The few days since the young Ospreys' big ringing event have been quiet and peaceful. All the chicks seem hearty and have been getting more active on the nest. One chick in particular - the largest female chick- is very active, already doing some really strong wing flapping and standing very close to the edge of the nest. This behaviour is normal for this stage, when the wing muscles are being built up before their first flights. The smaller two chicks have been watching big sister with bemusement and are only just starting to join in the ritual.
The chicks are now approaching adult size and, with their new plumage , quiet similar superficially to their parents. You often have to take a moment to look for the telltale pale edge to each brown feather to check if its one of the youngsters- the parents are solid chocolate brown.
The nest is going to start looking very crowded soon, as all the three chicks start exercising ( now you know why its so big!) and mum and dad are increasingly taking their breaks off the nest. Both parents have been using nearby perches and next door trees to get a little space from the 'kids' but they are never far away in case of trouble.
Stay tuned for the thrills and spills of fledging.
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