Rich and I went to Winter Park for dinner tonight, so I got some more time at the osprey nest.  It was more active tonight than the last time I went.  You know, you can learn a lot from a juvenile Osprey…

First of all, when your mom arrives at the nest with a fish, grab it from her!

Cover your food with your wings to make it harder for others to steal it from you.  (Of course, if you really want to eat in peace, don’t cry to your food during the entire meal.  But this Osprey hasn’t learned that yet!)

Eat the first few bites yourself.  Then hand the fish to Mom.  She’s better at cutting it up, and she’ll hand it to you in bits.  How convenient!

When Mom screeches, it means danger is around.  Flatter yourself on the nest as quickly as possible, even if you have to lie down on your fish.  Wait until the disturbance passes, then resume fussing and eating.

Stretch your wings often.  Even if you haven’t figured out how to fly yet, it makes you look good!