The Triplets Have Fledged!

Our Loomis Goose Creek Osprey triplets have fledged, meaning they are now capable of flying but will still be around for several weeks up to a month (or more)! Predictions in our previous post were off by almost 2 weeks. The chicks flew off in order of their birth, the oldest one on July 18! That is about 10 days earlier than they did last year. Climate change? A warmer and wetter summer? Who knows!

The first photo shows Femke (mom, on the right) with her two youngest ones, ready for take-off! It is an amazing portrait, considering that it was taken by a motion-triggered, 6-year old trail cam fixed to a rickety aluminum frame attached to the utility pole supporting the platform, with the lens facing down into the nest! All the videos are also taken that way.

We see the birds come and go, shred a fish while still being fed by mom, communicating and preparing for the long journey south.

Femke has done another magnificent job, seemingly effortlessly, but we know she has given all she has in raising her chicks. She will soon leave, while Hauke (dad) will stay around to help his youngsters perfect their flying and fishing skills.

Over the last 6 years, the pair has now produced 12 juveniles, 6 of whom may have returned to our area, perhaps found mates & started their own families!

Head over to our Facebook and/or Instagram page to check out videos of Femke, Hauke, and the triplets! (Use the links at the top of the page!)