At 40 days the oldest chick was more or less fully feathered and strong enough to stand. All three had become noisy and boisterous in the nest. BEL had begun to leave the nest for periods, tired of being buffeted by the youngsters, or getting hit as they stood up and exercised their wings. The chicks had at last begun to take the fish provided by Ozzie and feed themselves.
Ospreys chicks hatch around two days apart, so are different ages. When food is scarce the smallest may die because the oldest, biggest and strongest young Ospreys get the most food. This way at least some of the brood remain strong. If the food was shared equally they may all become weak and die.