OWSEM members Jim Kortge, Kathy Kortge, and Barb Jensen were privledged to witness two of the chicks at Wildwing Lake fledge on August 1, 2006. How did we know they were going to do that? We didn't, it was just a hunch that Tuesday might be the day.

We missed actually seeing the first chick fledge; it was perched in the trees at the west end of the lake when we got there at 8:30. We did see it take a few minute flight though, before returning to this perch.

Jim Kortge photo; used with permission

We had some inkling that one of the other chicks might fledge when we saw them setting their wings and testing the lift from a strong gust of wind. Windy conditions tend to stimulate mature chicks to try their wings and fledge if they are ready.

Jim Kortge photo; used with permission

The chick on the right side of the nest in the above photo got serious with each wind gust, flapping into the air and testing its wings. In typical "learning to fly fashion" its legs are down for an emergency landing and it is looking at the nest edge to assure staying within those confines.

Jim Kortge photo; used with permission

This chick made several "over the nest flights" as we were watching. Some of them were as high as 6 feet, but always within the nest perimeter, feet down, and looking at the nest edge.

Jim Kortge photo; used with permission

We continued to watch these "test flights" and then saw this attempt. Notice the chick isn't looking at the nest edge, but straight ahead. Was this the moment of truth?

Jim Kortge photo; used with permission

And there it was at 9:35 AM, August 1, 2006. The second chick in the nest was on her way to see what was beyond those confines that had been her home for the past 8 weeks.

Jim Kortge photo; used with permission

She gained speed and altitude as she passed the double tree west of the nest and started bringing her legs up under her body for more efficient flight. She was really on her way and we were getting to watch this great show!

Jim Kortge photo; used with permission

Higher and higher into the blue morning sky she flew, exploring the west end of the lake, above the trees and water. Feet under her belly, she was in full flight mode. She continued this flight for 4 minutes before landing in a tree for a much needed rest. What a marvelous first effort!

She didn't fly again during the remaining hour that we watched.

Jim Kortge photo; used with permission

During the fledging of the second chick, mother osprey had been perching in the trees at the west end of the lake, keeping watch on the first chick that fledged. When the second chick landed near her sister in the trees, mother osprey returned to her nest to check on her remaining chick.

We expect this chick to also fledge within the next few days.

Jim Kortge photo; used with permission