Osprey chicks hatch at Petrie

A pair of ospreys, nicknamed Sonny and Cher, have successfully produced at least two chicks at their nest on the UniSC site at Petrie.

Local osprey expert and regular visitor to the site Pip Grant-Taylor spotted the chicks two days ago and believes they are about three weeks old.

They are in the pair’s original nest, which they rebuilt earlier this year.

Pip says she can see at least two chicks which are now being protected by their parents from crow, peewee and sea eagle attack.

It’s late in the breeding season, but Pip says this may enhance their chances of survival.

“It’s unlikely that that it will get too cold for them now and they will be in the air before it gets too hot,” she says.

Pip anticipates they will ‘fledge’ in mid-December, all being well.

She has been watching ospreys in the Moreton Bay region for more than a decade, captivated by their beauty, behaviour and resilience.

They love the fishing here and the climate gives their young a strong chance of survival.

By her count, there are about 19 active nests across the region in the coastal band from Bribie Island to Griffin.

Read Pip's story and where ospreys are in the Moreton Bay region here