There was joy this week at the Osprey Nest, the summer home of our local fish hawk couple, Ozzie and Harriet. The joy was mostly mine: It is now certain that our feathered neighbors have once again produced those red-eyed, big-beaked, reptilian-ugly creatures known as osprey nestlings. Yet, these little monsters are beauties-to-be.
Above you see the two chicks that I’ve seen so far. Judging from Harriet’s behavior, there may be one or two more chicks hidden in the nest hollow. Of course, there will be no milk and pablum for these babies; as with all raptors, they’ll eat bloody prey from the get-go.
In this case, Ozzie will dive under the waters of Great Cove; grasp an unsuspecting fish in his sharp talons; swim up to the surface and fly away to a nearby tree or rock; tear off pieces of the fish’s head and gulp them down with gusto, then home-deliver the bleeding torso for a nice home meal by the family. Usually, Harriet will eat first, then carefully feed the chicks small pieces. (Ospreys have a limited sense of paternal generosity.)
Per our Report Protocol (and O&H sitcom history), nestling sexes will be assumed and the first-born (largest) chick will be named David, while the second-born will be named Ricky. If there is a third nestling, she will be named June due to the month of her birth. If there is a fourth nestling, it will be named Quartus, the Latin baby name meaning “fourth born.” (Images taken in Brooklin, Maine, on June 19 and 21, 2024.)