August 4, 2026, began with Star and Spangle standing together inside the Dunrovin osprey nest in Lolo, Montana, but Star’s first flight at the Dunrovin osprey nest was only moments away.
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Star, identified as OE4, stood on the right side of the large stick nest overlooking the surrounding farm fields. Beside her was Spangle, the blue-banded young osprey known as OE5.
At first, the siblings appeared settled. Then Star began flapping. Her wings stretched across the nest as she repeatedly lifted and lowered them, rehearsing the powerful movements she would need in the air. Each burst looked more confident than the last. A little more than two minutes into the video, practice suddenly became flight.
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Star Launches From the Dunrovin Osprey Nest
At approximately 2:05, Star pushed away from the nest and flew out of the camera’s view to the right.
There was no long hesitation at the edge.
One moment, both young ospreys were together. The next, Star was airborne and Spangle was standing alone. The departure marked Star’s first successful fledge from the Dunrovin osprey nest.
Spangle watched in the direction Star had flown and began calling frequently. The young osprey moved around the nest while continuing to look beyond the sticks, apparently tracking the activity outside the camera’s view. Star’s flight could not be seen once she left the frame, but she remained away from the nest for nearly three minutes.
For a newly fledged osprey, those first moments away from the nest can involve a completely new set of challenges. The bird must coordinate powerful wingbeats, maintain balance, adjust direction and prepare for a safe landing. Star had spent weeks strengthening her wings. Now she was using them beyond the nest for the first time.
Spangle Waits Alone After Star’s First Flight
While Star explored the air around Dunrovin Ranch, Spangle remained behind.
The difference inside the nest was immediate.
Only minutes earlier, the two siblings had been standing side by side. After Star’s departure, Spangle appeared alert and vocal, repeatedly looking toward the area where Star had disappeared.
Young ospreys often continue calling and watching nearby activity after a sibling or parent leaves the nest. The behavior may help them remain aware of movements around their territory. Spangle had already reached this milestone first. OE5 completed a first flight on August 2, becoming the first of the two 2026 Dunrovin osprey chicks to fledge. Two days later, it was Star’s turn to leave the nest behind. But the separation did not last long.
Star Returns Nearly Three Minutes Later
At approximately 4:52 in the video, Star returned. The young osprey flew back into view and landed on the left side of the nest, ending an inaugural flight that lasted about two minutes and 47 seconds. The landing brought the siblings together again.
Star settled inside the familiar nest after her first trip through the open sky, while Spangle remained nearby. What began as another morning of wing practice had become one of the biggest milestones of Star’s young life. Her departure was exciting. Her return made the moment complete.
Both Dunrovin Osprey Chicks Have Now Fledged
With Star’s successful flight, both of the young ospreys raised at the Dunrovin nest in 2026 have now fledged. Fledging does not mean the young birds are immediately independent. Star and Spangle may continue returning to the nest as they strengthen their flight skills, practice landings and learn more about life beyond the platform.
They may also continue relying on the adult ospreys for food while their hunting abilities develop. Catching fish requires far more than simply flying over water. Young ospreys must learn how to judge distance, control a steep dive, extend their feet at the correct moment and lift a slippery fish from the surface.
Those skills take time. For now, the nest remains an important place to rest, receive food and reunite after short flights. Star’s first journey lasted less than three minutes, but it opened an entirely new chapter.
The nest that once held two flightless chicks now holds two young ospreys capable of leaving, circling through the Montana sky and finding their way home again.
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 Star fledge from the Dunrovin osprey nest?
Star, also known as OE4, fledged from the Dunrovin osprey nest on August 4, 2026.
How long was Star away from the nest?
Star was away for approximately two minutes and 47 seconds before returning.
Who is the other young osprey in the nest?
The other young osprey is Spangle, also known as OE5. Spangle fledged two days earlier, on August 2, 2026.
