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Osprey Chicks-1 Week Old
During a break in the weather on 5/24/03 we get a peek at the chicks. Hip, hip, hooray! the third egg has hatched. The chick facing the camera is the youngest as is evidenced by its larger beak tooth (the white area on the end of the beak) but its smaller size is hardly discernable. This chick probably hatched on 5/17/03.
If food is plentiful there is a good chance that all three chicks will survive. Many perils could await this naive threesome. If food is scarce the chicks will be taken care of on a priority basis. The strongest and healthiest has the best chance of survival. Well-fed chicks rarely fight, yet siblicide is not uncommon in osprey. It is not advisable to intercede with nature's course so prepare for what could be a smooth sail or an emotional roller coaster. We will discuss various potential dangers later.
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