Gone Too Soon

Meanwhile, At the Other End of the Island

 We have twins.

 They were born a little later in the season

 This youngster is perched on a little shrub not far from the nest

 About 4 feet above the water

 Really considering flying here,

 But no,

 Time for a scratch instead

 And a little screeching for Mom

 This one is a bit more adventurous.

 Mom is nearby, on a piling, cheering the baby on...

 We're practicing balancing and flapping here

 Along with some serious posing

 Nice profile

 Best side?

 Pouffing up. I love when they do this!

 Pouffing and flapping!

 Great form, and oh, so close to flying!

The Littlest Triplet

 Well, it really is time to cut the apron strings. The other two babies are off learning to be independent....but our little handful doesn't seem quite ready.

 Kind of got one foot off the nest,

 and then the other,

 I think I can, I think I can

 I think I can.....

 YIKES!

 Whoa, hang on a second!!!!

Maybe it's time to just wait for another catered meal.

More Osprey Fun--Dinnertime!

 At 4:30 on this afternoon, the Ospreys were making quite a commotion

 One parent was on a piling (eating fish), another in a tree (eating fish) and two babies were off practicing their flying.

 But our little handful was in the nest having a teenage hissy-fit.

 This one doesn't seem to be moving along as quickly as its siblings...

 The upside of this state of affairs is:

 Food Delivery straight to the comfy nest  by mom and dad.

 Incoming, below: snapper? pompano?

 Baby still harangues mom and dad, though... we've all been there!

 Mom and Dad are probably wishing that they could be empty nesters (literally)

 There sure is a lot of coming and going here.

It takes a lot to feed three hungry teens

Wow, look at those talons! It's a miracle someone doesn't get their eye poked out.

More Triplets

 Three babies and mom sitting in the nest, some thinking about learning to fly

 Mom looks a little weary

 Dad comes in, oh so gracefully, with dinner

 Oh, Mom too!

 The oldest child is practicing flying

 In the nest

 Yowza, almost have lift-off!

 Where's the food, Mom? (typical)

 Move over, kids..

 Baby does a little more practicing

 Mom checks form here

 Just so close

 Five in the nest. Very crowded.

 A little bit of whiny baby with the lil' sib looking on (and undoubtedly learning)  Next.....TEENAGERS!