Lightning, thunder and powerful winds transformed a quiet night at the Hellgate Osprey nest as Iris, Clark and young Wensi endured one of the season’s most dramatic storms, with flying sticks, driving rain and even part of the nest’s outer rail torn away.
A beautiful close-up reveals how Iris and Clark’s chick has transformed from a tiny hatchling into a striking young osprey.
On July 13, 2026, a Great Horned Owl appeared near the Hellgate Osprey family after dark. Iris launched into the night, made a warning pass and returned to watch over her chick.
One month after hatching, the Hellgate Osprey chick pecked at a fish, looked to Iris for answers, then tumbled face-first into dinner before trying again.
At the Hellgate Osprey nest on July 5, 2026, Iris waited for fish, Clark arrived empty-handed, and one unforgettable nest exchange followed before their chick was finally fed.