Monday 1 June 2009

What a Scorcher of a First day!

Our first little Osprey chick of the year has had a scorcher of a first day in the blazing sunshine and unseasonal heat here in the Scottish Borders. The parents have been taking turns sheltering it (and its two unhatched siblings) with their shadows from the sun, rather than tucking it underneath to keep warn as is usually the case in cold spring weather !

The wee one has had many tiny meals of raw Tweed river fish, with mum keeping a ready supply of fish at hand on the nest for these 'little and often' snacks. This does however, seem to be attracting a lot of flies to the nest!

It is amazing to see how strong the chicks begging instinct is at only a few hours old- it seems strong and healthy and well able to put its head up for food at any opportunity

Lets hope the strong sun is not a risk to the chicks who can easily overheat, just as they can easily chill- it is up to the parents dedication now to keep them safe and comfortable until they have adult feathers and can regulate their own temperature.

Lets hope our wee osprey is joined by some siblings soon.

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