Blog # 274 The Reptilian Phase

 Orpheus and Ophelia’s two hatchlings are growing rapidly. The younger hatchling,  Lucky, is 7 days old and still covered with the camouflaging buff- colored down. The  eldest hatchling, Hope, at 12 days old is beginning a transitional phase with many  changes. Hope’s buff down is being replaced with a dense, wooly, second down, which  will last another two weeks. It’s oversized feet become bluish-grey with long, black  talons, like an adult, and its crop will become more visible when full of food. A  conspicuous light tan streak runs down its back for added camouflage against the  background of the nest.  

Ophelia feeds reptilian-phase Hope (Right:12 days old) and Lucky (Left: 7 days). Screen shot from the Salt Point Osprey Nest Cam.

Ophelia feeds reptilian-phase Hope (Left: 12 days old) and Lucky (Right: 7 days). Screen shot from the Salt Point Osprey Nest Cam. 

At twelve days old, Hope is mobile and quickly gets first in line when Orpheus brings a  fish to Ophelia to feed their offspring. (S)he routinely backs up to eject feces over the  rim of the nest. During this transitional “reptilian phase,” the dark, scaly chick will crouch at danger, suggestive of their dinosaur ancestors...and Jurassic Park’s raptors. Feathers will start replacing Hope’s down when (s)he is 14 days old, starting with rusty golden pinfeathers on the head and neck, and darker body feathers will follow. 

Like human parents, Ophelia and Orpheus are constantly providing for their brood.  Ophelia must thermoregulate her nestlings until they are able to do so on their own. She  must also protect their tender skin form UV ray exposure by shading them with her body  in her “mombrella” pose. Orpheus is hunting for a family now and must keep up with  their growing appetites. Bear in mind, in two short months they will grow to adult size  and be ready to leave the nest. This high-speed growth requires ample food, which  means Orpheus will have to catch enough fish to keep the rapidly growing chicks and  Ophelia well fed. 

Ophelia in her “Mombrella” pose shading her young. Screen shot from the Salt Point Osprey Nest Cam.

Lucky panting to cool off with Lucky underneath it’s mother. 

Screen shot from the Salt Point Osprey Nest Cam.

Hope, 10 day old, stands next to her(is) mother with a full crop—the sign of a health, robust nestling. Screen shot from the Salt Point Osprey Nest Cam. 

I cannot download footage from the solar-powered Salt Point Osprey Nest camera after  a series of overcast days, as the battery wears down. Therefore it is sometimes difficult  to bring viewers the most recent footage of the nest when it’s been a stormy week. After 43 days, it is evident that the third egg is not viable. 

Eyes to the sky! 

Candace 

Candace E. Cornell  

Friends of Salt Point  

Lansing, NY 

cec222@gmail.com

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