At Hubbard’s Marina, our Dolphin Quest tours aren’t just about spotting dolphins. They’re also an amazing opportunity to experience the incredible wildlife that calls our coastline home. One of the most fascinating sights we see almost daily is the osprey, one of Florida’s most iconic birds of prey.
Meet the Osprey
Ospreys are powerful fish eating birds known for their impressive hunting skills and long migrations. Each year, they travel thousands of miles between their breeding grounds in North America and their winter habitats in Central and South America.
But some of the most exciting moments happen right here, close to home, especially during nesting season.
Life Begins in the Nest
Ospreys typically lay 2 to 4 eggs, which are incubated for about 35 days. Both parents take turns protecting and warming the eggs, ensuring the best chance of survival.
Once hatched, the chicks are covered in soft, downy feathers and are completely dependent on their parents. Watching these tiny, fuzzy chicks peek their heads out of the nest is easily one of the highlights of the season.
Growing Up Fast
Over the next 7 to 9 weeks, osprey chicks grow rapidly with constant feeding and care from their parents. During this time, they begin to gain strength, develop feathers, and prepare for one of the most important milestones of their lives, their first flight.
However, life in the nest is not always easy.
Survival of the Strongest
In some cases, osprey chicks exhibit a natural behavior called siblicide, where a stronger chick may outcompete a weaker sibling. This can sometimes result in fewer chicks surviving, as resources like food and attention are limited.
We have even witnessed this firsthand on nests visible from our boats, where three chicks hatched, but only two made it to the next stage.
Taking Flight
For those that do survive, the reward is incredible. After weeks of growth and preparation, young ospreys fledge, taking their first flights and beginning to explore the world around them.
From there, they continue developing their flying and hunting skills, slowly becoming the skilled predators we so often admire.
Experience It for Yourself
Seeing this journey unfold in real life is something truly special, and it is just one of the many unforgettable moments you can experience on a Dolphin Quest tour with Hubbard’s Marina.
Keep an eye on the nests next time you are out on the water. You never know when you might catch a glimpse of these amazing birds in action.
Stay tuned for more wildlife highlights, and we will see you out on the water soon.
For more fishing reports, photos, videos, and other content, check out Hubbard’s Marina on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, Twitter, Pinterest, or Snapchat by searching for @HubbardsMarina. Remember our family motto: “If you’re too busy to go fishing, you’re just too busy!” Thank you for reading our report.
Capt. Dylan Hubbard, Hubbard’s Marina
Phone or text: (727) 393-1947
Website: Hubbard’s Marina
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