Yadkin Osprey Nest

The osprey chicks are now close to 50% of their maturity size.  Oliveea was feeding one this morning while the other two were napping.  Normally all three chicks are fighting over food at the same time.  They all seem healthy, so it appears Oliveea and Oscar are not having a problem finding enough fresh fish for their brood.

The triplets are drying out from a hard rain we had yesterday afternoon. They are just under a month old and it amazes me how fast they are growing and changing each day! Oliveea's nurturing has the three chicks thriving. Oscar guards for predators from his perch in nearby trees. Every once in a while you will hear them send out a loud squawk alerting each other of potential danger (mostly buzzards that are close by). They form a powerful team that deters most intruders. Of course the large, sharp claw feet help!

What a nest full! The whole family is home, enjoying fresh fish flown in courtesy of Oscar. Oliveea and Oscar display the traditional Osprey relationship, with the male hunting and the female feeding the young. The hungry chicks devoured the fish with enthusiasm. Their eye color is beginning to change, moving toward the bright yellow sported by adult Ospreys. Storms rolled through the area last night but the large and sturdy nest, second only in size to that of the bald eagle, withstood the assault. Today the family should enjoy the mild temperature and slight breeze.

Oliveea's chicks are growing at an amazing rate. They seemed to have nearly tripled in size, pointing to their voracious appetites. All three appear healthy and strong. We experienced significant rainfall the last two days and face possible storms forecasted for later today. However, all is well in the nest as Oscar attends to some house keeping duties, bringing fresh greenery to the nest.

Meet Oliveea and Oscar

Alcoa Power Generating Inc. (APGI) Yadkin Division is proud to introduce our osprey family. The osprey is one of the most widespread birds of prey and can be found on every continent except Antarctica. Oliveea and her lifetime mate Oscar have been with us for the last few years. The pair became parents to three chicks, which hatched at the end of April. Chicks usually fledge in late June or early July, so you will want to be around for that! Please join us as often as you can for the latest updates/viewings.