Three osplets at their nests tonight

Screenshots from Sääksilive Osprey nests. The last image includes fish prey.

At nest #4, things have changed a lot very suddenly. After just celebrating the oldest chick's fledge, we've lost both the oldest and youngest chick to predation. White-tailed eagles are a big threat to Ospreys, especially young ones, and sometimes not even being able to fly can save a chick, as we saw in 2022 at this nest as well. It's pretty heartbreaking to lose two chicks this late into the season after watching them grow from eggs to fledglings. Nuppu and Nemo have been carefully watching over N2/USU, and I hope they can see their one remaining chick to migration.

Whatever will happen, though, nothing is born in vain in nature, even if its life ends up being short. I've watched several White-tailed eagle nests, too, and they're no villains to me, even if in Osprey watching they are sort of the ultimate boogeyman to watch out for. As much as I would have preferred for them to find prey away from the specific bird family I've gotten attached to, I do also hope N1 and N3's deaths help ensure survival for the eagles' own young.

Made it through the day, best of luck for the days to come. N2 is 8 weeks old as of yesterday.

 

At nest #1, the two weeks younger Lumme and Utu have been working hard to exercise their wings.

A jump!

A jump you say, little brother? Well, watch this!

Across the nest!

Supper with mom.