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I have been watching an osprey web cam that is set up on the Ferris State campus. This year, the female laid three eggs. Two have hatched and only one chick has survived. The chick is just over a week old. The adults are now bring green branches into the nest. Does this serve a specific purpose for the chick? Also,just found out the last and third egg is not fertile, so there is only one chick to watch this year. Any information on this odd behavior is appreciated.
It is usual for raptors (hawks, owls) to have three eggs which hatch consecutively. Thus the older chicks get the food first. In lean years, only one chick survives. The continual nest building is really just a way to keep the pair bond together - the male brings a "present" to the female and vice versa. It doesn't have anything directly to do with the chick. They are probably green just because it's easiest to get green branches now.
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| Comment | Thank you for the information. It is always a joy to watch the adult birds care for each other and chicks tho grow up right before your eyes. The growth rate is just amazing. Thanks again! | ||
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Answers by Expert:
Roger Lederer
Expertise
Any and all about WILD birds - the science of ornithology. Information about birdwatching, ecology, conservation, migration, behavior, banding, rehabilitation, feeding, songs, binoculars, identification, and careers in ornithology. No questions about pet or caged birds, please.
Experience
Have a PhD and over forty years as a professional ornithologist - research, teaching, author, speaker, webmaster of Ornithology.com . Have written thirty scientific papers, three bird field guides, a textbook in ecology and two recent books entitled "Amazing Birds" and "Birds of New England". Have traveled to over 90 countries watching birds.
Education/Credentials
PhD in Zoology/Ornithology; Emeritus Professor of Biological Sciences; former Dean of the College of Natural Sciences at California State University, Chico
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