When Osprey chicks reach around 8-10 weeks old, they are ready to leave the nest and become fledglings.
The transition from nestling to fledgling is a critical and risky time for young Ospreys. They must learn to fly and hunt on their own, and face a range of potential hazards such as predators, bad weather, and human activity.
When Osprey chicks first leave the nest, they are initially clumsy and uncoordinated in flight. They may flap their wings vigorously but struggle to gain altitude or maintain control.
Even after they leave the nest, Osprey fledglings still rely on their parents to teach them important skills such as hunting and fishing. The parents will often continue to bring food to the fledglings and demonstrate how to catch fish.
After leaving the nest, fledglings may return to the area around the nest for several weeks, gradually building up their strength and skills. They may even land back in the nest from time to time to rest or receive food from their parents.
November 2022: Meet Rachael.
November 2022: Rachael's first hover.
Late November 2022: Rachael is regularly practising and becoming confident at hovering.
Late November 2022: Rachael's landings in the nest are slightly more confident.
Late November 2022: Rachael needs more practise at landings. Here you see Monica calling Rachael in to land then realises that Rachael does not know how to control herself. Rachael ploughs straight into Monica and knocks her off of her perch. They then both fly away.
December 2022: Monica takes Rachael for a learn to fly lesson.
December 2022: Rachael has been practising quite hard on her landing skills. There is a saying "Spot your landing", not, "I am the spot to land on" Monica says.
December 2022: Rachael learns to fish. Here we see her looking intentley into the water for any fish about.
December 2022: Rachael and Monica keep an eye on each other while having a bath.
Late December 2022: Chandler and Monica (in this case) continue to bring dinner to Rachael.
Late December 2022: Rachael poses on the perch that Monica used to frequent often.
31st December 2022: Rachael is very proud to have caught her first fish.
Early January 2023: Our girl Rachael is growing up.
January 2023: Rachael gets the upper hand over the crow.
January 2023: Rachael has done her hair (feathers), as she has a date - takeaway fish, with her new beau Ross.
January 2023: Rachael flying past with a fish for dinner.
January 2023: Rachael always has something to say.
December 2022: Rachael lets Monica know she is very hungry.
December 2022: Rachael is excited to see Chandler fly by.
21st November 2022: Rachael's First Flight
Haiku
Rachael, young Osprey,
Hovers bravely in the nest,
Higher, further still.
Her feathers catch wind,
The distance between her and home,
Expands with each beat.
Panic grips her heart,
She longs to return, but fate,
Guides her through branches.
Mum Monica returns,
Nest empty, panic takes hold,
Chirping, seeking help.
The dad Chandler comes,
Fish in beak, drops his prized catch,
Wings search for Rachael.
On lower branches,
Rachael is found, trembling,
Seeking reassurance.
The male Chandler, calm,
Whispers comforting words,
Safety fills the air.
When the wind subsides,
Rachael musters courage,
Journeying once more.
Her path leads her back,
To the nest she calls her own,
Joy fills their embrace.
Monica and Chandler rejoice,
Feathers ruffle with relief,
Their family complete.
Rachael, weary now,
Falls asleep, dreams of her flight,
Adventure in dreams.
Dinner is a fish,
Savouring victory's taste,
Contentment settles.
In dreams, Rachael soars,
A hero of the skies,
Her tale forever told.
