanny, I suspected that the smallest was also a male. It is more precocious than its bigger siblings.
Glad you enjoyed seeing that beautiful tree, Burd and that you liked the shot of Big Hook conducting.
Jan, at present, the book is in limbo. I'm just having to wait things out. If ever the book is accepted for publication, I'll start on a second. It would probably incorporate the following three seasons. That's a way off yet.
I was sitting high up on the the embankment yesterday when Big Hook, who was on the pole branch, began to really carry on a treat, as sure sign that someone she didn't recognise was on the low path. Sure enough, a man was making his way towards the spot where the nest can be seen (just). She kept her eye on him the entire time and didn't relax until he left 5 minutes later. Here, she's vocalising with her concerned "Kek, kek, kek" sounds.
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MargaretK
PERTH
Australia
November 30, 2011 8:26 PM Post #8912081
| She'd break off for a second or two to check on the kids, which were eating a fish she had delivered to the nest before returning to watch the stranger.
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MargaretK
PERTH
Australia
November 30, 2011 8:28 PM Post #8912082
| I'll start a new thread early, but here's just one more of Big Hook after repositioning herself - still watching intently.
Here's the link to the new thread: http://davesgarden.com/community/forums/t/1232113/
This message was edited Dec 1, 2011 3:45 PM
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