First Chick in Five Years Fledges from Hellgate Osprey Nest

Ospreys can be found plucking fish from waterways around the world, but the storyline playing out at the stick-stacked nest site on the Hellgate Osprey Cam has captured the hearts of viewers this summer. Iris, the cam’s matriarch, is one of the world’s oldest known breeding Ospreys, but she’s endured a 5-year run of unsuccessful breeding attempts. This year her fortunes changed after teaming up with a new mate, Finnegan.

The hardworking pair has successfully raised two chicks (named Sum-eh and Antali) this season in Missoula, Montana.

On the morning of August 5, after 54 days in the nest, Sum-eh fledged with an extended hop to a nearby perch and then a strong circling flight over the Clark Fork River. The younger Antali is expected to embark on its maiden voyage at any moment!

After fledging, both youngsters will remain dependent on their parents for food for several weeks as they become more adept at flying and fishing. We’ll continue to follow the Ospreys’ activities on cam until they migrate south in mid-September.

Follow daily updates from the cam on Twitter/X @HellgateOsprey.