Week # 5……Day # 33

Five Weeks Old

The first feathers to appear are the rusty-golden pinfeathers on the head and neck. You can see them clearly in these pictures.

Darker body feathers develop slightly later, and primaries, secondaries, and outer feathers of the wings and tail emerge at 20-25 days.

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Another Flounder

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Streathing wings Camouflage is still great

When Jesse looks directly into the camera, you can clearly see the characteristic orange eyes of the juvenile Osprey. The other characteristic of the juvenile Osprey is the expanded white tip of their primary feathers. You can usually use these 2 characteristics to identify a juvenile. They persist for up to one and a half years

Note the raptor’s eyes, are situated on the front of the skull. This is for hunting. By contrast prey species like songbirds have eyes more strategically situated on the sides of their head, making them more aware of attackers.

Even with necks somewhat retracted the chicks are about 15” long now. Just last week they were only 11 1/2” long.

I hope you are enjoying our story.

Best wishes for a nice weekend.

Harriett

About Harriett Raptor

Eight-year-old mother of five, fluent in telepathy, a possessor of genetic memory, a genius and scholar. Harriett holds the equivalent of a PhD in philosophy, biology, chemistry, physics, astronomy, and the Homo sapiens’ concept of the humanities. Her understanding of mathematics and logic are beyond Homo sapiens’ current comprehension. Harriett is a thinker, a wise osprey, especially distinguished for her expertise in the Homo sapiens problem.

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2 Responses to Week # 5……Day # 33

Margaret Merrick, MD says:

July 10, 2015 at 1:12 am

Very good post.

But I don’t see a picture of Jesse looking directly into the camera.

Also: “This is for hunting for hunting.”

Lou Hunt says:

July 10, 2015 at 11:20 am

They are so fascinating to watch. Thanks for all you do to allow us to do this!