The kids keep growing... and growing and getting the first of the pin feathers poking through. The supplementary food is working well. Full crops, no big fights, but for the occasional short spats that are normal and useful to learn for the young osprey.
The chicks are growing fast and Giliath is losing its down at the end of the week. There were 4 supplemental fish deliveries this week, all brought to the nest (see • Supplemental Fish delivered at the ne... for more details Friday was a day of some spats between the chicks.. so be warned, if you don't want to see that part.. it's at 6:40 in the video.. with a warning so you can skip it (only 30 seconds) Don't miss the adorable close-ups in the end... and Mum chasing a fish that flopped off the nest..
Today there was another fish delivery by Fran and Bazz.
A quick visit, where the #2 was watching the whole process and Giliath pancaking.
Fran and Bazz took a video when they left, showing mum on the antenna watching from the barge.. and then go back on the nest quickly when they left
The whole sequence, including the facebook footage:
On our barge, there's an ongoing experiment. If you've noticed, fish are being delivered regularly. Wondering why? Let's delve into the context.
This isn't just a random act. The objective is clear: to maintain a consistent food source on the barge. By doing this, we aim to understand if a steady food supply:
- Boosts the well-being of both osprey chicks and parents.
- Reduces conflicts among siblings.
- Offers the young ospreys a higher likelihood of fledging.
But why is this important? It's all part of a bigger picture: to uplift the osprey population in South Australia by giving them the best possible start.
The idea originated from a study conducted in the Chesapeake Bay, "Food supplementation increases reproductive performance of ospreys". Inspired, the Friends of Osprey in South Australia began consulting experts and relevant authorities about replicating this experiment in Port Lincoln. The result? Our barge became the designated test site.
Here's what we're hoping to uncover:
1. How does a consistent food supply influence the well-being of the ospreys in the nest? Can it curb conflicts?
2. What's the least intrusive method of delivering fish? What are the effects of frequent nest visits?
3. How often should fish be supplied?
4. How does this affect the fishing habits of the osprey parents?
5. In the event of success, how can this be adapted to other sites, especially those that might be less accessible?
6. Ultimately, will this strategy benefit the overall osprey population in South Australia?
Rest assured, the entire process is under meticulous observation. Should any negative impacts be noticed, adjustments will be made. For a more holistic view, we also have the nest at Tumby Island serving as a reference.
Now, some might wonder: 'Aren't there enough fish in the wild?' While it might seem that way, our observations paint a different picture. Sibling rivalries have, in the past, resulted in siblicide due to limited food supply. Many factors, like unfavorable weather and energy expended during failed fishing attempts, can make it challenging for ospreys. And let's consider another dimension - Dad himself. His exact age remains a mystery, and it's possible that he tires more easily now than before. Additionally, he experienced a week-long collapse two years ago, which might have lingering effects on his health and energy levels.
It's essential to remember that not every water body is the same; diverse factors influence fish availability.
Supporters and Skeptics
We understand this initiative might spark a range of reactions. Some might support it, while others might be skeptical. We value and respect all opinions and hope for mutual respect in return.
So sometimes it makes sense to wait until the gender is determined and we are assured the chick has survived.. and that happens at banding in a few weeks.
Giliath is a genderless name and therefor it could be given at once, but in hindsight it might have been better to name at a later moment.. and we are sorry if this leads to any confusion.
The number 2 chick won't mind not being named yet though.
Until then.. we will call it #2, number 2 or Two.
Thanks,
Bart
I am happy to announce a new feature in the menu : Youtube Archive
Here you can watch ALL video's that I have saved since september 2022 (not all video's archived, but still quite a good number) and I will be adding more to the 2022 season.
Select the month on the page.. and when the day shows green, there is at least one video.
The video's are split in hourly parts
Have Fun!
A number of people have asked in chat how to pronounce Giliath.. I did a recording for you :
The name Giliath comes from the elvish language created by Tolkien. It is in Sindarin (one of the elvish people) and it means 'host of stars' (or more generic 'stars')
As the morning sun rises Dad brings a fish and at 8 o'clock the new born osplet is fed for the first time.
As first feeds go.. this was a good one. Giliath already shows a strong neck and is able to get a lot of food, leaving it with a bulging crop.
During the next hour 2 more feeds are given by mum, where at the last feed the chick was still so full, it didn't want much.
The first chick (although it is the second egg that was laid) has hatched after 38 days in the shell.
The hatch process started the night before when the first pip was visible at 20:52.. and almost 24 hours later the chick finally decided it was time to leave its egg behind.
It is great to see the story continues!
More photos of the complete hatching on Photos/vids egg hatching
