Clark’s breakfast delivery sparked a noisy tug-of-war at the Hellgate nest, but Wensi’s tumble was only the beginning. Later that morning, the young osprey stood over the trout and tore off bites alone, turning a funny family scramble into a powerful step toward independence.
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.
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.