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osprey 07/11/15 squirt

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OspreyZone Highlights: George Returns

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Belle’s Journey

Written by Dr. Rob Bierregaard & Illustrated by Kate Garchinsky

Take flight with Belle, an osprey born on Martha’s Vineyard as she learns to fly and migrates for the first time to Brazil and back–a journey of more than 8,000 miles.

Click HERE for more information!

IMPORTANT: Messages from osprey experts

Rob Bierregaard July 1, 2015 at 7:24 am
I haven’t seen the little guy yet this morning, but I would be very surprised if he survived the night. That sure was tough to watch yesterday, but that whole process is as much a part of the essence of being an Osprey as is eating a fish. It’s part of the life of Ospreys that was rarely seen before we started putting cameras in nests. As hard as it is, we should not label the behavior as mean or cruel. Being mean or cruel implies that there is intent to do harm just for harm’s sake. Those young were responding to a set of stimuli (very little food being delivered to the nest and the presence of a very small young) in a way that evolution has hard-wired into them. It helps ensure their survival. Nature is not cruel. It is harsh, unforgiving, and often random (had the little guy been born 1st, he would have been just as aggressive as was his sibling), but not cruel or mean.

4818eecc88292926c58414a82c884c71Paul Henry ospreyzone July 1, 2015 at 8:17 am
Thanks Rob for bringing your knowledge and experience to help us all gain perspective here. We are all saddened by the events that unfolded before our eyes and it’s only natural for all of us to feel and express our emotions appropriately. There have been many issues pertaining to intervention which have been discussed amongst us all. There is no doubt in my mind that the right decision was made, to let nature take it’s course. By the way, that doesn’t equate to heartless, on the contrary, nobody feels worse about this then the apparent decision makers. I say apparent, because when all was said and done, and all the issues were properly weighed, there really weren’t any other options. It was clearly pointed out, by experts, that intervening at this stage could have spooked the whole nest to the point of losing all the young. If the little one was saved, and nursed back to health, what kind of a life would it have had, perhaps caged up in a zoo. I remember when I was younger I saw a golden eagle in captivity, caged behind a wire mesh. I could practically see it’s tears. As far as placing the little one in another nest, such a low probability of success would never have justified the possibility of spooking the nest. There’s a piece of me, however heavy hearted, that believes that perhaps it is better to be born free and die free. We mourn for the little one as we marvel at the wonders of nature.

Reprinted with the permission of John W. Fitzpatrick, Executive Director of the Cornell Lab of Ornithology.

Hello Paul,

Thanks for your query, and you have my admiration for persevering. We know very well how tough your job is, including dealing with an anxious public.

Our policy with our Bird Cams project is essentially “just say no” to pleas for interference. The behavior you are witnessing – while seemingly cruel and heartless to us – is natural for many kinds of birds, especially those that feed on variable, unpredictable food supplies. The little nestling does have a chance to survive, but if it does not then that result was “meant to be” by the nature of Osprey breeding strategy. The wonderful things about these nest cameras also sometimes yield the difficult things for us to watch. As you might know, we actually post a “siblicide alert” on some of our cams where we suspect the possibility exists.

I’m copying your note to Charles Eldermire, project leader for our Bird Cams. He may have some additional comments, and he would be the one to ask if we might be able to use your stored files for biological analysis.

Best wishes, and good luck,

John W. Fitzpatrick

Director, Cornell Lab of Ornithology

In addition, Charles Eldermire, Bird Cams Project Leader, Cornell Lab of Ornithology Writes:

It’s also important to acknowledge that intervening can also cause problems of its own—depending on the ages of the birds in the nest, disturbing them can trigger an early fledge. We have restricted the scenarios in which we would even consider intervening to injuries or dangers that are explicitly human-derived. For example, 3 or 4 years ago we were alerted by viewers that one of the osprey chicks at the Hellgate Osprey nest was entangled in monofilament line. We consulted with our partners there (wildlife biologists, raptor researchers, raptor rehabbers) to determine if the monofilament was an issue, and if intervening was both likely to solve the issue AND not have bad effects on the other nestlings. In the end, a quick trip to the nest was scheduled via a bucket truck, the monofilament was removed, and the nestlings all eventually fledged. In that case, all of the permits were already in hand to be studying the ospreys, and we had already discussed how to approach issues in the nest.

Good luck to the young one—hope it all turns out well.

charles.

*******************
Charles Eldermire
Bird Cams Project Leader
Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Paul,

I’ve been to your site—great cam! And I noticed the runt in the nest. This is just normal Osprey reproduction. It happens all the time and you should not intervene. It’s tough to watch, but it’s how nature works. Ospreys almost always lay 3 eggs and on average fledge between 1 and 1.5 young each year. They stagger the hatch so there is a spread of ages in the young. That way, if food is short, the first-hatched (and therefore largest) will get enough food to survive while the smaller nest mates do not. If all three young were the same size and there was only enough food for 1 young, none of the young would get enough food and they would all die. If there’s lots of food, the smallest will eventually get fed and can survive. These nest cams can show some gut-wrenching scenes. The most infamous perhaps was one of the very first Osprey cams (on Long Island somewhere), where the smallest young died. One of the adults carried it out of the nest and after several minutes flew back into the nest and fed it to the other young. Waste-not-want-not at its goriest. At Hog Island up in Maine just last week a Bald Eagle came in and took the young out of the nest. Last year at another nest, cameras documented a Great-horned Owl taking young Ospreys out of a nest in NJ or MD. All of these things have been going on for millions of years and Ospreys are doing fine.

Rob Bierregaard
Academy of Natural Sciences
Drexel University
http://www.ospreytrax.com

“Interesting. They don’t often take over osprey poles—probably too small for them. They will coopt tree nests, which they can expand. We had a pair of eagles do this on the Vineyard. They built up the Osprey nest a lot and then the Ospreys came home and drove the eagles away, in a David v. Goliath story. The Ospreys successfully bred. They looked tiny in the nest, which sadly blew down this winter.”

    Leave A Comment

    52,629 Comments

    1. Bre July 11, 2016 at 7:37 pm - Reply

      Never heard of birds having allergies…#1 Rudey has some kind of..

    2. Monica July 11, 2016 at 7:31 pm - Reply

      Aidan – thanks so much for deleting that picture! I inadvertently attached the wrong pic. Sorry about that. lol

      About the babies’ names contest – OK to just submit one name? Would the submission for one name be considered a winner or do I need to submit three names?

    3. Betsy July 11, 2016 at 7:16 pm - Reply

      To Wendy, MD (again), and any one else with the same question/concern about the chick(s) sneezing:

      MD: Yes, they all* have been sneezing. Chick #1 has been frequently sneezing for a little over two weeks now and chick #2 and chick#3 and Gracie occasionally sneeze (*I have not heard George sneeze, yet). Maltiegirl posted very interesting information in reply to a similar question:

      Original question:
      Karen DeLong July 9, 2016 at 5:19 pm
      Ok…. Question for anyone who might know. Can birds get allergies? I noticed one just sneezing up a storm. I couldn’t tell which number it was. (1718pm)

      Reply:
      Maltiegirl July 9, 2016 at 8:01 pm
      Hi Karen, I saw this on the Charlo Montana Osprey site regarding sneezing!
      ” Lots of preening as those feathers are really developing. Once the feathers have developed they burst through the sheath protecting them. They contain blood vessels that nourish the growing feather, thus the name blood feather, or pin feather. The feather is rolled inside of these tubes to protect it while growing. The protective tubes flake and fall away on their own or while the bird is preening. Through this time you will often hear the Ospreys sneeze as the powdery flakes fall away and become airborne. “!

    4. Bre July 11, 2016 at 7:13 pm - Reply

      (chickpea) Learned from #1 Risked her neck-(feathers) to get to where she is now..she is stronger for it..;-) feathers will grow back 😉 now she has to learn from #2 to lay low 🙂

    5. Rjoneal July 11, 2016 at 7:00 pm - Reply

      7-11-16 All Osprey Zone Followers
      Today was the first day we could post pictures please go through the comments to see the pictures that were posted today. I got to be the first one but please let’s use this feature we’ve been asking for it for so long. Paul has requested that we make sure we put either the top heading our bottom heading on our pictures from here on out . Also if you use the timestamp they can go back and use that picture at a later time if they choose to do so.
      ??
      I’m just so happy about all of our upgrades this year it’s been wonderful !

    6. Robin July 11, 2016 at 6:56 pm - Reply

      Baby #1 thinks the food should all be for her.

      • Robin July 11, 2016 at 6:58 pm - Reply

        #1 not even hungry – has a very full crop but trying to ensure the others don’t get any.

    7. CarolV July 11, 2016 at 6:50 pm - Reply

      6:23pmEDT- George brings in a whole fish. It flips away, between the kids, and Gracie has a lot to say, George just looks at it, looking like he’s shrugging because of the way he’s holding his wings. He takes off and Gracie realizes she has to pick up the fish. Once again the plastic was an issue. Gracie gets it and starts dismantling. Trey is right there and hopeful, till Uno starts creeping up behind her. She moves out of reach and he is just interested in eating. Dos moves around from the far side of Gracie to stand next to Uno, leaving the space on the far side of Gracie open for Trey to creep in to.
      Gracie turned to Trey and fed her some nice gooey guts till Uno started tugging at the fish. Now he has her attention ! He has some, then backs away…I don’t know right now what he ate earlier.
      Now Dos is eating. And eating. Hope I got the kids right.

      I’m obviously going to have to learn how to send a picture. My simple system isn’t working. School for me!

      • CarolV July 11, 2016 at 6:55 pm - Reply

        OOOOHHHHHH !!!!!!!! Shocker..I don’t know for sure how I did that !!!!!!! I was trying to attach that picture to my comment from about 2a.m. when there was a light shining on the nest for 7-8 mins. That’s The Snarl glowing, I do believe. Did anyone else see this? It was a little eerie….

      • CarolV July 11, 2016 at 7:44 pm - Reply

        Betsy..Rope came in about 12:20 on 7/10.It came on coiled, I believe, and Gracie arranged with determination.

    8. BirdRJSviewer16 July 11, 2016 at 6:01 pm - Reply

      Hello osprey team. I would like to donate a few $ to help the ospreys. I checked the store link but all the items require a purchase. I don’t want to purchase anything, I would like to donate my amount without receiving anything in return. Do you have like a PayPal link where I may do that? Thanks.

      • june c July 11, 2016 at 9:29 pm - Reply

        i to would like to contribute and if there is a way please advise..Thank You

    9. Wendy July 11, 2016 at 5:52 pm - Reply

      Is anyone else hearing what sounds like sneezing coming from one of the bigger babies?

    10. Elaine July 11, 2016 at 5:37 pm - Reply

      It looks like #1 was trying to bonlk #3, but #3 ducked his/her head for protection. I didn’t see #3 receive the last 2 feedings.

      • Robin July 11, 2016 at 6:57 pm - Reply

        It is hard to watch..

      • SYLVIA July 11, 2016 at 9:27 pm - Reply

        After getting home late tonight, I went back about an hour before sunset to watch mom feed the big two while poor trey begged an begged then back away. Dad finally got fed up and came down into nest and made same wiggle and begging noise little one was doing. Mom fed Dad then dad grabbed the remaining fish and walked it around the nest with his back to the camera and started tearing into it to feed little one. Dad was stuffing our little one for quite a while when one of the biggies (second child?) decided it was still hungry and started to beg; got nothing! So brat took it out on little one, really pounded poor thing. Dad just stuffed his own tummy while this was going on. Then the bully went off and settled down. Dad started to feed little one again. Finally, that child must not have one empty space left. The fish disappeared between it and dad. They all settled down for the night. Good night Gracie! Good night George. Good night the three kids!

      • Shar July 11, 2016 at 10:02 pm - Reply

        Yes Elaine, I didn’t see #3 get feed much today or yesterday either, also he/she got attacked by #1 several times – and late this afternoon quite visciously. It seems like anytime #3 tries to eat in the last 2 days #1 attacks! Hard to watch.

    11. Trinity July 11, 2016 at 5:24 pm - Reply

      Looking regal ?

    12. Betsy July 11, 2016 at 5:12 pm - Reply

      Paul or Aidan: If it’s an image that was copied from OspreyZone, must it have the full copyright and sponsorship information on all images as required on the videos?

      • Betsy July 11, 2016 at 5:19 pm - Reply

        The reason I am asking is because the email I had received from Paul Henry dated June 7, 2016 stated: “We are going to be changing our comments section this week and I wanted to reach out to a few Ospreyzone friends who have been posting on YouTube and Facebook etc. I think it’s great that all of you have been taking the time to post and share. The timeliness of these highlights is a great resource for our viewers, even myself. However, I must take issue with our copyright info being cropped out of the pictures and videos. Creating, managing and sustaining Ospreyzone is a very time consuming and expensive project. Although I love all this, especially sharing, I can’t help but feel that this is crossing the line, a bit. The only way that I can justify the expense of Ospreyzone is via my Company, TRS’s sponsorship, which I feel needs to be included in all imagery. I would ask that you please respect our ownership of this material and include the full copyright and sponsorship info on all images.”

        I don’t want to “cross the line” again or get in trouble.

      • ospreyzone July 11, 2016 at 6:21 pm - Reply

        All material is copyrighted and we would appreciate if either the top or bottom notice is preserved. I’d also add that the bottom line contains a time stamp and makes it easyier for us to find it if we need to. If you want to crop and zoom in we ask that you duplicate our copyright notice and insert it in you image.Thanks

    13. Bre July 11, 2016 at 4:58 pm - Reply

      LOL! While watching Betsy’s video “Gracie goes green,but not for long” made me think if anyone sees Osprey nests in the future with LOTS O’ PLASTIC in them could be G&G’s babes as they grew up having that as a comfort Zone of Mama Gracie 😉 gives me a warm fuzzy feeling lol

      • Betsy July 11, 2016 at 7:09 pm - Reply

        Bre: 😀 😀 That’s really funny!!

    14. Mike July 11, 2016 at 4:42 pm - Reply

      Approx 4:35pm 7/11/16: It was interesting to observe how the little guy positioned himself so one of the bigger ones couldn’t get to his neck. He simply put his butt between them. And the larger guys neck isn’t long enough to get to the little guys neck. Smart.

    15. rose July 11, 2016 at 4:26 pm - Reply

      is that a rope that looks like a noose in the nest??? I hope one of the parents that it away!

    16. Monica July 11, 2016 at 4:07 pm - Reply

      Aidan, please help!!

      Oh, no!! Why is my picture so huge?! I didn’t intend for my picture to take up so much room. Please DELETE it. Apologies, I have no idea how to delete it. 🙁

    17. Redkayak July 11, 2016 at 3:16 pm - Reply

      15:16:43 Gracie fell asleep while looking up and did the funniest swooning head roll.

    18. MD July 11, 2016 at 3:13 pm - Reply

      Did anyone else just hear that sneezing sound?

      • Betsy July 11, 2016 at 5:43 pm - Reply

        MD: Yes, they all* have been sneezing. Chick #1 has been frequently sneezing for a little over two weeks now and chick #2 and chick#3 and Gracie occasionally sneeze (*I have not heard George sneeze, yet). Maltiegirl posted very interesting information in reply to a similar question:

        Original question:
        Karen DeLong July 9, 2016 at 5:19 pm
        Ok…. Question for anyone who might know. Can birds get allergies? I noticed one just sneezing up a storm. I couldn’t tell which number it was. (1718pm)

        Reply:
        Maltiegirl July 9, 2016 at 8:01 pm
        Hi Karen, I saw this on the Charlo Montana Osprey site regarding sneezing!
        ” Lots of preening as those feathers are really developing. Once the feathers have developed they burst through the sheath protecting them. They contain blood vessels that nourish the growing feather, thus the name blood feather, or pin feather. The feather is rolled inside of these tubes to protect it while growing. The protective tubes flake and fall away on their own or while the bird is preening. Through this time you will often hear the Ospreys sneeze as the powdery flakes fall away and become airborne. “!

    19. MD July 11, 2016 at 3:07 pm - Reply

      Is that sneezing I hear from one of them? Has anyone else heard it

    20. rjoneal July 11, 2016 at 2:33 pm - Reply

      7-11-16 2:30pm reply Marilyn I took a pic just for you but you would need a video to really get the whole story it was funny watching their heads go all around.

      Marlene I agree it looked like a tennis game.
      ___________
      Marilyn July 11, 2016 at 12:29 pm –
      7/11, 12:29pm.OMG, at about 12 noon, George must’ve been flying around the nest out of the site of the camera. The 2 bigger babies were watching him. There heads going back & forth & up and down at the same time. So cute to watch.

      • Betsy July 11, 2016 at 5:56 pm - Reply

        I’m working on one!!!! 😀 😀

        P.S. Could you get me another cup of coffee, please?

      • Marilyn July 12, 2016 at 9:33 am - Reply

        Thanks for the picture rjoneal. 🙂 I hope Betsy can get the video up. It was just so funny to see them.

    21. JO JO July 11, 2016 at 2:26 pm - Reply

      New to this chat. Has this comment board just been added or have I missed it before? Thanks.

      • Eva July 11, 2016 at 4:34 pm - Reply

        You just missed it. Welcome

      • BirdRJSviewer16 July 11, 2016 at 5:59 pm - Reply

        Hello osprey team. I would like to donate a few $ to help the ospreys. I checked the store link but all the items require a purchase. I don’t want to purchase anything, I would like to donate my amount without receiving anything in return. Do you have like a PayPal link where I may do that? Thanks.

    22. rjoneal July 11, 2016 at 2:24 pm - Reply

      Aidan or Paul what is the deadline to submit the names for babying naming contest?

      • Aidan July 11, 2016 at 4:02 pm - Reply

        We haven’t set an exact date, but around the time the chicks fledge.

    23. rjoneal July 11, 2016 at 2:22 pm - Reply

      7-11-16 pic of Bb3 crop full the 4th fish of the day bb3 finally gets to eat alot

      • Robin July 11, 2016 at 4:03 pm - Reply

        Wow! Now that’s impressive! Thank you for posting this – soooo happy to see it!

    24. Marlene July 11, 2016 at 1:45 pm - Reply

      Marilyn, I saw that “tennis match” when the bigger ones were watching George. How cute that was! Thanks for letting us know. I think it was closer to 12:03 p.m. or 12:04 p.m., in case anyone else wants to view it.

      • Dorothy July 11, 2016 at 3:03 pm - Reply

        Watched from 11:55-12:06pm and didn’t see anything “cute” jus tmotly bib bird preening and little bird eating.

        • Marilyn July 11, 2016 at 10:49 pm - Reply

          Sorry Dorothy. Maybe someone can find it & post a video. I would, but don’t know how.

          • Betsy July 11, 2016 at 11:33 pm - Reply

            Marilyn and Dorothy: rjoneal got me a big cup of coffee so i can work — I have like 6 videos I want to pop out!!

    25. Rjoneal July 11, 2016 at 1:38 pm - Reply

      7-11-16 Reply-Bob
      You are the same Bob glad to know you’re still checking in once in a while. I to live in Florida and that’s how I remembered you I also have two osprey nest one right here in my backyard on the lake.
      The other one at the local grocery store that I check on. Of course there are many Osprey sites around me since I live couple miles from the Atlantic ocean and just a couple miles to St. Johns River I live in Jacksonville. But most people around here don’t even notice them they just think of them as Hawks or vultures because they don’t know the difference.
      I must say watching Osprey zone gives me a better glance of what’s going on in the nest and then I can compare.
      Did you see the picture I posted of Gracie you can’t get that kind of picture from our backyards!!
      But being in the moment with nature is a different feeling that no one can explain so both have advantages.
      Keep checking in and now there’s a feature where you can post a picture if you would like.

    26. Dorothy July 11, 2016 at 12:55 pm - Reply

      Can anyone tell me if #3’s neck feathers will grow back in?

      • Eleanore July 11, 2016 at 7:37 pm - Reply

        I just got an email today and got on this comment page today. How did #3 lose neck feathers? Last year I watched this site and the two bigger chicks pecked the smallest one until it died. Is that what is going on again with the new babies? Please say it isn’t so…………..I was heartbroken last year.

        • Marilyn July 12, 2016 at 10:39 am - Reply

          Baby 3 lost its feathers from one of the older chicks pecking at him/her. I too wonder as Dorothy, will its feathers grow back. Baby #3 is surviving very well this year. Thank goodness. Couldn’t watch if the same thing happened this year.

    27. Elaine July 11, 2016 at 12:47 pm - Reply

      #3 chick vocalizing, and probably #2 put his/her wing over #3, as if to say “calm down now”. How funny

    28. Marilyn July 11, 2016 at 12:29 pm - Reply

      7/11, 12:29pm.OMG, at about 12 noon, George must’ve been flying around the nest out of the site of the camera. The 2 bigger babies were watching him. There heads going back & forth & up and down at the same time. So cute to watch.

      • Betsy July 11, 2016 at 4:36 pm - Reply

        Marilyn: There is a time stamp displayed at the bottom right corner of the video stream that you can use when referencing events at the nest.

        • Marilyn July 11, 2016 at 10:51 pm - Reply

          Thanks Betsy, good to know. 🙂

    29. Lucie Pecor July 11, 2016 at 12:02 pm - Reply

      sorry lolol did not know pic would be so large

    30. rjoneal July 11, 2016 at 11:55 am - Reply

      Paul and Aidan thank you! thank you! I am so HAPPY WE CAN POST PICTURES ! I take so many good ones that I would love to share for those who miss out !!!
      Awesome job so glad!
      Also happy to see the baby naming contest is on and ready for us and this year we actually get a prize yeah!!!!

      pic of Geo and bb3

      • Karen DeLong July 11, 2016 at 1:13 pm - Reply

        Absolutely love, love, LOVE this picture! Very precious.

      • Robin July 11, 2016 at 4:05 pm - Reply

        Definitely looks like George – we should call him “George Junior” !

    31. rjoneal July 11, 2016 at 11:48 am - Reply

      Ok 7-11-16 I am going to try and post one of my favorite pics Betsy and June both call this my feather duster pic of Gracie it is my favorite of all time!

      • Betsy July 11, 2016 at 2:42 pm - Reply

        Yes, I love the Gracie the feather duster … and I still think you should have left it as the picture with your name!!! 😀

      • june c July 11, 2016 at 8:12 pm - Reply

        Your right, one of my favorites..have been viewing comments and watching a lot more. Easy to tell who lil one is, has to feathers back of neck. you have a lot of great pics!
        Nice to be back.

    32. Aidan July 11, 2016 at 11:39 am - Reply

      Hi everyone, I have two announcements to make:

      1- We are opening submissions for our 2016 Name the Babies contest! Go to this page and tell us what you think this year’s chicks should be named: http://ospreyzone.com/contest/name-the-babies-contest-2016/

      2- We are adding a button to attach an image to your comments. It should be right below the post comment button. Give it a try!

      (This comment will stay at the top of the page, please do not reply directly to it)

      • GinaM July 11, 2016 at 8:18 pm - Reply

        Awesome! Great work!
        Thank you so very much.

      • Ginger G July 12, 2016 at 6:47 pm - Reply

        Can we enter more than once if we have several names for the same bird?

      • GinaM July 12, 2016 at 8:01 pm - Reply

        I see a link to facebook on the page to name the babies. Is there a facebook page? I have asked this in the past and would really like to know so I could possibly join it.
        Thank you,
        ginaM

      • E COLE July 14, 2016 at 7:39 am - Reply

        PLEASE CLEAN THE LENS

    33. Rjoneal July 11, 2016 at 10:30 am - Reply

      Aidan or Paul 7-11-16
      I have a question why is it sometimes my picture shows up with my name and other times it does not ?????
      If you look at everything that posted today you will see examples some of my comments have my picture of Gracie and some do not.

      • Aidan July 11, 2016 at 11:14 am - Reply

        Looking at the comments from the administration page, I think you had a typo in your email address a couple of times, and that might be why the picture didn’t show up.

    34. Marlene July 11, 2016 at 9:10 am - Reply

      I see a fish delivery at 5:52 a.m. All ate in order, but #3 got pecked and had to go back for the scraps. Another half (big) fish at 7:30 a.m. Looks like all ate in turn and are resting. George looks so handsome. All that fishing keeps him in shape.

    35. Betsy July 11, 2016 at 7:41 am - Reply

      I’d love to know where Gracie finds “her” plastic!!
      https://youtu.be/oPcTGjvMbhg

      • Pattie July 11, 2016 at 10:21 am - Reply

        She gets it from the local farms it is the material they use with their planting

    36. Betsy July 11, 2016 at 6:46 am - Reply

      Gracie took off taking a piece of black plastic sheet with her when it got stuck on her talon. She returned less than a minute later with a sprig of oak leaves. Then she flew off and returned a few minute later with another sheet of really dusty black plastic.
      https://youtu.be/t7UTgJD1p4k

    37. CarolV July 11, 2016 at 6:15 am - Reply

      5:52amEDT- Very noisy greeting to George and the fish. Chicks joining in. Gracie had to wade thru kids to get to George. Hard to tell who’s eating. Could see that Trey was not first up, as her bald spot was visible closer to the camera.Now@6:11, there is a biggie wingersizing closest to the camera, and two kids still by Gracie.Hopeful that Trey is eating beyond that shmutz. Off to work for me. And a busy day starts at the Gs house. HAGD to all.

    38. CarolV July 11, 2016 at 1:59 am - Reply

      From 1:47 till 1:54amEDT- there was a light shining on the nest, lighting up just parts of the left edge and making the snarl glow.Anyone?

    39. rjoneal July 10, 2016 at 10:01 pm - Reply

      7-10-16 Reply- Is this our same Bob from last year that I welcomed back and when this season started you had a Birthday??

      • Bob July 11, 2016 at 11:46 am - Reply

        I think I am the same Bob as last year. I am the Bob who lives on Longboat Key on the west coast of Florida and it is full of osprey. I grew up on Long Island so I know where this family is and the fish that George is able to catch. Thanks for the welcome back earlier this season. I have to admit that with the amount of wildlife near to home I don’t spend too much time with George & Gracie and family but I try to keep up and am truly hoping the little one survives to fledge and migrate. That would be a pleasant surprise to all observers.

        • Betsy July 11, 2016 at 6:08 pm - Reply

          Bob: Did you ever get your computer straightened out? (Bob May 1, 2016 at 8:12 pm ” … Also, whenever I go to the site I have to scroll up through all the comments before reaching the birds. Does anyone else have this problem? … ” I had left a reply with a couple of steps that you could try to fix the problem … I don’t know if you saw that.

    40. CarolV July 10, 2016 at 7:53 pm - Reply

      7:37pm- Another delivery…small tail piece. Gracie seems to be a little more frantic to get it from George. Feeling the pressure of 3 growing bottomless chicks?
      Biggies had most of it,. When Trey circled in after other 2 finished, Gracie had to tell her it was gone.

    41. CarolV July 10, 2016 at 7:29 pm - Reply

      6:01pm..Full fish delivered by George.
      Went to cook mine. Came back to see that Trey started and got interrupted by Biggies. They were glomming down fish and one farthest away(I Think UNO) walked all the way around the middle chick, to bonk Trey, who was sitting minding her own business. Fortunately, he went back to eating. Trey stayed low and wound up with the ends of the fish. Gracie patiently helped her eat a long, tough piece of skin. Trey kept grabbing it and Gracie took it back, repeatedly, trying to tear it, till Trey said”NO< MOM< I CAN DO IT" and slowly, but surely got it in her.
      It's raining on my side of the island now.7:15ish Got my b-b-q done just in time…..
      All the chickies are zonked out….

    42. Kathy B July 10, 2016 at 7:17 pm - Reply

      18:11 pm, one of the biggies was trying to self feed and Gracie kept pulling it away as if to say “I’ll feed you yet”.

    43. Elaine July 10, 2016 at 6:32 pm - Reply

      On July 10, 2016, 4:54 pm, Uno (Bruno) performed another squirt attack on the camera lens. I guess it is time for another lens washing.

    44. Robin July 10, 2016 at 6:27 pm - Reply

      #1 has a ferocious appetite – it is never ending.. bottomless pit – very hard to watch

    45. BirdRJSviewer16 July 10, 2016 at 6:09 pm - Reply

      Rope in the nest – not a good sign.

    46. Betsy July 10, 2016 at 5:23 pm - Reply

      George had brought a whole fish for Gracie and the chicks at 4:34 pm. Since he hadn’t eaten any of it he must have been really hungry. Gracie wasn’t done feeding the chicks when George snuck up and tried to take the fish away. After trying to get hold of it, he stood at the front of the nest for almost 5 minutes watching Gracie feed the fish to the chicks and then he inched his way over near her and stood for about another 8 minutes watching before flying away. Watch his beak as she’s feeding them!! “Just one little bite, that’s all I want, just one little bite.” “No fish for you!!” 😀

      And, CarolV, don’t laugh at his squeaky little alarm calls!! 😀

      Oh, and CarolV, I ONLY noticed the sailboat at the beginning of the video (and the other sailboats later in the video!!) after I was finally done editing the video for the nth time and watching it to make sure it was okay before I put it on YouTube!! 😀 😀 But, I noticed them!!! 😀 😀

      https://youtu.be/3BTKkztnSPw

    47. Betsy July 10, 2016 at 5:20 pm - Reply

      I missed the rope??!! When did that come in??

    48. CarolV July 10, 2016 at 5:13 pm - Reply

      4:54..And another one poops, another one poops, another one poops the lens ! Hey, were you ready for this ? Another one hits the lens? Tune;”Another one bites the dust”)
      And I was gonna complain about the schmeer that has been there all day! Guess they showed me!
      UNO?

      • CarolV July 10, 2016 at 5:16 pm - Reply

        Call in the bucket brigade !!!!!

      • CarolV July 10, 2016 at 5:57 pm - Reply

        Are we sure Uno isn’t part goose? He’s honking again….

    49. Karen DeLong July 10, 2016 at 5:01 pm - Reply

      I have been trying to look through the afternoon to see if our little one got fed any and I haven’t had any luck. I even tried going back and checked, still no luck. Maybe I just missed a feeding hopefully. I hope one of you nice osprey folks were able to see if our baby got a good feeding. I certainly hope our little guy/gal did.

    50. CarolV July 10, 2016 at 4:12 pm - Reply

      15:46..Gracie went bonkers, with mini-g echoing her, butt bouncing, practically still asleep..George brought in headless fish and Gracie ran over to camera and had a screaming bout…Maybe she wants it for herself? Well, she woke up the sleeping dragons ;;;;;;; good work, Gracie ! Gaping maws now await you !
      3:54..raindrops..You can see the sun is still out to the south.

      This is not posting. Says it is waiting, goes no where fast. So if it shows up multiple times, this one was not me !
      Baby was trying out a new voice..I was wondering who was vocalizing when I realized it was her! @ about 4:10

      • CarolV July 10, 2016 at 4:13 pm - Reply

        Finally!

      • CarolV July 10, 2016 at 4:52 pm - Reply

        BTW…Betsy..That seagull George chased may have been a Black Backed gull..darker wings, heavier bodied…and known to prey on eggs and chicks of other birds.

    51. Rjoneal July 10, 2016 at 3:47 pm - Reply

      7-10-16 Oh my goodness Gracie has decided to decorate the nest with a bunch of rope. Gracie is so proud of her treasure. She moved it around several times before finally deciding to leave it alone. Then one of the babies went over to explore what mommy had brought in. I really hope no one gets tangled up in that rope. Someone should tell Gracie that the rope doesn’t go well with her Decour and can be dangerous to young Ospreys.
      So far I have counted five fish today not so good. It seems George is getting a little less and less as the days go on. Has anyone else been keeping count ? If so have you noticed this as well?

      Still hard to believe that Rob said
      Steve on hog Island brought in 25 fish in one day that’s just amazing but he brings in two fish at a time and our George has never brought two fish at the same time.

    52. CarolV July 10, 2016 at 3:17 pm - Reply

      so I got home in time to see the Big Fish arrival @1:50pmEDT..Whole..Gracie stood in front of everything so who’s who ate what what a guess.I think everyone got some. Gracie did a lot of yakking while that poor fish struggled..maybe she was giving a tutorial on fish dispatching…
      Also saw the rope come in earlier, on scrollback…at least there wasn’t a boat attached ! Just one question,,,WHY???
      Those long sticks on right side are very loose…some one send up a hammer and nails, please…

      • CarolV July 10, 2016 at 3:29 pm - Reply

        Even while she’s resting, Trey doesn’t shut up ! Her little butt is bouncing around as she lays there, cheep, cheep, chirping…TRULY her mother’s child! She’s restless; stretching and twitching and bopping up and down..can birds be ADHD?

    53. CarolV July 10, 2016 at 2:54 pm - Reply

      Mike Martin…are you available as PoolBoy? No one seems to be available…

      • CarolV July 10, 2016 at 2:56 pm - Reply

        Or we could just throw our guesses out there and anyone interested can keep their own calendar..sounds simpler…may get duplicates, but so what?

    54. Karen DeLong July 10, 2016 at 1:58 pm - Reply

      Rope? Now mommy is going for the more nautical look? I hope no one gets caught in this thing. It’s just amazing what our girl will bring to her ‘home’. I have to admit that my porch is also nautical with shells, shell wreath, hurricane glasses with candles and shells, etc. So if we would ever go shopping, we’d have a ball. Dad just brought in a goody, so you make sure Mom you feed our baby!

    55. Rjoneal July 10, 2016 at 12:58 pm - Reply

      CarolIV what about you?

      Betsy- Can’t due betting pool for fledging!! ?
      Rjoneal- I just can not do this time I have to much going on and can’t commit to the project as much as I would like to do. Thanks

    56. Betsy July 10, 2016 at 12:54 pm - Reply

      Maybe they need to make up a schedule when to winger-size!! 😀

      https://youtu.be/JBmAkR096Gw

    57. Dorothy July 10, 2016 at 12:20 pm - Reply

      That’s it. Wrap your baby in the twine. Looks like another rescue is in the making. Better alert PG&E

    58. PattyK July 10, 2016 at 12:20 pm - Reply

      7-10-16 12:16 pm Oh, great, large strand of ROPE just brought into the nest……hope this doesn’t turn into a tangle mess….

    59. Dorothy July 10, 2016 at 12:18 pm - Reply

      A parent just brought rope/twine to the nest. Do they never learn???

    60. rjoneal July 10, 2016 at 12:01 pm - Reply

      oops! here is the whole link the other one is just the 5week old pic

      https://www.cumauriceriver.org/pages/ef-slide/ef-01.html

      • Jackie Budris July 10, 2016 at 7:09 pm - Reply

        Thank you so very much from this novice in Avian studies. rjoneal you are so very special to think of us out here in the burbs. I saw the link and have been
        fascinated ever since learning about the osprey development from egg to maturity. So amazing; truly. I just cannot believe the amount of stuff the parents bring into
        the nest. They could easily be hired for the Home Building channels :.) So very happy to see all of the babies are thriving.

    61. rjoneal July 10, 2016 at 11:59 am - Reply

      Five Weeks Old – Meadowview Nest
      The photo of three in a row isn’t happening! Once moved, the youngest and feistiest has elected not to listen to its mother’s distress call, and refuses to lie low. The moment the chicks’ heads are uncovered one chick’s “teen- aged spirit” is unveiled. His uncooperative attitude does give us a glimpse at raptor’s eyes, which are situated on the front of the skull for hunting. By contrast prey species like songbirds have eyes more strategically situated on the sides of their head, making them more aware of attackers.
      Even with necks somewhat retracted the chicks are about 15” long. Just last week they were approximately 11 1/2” long and starting to outgrow our ruler.

      7-10-16 To all Osprey Followers-I know in the past Betsy and others including me have posted info in comments back when the babies were born however here it is to refresh your memory and for our newcomers. Please go to link and jump ahead to 6 weeks old to see what we will be able to witness live. Love Our Osprey Family and Followers!

      https://www.cumauriceriver.org/images/ef-slide/ef-5week01.jpg

      Five Weeks Old – Meadowview Nest
      The photo of three in a row isn’t happening! Once moved, the youngest and feistiest has elected not to listen to its mother’s distress call, and refuses to lie low. The moment the chicks’ heads are uncovered one chick’s “teen- aged spirit” is unveiled. His uncooperative attitude does give us a glimpse at raptor’s eyes, which are situated on the front of the skull for hunting. By contrast prey species like songbirds have eyes more strategically situated on the sides of their head, making them more aware of attackers.
      Even with necks somewhat retracted the chicks are about 15” long. Just last week they were approximately 11 1/2” long and starting to outgrow our ruler.

    62. Yasmain July 10, 2016 at 11:54 am - Reply

      Hi again nature lovers,
      So as hatches were:
      Chick 2: 6/13/2015
      Chick 3: 6/15/2015
      And as far as I can see, the first flight was August 3rd 2015 (not sure which bird). That will make it approximately 51 days. (Although it is stated on New York Wild: “At seven to eight weeks of age the young will take their first flight.” And someone mentioned here on this site last year, that it takes 51 days.

      • Yasmain July 10, 2016 at 1:19 pm - Reply

        Correction
        Chick 1: 6/12/2015
        Chick 2: 6/13/2015
        Chick 3: 6/15/2015
        So maybe 50 days

    63. Betsy July 10, 2016 at 11:26 am - Reply

      Maybe they need to make up a schedule when to winger-size!!https://youtu.be/JBmAkR096Gw

    64. Rjoneal July 10, 2016 at 11:25 am - Reply

      7-10-16 Osprey Baby 2 ??
      (Today is your Birthday gonna have a good time )
      Happy Birthday bb2 keep flapping those wings and stop pecking at Big brother/sister Bb1 claw. You are lucky bb1 likes you or the back of your neck might look like bb3.
      But then again you are very patient and always wait your turn. Seem to know the order of the nest well.
      We love you❣

    65. Karen DeLong July 10, 2016 at 10:55 am - Reply

      I know it’s the Osprey’s way…….but there are times I’d just love to rearrange #1’s beak. Damn little pushy brat. Too bad we can’t figure out a way to make a little birdie helmet for our baby………. I most certainly hope our little one will be able to get some huge goodies for his tummy. Mommy you make sure your little one gets fed!

      • Betsy July 10, 2016 at 1:01 pm - Reply

        Karen DeLong: D 😀 😀 Rearrange #1’s beak??!! 😀 😀 😀

      • CarolV July 10, 2016 at 2:42 pm - Reply

        A tiny little C-collar to give feathers a chance..Is she gonna be bald-necked her whole life?

        • Betsy July 11, 2016 at 11:03 am - Reply

          CarolV: If the feathers don’t grow back, at least Trey will be able to be ID’d quickly!! 😀

          On a serious note everyone the best that I could find is that it is really dependent on the damage to the plumage and skin tissue.

    66. CarolV July 10, 2016 at 10:15 am - Reply

      Betsy–‘just found another ID video from the early days…was that Yolanda Vega doing voice over? Heard Pat Sajak chiming in, too!!!!

      • Betsy July 10, 2016 at 1:06 pm - Reply

        I thought when I was editing the video I had put the volume for the video only on mute!! … Turns out I had the volume on the laptop itself on mute!! 😀 So, when I checked it after I was done, I didn’t hear anything … only after I posted it did I realize oops.

        • Betsy July 10, 2016 at 1:11 pm - Reply

          My laptop is so possessed today!! I didn’t even hit post, and, it posted!! 😀 (I think I have too many windows open and am doing too many things at once!! 😀 😀

      • Betsy July 10, 2016 at 1:07 pm - Reply

        CarolV: I thought when I was editing the video I had put the volume for only the video on mute!! … Turns out I had the volume on the laptop itself on mute!! 😀 So, when I checked it after I was done, I didn’t hear anything … only after I posted it did I realize “oops.”

    67. Betsy July 10, 2016 at 9:45 am - Reply

      Hi, everyone. I’m trying to make my way through the comments.

      So, should I change the name of the “George Catches a Garfish” video to “George Catches a Needlefish?” 😀 Or, maybe, “George Catches a UFO (Unidentified Fish Object)” 😀

      Working on Gracie’s plastic versus organic video!! — with the bedsheets!!

      Video of Gracie trying to cover the chicks — who are huge now — before the rain!!

      Id’ing chick #1 & #2 video!! 😀 (I might give up on captions and you’ll have to listen to my irritating Long Island accent!! 😀 )

      Can’t due betting pool for fledging!! 😀

      Tell the chicks and G&G not to do anything silly until I’m caught up (comments and videos)!!

      And, if I see other comments with things from yesterday that I managed to catch, I’ll try to make a video of that, too … but first I have to catch up on the comments!! 😀

      • Betsy July 10, 2016 at 1:21 pm - Reply

        We need an edit button!! 😀 That s/b “do betting pool … “

      • CarolV July 10, 2016 at 2:46 pm - Reply

        UFF…unidentified flying fish
        And you can add rope now…to tie down bed sheets
        I love LI Medium…hardly hear accent…

      • CarolV July 10, 2016 at 5:53 pm - Reply

        You’ve gotten a life..cut it out…you have more important things to do…

    68. rjoneal July 10, 2016 at 9:26 am - Reply

      7-10-16 Betsy,thanks for the video I have seen all the babies do this at one time or another have lots of pics. It is so funny when they just keep on grooming and its not even their feathers hilarious!!
      Bestsy I dont know if you saw a couple days back I posted that one of the bb was pecking at the others claw and kept lifting it up till finally the bb with the claw woke up and looked at him like excuses me thats mine not yours or fish to peck at put it down give it back to me.

      ________
      Even seeing this through the squirt-blurred lens, I thought it was funny. Chick #2 was preening itself and then not realizing they weren’t its own, started preening chick #3’s tail feathers!!

    69. rjoneal July 10, 2016 at 9:19 am - Reply

      7-10-16 Reply- CarolIV- You are lucky then the water here in Florida is outrageous, but I agree with you we got to find those little men who carry the water buckets( not to offend any little men its a joke) and we got to make sure they are getting paid well this year haa hee lol
      ______________
      CarolV July 9, 2016 at 8:49 pm – Reply
      Rjoneal..the water isn’t expensive, but tipping the little men who carry up the water buckets is!

    70. rjoneal July 10, 2016 at 9:15 am - Reply

      7-10-16 Reply -Elanor- I laughed too when I was watching but laughed even more when I read your comment Love Lucy and Ethel!!
      ________
      Eleanor July 8, 2016 at 5:29 pm – Reply
      Who was getting fed at 17:29? Kinda reminded me of Lucy and Ethel at the chocolate factory! Lol.

    71. rjoneal July 10, 2016 at 9:12 am - Reply

      7-10-16 Reply – GinaM. I must say I did not think it was an eel as I was told eels dont have fins but did not know for sure what kind of creature George has now..I think the look on Georges face when he brought it to the nest was priceless!! He wanted to eat that head off so bad or at least get a bite he kept ducking and trying desperately to get some before giving up. Poor Geo he probably never had that before. Next time instead of trying to show off and bring the whole thing to the nest I bet he eats some himself knowing Gracie is not going to share while she has 3 growing babies. I took pics of the expression on his face makes you feel for him.

      GinaM July 8, 2016 at 6:19 pm – Reply
      Oh my. I have to say this- George, is not only handsome, but he is one heck of a fisherman! Think of how hard it must have been for him to
      1. See the eel
      2. Dive for it
      3. Catch it in his talons!

    72. Marlene July 10, 2016 at 9:05 am - Reply

      Good morning, all you ospreyites, early breakfast of a whole fish was brought to the nest around 5:30 a.m. Not too big, but not too small. Peanut was the first on the scene, because he must’ve been real hungry. I didn’t see him get a lot of food last night; maybe others did?? The big guy let him eat a little because he was busy preening, but finally went over and gave him a peck. He cowered, and eventually moved away. But, when #1 was done eating, he looked around to see where he was. Such a bully. Anyway, when #2 was done eating, he went back for the scraps. It’s a nice morning here today. Forgot to mention that the neighbor downstairs came up for a quick visit around 6:18. Gracie was busy doing nestorations, when George brought in fish #2, also on the small side. I’m so used to seeing big fish deliveries. She let him feed the chicks, was muttering to entire time, then went to take over, as if to say, “That’s my job.” The bigger ones ate most of the fish; #3 got the scraps again. Gracie went to give him the whole tail, but he couldn’t eat it, so she swallowed it. Fish #3 at 8:22 a.m. The biggies eat most of it; the little one gets the leftovers, but at least it’s something. He should be pretty full, since he ate a lot of the first fish. They are getting so big, and they are so pretty. Especially our little one. Love their wing stretches. Have a great day, everyone!

    73. rjoneal July 10, 2016 at 9:05 am - Reply

      7-10-16 am Leanne- love your video as a matter of fact when I was taking my pics I named -titled (oh yeah watch this I can do better than you) we were both thinking the same thing as we watched it. Keep videos and comments coming.

      • Leanne July 11, 2016 at 7:37 am - Reply

        July 11- 6:38 am- Great minds think alike. 🙂 I don’t comment as often as before but I still watch all the time. I love our little osprey family 🙂

    74. rjoneal July 10, 2016 at 8:58 am - Reply

      7-10-16 am Reply – Carol IV Thanks for making me not feel dumb that perception of the camera and like you said they are changing so much. If you dont take a minute and watch a bit thats how you make the mistake of misidentifying them.

      I learned last year that not only by the markings but each bird has a little routine and behavior of its own and if you just watch a little you will see that behavior and be able to identify with the markings. This is also how I got Gracie and Georges behaviors down. Made alot of notes last year although they have grown and a little has changed their routine from beginning till now so far is right on track just a few differences. Like the way Gracie takes the whole fish head and all and how Geo will bring whole fish in but knows once the babies were born he wont get any so he fishes again and sometimes brings back some of that fish which is headless.

      Other Osprey nest the male usually always eats the head off so this is a rare behavior. Also the feeding of each other as you already know. I could go on and on I have too many notes but you get the idea.

      So far it appears most always 1st feeding in the morning bb3 gets in there to eat first. Bb1 and bb2 seem to take their time but once they get up watch out bb3. Bb3 for whatever reason just wants to challenge his big brothers/sisters about every 2-3 days he does what I call Air Peck and sometimes full on attack peck but always gets beat down I mean pecked down by older siblings. Bb3 started it so as much as I love him/her I wish bb3 would stop trying to challenge his brothers/sisters. I think bb3 just cant help it, it is instinctive for to do. Bb3 should have been the first born thats for sure. Ok enough I am writing a book to much info sorry !
      ______________
      Carol IV
      I’ve always been able to tell Trey-little one. Suddenly, yesterday, she looked like a big bird, at times ! I’ve had so much trouble with first two and now #3 is changing, too ! AAAARRRRGGGGHHHHHHHHHHH ! Sorry..didn’t mean to shout……

    75. rjoneal July 10, 2016 at 8:36 am - Reply

      7-10-16 Reply to Betsy-
      Betsy, thanks for the glasses I need them, here is my gift to you!!
      https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?id=OIP.M27ade04c7aa22420a5f387076d1f2dbbH0&w=120&h=90&c=7&rs=1&qlt=90&pid=3.1&rm=2

      • Betsy July 10, 2016 at 1:19 pm - Reply

        Thanks, rjoneal, I need a good cup of coffee!! 😀

      • CarolV July 10, 2016 at 5:48 pm - Reply

        GOOD ONE ! Thanks for the laugh..I’ve been telling her she needs less….

        • Betsy July 11, 2016 at 10:30 am - Reply

          CarolV: I almost put that!!: “Thanks, rjoneal, I need a good cup of coffee!! … but Carol told me enough coffee … aaaarrgghh 😀 “

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