Eagle captures remaining Osprey Chick from Middle Farms nest July 17, 2026

Eagle takes the remaining chick from the Middle Farms nest.

As the eagle approaches, the osprey chick attempts to defend the Middle Farms nest July 17, 2026.

It is with great sadness that we must report that an Eagle took the remaining osprey chick from the Middle Farms nest on July 17, 2026.

During the first two weeks of July, the chick had grown much stronger and started to become less dependent on the osprey mom. After the morning feeding on the 15th, she left the nest and was not see on it again, though she may have remained close by. On the early evening of the 15th, dad began leaving “started” fish for the chick so it could learn to self-feed. The chick struggled, but persevered on those first two days. On the 17th though, dad delivered a fresh capture and the chick had a new obstacle to overcome. It continued to struggle, but made some progress starting the fresh fish, then took a break and called for help – but instead of mom coming to feed, an eagle approached the nest. The chick tried to defend the nest, but was no match for this adult adversary – and the eagle took the chick away!

It happened so fast and it is unclear how close the parents were when the chick was captured, or if they were even aware of the danger, because there did not appear to be any distress calls in advance or other warnings for the chick – though squawking and screeching could be heard immediately following the capture, and about 15 minutes after it was over, dad returned for the fish.

Dad also returned again just before 9 AM with fish remains – but looked around the empty nest and left again – taking the remains with him.

JULY 17: In this extended clip, osprey dad delivers a fresh fish around 5:25:07 AM and the chick defends the nest and then tries to self-feed after dad leaves. Around 5:44:34 AM an eagle approaches and the chick tries again to defend the nest, but is captured. Around 6:00:07 AM dad returns for the fish.