Our Loomis Goose Creek Osprey family has completed its fifth breeding season, and one by one – first Femke (in early August), then Hauke, and eventually the triplets in the order of their hatching 2 to 3 days apart – have left the nest to go south toward their wintering grounds somewhere in the northern half of South America. The youngest one left on September 1st, guided by instinct, the moon and stars, and a magnetic crystal somewhere in its respiratory tract.
The parents, Femke and Hauke, have now raised nine youngsters. Several may have returned to the area and perhaps started their own families in one of the nearby nests.
From the three eggs first seen late April, to the three hatchlings recorded five weeks later in early June, to three fledglings that flew off the nest eight weeks later in late July, to the departure of three fully grown youngsters capable of fishing and taking care of themselves by late August . . . our Loomis Goose Creek Osprey family has been a wonder of nature to watch again this year!
This year’s breeding cycle was completed three weeks earlier than in previous years. We’re not sure if this is of concern, but it is certainly in line with other natural phenomena around us, like the early blooming of several flower species or early departure of birds from our area.
For Femke, Hauke, and the triplets, it’s now all about survival instinct and a long and lonely journey of many thousands of miles flying south. Another magical season has come to an end, and we wish our Osprey family a safe arrival at their destination and hope for their return next spring!
Watch videos of activity in the nest during the last few weeks here:
Коментарі