Fledgling on the left, compared to its parent on the right.

Young ospreys (Pandion haliaetus) began to take flight last month, with at least 43 chicks fledged after months of efforts from osprey parents.

Ospreys lay an average of 3 eggs that hatch after 5-6 weeks of incubation. Young chicks can be hard to see from below, so it may take a few weeks for chicks to be confirmed.

SCCF volunteer monitors can rely on various clues to determine that a nest has hatched, such as observing the female sitting higher and displaying behaviors like feeding and shading.

“Vocalizations from unobservable chicks also let monitors know that eggs have hatched,” said SCCF Osprey Program Coordinator Amanda Manrique.

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After 6-8 weeks, the chicks will start to stretch their wings and fly — what is known as fledging! Fledge rates are very important in determining the success of a nesting season and help us track population trends.

“Young ospreys will continue to stay near their nest as they become more confident flyers and fishers, often staying long after their parents have left,” she added.

As you can see in the photo at the top of this article, fledglings and adults look very similar but can be distinguished by a few characteristics. Adult ospreys have bright yellow eyes, while osprey chicks hatch with red eyes that lighten to orange by the time they learn to fly.

Fledglings will also have white tips on the ends of their brown feathers, in contrast to the adults, which are solid dark brown. Keep your eyes up this month to spot young ospreys beginning to soar!

Learn more about SCCF’s osprey monitoring program and adopt a nest to support it >>>