With the strong winds and mist blowing around I wanted to make one more check on the Port Lincoln Osprey Nest before turning off the computer for the day. Let’s face it. I was nervous – always nervous when something happens that could change a civil well disciplined nest into one of food insecurity and beakings. Just had to check.
What a surprise. Between 10:11 and 13:00, there were four feedings. Think about that. We are talking about 2 hours and 40 minutes. So, on average, a feeding every 40 minutes. This is quite incredible.
The first feeding lasted more than 12 minutes. Mom’s back was to the camera so the wind didn’t bother the little ones. The 10:21 feeding was still going at 10:24:50.
You can see the increase in the size of the crop belonging to the osplet on the left.
All of the chicks have crops and are finished eating even before mom stops feeding them.
At 11:13, Dad comes to the nest with a fish. Mom takes the fish at 11:14:22 (image below) and feeds the kids. She is still feeding them at 11:20:44.
You can see Little Bob the best in this image. Look at that nice crop and that fat little wing. These chicks are growing and doing so well. Mom and Dad seem to have their mojo this year.
Dad was back on the nest at 12:04 and Mom feeds the trio – again.
The last feeding was around 12:50ish. Little Bob was up to the table first. Indeed, he is usually first. Mom filled him right up. That little crop was stretched! He literally passed out between Middle and Big Bob and they continued to eat. It was just far too funny. I ask myself: why am I worried about this Little Bob?
Lights out for Little Bob!
Despite everything, these parents are really coming through for their three chicks. This is how an Osprey nest with three week-old osplets should function. Lots of little meals at first increasing the amount and the time of the feedings in the 2-3 week period. That is starting now and this couple is right on the money, so to speak. I am delighted. Their little wings and bottoms are filling out and you can see the tiny little tails forming. It is just simply the best! And this was a windy day.
These winds and the good fish reminded me of watching the Cormorants last week at our national park. The winds were so strong, like these, that they blew the fish to the shore. The Cormorants just stood there eating. Maybe that is what is happening here! Please feel free to correct me. Whatever it is, it is wonderful.
You can watch them here:
Thank you for joining me for this quick catch up. No doubt there will be several more feedings before it is night. Take care everyone. Stay safe.
Thank you to the PLO Project for their streaming cam where I took my screen shots.