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7 Weeks Old 7/5/03
This should be our last trip to the nest’s edge. One chick still responds by lying low but the other two have nearly developed the ultimate defense mechanism - FLIGHT! The breeze on this day is barely discernible, yet they have already learned to face the wind and raise their wings for lift. Perched birds often use this position to allow a fast escape.
We now approach the most precarious of times for the full-grown osprey; it’s fly or die, and flying is hazardous. The greatest mortality takes place in the first year of life. Taking off, landing and hunting are all difficult. These young birds have already begun to preen their feathers for their solo experience. If you look closely you might be able to make out the downy feathers that litter the nest. Also notice they are especially long-legged for grasping fish just below the surface of the water.
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