VGCCOsprey ~ A Crow Grabs Youngest Osprey Chick ~ Mom Returns In Time 3.16.19

Disclaimer ~ This footage might be disturbing to some viewers.

BB1 the oldest osprey chick is engaging in some sibling rivalry with the youngest chick BB3. A crow can been seen flying to the left of the screen and loudly heard as Mom is away from the nest. The crow drops into the nest and eyes the chicks. The oldest stands up to the crow but the crow is an opportunist and sees the smaller weaker chick BB3 and grabs him and attempts to steal him from the nest. The crow drops him back in the nest as Mom is coming back to protect her family. It was a very scary moment to watch and BB3 was very lucky not to be taken.

The oldest then engages in some bonking to the middle chick as well. BB3 is okay and went back into the nest bowl and has been well fed today. My concern for this nest is that the crow now knows it is a potential food source and may return. I hope that does not happen as the osprey chicks do grow quickly and will be much larger in another week. They just need time. Thank you for watching!

Video captured & edited by Lady Hawk

The osprey nest is located in Venice FL.

Venice Gold & County Club, Native Bird Boxes Inc.    • VGCCOsprey