Esperanza and the Three Musketeers
This year has been a successful season for Zorro and Esperanza, the Osprey pair that have made the upper Magothy River their home.
Those that have been following me are familiar with the tale of this lovely couple and how last year man intervened and destroyed their nesting plans. A nesting platform was installed on the manor’s property by The Chesapeake Wildlife Heritage organization and providing a stick buffet certainly got Zorro a head start in building yet another new home. But it was too late in the season for them to raise a family.
Early spring this year, Zorro returned and prepared for Esperanza’s arrival. This is a well seasoned couple and she had no qualms with telling Zorro just how she wanted things. In quick order, four eggs were laid and it was in mid-May when three of the four eggs hatched.
It has been such a unique opportunity to watch them grow and see the daily lives of the Osprey. Situated where I can view the nest from the house and leaving the family undisturbed allowed me to watch them throughout the day. I would visit every week to capture the family in action, and this family were very tolerant of the birding paparazzi that came in tow.
But with all goods things, they must come to an end. And the Three Musketeers have grown up healthy and happy and have begun to spread their wings. My best guess is that there is one female and two males. The female is significantly larger than her brothers and her name is Elena.
Esperanza (left) with her daughter Elena (right)
The middle one – a brother is named Diego and he was the first to leave the nest. Such a typical teenage boy he’s been having fun gallivating. But I’ve seen the children come back to the nest in the evenings for dinner delivery by either Esperanza or Zorro as they haven’t learned how to fish yet.
The youngest brother, name yet to be determined was the last to leave and the night before he took his first flight a big storm blew in and his older sister and mother returned to the nest to protect him.
The youngest
It’ll be a little while before the Osprey begin their trip south, so for now lots of fishing will be going on to get them prepared for their travels.
With great gratitude to the Chesapeake Wildlife Heritage organization for installing this Osprey platform. Consider clicking here and donating to this wonderful group that support nature and wildlife on the Chesapeake Bay.
I truly am an Empty-Nester now…..
Emily Carter ~ Nature as Art 
Great story, wonderful pictures: thanks for sharing! Am so glad to know they all grew up. Hope they’ll stay safe.
Have a great day,
Pit
So far so good Pit. The kids return to the nest to get fed, so while they’re out most of the time, I do get to see the daily. Hate to see them go. Thanks Pit.
I love these photos. Especially the one of the youngest. What a great story.
The youngest is so adorable. Sweet little thing he is. It’s been so charming this year to be part of their lives. Thank you so much.
It is wonderful to be able to follow this family. Please keep the photos and updates coming!
Truly my pleasure – the kids do come back to get served fish which is pretty fun to watch. They just sit there screaming for delivery. LOL
You are very privileged to have seen these beautiful ospreys grow up, thank you for sharing the images and story with us.
More than belief. It’s such a gift to be part of their lives.
Wow that last shot is incredible Emily. I need to try to do one of these guys justice with a pointy medium. Thanks for sharing. Love their names!
That would be wonderful Laura – I know you’ll certainly make them beautiful Laura. A friend suggested the names, of course I loved them.
Loved reading the success and seeing the three babies. Bless your heart Emily, you could see what the lovely couple couldn’t – these birds will come back year-after-year all do to your hard work of persevering. I remember when the wind blew their first nest to smithereens. Good for you!
We all lived through their pain and suffering didn’t we Mary. And we got to see a beautiful ending. We all need that more in our lives don’t we?
Beautifully said Emily.
That is so wonderful! I’m so happy everything turned out so well for them. Thank your for sharing their story!
It’s been more than fun as you can imagine. A truly a gift for me to be able to share the story with you. 🙂
Extraordinary post…thanks for sharing!