A Devoted Mother Osprey Shelters Her Young From Blazing Sun

Screenshot from Milford Point Audubon Live Osprey Cam. Story by J.C. Martin

This dangerous heatwave continues to stress out people and animals alike. This mother Osprey at the Milford Point Audubon, Milford, CT is spreading her wings to shield her three juvenile offspring from the blazing sun, making herself hotter in the process. They are barely visible under her wings.Temps at 1:00 AM were already nearly 90º, ambient temperature with the actual temps in the sun even higher.

We can safely assume Westport's Osprey families located at Terrain/Fresh Market, Longshore and near Sherwood Island will be doing the same thing.

According to the Dyfi Osprey Project extreme heat can be highly dangerous for baby ospreys. Because nests are high up and completely exposed to the elements, prolonged high temperatures (especially over 90°F–100°F) can lead to severe heat stress, lethargy, and dehydration.

Adult ospreys work incredibly hard to shield their young from direct sunlight and hot weather. They adapt by:

- Shading: Spreading their wings outward like an umbrella or awning to create a "shade wall" that covers the chicks.

- Cooling: Panting to release body heat through evaporative cooling, or taking dips in nearby water sources and returning with wet feathers to act as natural air conditioners.

- Fanning: Raising their body feathers to increase airflow.

You can view the Milford Point Live Osprey Cam 24 hours a day and see these magnificent raptors up close.Her three chicks have grown quite a bit and will soon be ready to fledge, so make sure you see them while you can!