August 2, 2026, began with two young ospreys standing together inside their nest at Dunrovin Ranch in Lolo, Montana, but OE5’s first flight would soon change the morning.
Then OE5 started bouncing.
The blue-banded osprey flapped hard, sprang above the nest and briefly floated over the sticks. Each jump carried OE5 a little higher until the young bird finally crossed an invisible line between practicing and flying. At approximately 6:46 a.m., OE5 lifted from the nest and sailed out of sight to the left. One osprey had fledged. The other suddenly had the nest to itself.
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OE5’s First Flight Leaves Its Sibling Watching
Before taking off, OE5 vigorously worked its wings and performed several high jumps from the nest floor. These exercises help young ospreys strengthen their flight muscles and practice controlling their long wings. Osprey chicks generally remain in the nest for about 50 to 55 days before making their first flight.
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This time, OE5 did not drop back onto the sticks. The young osprey rose into the Montana air and disappeared beyond the left side of the nest. OE4 remained behind and repeatedly looked toward the direction its sibling had flown. It created a wonderfully familiar scene: one youngster had taken the leap while the other appeared content to watch the experiment first.
But OE5’s biggest challenge was not leaving. It was coming home.
A Nearly Two-Minute Wait at Dunrovin Ranch
OE5 remained away from the nest for approximately one minute and 45 seconds during its first flight. That brief absence carried plenty of suspense. A first flight requires more than getting airborne. The young bird must also control its direction, find somewhere safe to turn or perch, and prepare for another landing.
First flights can be short, awkward journeys to a nearby branch or structure. Young ospreys gradually improve through repeated trips while continuing to return to their nest for food and rest. OE5, however, returned looking remarkably composed.
OE5 Sweeps Back Into View
At approximately 6:48 a.m., a dark shape appeared above the upper-left side of the nest. OE5 was back. The young osprey approached with its wings spread, lowered its feet and descended directly toward the familiar platform. OE5 then touched down beside OE4 without tumbling, colliding or overshooting the nest.
The landing looked almost too polished for a beginner. One moment, OE5 was a nestling practicing high jumps. Less than two minutes later, the young osprey returned as Dunrovin Ranch’s newest fledgling.
OE4’s First Flight Could Happen Soon
As of August 4, 2026, OE4 has not yet fledged. However, OE5 and OE4 do not need to leave the nest on the same day. Differences in hatch times, physical development and confidence can separate sibling fledges by several days.
At Montana’s Hellgate osprey nest in 2024, one sibling fledged nine days before the other. Both later continued returning to the nest while developing their flight skills. OE4’s growing wing exercises and movements will provide clues as its own first flight approaches. For now, OE4 still has a front-row seat. Its sibling has already demonstrated the entire process: flap hard, trust the wings and remember where the nest is.
OE5 Continues Flying After First Fledge
OE5’s first successful flight was only the beginning. Since fledging, the young osprey has completed several additional flights away from the nest. Each trip gives OE5 another opportunity to improve balance, steering, endurance and landing control.
However, fledging does not mean OE5 has become independent. Young ospreys usually remain near their nesting territory and continue relying on their parents for fish while learning to fly and eventually hunt. This post-fledging training period can last several weeks. Winnie and Swoop still have work ahead of them. The adults must continue supporting two growing youngsters as OE5 explores beyond the nest and OE4 prepares to follow.
From Nest Jumps to Open Sky
For weeks, OE5’s world centered on a platform of sticks above Dunrovin Ranch. The young osprey ate, rested, watched its parents and slowly transformed its wings from oversized decorations into working flight equipment. Then came one final jump.
OE5 vanished into the open sky, leaving OE4 alone with the wind and an empty space where its sibling had been standing. But the absence did not last long. OE5 swept back into view, stretched out its feet and landed beside OE4 as though the nest had been calling the young osprey home. Now only one question remains. When will OE4 follow?
The footage was recorded and shared on YouTube by Red Wing. The live osprey experience is provided by Days at Dunrovin.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did OE5 fledge from the Dunrovin Ranch osprey nest?
OE5 made its first flight on August 2, 2026, at approximately 6:46 a.m. The young osprey returned to the nest less than two minutes later.
Which Dunrovin osprey chick fledged first?
OE5 became the first of the two 2026 Dunrovin Ranch osprey chicks to fledge.
Did OE5 return after its first flight?
Yes. OE5 returned after approximately one minute and 45 seconds and made a smooth landing beside OE4.
Has OE4 fledged yet?
As of August 4, 2026, OE4 has not fledged. However, the second young osprey could make its first flight soon.
Do young ospreys return to the nest after fledging?
Yes. Young ospreys commonly return to their nest for food and rest while practicing their flight and fishing skills. Their parents continue feeding them during this learning period.
How old are ospreys when they first fly?
Osprey chicks typically make their first flight after spending approximately 50 to 55 days in the nest, although the exact timing can vary.