Osprey couple with their first chick!
Osprey couple on nest with chick and two remaining eggs May 26, 2026.
Special thanks to Vicki Rafferty who caught sight of the first hatchling at the Middle Farms nest May 26, 2026 on the Osprey Cam. We checked the back-ups and believe it happened around 1 pm in the afternoon – 38 days after the first egg was laid. The osprey mom was away from the nest when when the hatchling finally broke free of the shell, but dad was watching over the chick and defending the nest as grackles harassed him. During the mid afternoon, mom made a first attempt to feed the chick but it may have been too soon. During the following morning, on May 27th, we confirmed the chick took some bites of fish!
The video clips below capture some of the highlights of the first 24 hours for the new hatchling.
MAY 26: In the early afternoon the osprey appears to be watching eggs closely but we could not confirm anything at this time.
MAY 26: Dad watches the eggs very closely while mom is away and we see the chick breaking through!
MAY 26: After grackles harass dad, he moves closer to protect the hatchling and we get the first glimpse of a head bobbing!
MAY 26: As dad leaves, we see the hatchling trying to lift its head more and more.
MAY 26: Mom returns with fish remains and is harassed by grackle before she can nestle her new chick.
MAY 26: Dad retrieves the fish remains and grackles continue to harass.
MAY 26: Mid afternoon, dad delivers more fish and mom eats first while the chick struggles to lift its head.
MAY 26: Mom makes a first attempt to feed the hatchling, but it may be too soon.
MAY 26: Mom gets up for a brief break and we see the chick still struggling to hold it head up for very long.
MAY 26: Dad visits briefly and we captured a family photo!
MAY 26: Dad delivers sticks for the nest and hangs out for a while.
MAY 26: Dad delivers another stick for the nest and we get an evening viewing of the hatchling while mom takes a short break!
MAY 27: Mom tries to take a morning break and gets harassed by grackles.
MAY 27: Dad delivers fish and around 9:02 in the morning the chick gets its first confirmed bites!
