It’s been a revealing week at the Osprey Nest. As you probably know, that’s the local summer home of the fish hawk couple known here as Ozzie and Harriet. They’ve raised three fledglings there this summer, whom we’ve named David, Ricky, and June for narration purposes. All three youngsters have been flying well since they left the nest.
However, during the past week, I’ve seen only June, the youngest, return to the nest to be fed. That’s June in the above image: she had just flown to the nest and was begging loudly for food as usual. And, also as usual, Ozzie soon showed up with a headless fresh fish that he flipped into the nest for her; he’s not completely selfless; he apparently eats the head for its most nutritious brain and eyes:
If David and Ricky continue to avoid the nest for meals, it will be a safe bet that they’ve finally learned how to plunge dive for fish and feed themselves. June will have to learn that essential maneuver soon, since Ozzie probably will migrate south next month no matter what.
I haven’t seen Harriet for two weeks. She’s successfully done her grueling job of birthing and protecting three selfish raptors in all sorts of weather. She’s probably migrated south early, or at least is enjoying a well-earned Maine vacation in solitude. (Images taken in Brooklin, Maine, on August 21, 2024.)