Seeking Liftoff by byronbackyard
When osprey chicks hatch, they are covered in white down with brown streaks on the face, back, and wings. This is replaced by charcoal-colored down after approximately 10 days. Feathers begin to replace the down at approximately two weeks. By one month after hatching, chicks have reached 70 to 80% of the adult size. Osprey chicks fledge between 48 and 76 days old.
After fledging, young ospreys begin to hunt on their own. However, they often continue to return to the nest to receive food from their parents for two to eight weeks after fledging.
Canon 450D, EF70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM
Comments
Wow, they are fast growers! The quiet drama of the sky really adds to this shot, especially with the Osprey in this “ready” position. Great work!
Yep 42 – 78 days and they’re fledged, they have to be as they’re so vulnerable before they can fly!
– byronbackyard
Lovely capture and tones!
Many thanks!
– byronbackyard
Beautiful photo so nicely captured. Cheers Godon.
Many thanks Gordon!
– byronbackyard
Such early independence is not at all uncommon in Nature. We humans are the slow ones, staying in a dependent “child” state for many years… and for some people, forever! lol
Now this is so true, the Osprey are such incredibly good parents and so protective but once the chick is fledged and fishing for itself that’s it, then it’s on it’s own. I guess they teach them all that they know and then they’re on their own!
– byronbackyard
Marvelous capture with great colours and BG, well done!
Many thanks for your kind comment!
– byronbackyard
Fantastic shot!!
Many thanks!
– byronbackyard
Outstanding capture!
Many thanks!
– byronbackyard
Congratulations on your wonderful feature, great work and well deserved.
Many thanks Andrea!
– byronbackyard
Beautiful capture BB, amazing. Well done :)
Many thanks!
– byronbackyard