Blog #402 Flappersizers


Makani flaps its wings while Lani stays in the shadow of Ursula, courtesy of Cynthia Sedlacek.


The Salt Point chicks will each be ready to fledge and leave the nest for the first time about 55 days after hatching—that will be July 18th for Moana, the eldest. The physical growth and cosmetic changes occur in the first four weeks. The last two weeks are primarily 


Ursula feeding the youngsters at 6 weeks, courtesy of Cynthia Sedlacek.


dedicated to strengthening and learning to coordinate their movements. They first undergo strength training to build up their leg, wing, and flight muscles. They must then learn to coordinate muscle movements to push as much air as possible and learn to control the direction they move. After learning to flap efficiently, they must learn to coordinate the movements of their nearly 5-6 foot wingspan.


Ursula warned Makani to not hit her in the head again, courtesy of Cynthia Sedlacek.


Like yawning or scratching an itch, the urge to exercise their young legs and wings is compulsive and seems contagious. Once one sibling starts to preen or flap, the others join in, causing the remnant feather sheaths and baby down feathers to fly off like a snowstorm. Moana got hit in the face when Makani stretched and stood on Lani’s outstretched tail. Ursula’s takeoff from the nest was interrupted by Orpheus’ landing on the nest perch, forcing Ursula to recalculate her flight plan. Chaos ensued as all three siblings attempted flapping and jumping simultaneously (“flappersizing”). When not feeding the youngsters, Ursula and Orpheus leave the nest for the young to do their workouts but usually remain close by. The nest is simply too small for five full-size Ospreys, especially when doing calisthenics! While most Ospreys have 2–3 chicks, it is hard to imagine how a nest with four offspring manages.


Technically, the young are called fledglings during the 14 days preceding their first flight—before they fledge. During these last two nest-bound weeks the fledglings will practice jumping, pumping their wings, and stretching their legs until they are ready to fly. A chance breeze will fill the youngster’s wings lifting the bird aloft. The fledgling will flap its wings instinctually and dangle its legs for a landing—the youngster has fledged. Flying is instinctual, but landing takes practice. The nest will remain the fledglings’ home base for the next few weeks until the fledglings have learned to fish. Once the young Ospreys are independent, it is now called a juvenile and is ready to migrate on their own. Within 18 months its buff-colored feather tips will wear off leaving a dark brown feather and its eyes will turn lemon yellow.


Eyes to the sky!


Candace


Candace E. Cornell 

Friends of Salt Point, Lansing, NY

Cayuga Lake Osprey Network

 cec222@gmail.com


EYES TO THE SKY!


WATCH!

Salt Point Osprey Nest Cam


READ!

On Osprey Time: Ospreys of the Finger Lakes


VISIT!

Cayuga Lake Osprey Trail



GUEST PHOTOGRAPHERS:

Karel and Cindy Sedlacek, a.k.a. BOGette, are the folks you see 365 days/yr. live streaming Red-tailed Hawks on campus and locally. In the warmer months, they also capture exquisite shots of Cayuga Lake’s Osprey with their cameras, which are frequently published in this blog. Both tech wizards at Cornell and accomplished musicians, the Sedlacek’s give us a unique view of these spectacular raptors. Karel and Cindy are Osprey nest monitors and founding members of the Cayuga Lake Osprey Network.



HELP PROTECT OSPREYS


  • Avoid getting too close to nesting sites during the breeding season. If an animal vocalizes when you're near, you are too close! Back off Immediately.

  • Carry binoculars to view wildlife from afar.

  • Restore, clean, and preserve lakeshore and wetland habitats.

  • Recycle used fishing lines, which can be hazardous to Osprey.

  • Join the Cayuga Osprey Network and volunteer to help monitor

Osprey nests. Write to: cec222@gmail.com


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