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The Story of DDT

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Bald Eagles Visit Nest

Ospreyzone Highlights: May 21-29, 2020

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Osprey Rescue Extended - July 30, 2015

Osprey Zone Highlights - June 28, 2015

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osprey 07/11/15 squirt

First Sighting

George and Gracie's First Baby

Eggs Over Easy

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Breakfast is Served

Upgrading

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First Love

Let's Hang Out

Hard to Get

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Intruder

Dinner is Served

OspreyZone Montage

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

    52,585 Comments

    1. barbara July 21, 2016 at 5:37 pm - Reply

      Was that #3 that was practically airborne around 17:30?!?!?! Thought they were going to fly right out of the nest!!!

      • CarolV July 21, 2016 at 6:43 pm - Reply

        I think Dos #2. Working hard, went right up out of frame! Then kept landing on Uno… @5:38pm
        There was jumping before this, that may have been him too

      • Betsy July 21, 2016 at 10:24 pm - Reply

        No, not yet Barbara … it was chick #2 🙂 And I thought so, too!!

    2. Shar July 21, 2016 at 5:26 pm - Reply

      OMGosh! This afternoon at 16:07, either Uno or Dos flapped and flapped and lifted up in the air and kind of hovered!!! It was amazing!

    3. June c July 21, 2016 at 4:57 pm - Reply

      Bre…I have poems from you A poem/dedication for George…all he does and today’s …did I miss any? If I did please advise me date and will copy…Thank You

      • Bre July 21, 2016 at 7:57 pm - Reply

        Hi June c..Thanks for your interest,So far just the two. I am working on one for Gracie. Thank You 😉

    4. CarolV July 21, 2016 at 4:46 pm - Reply

      What is it Mom-Need help?

      • CarolV July 21, 2016 at 4:47 pm - Reply

        Quiet, Baby! Put your head down!

        Fly-over!

    5. Robin July 21, 2016 at 4:35 pm - Reply

      Might I suggest when everyone replies just reply to the original post? It would make the comment section much easier to navigate.

      • Betsy July 21, 2016 at 5:48 pm - Reply

        Robin: You are right and I apologize for doing that at times. I try to avoid replying to a person as a separate post unless I am responding so late that it would be lost in the shuffle or if I feel the answer would benefit all viewers in general. Or, I’ve combined individual replies into one multi-layered reply with my individual replies fitting in together and playing off of each other. And, I must admit I did it that way recently as a spoof because I found it so so so annoying that certain people reply that way practically every time, not only replying to the person as a post itself but repeating the original person’s post whether it be one word or 10 pages long!!

    6. HollyW July 21, 2016 at 4:14 pm - Reply

      Baby #1 really testing his wings today, wind conditions just right..Poor Rocky (baby#3)..keeps getting landed on, lol!

    7. Patricia July 21, 2016 at 4:13 pm - Reply

      16:04:17 WE HAVE LIFT-OFF!!!

    8. June c July 21, 2016 at 4:10 pm - Reply

      Check the height….I think it’s B again

    9. Maryann July 21, 2016 at 4:07 pm - Reply

      4:00 pm – Uno getting some good lift, very close to edge, though. Hope he doesn’t do a “Thelma and Louise” before he knows how to get back to nest.

    10. June c July 21, 2016 at 3:54 pm - Reply

      ..A?…. Shocked himself going up.

    11. rjoneal July 21, 2016 at 3:48 pm - Reply

      7-21-16 Reply Sylvia sorry it took so long getting back to you I see several people commented on the rope issue I am glad they were able to answer for you. Yes, I have said in the past you get to know this birds by the voice or different tones they have for each bird. Also this is how you can tell them apart along with their different calls,voice they each have some type of behavior of their own. This is why when you do get a chance to watch alot you see a little bit of a routine. However just when you get that routine down the birds are changing and they start a different routine. As it has been mentioned before example for awhile there was a time when Bb3 would get to eat 1st in the morning since he usually doesn’t get that bedtime snack big brothers get. Then Bb1 and bb2 started eating first thing in the morning. I am sure you have noticed how Bb1 is always watching over bb2 and if bb2 wants to eat and bb3 is getting all the fish then bb1 will step in and give bb3 a warning or a peck. Amazing Osprey family we have. Just love our Ospreys!
      _______________
      Thanks rjoneal, it has been for me watching reruns late in the evening, and sometimes a quick peek when I can. Tonight our little Trey got a really good stuffing, but wanted more. Trey did seem satisfied and so did mom. That last fish was a large one and after several more stuffings of our biggies, Trey and mom got to eat some more. Then there was the ‘I want to sleep, but my big feet and long legs just need a little more stretching.’ That went on for a while and Trey did manage to accidentally poke a biggy in the thigh. That was a cute reaction by the biggie as it did the wiggle thing and squeaked some. Earlier one of the biggies was being fed and not fast enough and sounded off in a real adult voice. That was a turning point for me. Anyone notice that at feeding and during the little feed me chirping they do that if you listen there are three distinct voices. Trey is the easiest to recognize.

      Thank you to all the camera and support folks out there. This is a lovely (addictive) sight to watch. It makes my long commute to and from work seem better, can’t wait to get home, the cats, wildlife watered and checked on, and then house chores done before sitting down to backtrack a few hours until late and have to get ready for tomorrow.

      So little chicks and mom and dad, good night and eat well tomorrow is my wish for you.

    12. Betsy July 21, 2016 at 3:30 pm - Reply

      Happy birthday to whoever Tommy was talking to at around 11 am, Rick maybe? 😀

      I still haven’t caught up on comments and was trying to do that and watch OZ at the same time. I’m only up to July 11th on comments (although I had been scanning the comments, I like to take my time and read them fully to savor or enjoy or just hmmm what the person took the time to write — and from scanning in recent days I think that a lot of interesting comments and a poem were posted … not up to those yet) and 11:45:01 on the video stream. 😀 Although I watched last year it wasn’t until Ronnie and Sandy were around this age, I guess, and since I started really watching this year from when George and Gracie came back, and having seen the how-to to the eggs being laid to the hatches to the almost ready to fledge I find just about everything that the chicks do fascinating, humorous or incredible to watch — like CarolV said, a foster aunt!!

    13. CarolV July 21, 2016 at 3:23 pm - Reply

      That green seaweed always looks like Easter grass when it comes in.

    14. Rjoneal July 21, 2016 at 3:22 pm - Reply

      7-21-16 Reply- Bre as always another beautiful poem.

      • Bre July 21, 2016 at 7:58 pm - Reply

        Thank You Rjoneal 😉

    15. CarolV July 21, 2016 at 3:01 pm - Reply

      2:50pm..Good sized, headless…

      • CarolV July 21, 2016 at 3:03 pm - Reply

        Who can spot what’s odd?

        • CarolV July 21, 2016 at 3:14 pm - Reply

          Can anyone say dejected? Poor Trey..no fish for YOU! And she had a lot to say about it! Now, whose kid is she!!!

        • Karen DeLong July 21, 2016 at 8:41 pm - Reply

          Don’t have a clue Carol………

        • Betsy July 21, 2016 at 10:59 pm - Reply

          George is next to Gracie (to her right)!!

    16. CarolV July 21, 2016 at 2:51 pm - Reply

      Shot fired……A NEAR MISS! dripping from housing…

      • CarolV July 21, 2016 at 2:52 pm - Reply

        Should have said A NEAR MESS..dripping from camera housing…

      • Betsy July 21, 2016 at 11:08 pm - Reply

        Looks almost like a warped “Milk, it’s good for you” ad!! 😀

        • CarolV July 22, 2016 at 5:35 am - Reply

          BBBLLLLAAHHHHHH! I may never look at milk the same way! What will my cookies do now???

    17. isabella July 21, 2016 at 2:34 pm - Reply

      This is a shout out to Betsy.I’ve been watching since last year.this is my first comment.I spend about 15 mins.on.Watch live feed to see what’s new.Glace some comments to see if Lil’ Gracie ate.Then look for your videos.They let me see the highlights I miss & your captions make me smile! when I didn’t see them,thought u were on vacation.So glad to see them again.thank you!!!

      • Betsy July 21, 2016 at 4:32 pm - Reply

        isabella: Thank you. I have a ton of raw footage that I hope to put together as sequences or just post … but with the chicks and G&G almost constantly doing something I can’t resist I’m backed up the wazoo!! I’ll probably still be working on videos after they are all gone, but then I guess that will give us something to watch until G&G come back next year!! When they fledge, though I do plan to post ASAP!!

    18. CarolV July 21, 2016 at 12:53 pm - Reply

      12:05pm- George found the sweeet spot again..nice one!

      • CarolV July 21, 2016 at 12:57 pm - Reply

        Trey was finally getting a turn, till Uno (having eaten) took “vengeance” for last night..I know, prob just establishing dominance…
        See how (s)he scopes out situation? Then pushes in between Gra and Trey …

        • CarolV July 21, 2016 at 1:03 pm - Reply

          Backed off to sneeze in to the camera….Trey’s bobbing butt showed she was eating…Big fish are SOOOOO much easier on my worry wart..always enough for all……

          • CarolV July 21, 2016 at 1:06 pm - Reply

            Crap”’forgot something…:+]

    19. CarolV July 21, 2016 at 12:39 pm - Reply

      I may have said it before but……I love that so many people are posting-pictures, videos, comments…the more. the merrier.! I don’t always have the luxury of being home in the day, I just happen to be on vaca (sta-ca) and am enjoying the Zone. Knowing that so many others are not fortunate to be around, it is fun to try to include them in daily events……hoping that when I am out again, all you wonderful others will keep me updated. Lots of pictures, please…They are rapidly approaching fledge point, and we won’t see them as much.

      As a WISE MAN said- If you feel like doing it, DO IT! Til the admins say no…..

      • Betsy July 21, 2016 at 6:01 pm - Reply

        Yes, a wise man — that would be JP(K) if I remember correctly from quickly scanning through comments.

        P.S. Sorry, Robin, I might have to do an big individual-all-together reply at this point!! 😀

    20. Karen DeLong July 21, 2016 at 12:05 pm - Reply

      And lunch is served! (1204pm) Looks to be a pretty good size of goodie for kids………….. Good job Dad!! And I think our baby is first in line!

    21. Marlene July 21, 2016 at 12:04 pm - Reply

      Lunchtime at 12:03 p.m. – another nice size whole fish.

    22. Karen July 21, 2016 at 12:04 pm - Reply

      Does anyone know what kind of fish George brings in? Esp. the big ones.

      • Robin July 21, 2016 at 4:31 pm - Reply

        I was wondering the same – mackerel re the big ones – maybe???

      • Betsy July 21, 2016 at 6:06 pm - Reply

        Karen and Robin: I got some great video of George bringing in really big fish. I’m thinking of combining them into a “George’s Best Fish Catches” video. We’ve tried to find out before what kind of fish George brings and had some success. So, maybe I’ll get on it and then we can have a “name the fish George caught” game!! 😀

        • CarolV July 22, 2016 at 6:20 am - Reply

          Sounds like a good idea. Including any minnows? for contrast

    23. Marlene July 21, 2016 at 11:59 am - Reply

      Bre, the poem was beautiful. We are all going to feel so sad when they fly south some time in September. What will we do with our time we try to devote to this family!! And also, many, many thanks to Tommy and Joey for the phenomenal lens cleaning. This is truly the best osprey website out there, Paul.
      George delivered a nice size headless fish at 9:46, and one of the biggies ate first. #3 went to eat the rest of it with Gracie, and at the end Gracie ate the tail and she had a piece that was too big to fit in her mouth. She was twisting her neck, trying to break it apart, as her mommy does, and Gracie wanted to help, but baby wanted to do it herself. After trying for a long time, she finally swallowed it. Another whole fish at 10:28, which was eaten by one of the biggies; I think #2. I think they are all content, must be full. It’s really getting difficult to tell #1 and #2 apart; they are changing so much. I hope that #3’s head stays a little whiter than the others, as that helps distinguish her from the others, but that probably will not happen.

      • Bre July 21, 2016 at 8:58 pm - Reply

        ;-)Thank You Marlene..i also always get a little sad when they all go on their separate journeys,..but in the same tear am happy knowing..that thanks to Paul,Tommy,& Joey with all people involved in dedication G&G will be back again starting another new amazing family hoping that we will still be able to keep witnessing 🙂

    24. CarolV July 21, 2016 at 11:33 am - Reply

      FLEDGE SKEDGE- so far—-since no one else has taken it, I’m modifying my guess to honor my Mom. Prob too early anyway!

      7/24-UNO-CarolV
      7/26-Dos-CarolV
      7/29-JuneC-A
      7/31-B-JuneC
      8/3-Trey-CarolV
      8/4-L’il One-JuneC

      • Jara July 21, 2016 at 1:42 pm - Reply

        If I can still get in on the action.

        #1 – Bruiser – July 27
        #2 – Honey – July 30
        #3 – Tiger – Aug 5

        • Robin July 21, 2016 at 4:32 pm - Reply

          Love your picks – good ones!

        • CarolV July 21, 2016 at 5:12 pm - Reply

          Sure!

          • CarolV July 21, 2016 at 5:14 pm - Reply

            I just took a good look at your names..perfect fit!

        • Betsy July 21, 2016 at 11:14 pm - Reply

          Ditto Robin and CarolV’s replies for me!!

    25. CarolV July 21, 2016 at 11:09 am - Reply

      Was going thru old photos…always loved this one, but couldn’t post

      From: May7- Gracie with her best Irkel impression————“DID I DO THAT?”

      • june c July 21, 2016 at 11:49 am - Reply

        good title

      • Karen DeLong July 21, 2016 at 11:57 am - Reply

        Exactly what her expression looks like!

      • Betsy July 21, 2016 at 12:35 pm - Reply

        That’s a great shot! And check out George!! “Let me see, let me see!!”

      • Mary July 21, 2016 at 3:49 pm - Reply

        Good Erkel 🙂

      • Robin July 21, 2016 at 4:34 pm - Reply

        too funny! – George is counting them up and calculating how much work is coming his way!

        • Betsy July 21, 2016 at 6:09 pm - Reply

          That’s funny, Robin. He’s had some off days, but I think he’s doing one heck of a job, especially the times Gracie wasn’t done with the fish she currently had and he was already back with another!!

    26. Betsy July 21, 2016 at 10:50 am - Reply

      Another video for Paul and Tommy and OZ fans. Hope you like.

      https://youtu.be/O3pAczIULio

      • CarolV July 21, 2016 at 12:00 pm - Reply

        That covers it!

      • Betsy July 21, 2016 at 12:36 pm - Reply

        And, now that I know, Joey too!!

        • Betsy July 21, 2016 at 12:52 pm - Reply

          And, after finally trying to catch up (I’m not there yet) on all of the comments since, well since, and reading GinaM’s July 18, 2016 at 9:06 pm post, I want to add thank you to Tommy’s wife, Christina, and Paul’s wife, Mrs Henry. And, I forgot Aidan (BTW, whose name is the anglicized form of AODHÁN which means “little fiery one,” which I was going to submit for chick #3’s name.)

      • Dorothy July 21, 2016 at 12:37 pm - Reply

        In the words of Martha Stewart, “Lens cleaner; it’s a good thing.” slight paraphrase. lol

      • Mary July 21, 2016 at 3:52 pm - Reply

        Excellent setup.

    27. Bre July 21, 2016 at 10:41 am - Reply

      Thank you June C, I’m glad you liked it 😉

    28. CarolV July 21, 2016 at 10:34 am - Reply

      10:27am-Another fish in, another fish in, another another fish hits the nest…..

      Synchronized entry! Looks like a smallish fish, whole.

      • CarolV July 21, 2016 at 10:47 am - Reply

        Gracie was trying to feed Trey over Dos’ head, but she was too far away. Uno had her penned in a vee between the Biggies butts. No fish forTrey that I saw.

    29. CarolV July 21, 2016 at 10:28 am - Reply

      ok, BRE- give warning when I’m gonna need tissues! Beautiful poem. !!

      Nancymb-Yes, #2 is the forgotten child…even Trey took a swing at him last night! As second child, I feel his pain……

      Monica- I had posted a picture of #3, which was blurry. But there is improvement on that patch-loves peach fuzzy, like growth.

      Sylvia- the rope that has been there is unraveled. One end had a green tint when it came in a few days ago. Chicks tugging has moved it around. Gracie also rearranges…..chronic futzer…

      • CarolV July 21, 2016 at 11:58 am - Reply

        Monica- I don’t even know what “loves peach fuzzy” was meant to be-but u get the drift….

      • Bre July 21, 2016 at 9:11 pm - Reply

        Lol thank you… CarolV-thanks for all you do

    30. CarolV July 21, 2016 at 10:19 am - Reply

      George’s kid-loves his camera time…But Gracie over-shadows him, bringing in furniture.

    31. rose July 21, 2016 at 10:07 am - Reply

      It really make my whole day when I see the lens get cleaned. I love it.

    32. CarolV July 21, 2016 at 9:51 am - Reply

      9:46am-Yay! FOOD!

      • CarolV July 21, 2016 at 10:04 am - Reply

        Trey got the last chunk of tail to work on…Gracie informed the world they were done and would like a re-order of more of the same….

    33. CarolV July 21, 2016 at 9:44 am - Reply

      RJONEAL- Thanks for the kayak pic! Is that REDKAYAK? That would be just TOO funny!

      • Redkayak July 21, 2016 at 1:34 pm - Reply

        LOL Nope not me. I wish. I was behind a desk that day. I took a pic of them too. Rare we see human in the shot

        • CarolV July 21, 2016 at 5:24 pm - Reply

          Darn! You’ll wave, anyway, right? Or do a spin around?

    34. ospreyzone July 21, 2016 at 9:19 am - Reply

      Many thanks to Tommy’s ingenious lens cleaning system and Joey’s efforts.

      • Helen July 21, 2016 at 9:37 am - Reply

        Yes – many thanks indeed to the three of you!

      • Lorri July 21, 2016 at 11:51 am - Reply

        Bravo!! Your time and efforts are much appreciated.

      • Betsy July 21, 2016 at 12:14 pm - Reply

        Yikes!! Who’s Joey?? Well anyway, thank you too, Joey.

        • CarolV July 21, 2016 at 5:22 pm - Reply

          BETSY: strangely enough, I just reviewed Tommy’s tape, and I remember: Joey, the welder. with a boom truck, who helped build and erect the platform. And , possibly, helped with the removal of 20′? Maybe that Joey.

          • Betsy July 21, 2016 at 6:16 pm - Reply

            Oh … okay. I’ve watched video (in the about section, right?) but I don’t recall, probably because I was a newbie and didn’t know anyone so names didn’t mean anything to me.

      • rjoneal July 21, 2016 at 3:52 pm - Reply

        7-21-16 Yes indeed Paul and many thanks to you ! We are so lucky for Tommy’s inventing his priceless machine. I think this year we have had way more squirts hit the camera but we only had 2 babies last year seems 3 babies really know how to hit the perfect spot.

    35. june c July 21, 2016 at 9:17 am - Reply

      I noticed yesterday 3 or 4 times Gracie would give a soft call and babies dropped like a brick. For those who can play back
      about times this AM
      8:40:59 Gracie comes in nest again soft calls, babies drop
      8:41:26 you can hear another Osprey calling, did not sound like George….babies down not moving a feather
      faintly durning this time u can see a shadow flying over nest
      8:45 all clear

    36. rajo July 21, 2016 at 9:16 am - Reply

      Thank you, lens was cleaned around 9:09am EST.

    37. CarolV July 21, 2016 at 9:12 am - Reply

      YYYYAAAAAYYYYYYY!!!!!!!!!!!!! 9:09am

      THANK YOU! THANK YOU!!!!!

    38. june c July 21, 2016 at 9:10 am - Reply

      Thank You Tommy!

    39. Betsy July 21, 2016 at 9:01 am - Reply

      Chick #3 standing tall.

      https://youtu.be/hoWc1BFTi9g

      • Margaret July 21, 2016 at 9:42 am - Reply

        Betsy, thanks for capturing this great moment. It wasn’t so great that Trey got pecked for no reason at all by big britches but to see he/she take that pounding and then stand up very tall and give the instigator the “hairy eyeball.” Great strength in this little chick. His/her survival is an inspiration to me every day.

      • CarolV July 21, 2016 at 10:00 am - Reply

        TY- As a “foster aunt” it was a proud moment.

        • Betsy July 21, 2016 at 11:16 am - Reply

          I was actually taping in “real time” for a change and at first I thought chick #1 was “nuzzling” chick #3 because I’ve seen chick #1 and #2 do that on rare occasions. But then when chick #1 turned around and ripped out feathers, I yelled “NO!! …. WHY??!!” and I had to tape it over again!! I wasn’t too happy when chick #3 pecked at chick #2, but I think it was a transferred or redirected aggression thing with her ( 😉 .

          • CarolV July 21, 2016 at 1:15 pm - Reply

            I agree..made her big statement and had to burn off adrenaline..Dos, bad time, bad place

          • Monica July 21, 2016 at 3:22 pm - Reply

            I was watching when that happened. At first I thought it was sort of sweet that #1 seemed to be ‘touching’ the little guy affectionately. That didn’t last. It was so totally unprovoked. I’ve seen #1 and #2 take ‘stuff’ off each other’s beak so I thought it was going to be a tender moment. I’m so happy #3 stands up for himself. 🙂

      • Joan July 21, 2016 at 10:51 am - Reply

        What a great moment! Thank you.

    40. CarolV July 21, 2016 at 9:01 am - Reply

      Just as a reminder of how fortunate we’ve been so far this year….another watched osprey nest had two healthy chicks ‘ both of which had made a first flight. They were named and checked, a female and a male. Right after fledging, the female started acting funny, refusing to eat. While standing in the wind, enjoying the sensation, she keeled over and died. Our hearts go out to the watchers and caretakers of the DYFI site.

      Now enjoy every moment you can with these beautiful creatures. And-need it be said-with your families.

    41. Betsy July 21, 2016 at 8:41 am - Reply

      The trick to making the picture even larger, which some people have figured out, is to crop the sides of the original picture. The way the pictures apparently are set up to post is they must fill a certain width and then the height proportionately follows. So, if you post the full screen shot, yes it will come out large. But, if you take the same picture and crop the sides to “highlight” something it will come out poster-size.

    42. CarolV July 21, 2016 at 8:20 am - Reply

      Heard another delivery about 7:50

    43. Betsy July 21, 2016 at 8:09 am - Reply

      Kelly: I still look in on OZ and I read some of the posts and look at the pictures, but I got fed up. When people had questions about osprey, I looked up the information and posted what was pertinent to the question. I didn’t use someone else’s link, post the whole article and then act like I had found the information. When people had questions on how to tell George and Gracie apart, first I answered with a verbal description of my own and then I made a video. When people couldn’t tell the chicks apart I made a video, two in fact, and then when we were finally able, I posted pictures highlighting the differences. When Mike had his questions for his project I was one of only two people to try to get him the information he was looking for, even after rjoneal sent me an email telling me I should let him get his own information. When Paul had asked if anyone had seen anything that may have happened to affect the lens washer, I bent over backward going over notes and videos to see when it last worked properly and what may have caused the issue. When rjoneal complained that she wasn’t “appreciated” for doing a fish count for a couple of days, people ****************** to say that they did. Others were posting when George brought in a fish but not in list form, really not difficult at all to do, but that information was not acknowledged. I defended OZ when people complained. In fact the person whose post remains at the top because of the year 2017 on the post herself asked if I had a video after the second egg was laid. I was devoted to OZ but all of these things added up to the straw that broke the camel’s back. It seems that the more you do for people, the more they expect and then if you make one error in judgement, you are cast to depths of hell. In fact, I made an apology but that was not posted. So, I don’t know if this will get posted. I think I informed and enhanced this website. I apologize if you enjoyed my posts and videos. And, thank you for asking where I’ve been.

      Re: Kelly July 20, 2016 at 8:25 am
      I normally don’t post. I watch and read comments. Where Betsy been?

      • ospreyzone July 21, 2016 at 9:17 am - Reply

        Betsy, Your posts and contributions are valuable and greatly appreciated. I try to moderate by eliminating any negativity I can and by the way, I’m not the only moderator which might explain the lack of response. I don’t always have time to read everything that has been moderated by others and you can’t expect anyone to go through the 15,000 comments before they ask a question. Please, let’s just move forward and keep this friendly and positive and enjoy our gift. Thanks.

        • Betsy July 21, 2016 at 10:46 am - Reply

          Paul: Thank you. I understand. 15,000 is one heck of a lot of comments. I really do love OZ and am glad to be back.

          P.S. Please disregard my recent email to you. I wrote it in a pique of anger.

          • Monica July 21, 2016 at 3:36 pm - Reply

            Betsy – glad you’re back. I don’t always log on to view but did notice you weren’t on here. I appreciate your informative posts and videos 🙂

            • Betsy July 21, 2016 at 6:18 pm

              Thank you, Monica.

        • CarolV July 21, 2016 at 11:16 am - Reply

          And I’m happy to see you back! Just keep swimming-just keep deep breathing…

          • Betsy July 21, 2016 at 12:11 pm - Reply

            Thank you, Carol. You can’t believe over the past couple of days how many George bringing fish, how many flapping to get up in the air, how many wings outstretched and crossing over each other or whacking each other and Gracie in the head, how many pancaked chicks (Unos is the big scaredy cat — flattens with just about any slightest noise!!), and how many little funny moments of video I’ve copied.

            BTW, Gracie did a funny thing yesterday … after fussing with some of the plastic she actually SAT in the middle of the chicks for a minute!! Getting the start of empty-nest syndrome, maybe!

      • Wendy C. July 21, 2016 at 8:23 pm - Reply

        Betsy, The fact is, if you look back at my post, it’s dated July 17, 2016 not 2017 as you stated. I neither have control to date a post nor do I control where it is positioned. I just wanted to state this so there are no misconceptions. As Paul said, happy to have you back, let’s keep it positive and enjoy this wonderful site!

        Wendy C.

        • ospreyzone July 21, 2016 at 11:43 pm - Reply

          Just a tidbit of information to address the confusion: When I want a comment to remain on the top I have the ability to adjust the date to the future. Since the comments system displays in chronological order the comment will remain on the top. Eventually I will change the date back to original and the comment will fall back into it’s proper place. Sorry for the confusion. In addition, any replies will be attached to the original comment and will also remain with the original comment. I’m sure some of you already figured all that out. let’s stay focused and limit our conversations to our Ospreys and the wonders of nature. Thanks.

          • Wendy C. July 22, 2016 at 12:51 pm - Reply

            Thank you Paul for the explanation!
            Wendy C.

          • Wendy C. July 22, 2016 at 1:03 pm - Reply

            Thanks Paul for clearing that up with everyone, appreciate it! Again, you have given us an amazing view of the Osprey World and thank you for the time you invest in this wonderful project and learning experience for all of us!

            Wendy C.

    44. june c July 21, 2016 at 7:24 am - Reply

      is anyone keeping track on fledge dates guesses? If so mine are
      July 29 for A
      July 31 for B
      August 4 for Lil one

    45. CarolV July 21, 2016 at 6:29 am - Reply

      And the lens is gone again-about 3:30am

    46. Lady Di July 21, 2016 at 6:08 am - Reply

      6:05am, through the “poop” haze I can see the little guy eating (again). I don’t worry about the “little guy” so much anymore, he/she seems to have mastered the art of sneaking in and getting fed. I’ve seen him/her position on the other side of Gracie, essentially using Gracie as a barrier between #1, & #2. Also, he sometimes just waits it out, and gets the tail end (pardon the pun) of the feeding. And amazingly, sometimes I see him just sneak in there and get fed first, but I suspect most of those times, #1 & #2 just not so hungry. I do not see too much “pecking” going on.

      • Betsy July 21, 2016 at 6:25 pm - Reply

        Lady Di: I think you are right, I don’t worry about him/her too much at this point or of George’s ability to bring in a pretty good amount of fish. BTW, I liked when you called the poop shizzle better!! 😀

    47. Marlene July 20, 2016 at 11:48 pm - Reply

      Finally logged back on at 19:27, and #3 was being fed. One of the biggies — I think #2 — was also eating, and they were both having a little tug of war with a piece of sushi, but #2 won. That chick walked away and #3 continued. So, she had a good meal. She left to lie down and I think #1 came over to her and gave a little love peck, which suddenly turned nasty. I could tell from #3’s reaction that she was really caught off guard. I think it’s been pretty calm in the nest. She backed away, and then #3 pecked #2!. If I am correct in telling them apart, #2 has such a nice, calm disposition. While Gracie was feeding #2 and #3, someone squirted on her. I think George must’ve been on the perch and it might’ve been him. Poor Gracie! No respect. With the moonlight creating such a nice view of the nest at night, it’s amazing how much the chicks move around and stretch. I would think that Gracie is on the perch, keeping an eye on them. Wonder where George goes. Anyway, they truly are a beautiful family. Goodnight, everyone, and thanks for the fish counts.

    48. rjoneal July 20, 2016 at 10:22 pm - Reply

      7-20-16 Now hard to believe this is our Baby 3 flapping his wings!

    49. rjoneal July 20, 2016 at 10:20 pm - Reply

      7-20-16 bb1 flaps his wings

    50. June c July 20, 2016 at 10:01 pm - Reply

      While Gracie feeding A? B did a beautiful wing spread not just wing ,first time getting picture of tail feathers also spread out.

    51. rjoneal July 20, 2016 at 9:57 pm - Reply

      7-20-16 Reply- CarolIV- Love it Gracie and all of her moves baby learned from the best
      ____
      July 20, 2016 at 11:59 am – Reply
      Osprey tai-chi- Gracie must have taught him that….

    52. rjoneal July 20, 2016 at 9:53 pm - Reply

      7-20-16 Reply Karen DeLong, funny funny lady you better believe it. But I am also very active in lots of bird associations love all birds but Osprey is my number 1!
      Like you arent a little nutty about them? You have to be a little nutty too since I see your post. 🙂
      _______________
      Karen DeLong July 20, 2016 at 3:14 pm – Reply
      ? So you wouldn’t be a little nutty for our osprey family, now would you?

    53. SYLVIA July 20, 2016 at 9:33 pm - Reply

      Thanks rjoneal, it has been for me watching reruns late in the evening, and sometimes a quick peek when I can. Tonight our little Trey got a really good stuffing, but wanted more. Trey did seem satisfied and so did mom. That last fish was a large one and after several more stuffings of our biggies, Trey and mom got to eat some more. Then there was the ‘I want to sleep, but my big feet and long legs just need a little more stretching.’ That went on for a while and Trey did manage to accidentally poke a biggy in the thigh. That was a cute reaction by the biggie as it did the wiggle thing and squeaked some. Earlier one of the biggies was being fed and not fast enough and sounded off in a real adult voice. That was a turning point for me. Anyone notice that at feeding and during the little feed me chirping they do that if you listen there are three distinct voices. Trey is the easiest to recognize.

      Thank you to all the camera and support folks out there. This is a lovely (addictive) sight to watch. It makes my long commute to and from work seem better, can’t wait to get home, the cats, wildlife watered and checked on, and then house chores done before sitting down to backtrack a few hours until late and have to get ready for tomorrow.

      So little chicks and mom and dad, good night and eat well tomorrow is my wish for you.

      • SYLVIA July 20, 2016 at 9:37 pm - Reply

        Question: Is that another rope in the nest? The green thing? When did that arrive? One of the chicks was pulling it and another was standing on it and kept almost falling forward but was looking back as to tell the other one to stop.

    54. Claire July 20, 2016 at 9:10 pm - Reply

      Is there anything I can do, or any setting I can change so that the comments will be in order of date and time? Its so frustrating tying to find current comments each day that I’ve given up for now. Thanks for any help you can give me.

      • Betsy July 22, 2016 at 1:43 am - Reply

        Claire: Yes, it can get confusing with original posts and then any subsequent replies!! I sometimes use the keyword search tool (Google has it as “find” and I think IE does, also, and it may be as “search” on another browser). Press ctrl button plus F and a box should open and then put in the date that you want to find, e.g July x (but it must be written as “July” with a space then the date). The number of times that date appears will show — but not all of them are comments — and the date will be highlighted on the page, then either use the enter button or the cursor on the arrows on the find box to move from post to post.

    55. Monica July 20, 2016 at 8:39 pm - Reply

      Is it just me? Sometimes the little guy seems like he has grown to be ‘bigger’ than the middle one. Or is it because I’m watching on a full screen? lol

      Well, there was a pecking incident at about 7:53pm tonight. It was totally unprovoked. The funny thing is that #1 (or at least I think it was #1) tentatively pecked at the little guy’s head. And then went full blown pecking at the little guy. But, little guy stood up to him. Only reason I can think why he was pecked was because #1 wanted to lie down where #3 was. Geez!!

      I thought the pecking had stopped. But, I did notice that #3 still has that bald spot on the back of his neck. I wonder if any feathers will grow back on it. 🙂

    56. Margaret July 20, 2016 at 8:30 pm - Reply

      CarolV .. Big thank you for all your wonderful pictures and keeping us posted.. And to Rjoneal you both do an amazing job. I am not savoy with the computer so I admire all your talent

    57. Shar July 20, 2016 at 8:26 pm - Reply

      A interesting thing happened today – at 19:53 – The little chick was resting after being fed for quite awhile. The biggest chick, number 1, got through feeding – again – turned and made his/her way over and stood over the little one, pecked him very lightly on the head/beak a few times…….the little one shook his head but didn’t do anything, and then the big chick (no 1), unprovoked, really attacked and pecked little on his head! This time the little one stood up and ‘made himself big’, by stretching out his neck. Almost like he/she was going to stand up to big. Maybe little is getting brave as he/she is growing. Then little moved away, and was agitated, and turned and pecked number 2. She/he might be getting tired of getting picked on. So interesting to watch these Osprey’s. My first time watching a birdcam. Enjoying it. Thanks to the ppl who operate it!

    58. June c July 20, 2016 at 8:11 pm - Reply

      This is when Lil one stood up after being pecked ..walked away, no head down this time

      • Shar July 21, 2016 at 5:22 pm - Reply

        Love your picture! Number 1 is like ‘what’? You are standing up to me! lol

    59. Maryann July 20, 2016 at 8:10 pm - Reply

      Did anyone else see what incredible thing occurred at 7:45 pm ? It was unbelievable !!! The baby has definitely taken a stand against bullying. Baby was getting fed by Gracie –
      a huge fish, enough for everyone – when Uno decided to stroll up to the buffet. So baby instinctively moved away & laid down. After Uno finished, he approached the baby, started to peck it’s head and – READY? – it stood up, full height, and refused to be pecked anymore. Uno looked stunned, and then the baby actually started pecking No. 2, like “What are YOU
      looking at?” and stunned him too. She remained standing, Uno thought better of approaching her again, and went back to eating. I think she has had a breakthrough moment, where
      she decided she is not taking it anymore. I could learn so much from this bird, She totally has won my heart. It’s like she was saying “I know the rules, I did everything right, you wanted food so I stopped eating, I’m not a threat, you already took all my neck feathers out, and STILL I get pecked? I don’t think so!!! I need a life coach like her.

      • Shar July 21, 2016 at 5:23 pm - Reply

        Maryann, I saw it and loved it too!

    60. Margaret July 20, 2016 at 8:07 pm - Reply

      Very lovely evening sitting on my porch with a glass of wine watching OZ. I am thrilled to see peace in the nest !

    61. CarolV July 20, 2016 at 8:02 pm - Reply

      “You want a piece of this?” Trey was sleeping when Uno decided she needed to move. He pecked lightly a few times, then went in harder. Trey got up with attitude ! Uno took one look and waited till she turned for a good measure hit. Trey started to walk away, then took a swipe at poor innocent Dos!
      Calm down, baby…your feathers are just looking good!

      • CarolV July 20, 2016 at 8:05 pm - Reply

        Gracie needs a spa day…her legs are a mess from the fish…and these 3 are wearing her to a frazzle……

    62. june c July 20, 2016 at 8:01 pm - Reply

      around 19:53 after A had a good meal went over to the little one and started with the pecking..The big difference this time the Lil one did not put head down stood tall. Lil one gave B a little peck I guess he did it because he was there.

    63. Nancynb July 20, 2016 at 7:45 pm - Reply

      I can hardly tell 1 & 2 apart anymore. And 3 has nearly caught up to her brothers (yes, I am convinced they are 2 boys & a girl). I also think #2 takes a back seat at feedings more than #3 does. This is such a lovely distraction from the human world…thank you for erecting the camera !

    64. birdRJSviewer16 July 20, 2016 at 7:37 pm - Reply

      Struggle between #1 & #3. #1 won but after his/her full chick #3 had dinner all to himself

      • CarolV July 21, 2016 at 10:05 am - Reply

        Excellent! Love that view point…

    65. Bre July 20, 2016 at 7:33 pm - Reply

      Aww JuneC I Love the pic you posted “I see you looking at me” lol how adorable,good shot!

    66. Bre July 20, 2016 at 7:27 pm - Reply

      Whoops!! I apologize, i think my poem got sent twice on accident so sorry i didn’t think it went the first time, it’s to get a new mouse i have to sometimes press very hard,
      i have had it for ages lol again i’m sorry if took of space for other people’s comments. Thank you

      • june c July 21, 2016 at 7:12 am - Reply

        if it did it would be a joy to read it twice!

    67. CarolV July 20, 2016 at 7:24 pm - Reply

      7:18pm- Now THAT’S a fish! I think George let it swim while he guided it….

    68. Leanne July 20, 2016 at 7:23 pm - Reply

      July 20- 7:23 pm

      • rjoneal July 21, 2016 at 3:54 pm - Reply

        7-21-16 Leanne good pics today thank you for sharing!

    69. Leanne July 20, 2016 at 7:22 pm - Reply

      July 20- Dinner-

    70. Bre July 20, 2016 at 7:18 pm - Reply

      A Poem / for our babes Fledging

      “Flying in the wind”

      The gentle morning broke as the sun put out it’s lissome
      threads of red and bronze upon the nest.
      I felt that today, i was to be as one with this wind
      which has buffeted me strongly for the day now,
      and bent our frail bodies to it’s will.
      My brothers tried to move their wings against the skies,
      but failed to shake themselves from their anchor on the
      twigs crackling hard beneath our new bright talons.
      I raised them, my wings, my reason for being, feeling their
      feathers soft but brave and powerful, and jumped up, and
      jumped up again…
      I lifted, and felt stronger than before,pushed with my newly
      strengthened legs, and tried again: the greedy wind grasped
      me upwards, and above – I was flying at last, flying so that
      my breath was almost taken from me in the excitement
      of flight for the very first time.
      As I curved around the nest which had been my only home
      since i began, I felt one with myself the oneness of my being alive,
      of flying at long last in Nature’s true embrace – I was at Home in
      the world itself, and nothing could take this from me.

      • june c July 21, 2016 at 7:11 am - Reply

        BRE.. what a beautiful poem..you have captured the days events so perfectly…really loved it. Thank You, a tear of joy came over me.

      • Karen DeLong July 21, 2016 at 9:46 am - Reply

        WOW…. How sweet and true. Bless you Bre. My eyes are a mess.

      • ChrisH July 21, 2016 at 10:02 am - Reply

        Beautiful, Bre!! Like June, I got teary-eyed, too!

      • Robin July 21, 2016 at 4:54 pm - Reply

        Very beautiful!

      • Jackie Budris July 22, 2016 at 6:19 pm - Reply

        Bre,
        You captured the essence of early flight. How wonderfully talented you are. Thank you for this poem so dear to our hearts now. We will surely miss our beautiful
        fledgling’s but will have the memory of them in your insightful poem. Blessings and hugs.

    71. Susan Matteo July 20, 2016 at 6:51 pm - Reply

      Although I have never posted any comments, I have been watching since last year and have enjoyed all the wonderful and not so wonderful events. I had the honor to be on the Lewes – Cape May ferry over the 4th of July weekend and was truly blessed to see the nest at the ferry terminal. What a beautiful experience seeing an osprey right in front over me, Thanks to all that make this website possible! Sue

    72. barbara July 20, 2016 at 6:31 pm - Reply

      I also agree with Wendy. No matter what you do there are always those who want more! Last year there was no lens washing and you had to wait for mother nature. Now Tommy came up with something and some want more. You do realize he doesn’t have to share this site and I for one am glad he did and appreciate it.

    73. CarolV July 20, 2016 at 6:27 pm - Reply

      4:09pm-Drop and run-smallish, headless

      4:14pm- George is back with something he feeds the kids. Must have been small. He wouldn’t let Gracie have it. Trey got some of that.

      5:42pm- worth a picture!Trey started on it, got booted, then, was back for a long feed.

    74. Lady Di July 20, 2016 at 5:47 pm - Reply

      Random observation, but the little guy sees to get the first feeding a lot more these days. Pecking order may be leveling off a bit.

    75. rjoneal July 20, 2016 at 5:34 pm - Reply

      7-20-16 bb2 what a cutie !!

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