They must be sheltered from heat and cold and fed small amounts of fish often. At about one week of age, the young are covered with downy feathers. By mid- to late August, the young are nearly the size of their parents and become increasingly independent. Sometime during autumn, the entire population of Yellowstone osprey heads south following waterways to the Gulf of Mexico. From there they pursue separate destinations along the coasts of Mexico, Central America, and even as far as northern Venezuela.
Osprey are excellent fishers.
Sometimes, however, a fish may be dropped. Bald eagles have been known to harass osprey into dropping prey that eagles then retrieve in midair. Since the mid-1970s, five osprey nests have been occupied in the portion of the canyon near Canyon Village. With binoculars, patience and a little luck, you may be able to spot an osprey tending a nest or snagging a fish. Ranger-naturalists at the Canyon Visitor Center can help you learn more about osprey, including where to look for them.