Yellow band and pronouns

Screenshots from Sääksilive Osprey nest #4, where the chicks were banded this morning. Fish prey included in the later screenshots.

But before banding, N1, N3, N2 loafing in closeup yesterday.

N1 and N3 having a disagreement.

And from this morning. Bands have been received, measurements and weighing done, and the chicks returned to the nest from their alien abduction experience.

Mom (back) and dad are home, too. This is Nuppu's fifth banding, including her own as a nestling. I wonder if birds get used to that or if they're amazed each time that the big predator intruding in their nest just left the chicks there unharmed. And not just the chicks - the Ospreys have been given a little gift for their cooperation, in their preferred currency. 🐟

N2 trying to self-feed, but a stick he keeps picking up with the fish provides an extra challenge. N3 and N1 observe.

N3's new yellow band ID to help tell them apart is UPU, and turns out he's a boy! I fully expected otherwise with how feisty he can get at securing his share of fish pieces, and female raptors generally being more aggressive, but then again, when you're the youngest in a raptor clutch, you can't be a complete pushover if you want to eat. And eating he has been, considering at weighing he was actually heavier than N2.

Nuppu feeding the chicks from one of the gift fish. N1 currently grabbing a bite, N2 on the left got warned away for getting too close to N1's (according to N1) fish.

N2's ID is USU, and he is also male. This I'm not surprised about, but good to know. Despite seeming to be the quickest in the clutch to submit and let the older sibling have the food, he's still healthy and well-fed.

And especially today, there's plenty of fish for all. N2 back at the table on N3's left.

N1 at closeup, N2 working on swallowing a small fish in the background.

Another N1 closeup, N3 left N2 right at feeding.

N2, N3, N1. Tracking dad flying in.

Nemo brings with him even more fish! He fed N3 for a moment before leaving.

N2 stretching.

All three standing, and showing off their bands. (And looking like they're gathering for a gossip ring, but actually they were each just about to have a poop, lol.)

N1 exercising her wings. N1's band ID is URA, and she's the only girl in the clutch. I had a feeling, but wasn't sure if her temperament is more due to being the oldest.

All three are now four weeks old, and still have a few weeks to go until fledging. There's probably going to be plenty of wing flapping in the near future to strengthen those flight muscles.