June 23rd - Lots of Ospreys Big and Small

OWSEM volunteer Bob DeLosh took this terrific picture of the two chicks and their mother at the Wildwing Lake nest.

This is the 4th successful nesting for C09 and his mate. With this pair of chicks, they have produced 7 offspring.

Bob DeLosh photo; used with permission.

As was reported in the "Breaking News", the Dawson Road nest has three healthy chicks. Getting 3 week old chicks to pose with their mother takes many trips to the field. OWSEM volunteer Jim Kortge happened to be in the right place at the right time.

What we seldom report are the other interesting wildlife that happen by while waiting for the "right" shot. In this case, is was a pair of opossum pups, a busy muskrat, a deer, and 20+ kids with their counselors. What a fun morning!

Jim Kortge photo; used with permission.

The last nest we can show with a verified chick is at Sterling State Park in Monroe, MI. The chick is to the left of its mother (middle) with the male on the right.

This visit was to observe and photograph an attempt by wildlife biologist and Michigan osprey guru Sergej Postupalski to capture the banded female to determine her origin. Sergej was ably assisted and supported by Michigan DNR and Detroit Zoo staff . The female was indeed captured, but only after unexpectedly capturing the male, who was also banded for future identification. The nearly 3 week old chick was also banded. The female had been banded as part of the very successful Ohio osprey reintroduction program.

Jim Kortge photo; used with permission.