One of the real Creator pleasures I have doing photo work at Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge is observing young raptors learning about the wind, the use of their wings, and finally their first short flights. On the nest today was the three Osprey chicks and "Gracie" (Osprey Mom) with her teaching them to face the wind. Photos 1950 to 1963 documents the birds feeling the wind and mainly the oldest chick beginning to feel the effect of the wind on his/her wings. Shortly after these photos the oldest chick moved to the rear of the nest.....lightened the load of processed food (poop){as most Raptors do before flight unless they are startled} and then flying some 5 feet (as shown in photos 1971 thru 1986) and then a few pictures of a pround Mom and children.

The first flights of a young Osprey are fantastic to watch.....especially if your able to see the "humanistic characteristics" of the young bird and the parent through a good lense or scope.