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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

    52,585 Comments

    1. Roberta July 1, 2015 at 12:30 pm - Reply

      I’ve been so drawn to this site. I went through great emotional strain during the struggle. Watching now, all seems perfectly peaceful. Wondering what happened to the little one’s remains. Hope that the survivors will live & grow & that we’ll see them leave the nest.

    2. makenna July 1, 2015 at 12:29 pm - Reply

      Rocky was a fighter.R.I.P little Rocky

    3. Brenda K. Sandefur July 1, 2015 at 12:21 pm - Reply

      Being fed right over the little one..

      • Gamma July 1, 2015 at 12:39 pm - Reply

        It does look like fishing has picked up today. Wonder why yesterday was so different ?

    4. Brenda K. Sandefur July 1, 2015 at 12:16 pm - Reply

      Wow she is really telling him ,whats up. amazing! Then him straightening sticks and the two are acting like strange. mother looking out and away. then one of the bigs trying to kiss up to mom.Dad flies off..

    5. Don Strashinsky July 1, 2015 at 12:14 pm - Reply

      R.I.P. little baby. You can now soar higher than you’ve ever imagined and be the seeing eye of protection for your family by the grace of god. You will truly be missed and loved forever.

      • Deirdre831 Essex County NJ July 1, 2015 at 12:36 pm - Reply

        Thank you Don for your words; they are perfectly expressed.

      • Robert Vitale July 1, 2015 at 12:38 pm - Reply

        If you really believe what you say than that is good. I can’t get as seriously involved as you and maybe that’s bad. It’s always good to have hope and you apparently do.
        Bob

      • Kathy July 1, 2015 at 2:05 pm - Reply

        I couldn’t watch any more yesterday and see today that it is finally over for the tiny one. I asked my mom last night to please reach down and scoop him up to heaven with her. She must have heard me. So glad his ordeal is over. RIP

    6. Cloudymoor July 1, 2015 at 12:14 pm - Reply

      The little one’s soul is indestructible, even if his body was not. I’m very moved by this nest. Odd to see the sibling resting his head on the lifeless body as if it were a pillow.

    7. Vibra July 1, 2015 at 12:14 pm - Reply

      New delivery, fish. !! This…well happy, again

    8. Ma July 1, 2015 at 12:04 pm - Reply

      So sad to see the little one gone. While I know this is nature’s way, I can’t help but feel a certain animosity towards the other two. It was such a brutal display, but I guess it’s survival of the fittest.

      • Robert Vitale July 1, 2015 at 12:39 pm - Reply

        Sort of agree with you but these babies do not love each other as you have just witnessed

    9. Brad July 1, 2015 at 11:43 am - Reply

      I’m guessing there isn’t a lot of human activity under an Osprey nest? It seems like a fairly dangerous place to be standing when it comes time for said Osprey to rid themselves of consumed fish!
      Just sayin’…;-)

      • Robert Vitale July 1, 2015 at 12:40 pm - Reply

        Boy oh boy are you right about that!

    10. Leanne July 1, 2015 at 11:36 am - Reply

      R.I.P Rocky. You will be missed.

    11. Sheryl July 1, 2015 at 11:35 am - Reply

      I am full of sadness the loss of our little one. I would like to dedicate this poem written by Ormond in our little one’s remembrance-

      Feb 14
      At Edge of Sea

      By the sea, I saunter and think of her,
      The tides slip into wild coves—
      Like my own desires under moon.

      I search the skies, emptiest horizons,
      As the gawking gulls circle in windy
      Tempests of confusions.

      Shy stars appear as the sun is destroyed
      And the sea sprays like a bursting fire—
      Plastering rocky crags.

      The long night that always, was coming,
      Has thieved its way from white hope,
      A shroud for a sea journey.

      A lone osprey shuttles a fish to its nest,
      His heart— soaring on high—
      While mine submerges at edge of sea

      Source: http://hellopoetry.com/words/56878/osprey/poems/?page=2

    12. Darren July 1, 2015 at 11:29 am - Reply

      RIP Peanut. Was rooting for you. Hope your soul gets to come back for another try at flying the blue skies.

    13. suzanne July 1, 2015 at 11:20 am - Reply

      Yes, thank you Paul for all that you do/have done to allow us this glimpse into nature and the world of the Osprey. You were under a lot of pressure. I am sure you felt bad yourself for the baby and the drama unfolding before our eyes. You did a great job Thank you. I hope you and all the Ospreyzone watchers have a better day today.

    14. DQ July 1, 2015 at 11:02 am - Reply

      Paul or any of the moderators, question for you. As difficult as it was yesterday, is it possible that George did not bring fish to feed the family, as it is natures way of having what actually happen, happened? Like if there was nothing to eat, then the stronger of the babies would instinctively do what they did? It was just a thought I had, and I certainly do not want to sound mean, I was just curious. I am in awe of nature, with all it has to offer. Thank you!

      • JP July 1, 2015 at 12:22 pm - Reply

        I’m not an expert in any way, but I don’t think that is the case. If there was ample fish to eat at all times the baby might still have lived. I have been watching (more like peeking in) at a nest at Island Beach in NJ and at one point some years ago there was ample food to raise 4 chicks. Also last year, one fierce storm seemed to do in the male while the female was sitting on the eggs, she stayed as long as she could until survival dictated her to find food, when she left the eggs and a chick were killed by other birds, owls, gulls, etc. We forget that survival in the wild is often tough and not guaranteed. Its the gamble that nature plays… if there was enough food to go around, all three of these chicks may have made it. If there were no advantage to gambling 3 chicks in a nest in such a staggered manner, nature would only allow 2. Very sad, but when we peek in at wild animals and their lives, we see it all, the good, the bad and the brutal. In the few years I’ve been watching osprey nests, I’ve never seen such a gap in hatchings, they always seemed one or two days apart. I wonder if because this little guy was so late compared to the others hatch date if he ever had a chance. Thank you to the folks running this camera, its a worthwhile interesting and educational endeavor. I hope you continue to do so in the years to come.

      • rdgrey July 1, 2015 at 12:49 pm - Reply

        I commented the same thing yesterday evening when it seemed he was on his last breath, dad left nest to return not 30 seconds later with a fish I would have been happy to catch on rod and real. I do believe also that peewee was also a late hatcher which pretty much put the odds against him in a nest of meat predators such as these. I remember watching when the others were hatching and worried this could happen when the last egg didn’t hatch for sometime putting him/her way behind the others. Not sure if these eggs were placed in nest or was laid by the mother.

    15. Sandy July 1, 2015 at 10:55 am - Reply

      While difficult at times, I am enjoying watching God’s wonderful nature unfold in front of me. Hopefully the 2 remaining little ones won’t harm each other as they fight for food. Thank you Paul for this site and the tough decisions you have had to make over the past week.

      • Carol July 1, 2015 at 11:40 am - Reply

        Thank the Lord that Dad brought a fish. I’ve been praying for it and it’s happened. I am unable to cope with all the excitement! Watching it all here in the UK.

    16. Kathy July 1, 2015 at 10:54 am - Reply

      Rest in peace Little Guy…:-(

    17. Vibra July 1, 2015 at 10:23 am - Reply

      Wow, a fish – delivered, at last !!

      • Jackie July 1, 2015 at 10:58 am - Reply

        SOAR HIGH LITTLE GUY TO US, YOU WERE AN EAGLE IN DISGUISE. THANK YOU FOR YOUR STRUGGLE. WE WILL NEVER
        FORGET YOU.

        • Vibra July 1, 2015 at 12:05 pm - Reply

          Thanks, Saying, because – I have noe Words….

    18. Brenda K. Sandefur July 1, 2015 at 10:20 am - Reply

      Look at that huge Fish dad just brought to nest..its a whopper

      • Brenda K. Sandefur July 1, 2015 at 10:26 am - Reply

        What kind of fish is that, a perch or trout maybe?

        • robert July 1, 2015 at 10:50 am - Reply

          That is a bunker that Dad caught this morning.

      • Gamma July 1, 2015 at 10:45 am - Reply

        It is big isn’t it ! Big enough for a family of 5 if you count the dad. Wonder why fishing was so bad yesterday and now this !! By the time 2 chicks eat and mom there will be leftovers.

    19. Kathie July 1, 2015 at 10:16 am - Reply

      I’ve been watching the progress of this family along with my 2 grandchildren ages 10 and 8. Recently we had a family of Robins under our deck and the kids were frustrated because they could hear them but not see them so this has been a wonderful opportunity. We were very excited to see the babies and rooted for peewee through his struggle to survive. As with everyone, this has been a difficult day for the three of us. The kids were sad but both said he was better off dying now instead of continuing to suffer. They agreed from the beginning that he should not have been removed from the nest as they couldn’t imagine how bad they would feel to be taken from their parents (no matter what). We are now looking forward to watching the others thrive and grow. Thank you for the opportunity for us to share this peek into real nature.

      • Coleen July 1, 2015 at 10:27 am - Reply

        I never thought I could have a cold heart towards any creatures great or small but I cannot find one warm feeling for the two osprey chicks in the nest. I believe I shall sign off this site never to return. One can preach “it is nature’s way” and “survival of the fittest” but one can also be humane and try to save creatures.

        • Gamma July 1, 2015 at 10:47 am - Reply

          Try the Boulder Osprey cam. Wonderful parents and three beautiful chicks.

        • Gigi July 1, 2015 at 11:36 am - Reply

          I will forever remember the little one. He gave a valiant effort. I am one who believes there should have been some intervention in this case. There was no reason to allow this baby bird to suffer so much. I stopped watching a number of days ago but read the comments. If I hear it was “natures way” one more time I will scream. Once that camera went up, humans were involved. I am not blaming Paul as he was in a difficult spot, but I still believe that the torturing of that baby should have been stopped.

          • suzie July 1, 2015 at 12:10 pm - Reply

            I agree completely. Poor little fellow, so tortured. Death was a blessing.

        • Paul July 1, 2015 at 12:41 pm - Reply

          Humans can not save ourselves just like these creatures – there are People in in the US and other parts of the world with no food, no water, no roof over their heads, sometimes living in war – consider our world as a nest – at some point we are not very different. Sorry for grammar mistakes…

      • Judi July 1, 2015 at 11:00 am - Reply

        So sad to see the little one go, but at least his suffering is over. I have a better understanding of why this happens after reading about avian siblicide. It is a common occurrence and it’s suppose to guarantee the survival of the fittest. It is still hard to watch and I am sad over it.
        Little one will be soaring in Rainbow Bridge…RIP

    20. Lori Zeller July 1, 2015 at 10:14 am - Reply

      What I don’t understand or accept is the words “we can’t intervene”….. if that were true why are orphaned chicks taken and put into nests with foster parents? Isn’t that intervening? It’s to help the species survive? Right? That’s COMPLETE intervening. Then the question SHOULD be, WHEN do you intervene? You can’t make exceptions. That baby could and should have been taken and given to foster parents STILL sitting on their eggs. ONE baby would have made a world of difference to another set of Ospreys. Instead, we all sit here watching a baby chick be tortured for hours and DO NOTHING. So much for the word “INTERVENE”……. This sickened me yesterday and AGAIN today…….If you’re going to “Intervene” SOMETIMES, this should have been one of those times. I’ve watched other nests be disturbed by humans to help the babies and they were all FINE…. bad decision on YOUR part THIS time…..

      • Lisa July 1, 2015 at 4:33 pm - Reply

        I must agree. If we intervene with a few and not others then don’t intervene at all with any.

    21. Heather July 1, 2015 at 10:14 am - Reply

      I will so miss the little guy, but not miss the brutality. I am just glad he died in his sleep, under the loving wings of his mother. I thank Paul and all the administrators for letting us view this nest. No one wanted the little guy to live more than me, but we cannot risk the rest of the family, or osprey in general, just to save his little soul. He is soaring high now, with not a care in the world. RIP little one

    22. susan July 1, 2015 at 10:10 am - Reply

      Rest in peace PeeWee. 🙂 So sad humans not Nature alone had a hand in the circumstances that caused this little chick to have died…..Hopefully, the experts watching this cam will look into the health of the waters surrounding the nest in that area, as not having enough fish for three chicks, and having that net in the nest for awhile, all may have contributed to the behavior of the birds and to this outcome…..At least now the little one is finally at peace…..I saw him a couple of days ago looking up at his mom and he seemed to be doing better…..Too sad…Let’s hope for the best for the remaining chicks…

    23. marilyn July 1, 2015 at 10:09 am - Reply

      The suffering is finally over for the little one.

    24. GinaM July 1, 2015 at 10:01 am - Reply

      It also appears that George is not fishing again today. He has been back to the nest or sitting on the camera, empty handed, three times now. Gracie will have to start fishing for what is left of this little family to survive. And heaven only knows what they will do with “Peanut.” I read that Osprey do not eat carrion, which I think he can now be considered. So, so sad.

      • GinaM July 1, 2015 at 10:20 am - Reply

        He got one! Good job George!!!

      • Holly July 1, 2015 at 10:22 am - Reply

        George delivered a nice big fish!

    25. Nicole July 1, 2015 at 9:44 am - Reply

      This is very sad. I wish someone would have taken Albert from the nest to help build up his strength. I think if he was placed back in after that and was a bit stronger he would have survived.

      RIP Albert.

      • lisa July 1, 2015 at 9:50 am - Reply

        RIP ALBERT 🙁

      • Holly July 1, 2015 at 10:20 am - Reply

        No one should have intervened.
        The same way the mother does not step in is the same reason no one should. She knows her offspring has to be tough. Stopping the others from fighting would make them weak and the little one weak. It is sad that he has died, but it is nature. Osprey’s usually lay three eggs with the hopes that two survive. Sometimes they don’t even get two or one. I have more heart ache for the mms that sit on eggs that never hatch (Dunrovin 2 years ago) or have an eagle swoop in and steal two fabulously healthy chicks.
        Also keep in mind, the mother Osprey knows what is going on; she must be heartbroken as well. She had to watch, knowing she could not interfere.
        Barn Owls would have eaten their sibling when starved. Keep in mind the other two babies were starved and fighting most likely escalated due to hunger.
        If you look, their crops are empty.

        Thank you for this cam and the privilege of observing the magnificent Ospreys.
        Little one is in the arms of angels. Peace sweet little one.

        • Nicole July 1, 2015 at 4:09 pm - Reply

          Well, now Albert can’t be tough because he is no longer alive.

      • Tucker July 1, 2015 at 10:44 am - Reply

        May he Rest in Peace and us his extended family may we all be comforted and know no further sorrow. Let us celebrate the living. Nancy
        the licensed wildlife rehabilitator pointed out the fish kills in the Peconic Bay. We can be better caretakers of our waters, we can make change and perhaps save some of the little guys in the future.

    26. Vibra July 1, 2015 at 9:39 am - Reply

      The littel one,- has no suffering anymore. The nature,- I feel – as I`m part of – should help them who need it. I`ve done in my hole life,- And I thank God, when i did it. I mean, the responsibility to help.

    27. Bonnie July 1, 2015 at 9:38 am - Reply

      The little one was and still is under the huddle – I do not see any movement or signs of breathing. Rest in peace little one.

    28. DianeNY July 1, 2015 at 9:35 am - Reply

      Yes I see the little guys lifeless body. It is sad but it is natures way. We were witness to this in its purest form . This is not a zoo where human intervention is done on a daily basis. This tower is 80 feet high and the osprey picked it to build a nest . The owners of this cam site allowed us to view natures way and I thank them. I would never ask them to jeopardize their life to save this little bird. I have watched other osprey cam sites for over 2 years now. I particularly enjoyed Hog Island. . I have seen good and not so good activities on all the cam sites. Please be respectful of the management I am sure they are just as sad.. We should now concentrate on the remaining two small birds. Watch them grow and fledge. I assure you it will be so interesting to watch.
      I for one thank you for this site because I live on Long Island as well and I love the ospreys!!

      • Gail Maker July 1, 2015 at 9:44 am - Reply

        I found him gone as well on the rewind feed. His beak is pointing left, was squished between the other two. Bye little guy.

    29. Phil Kelsey July 1, 2015 at 9:19 am - Reply

      Paul– Well said!! Most of us 100% support you. Let nature do its thing. It is beautiful and cruel at the same time. I saw one comment about concern for the fish that have been eaten by “our” family. I assume that person is a vegetarian.

    30. Mimsey July 1, 2015 at 8:55 am - Reply

      What will happen to the body of the little one? Will the parents remove it?

    31. nick July 1, 2015 at 8:52 am - Reply

      I think the little guy didn’t make it. R.I.P

    32. nick July 1, 2015 at 8:47 am - Reply

      I think the little guy didn’t make it. He is not moving. R.I.P

    33. maryjo July 1, 2015 at 8:45 am - Reply

      To Rob and Paul, thank you both for your comments and insight into yesterdays events. Do either of you have an opinion as to why the great fisher osprey George suddenly wasn’t fishing. So odd the amount of time he spent on the nest. Also odd was that once the two chicks were fed, Gracie refused to give up the fish to George and actually fed him a few bites! Thanks for your thoughts.

    34. kgerette July 1, 2015 at 8:41 am - Reply

      RIP Peewee

    35. Peter July 1, 2015 at 8:40 am - Reply

      Looks as though the little guy has expired.
      No movement at all.

    36. Emily July 1, 2015 at 8:37 am - Reply

      How sad…the runt didn’t make it through the night.

    37. Vickie July 1, 2015 at 8:34 am - Reply

      It does appear that the little one is dead. I don’t see the breath of life. RIP little baby, you fought hard. Thank you to all who make this site possible, for allowing us to observe the beauty among the heartbreak. I for one am so sorry about the people who were making it difficult for everyone by stepping out of their role as observers and demanding that others play god in this circumstances. This webcam is a privilege and not a right and should be treated as such. Yesterday I did not watch as the brutality was too much for me to take but I look forward to the privilege of seeing the other chicks grow and learn to fly. Again…thank you to all who have made this live feed possible. I appreciate it and appreciate you!

    38. Brad July 1, 2015 at 8:32 am - Reply

      8:30 AM and am happy to see the suffering has ended for #3. I hope George has a better day fishing for the sake of the rest of the family.

    39. Debbie July 1, 2015 at 8:31 am - Reply

      Your free now little one. With your new wings soar high and free. And as you soar you’ll take all our tears and hearts with you. Your free..Your free..!!

    40. JB July 1, 2015 at 8:30 am - Reply

      The two older chicks just got up and the little one was under them. He is gone. Poor little guy

    41. Brenda K. Sandefur July 1, 2015 at 8:24 am - Reply

      Little bird is out of her or his pain,flying high,with not a worry at all. <3

    42. rebecca b July 1, 2015 at 8:19 am - Reply

      R.I.P. #3. At least the brutality is over. I very much loved watching the last 3 weeks until the last few days, but I am happy that’s over and we can move on and watch the other two continue to grow and fly. This is nature, and all though we want to humanize the family of birds, they are birds not humans.

      • rebecca b July 1, 2015 at 8:22 am - Reply

        I am very sad to see he did not survive, I was routing for him. :..(

    43. June B July 1, 2015 at 8:16 am - Reply

      Little guy’s body still in nest. One of the chicks has been standing on top of him. RIP little one.

    44. Mimsey July 1, 2015 at 8:13 am - Reply

      It looks like the little one is gone. It isn’t moving and doesn’t appear to be breathing. I’m so sad.

    45. MM July 1, 2015 at 8:13 am - Reply

      Ach poor wee soul didn’t make it. He was up against it from day one.

    46. Judy July 1, 2015 at 8:12 am - Reply

      As I look at the nest this morning I see our little pee wee under the other two and appears to be lifeless. The lump in my throat is overwhelming and difficult to suppress the tears as I sit here at my desk at work. He or she was a strong determined little fighter and showed a strong will to live. The visions of what he/she endured in the last few days of life will linger with me for a good while since I have never seen such behavior in nature. I felt so excited at being able to watch this family of beautiful birds in their natural setting but not prepared for the realities of nature. It is an amazing opportunity to view and I thank you for your camera as hard as it’s been at times. RIP my sweet little Nod as I called him….may you fly with the Angels.

    47. Scott July 1, 2015 at 8:12 am - Reply

      I,and I am certain many others, cannot comprehend how Gracie and George can calmly stand by while one of their offspring is mercilessly pummeled by its siblings. Can you ask your contacts at Cornell about this oddity? I would think that maternal and paternal instincts would stop such assaults.

      • cloudymoor July 1, 2015 at 9:51 am - Reply

        Yes I’m very interested in why this is the case as well. Especially as I’ve heard that in some cases they DO intervene. What causes this difference please?? Thanks in advance.

    48. Jeanne July 1, 2015 at 8:08 am - Reply

      RIP little one. Im thankful you are no longer in pain. ?

    49. Dee July 1, 2015 at 8:01 am - Reply

      Soooooo very sad to see the little gal/guy’s lifeless body in the nest 🙁

    50. Debbie July 1, 2015 at 8:00 am - Reply

      Well from what i see right now 7:00a the baby didn’t make it it’s as still as the night time. RIP sweet baby, your soar high above the clouds now. You carry all our hearts with you.. <3 <3

    51. Beatrice July 1, 2015 at 7:59 am - Reply

      It looks like the little one is not going to wake up this morning or any other mornings. RIP little osprey.

    52. robert July 1, 2015 at 7:59 am - Reply

      REST IN PEACE LITTLE GUY!

    53. lisa July 1, 2015 at 7:57 am - Reply

      Is George a young male who has not learned the ropes yet? It seems so little food being brought to the nest indicates an inexperienced male.

    54. rdgrey July 1, 2015 at 7:52 am - Reply

      Rest in Peace PeeWee, lord knows you gave it all you could to fight but just wasn’t meant to be. Now you can fly freely without hunger in the skies above your brothers and sisters.

    55. Gordon July 1, 2015 at 7:49 am - Reply

      # 3’s carcass still in nest. I hope an adult bird will remove it.

    56. Helen July 1, 2015 at 7:48 am - Reply

      RIP little friend. All the best from Norway.

    57. GinaM July 1, 2015 at 7:47 am - Reply

      Little Peanut is gone. Rest in peace.

    58. kgerette July 1, 2015 at 7:47 am - Reply

      looks like peewee has passed overnight.

    59. Debbie July 1, 2015 at 7:42 am - Reply

      A new day and only positive thoughts and energy are sent for this beautiful Osprey family! Lots of emotions, but so much love!

    60. Rob Bierregaard July 1, 2015 at 7:24 am - Reply

      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.

      • Rob Bierregaard July 1, 2015 at 7:46 am - Reply

        Commenting on my own comment here–obviously, that should have been “he or she” (or “it”) when referring to the runt of the brood.

      • sue July 1, 2015 at 7:48 am - Reply

        the little one is gone from this world. can see him in the nest……so so sorry liitle one………………………..

      • Debbie July 1, 2015 at 7:49 am - Reply

        I see our little guy, right in the middle!

      • GinaM July 1, 2015 at 7:52 am - Reply

        Thank you for your insight. It helps us to understand.

      • Dianne July 1, 2015 at 7:54 am - Reply

        Yesterday afternoon, the tiny one was slowly being pushed into the nest by it’s sibling. The two had been fed, the little one was too weak to lift his head. As they snuggled into the nest, he disappeared. I noticed later Audrey was rearranging the ‘bowl, and had settled in on the chicks. He will forever be a part of this nest.

        • Dianne July 1, 2015 at 7:56 am - Reply

          Sorry, I meant Gracie. Having lots of problems posting, could not edit.

          • Dianne July 1, 2015 at 7:58 am - Reply

            Looks like he is laying on top of the nest.

      • Lynn Cutler July 1, 2015 at 8:09 am - Reply

        no, he didnt make it’ am so so bummed out

      • MARY July 1, 2015 at 8:15 am - Reply

        What you have said will soften the blow if the little one has passed. Still sad though. Thanks for the info.

      • ospreyzone July 1, 2015 at 8:17 am - Reply

        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.

        • Peter July 1, 2015 at 8:35 am - Reply

          Thank you Paul and Amen.

        • Lynn Cutler July 1, 2015 at 8:40 am - Reply

          beautifully put

        • Renee July 1, 2015 at 10:04 am - Reply

          Hello. I am assuming by the content of your post that the little one has passed on. I just want to thank you for all of your efforts, concerns and above all, the opportunity to see nature as it truly is. Unfortunately the outcome this time was unpleasant,and sad. Yesterday I was mixed with many emotions, all of a human nature. I am not sure how I feel about what transpired ” in the nest “. A part of me feels that the little one could have been a bird used for educational purposes. I remember enjoying those opportunities with my children. However, your intention I believe, was to provide a close up look of wild birds in their natural state. This was, and continues, to be accomplished. Additionally, I agree the entire nest may have been compromised by an intervention. The chicks are not human. I would have liked to have it play out the way it did for me as a child. I picked on my brother all the time as a small child. One year he had a growth spurt and was then twice the size of me. After one punch, my teasing days were over ! We need to remember this is wild life, not always pretty or considerate. We could say the same about our world. Thank you again !

      • Mary July 1, 2015 at 8:20 am - Reply

        I believe the gody og the small chick is undere the other two with it’d head out to the side and under where their heads are. If appears grey which I would assume it has died. I also notice more flies than I saw before. Thank God that’s over

      • Richard.V July 1, 2015 at 8:22 am - Reply

        He is gone at the bottom of the pile, RIP

      • Nancy July 1, 2015 at 8:30 am - Reply

        I got a good look, the runt died overnight. As a licensed wildlife rehabilitator, I want to remind viewers that the other chicks were not being “mean” or “cruel,” they were attempting to survive in a year that has seen a massive fish die-off in that area. The struggle we are seeing is being repeated in nests all over that area. We also have several Bald Eagle nests; the birds that rely on a steady supply of fish are going to be stressed as they attempt to fledge healthy chicks. The loss is the runt is difficult to watch, but given the loss of thousands of fish it is not unexpected.

      • niclk July 1, 2015 at 8:43 am - Reply

        The little guy is dead. Rest in peace little guy.

      • bean July 1, 2015 at 8:44 am - Reply

        rest in peace little one

      • Osprey Viewer July 1, 2015 at 8:55 am - Reply

        Poor little chick as passed away. His/her suffering has ended. He/She was a fighter, strong till the end & didn’t give up.

      • Osprey viewer July 1, 2015 at 8:59 am - Reply

        Poor little one has passed from this earth. He/She was a figher, strong till the end. May he/she rest in peace.

      • Cathy July 1, 2015 at 9:48 am - Reply

        Well, looks like the little guy is done suffering. I haven’t seen him move all morning. I worried about him all night and hoped God would just take him through the night so the beatings would stop. I was sick to my stomach for two days worrying about him. Nature is nature, but that was really tough to watch. It was nice to see so many people writing in and caring about him! Hope George comes back today with some food for the rest of the family.

      • LInda July 1, 2015 at 10:17 am - Reply

        It was so tough watching the two older ones attacking the baby yesterday. I’m surprised he/she lasted as long as he/she did. It is hard not to have feelings for all of the birds – going through the bad weather and little food.

      • Edmc July 1, 2015 at 10:53 am - Reply

        No sign of little one. Does anyone know how he was disposed of. Do they treat him the same way they get rid of uneaten parts of fish.

    61. Jess July 1, 2015 at 7:00 am - Reply

      Has anyone seen the little one this morning? I’m so afraid he didn’t make it… I’m pretty sure they only ate once yesterday and he wasn’t fed at all. ?

      • GinaM July 1, 2015 at 7:52 am - Reply

        He’s gone. He is at the bottom of the other two and Gracie.

      • Judy July 1, 2015 at 8:01 am - Reply

        It is almost 8am & I just saw the baby.. He has passed away..God rest your soul, you put up with a lot of stuff ., & gave it your best shot..
        RIP LITTLE ONE.. ???

      • Barbara July 1, 2015 at 8:09 am - Reply

        I do think that I see the littlest one…He appears to not have made it….

      • Linda July 1, 2015 at 9:04 am - Reply

        I couldn’t see the baby but a scroll back about an hour and fifteen minutes and Gracie was off the nest. The little guy finally must have died during the night. Its body is ashen and lifeless. Pee-wee is flying free now. At least no more torture. RIP little one.

    62. GinaM July 1, 2015 at 6:58 am - Reply

      I think the baby is at the bottom of the huddle, I am not sure it is alive. For the split second I saw an opening, it did not look like it. It is too sad. But, then again, imagine how many “runts” live, struggle and die without anyone knowing. This little Peanut had the love and prayers of all of us watching, and I know G & G loved him. I like to believe he felt our love somehow. Small comfort, now. I know. Then again, maybe he will surprise us all again today and emerge from what looks like the end, but from what I think I saw, I don’t know if that could happen.

      • Trinity July 1, 2015 at 8:09 am - Reply

        You expressed exactly how many of us viewers are feeling this morning, thanks GinaM

      • Lynn Cutler July 1, 2015 at 8:25 am - Reply

        i know, i saw too this morning , i didnt know it flooded here at the nest, poor lil pumpkin, he was fighting the whole time i, am bumming

      • Marilyn J July 1, 2015 at 9:07 am - Reply

        Well said, Gina. Thank you. What you said is comforting.

    63. Kim July 1, 2015 at 4:44 am - Reply

      As upset as I am about the baby, after I heard of the flooding, my first thought was- oh no- the birds- how are they tolerating this weather?

      • michelle July 1, 2015 at 7:47 am - Reply

        He is gone. RIP litttle buddy. You put up a good fight…

    64. jezbel July 1, 2015 at 1:19 am - Reply

      Nature can be cruel. It is truly survival of the fittest. I’ve observed many live nests where there are cameras present, specifically of raptors and this kind of behavior is not uncommon. It’s not just as easy as calling it sibling rivalry because that is a human behavior. We must remember that the smaller chicks are usually weaker, whether due to some lack off development or failure to thrive. The chicks with the survival instinct will succeed and thrive and be more able to forage for themselves when they fledge. I’m rooting for the little guy but it’s likely he will not make it. The others will not eat it. At this state of maturity it’s possible the mother will not eat it unless she is starved. It may just be tossed out of the nest if it dies. George may only have brought one fish because that’s all he could find due to the weather. It difficult not to give them human traits — but try not to. It’s less painful.

      • andreaallennyc July 1, 2015 at 7:58 am - Reply

        I don’t agree with your comments about the younger sibs … Or perhaps I just misunderstand what you are saying. The younger sibs are just that, younger. Because of that they are snmaller and weaker. It has nothing to do with being inherently weaker … Though occasionaly, by chance, that could be true. The statement by Dr. Bierregaard, above, gives a good explanation.

        The notion of survival of the fittest, as an evolutionary force, doesn’t really capture what is going on between the sibs, because the msin determining factor of success is birth order, not genes. It does fit with what is happening in the nest as a whole, especially the parents’ behavior. The genetically fittest individuals will have more offspring (genes) survive and reproduce. For Osprey, the fittest parents will feed the strongest/biggest/etc first or more if there is a food shortage. They will not go out of their way to make sure the weaker/younger/smaller nestlings are fed or protected. The parents who do the latter will have fewer offspring survive and in that sense they are less fit and their genes are less likely to “survive.”

        • Teresa July 1, 2015 at 2:57 pm - Reply

          I fully agree with you.

    65. teresa July 1, 2015 at 12:31 am - Reply

      Dear,
      I write from Italy, precisely from Rome.
      I look from 2014 nest of ospreys in Maine, Bremen. Rachel and Steve this year have lost their chicks kidnapped by a bald eagle. I heard about the little child that the brothers are killing. Why not save the baby and you do take Rachel and Steve before it dies as they did for the nest of ospreys Chesapeake Conservancy that they put two chicks?
      Nature must take its natural course but also humans do genetic manipulations, adoptions, surrogacy. Why do not survive That Little. When the tragedies of nature do not know you can not do anything. But since humans have installed cameras on the lives of These animals Because they do not have to help?
      Thank you for your attention and I ask you to excuse the incorrect Inglese. I used the translator.
      Teresa Calabretta

      • Bird Woman July 1, 2015 at 1:02 pm - Reply

        After much soul searching and reading all of the comments from everyone, including the experts, I totally AGREE with you !!!!!!
        If intervention had taken place the now dead baby Osprey could be with Rachel and Steve !!!!!
        Maybe we can ALL learn some valuable lessons from our “”viewings” !!!!!

      • beata July 1, 2015 at 5:09 pm - Reply

        I agree with Teresa. Why no one did anything????? I was a horror show for a few days…Very hard to watch.I wish someone took him/her out!!!

    66. Sandy June 30, 2015 at 11:58 pm - Reply

      The baby was fed throughout the day today but it is survival of the fittest….sad but it is true.

      • Rose Petejan July 1, 2015 at 12:22 am - Reply

        If you read all the comments you’ll realize that there was no fish delivered at all today until around 6 p.m. These guys went with no foot since yesterday afternoon.

      • Brenda K. Sandefur July 1, 2015 at 3:07 am - Reply

        Baby was not fed throughout the day, no one got food for hours and hours, when food did come, it was to weak to open its mouth, the other 2 just wouldn’t let him,they beat him bad so much today. So sorry for little bird

      • kgerette July 1, 2015 at 6:27 am - Reply

        Sandy, the baby was NOT fed at all yesterday. The others only ate once in 24 hours due to conditions. Waiting to see Gracie move off the chicks to see if Peewee still with us.

      • andreaallennyc July 1, 2015 at 6:51 am - Reply

        I know there was a lot of food on Monday, but I didn’t think there was any food at all, for anyone, until after 5:00PM on Tuesday. And I’m not sure the baby got any food at all even then. Did you see fish being brought to the nest during the day yesterday?

      • Cloudymoor July 1, 2015 at 6:51 am - Reply

        Yesterday (Tuesday June 30th) as I’m pretty sure others would agree, no one was fed anything until around 5PM. And the baby didn’t receive any food/water so actually the baby starved all day yesterday. Did I miss a feeding??

      • Diane July 1, 2015 at 6:58 am - Reply

        The baby was NOT fed at all yesterday (Tuesday) and it was beaten up relentlessly many times especially when the one and only fish arrived very late in the day.

      • stephanie July 1, 2015 at 7:31 am - Reply

        has the little one been taken from us 🙁

      • Lynn Cutler July 1, 2015 at 7:56 am - Reply

        i am bumming

      • Teresa July 1, 2015 at 9:57 am - Reply

        Hello Sandy,
        Teresa are from Rome. I did not know this beautiful pair of osprey, I connected yesterday. I saw the big fish that mom gave to the two chicks larger. Little it did not have the strength to ask for food because attacked by his brother brutally just got up to approach the food. His head was bleeding. Then I disconnected because the vision was too strong. Now fortunately I think it’s dead and it’s sad to see others hungry.
        I thank the experts for their attention.

    67. Debra June 30, 2015 at 11:36 pm - Reply

      I’ve not been able to watch the live feed very much today, but I’m hoping right now that Gracie is cuddling and loving our little Pip! He’s been such a fighter and I’m so proud of him. I just don’t want him to suffer anymore, but I hate to see him die. :{

    68. marilyn June 30, 2015 at 10:10 pm - Reply

      Didn’t get to see the final feeding for the day but am afraid that the little one got nothing since there was not a lot of food during the day. If the little one didn’t survive, RIP. You suffered so much in your little time on earth from the very beginning. I kinda wish I don’t see you in the morning since that means you suffered even more.

      • Coleen June 30, 2015 at 11:31 pm - Reply

        I saw Gracie peak up the little one in her beak so I am praying he is gone from this world. Poor little bird. I have names for the other two, Mean and Meaner.

        • stephanie July 1, 2015 at 5:58 am - Reply

          i agree my heart is broken i call #3 hope or rocky depending sex i wish tommy would take down the camera

        • marilyn July 1, 2015 at 8:22 am - Reply

          I see the little guy at the bottom of the pile, no movement though. I think he’s gone. At least he/she won’t be suffering any more.

    69. Rose Petejan June 30, 2015 at 9:29 pm - Reply

      What happens to the little guy once he’s died. Does Gracie feed him to the other 2 chicks?

      • Andy July 1, 2015 at 10:21 am - Reply

        In most of the nest I have watched, most deceased are fed to the remaining chicks, a food source is not wasted in nature.

    70. Rose Petejan June 30, 2015 at 9:23 pm - Reply

      #3 is/was a fighter. He’s held on a long time and taken quite the beating from his siblings. We’ll never know what got into George. But one fish in I believe 24 hours is definitely not enough. At this point I hope the little guy goes to sleep and doesn’t wake up. I think he’s taken enough of a beaten it’s time for him to rest.
      I hope George does a better job tomorrow, if not we’ll see the last 2 siblings go at each other.

    71. Marillyn June 30, 2015 at 9:21 pm - Reply

      Missed the last feeding, I would assume the little one didn’t get anything. Is he/she still live after the Horrific beating he/she took today?

    72. JC June 30, 2015 at 9:02 pm - Reply

      I am a compassionate person and I agree that some of this is hard to watch but it is the way of Nature. Food for thought – why has no one expressed compassion for the suffering of the multitudes of fish that must die a painfull death to support these birds. Just thinking….

    73. Ja June 30, 2015 at 8:57 pm - Reply

      I prey that little peewee cuddles warm & secure under Gracie’s wings tonite & never wakes up ?

    74. Liz June 30, 2015 at 8:55 pm - Reply

      My heart is breaking! … sleep well little buddy!

    75. Bonnie June 30, 2015 at 8:41 pm - Reply

      QUEENIE GRACE! This is what was done the other day. Guess you might call it an “attitude adjustment”. You have to remember, (I think not positive that I read it early on), she was hand raised, shown love, kisses, hug’s, calming music, ect. . She is one strong lady !!

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