Our three Osprey chicks, Tokyo, Caledonia and Stig, are growing up incredibly fast and showing signs in the last couple of days of making quick progress.
The wing stretching phase begun in earnest ( in which the chicks stretch horizontally often to strengthen their muscles for flight) which is often gangly and at the expense of the others' personal space'! Its just as well the nest is so large and mum is spending more time off the nest in a nearby tree.
Also, the largest chick, Tokyo, was seen today feeding itself for the first time. When the usual afternoon fish was fed to the chicks by mum, only a small fibrous tail fin section remained- too small and unappetising for mum to consider. The oldest chick took it upon itself to eat this unaided, almost choking on the whole tail as it swallowed it! Greed is good if you're a growing Osprey!
The chicks will be six weeks old next week, which means only one thing- ringing day is near! We will probably be doing this special job early next week so stay posted for more info- it will be televised in the centre for you all to enjoy.
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