https://www.grandriver.ca/en/outdoor-recreation/Belwood-Lake-OspreyCam.aspx?_mid_=515
There's a nest in Ontario, Canada, west of Toronto that lost its female June 18. The male has stepped up to care for the 2 chicks (16 and 14 days old) by himself. Belwood Lake and Grand River - assuming those are his fishing grounds - look to be practically on the doorstep of the nest.
So far, so good...obviously a very fragile situation, but is it unheard of for a single parent to raise chicks from this stage to fledging?
I looked in several times yesterday and was worried it was so hot. Saw at around 6pm our time the father trying to shelter them. Earlier I had seen them going towards the side of the nest as if to try and catch a breeze. The smaller one I thought was struggling in the heat. I am really rooting for this pair.
Hello, it was so hot for them yesterday, was worried also for the wee one. They look better today, fingers crossed that they do well.
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
Just checked and they are still asleep - they are five hours behind us so probably still cool enough for them.
Checked again now and caught an end of feed. Still looks to be raining and Dad has just flown off. Fish tail looked to be from a small fish.
Looks as though it has dried up a bit now, but chicks still huddling together in the middle of the nest.
© GRAND RIVER CONSERVATION AUTHORITY
PS: Tiger the video you posted is no longer allowing viewing.
EJ's Memorial Balgavies Loch Ospreys 2023
Photos Courtesy of Lorna Perkins-Drexler (from a closed group) of the nest and a couple of Luther's perches.
Luther's perches
COPYRIGHT LORNA-PERKINS-DREXLER
Not so wet chicks now.
(c) Grand River Conservation Authority
© Scottish Wildlife Trust - Loch of the Lowes
Cant open them Mary - is he close to the nest?
This is a fascinating nest to learn from! It strikes me that Luther spends so little time on the nest sheltering, but he doesn't neglect it completely. Does he recognize and respond only when the chicks are reaching their limit of exposure? Does being so well-fed allow the chicks to thermoregulate better?