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June 28, 2003 - Baby Ospreys Growing Rapidly!
C09 and mate with chicks on 6/20/03
Lets begin with this photo taken on June 20th of C09 (right), mate (left) and chicks in the middle. Compare their size and feathering to the nest picture taken on June 16th.  In just 4 days, the chicks look completely different; like little ospreys now!
C09 leaves to catch fish
Providing the bulk of the food for the chicks and mother is C09's job.  He was a good provider last year with one chick, and seems to be doing an outstanding job this summer with three.  Here he is taking off on another fishing trip.
Mother and 3 chicks waiting
While C09 is off fishing, his mate and the chicks wait.  The chicks are another two days older in this picture, and one can easily see they have grown even larger.

As an aside, the smallest chick in the middle is also the most scrappy.  It usually gets more food than its sibilings, so should eventually catch up with them.
C09 returns with a small fish
C09 returns about 90 minutes later with a medium sized sunfish. He has probably caught and eaten one of these himself before catching this one for the nest.

Keeping his strength up is vital for the survival of the chicks and their mother.
C09's mate providing shade
Another activity vital to the chick's survival is keeping them cool during the heat of the day. Here the female spreads her wings and tail feathers to provide shade for her brood.  She will stand like this for hours in the scorching, midday sun, and if necessary, flap her wings to provide additional cooling.
C09 returns with a large fish
Fortunately, not all of the fish caught by C09 are small.  Smaller fish require more fishing trips to keep everyone adequately fed.

This carp, being brought to the nest, probably weighs as much as C09, and will provide enough food for two complete feedings.
C09's mate feeding chicks from the carp
The carp in the previous image is being fed to the chicks by the female.  She rips off small pieces and feeds them to the always hungry babies.  Very soon, they will be able to tear pieces off themselves.

This image was taken on June 28th. Notice the additional growth the chicks have achieved.  

Please Note:  The photographs on this page were taken by Jim Kortge, and Bob DeLosh.  They are copyrighted material, and cannot be used without the photographers written permission.


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