Meet “Wensi” the 2026 Hellgate Osprey Chick

The chick from the 2026 Hellgate Osprey Cam officially has a name. Meet Wensi, the young Osprey.

The name was chosen in collaboration with our partners at the Montana Osprey Project, who consulted with various members of the Salish people to decide on a name for the chick.

Naming the chick continues a recent tradition of giving the Hellgate Osprey nestlings Salish names. Two years ago, Iris’ two chicks were honored with the Salish names Sum-eh and Antali, and soon Wensi will join them in the sky. The nest is located within the ancestral homeland of the Salish people, who continue to be dedicated stewards of the region’s lands and waters.

Wensi is the English phonetic spelling of the Salish name Wénš, which means “dancer.” It’s a fitting name for an Osprey, a species known for its dramatic sky-dance courtship displays.

We extend our sincere thanks to Myrna Dumontier, Arleen Adams, and Michael Thomas for sharing this name with us and graciously allowing us to use it for Iris and Clark’s first chick together.

We’re looking forward to watching Wensi grow, fledge, and begin its first fall migration. Follow the journey live on the Hellgate Osprey Cam.