The first Osprey chicks have been seen in nests. The babies will stay in the nests for some weeks yet. Paul Brewer recently photographed a male Osprey bringing a fish back to the nest while the female watched.

Paul observed the female Osprey tear the fish into pieces and feed a baby in the nest.

But when Paul went back the next day, the nest was abandoned. We will never know exactly what happened. Perhaps a Raven or other predator took the baby. Or perhaps there wasn't a chick this year and they were "practicing." Paul was sad, though, as he had so enjoyed last year's family on this same nest.

The Osprey nest we can see through our spotting scope is still being tended by the female, with the male making sporadic visits, often bringing a fish. "As free as a bird" doesn't begin to describe the hard work of all the wonderful birds we are privileged to see.

Thanks to Paul for allowing me to share his photos with you here. To see much more of Paul's nature photography, here is the link to his website: http://www.capturingnatureswonders.com/