The chicks have split...

[SMB2]

Well all three Osprey chicks have successfully fledged. Two nights ago they were all present in the nest with two taking fairly long flights. Today all are gone but two are still getting used to flying. One spent the day on a smokestack. The youngest flies around the nest crash landing on boats and a nearby gazebo. They will likely stay in the area until late fall when they will make their way South. Once fully adult in 2-3 years they will then start their yearly migration back North, to this area.

[blueluv]

Excellent photo shots! You are really good with the camera. Are those falcons?

[SMB2]

Chris, they are Ospreys, or Sea Eagles. They are in the family of Fishing Eagles and unlike the other members (Bald Eagles, etc.) they can be found almost throughout the world.
I have posted several threads here in photos of their progress at this nest.

[REC]

Love this shot.

[blueluv]

Chris, they are Ospreys, or Sea Eagles. They are in the family of Fishing Eagles and unlike the other members (Bald Eagles, etc.) they can be found almost throughout the world.
I have posted several threads here in photos of their progress at this nest.

I did a little research and those are in fact osprey. Most sea eagles have a thicker beaks. Still awesome photo shots.

[SMB2]

You are correct. Sea Eagles is a misnomer used in this area. There are several birds that get called Sea Eagles.
"A sea eagle is any of the birds of prey in the genus Haliaeetus in the bird of prey family Accipitridae. Sea eagles vary in size, from Sanford's Fish Eagle averaging 2–2.7 kg to the huge Steller's Sea Eagle weighing up to 9 kg."
The Osprey is not of that Genus but because it lives almost exclusively on fish often gets lumped in that category.

[Second Hand Pat]

Stan, what lens are you using. Fantastic pictures.

[SMB2]

Thanks Pat.
The images were taken with two lenses: a tripod mounted Nikon 200-400mm f4 (sometimes with a 1.4 TC) and a Nikon 70-200mm f2.8 with a 1.7 TC. The 70-200 I used hand held for some of the flight shots.
All were taken just after sunrise or before sunset.
Hope this pair comes back next year!