As I was driving across the Penobscot Narrows Bridge onto Verona island in Maine, I noticed an osprey nest on a platform, and since the daylight was fading, I planned to return the following morning to see if I could observe and photograph some osprey behavior. What I realized when I returned the next day, was that two of the fledglings had left the nest, and i was witnessing the parents encouraging the third young osprey to join its siblings.
As both parents took turns coaxing the last fledgling to spread its wings and fly, I also heard chirping from nearby trees and realized that the other two young were waiting for their sibling, and calling out encouragement.
The parents launched themselves off the nest, demonstrating to the young osprey just how to do it. Patiently they returned to a perch below the nest and took turns returning to encourage their last nest-bound offspring.
Here a parent encourages the youngster, who is not seen in the nest. Finally...
The remaining fledgling mustered up its courage and launched itself out of the nest.
It soared across the highway in front of the bridge, and was joined by first one sibling:
and then the other. They soared in circles, chirping and shrieking in what can only be described as exhilaration. They circled directly overhead, climbing higher and higher as I and the two parents silently watched.
And then they were gone. I do not know if they returned to the nest, or simply found their own way. The parents did not join them in the celebratory flight. Perhaps they were tired, and relieved that their job was done.
For me, it was an incredibly serendipitous few moments during which I was privileged to watch this event unfold. I was literally in awe. What a magical experience!
