The adult is probably hoping as much as the juveniles. When the other adult returns to the nest this one can finally leave to hunt.
In a short time both adults will be gone hunting at the same time.
Since both chicks are about equal in size between the 2 of them they may be able to fend off any attacks that happen while alone.
Looking at the different nests I can already see where several have lost a chick.
Beautiful photos of this amazing family, Ted!
Thank you. This rookery has many nests, Herons, Egrets, even Anhinga. Some trees have 5 – 6 nests. Pretty soon the green leaves will start to hide everything though.
Wonderful shots Ted.
A precarious time for the chicks though.
Thank you. The number of chicks has started to fall already. Most will survive unless we have a major weather event though.
They look like fluffy, fat robust little chicks!
At the stage, yes. As they get older they sprout really tall and angular. 😀