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An Intro to OspreyZone

The Story of DDT

Osprey Rescue

2020 Clips

Bald Eagles Visit Nest

Ospreyzone Highlights: May 21-29, 2020

OspreyZone Highlights: May 15-20, 2020 - The Intruder

OspreyZone Highlights: May 7th-14th, 2020

OspreyZone Highlights: April 15-21, 2020

OspreyZone Yankee

March 18, 2016 Timelapse

The Summer of 2015 by GinaM

Osprey Rescue Extended - July 30, 2015

Osprey Zone Highlights - June 28, 2015

Osprey Zone Highlights - June 19, 2015

osprey 07/11/15 squirt

First Sighting

George and Gracie's First Baby

Eggs Over Easy

Changing of the Guard

Breakfast is Served

Upgrading

Feeding Time

First Love

Let's Hang Out

Hard to Get

Little Brother

Intruder

Dinner is Served

OspreyZone Montage

OspreyZone Highlights: George Returns

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Please be advised that nature can be brutal – viewer discretion is advised.
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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

    52,587 Comments

    1. Leanne July 23, 2016 at 12:02 pm - Reply

      July 23- 12:02 pm

      • Betsy July 23, 2016 at 1:40 pm - Reply

        OMG 😀 😀

        • Betsy July 23, 2016 at 1:41 pm - Reply

          Gotta add more: 😀 😀 😀 😀

          • Leanne July 23, 2016 at 7:53 pm - Reply

            July 23- 7:51 pm- He got air but this is as close to a screenshot that I could get. 🙂 It looks like he’s on the edge but he is actually just “landing” 🙂 I have a video but dont know how to post it. 🙂

            • Betsy July 24, 2016 at 8:13 am

              Leanne: Upload it to YouTube then post the link that you’re given.

      • CarolV July 23, 2016 at 1:55 pm - Reply

        WOW!

      • june c July 23, 2016 at 4:27 pm - Reply

        Great wing shot..my favorites.

      • rjoneal July 23, 2016 at 8:03 pm - Reply

        7-23-16 Reply – Leanne the picture with wings open awesome pic love it!
        pic taken at July 23- 12:02 pm

    2. Marlene July 23, 2016 at 11:48 am - Reply

      George brought a nice size whole fish to the family at 9:11. Peanut was the first to eat, then stepped away when the biggies came for food. She returned when they were done, so she had a good meal. There were a lot of close-up views of the babies this morning. They all are facing the camera. Maybe that’s because of the way the wind is blowing. It’s going to be a real hot day today.

    3. CarolV July 23, 2016 at 9:48 am - Reply

      Good chicky,,,,you vill looook into my eyes…you vill Not notice the little von eating behind you…….
      Gorgeous eyes

      • CarolV July 23, 2016 at 9:54 am - Reply

        PPPSSSSSTTTTTTT1 YOU……it didn’t work. TY for trying…..

        • CarolV July 23, 2016 at 12:12 pm - Reply

          Hi! Everyone else came to say hello to you….

        • Betsy July 23, 2016 at 1:44 pm - Reply

          Look at the time of my post … I’m up to 9:50 am on the video stream!!!! … Trey gets back to eat some more just now!! 😀 😀

    4. DarDar July 23, 2016 at 9:30 am - Reply

      I meant 7/22 not 9/22 sorry.

      • CarolV July 23, 2016 at 1:53 pm - Reply

        Thought you went alternate time-zone on us…

    5. DarDar July 23, 2016 at 9:28 am - Reply

      To reply to OZ question from 9/22 I am having a freezing-up problem with video in short spurts for 2 days now. Refreshing does not help nor removing site completely . Not complaining but answering question. At 9:11 whole large fish in Lil up front with 5 min until Uno moves in and Lil steps aside for now but Dos stays back. Kinda normal,

    6. Rose July 23, 2016 at 9:28 am - Reply

      July 23 9:27 a.m. Is anyone else having a problem watching the cam today. I only have a black screen.

      I can’t believe how big Trey has gotten!

    7. CarolV July 23, 2016 at 9:23 am - Reply

      Arrival-9:11:18- Hittin’ the gigantos again George! Head-on beauty!

      • CarolV July 23, 2016 at 9:57 am - Reply

        Every one ate well. Big fish, happy beaks……

    8. SYLVIA July 23, 2016 at 9:15 am - Reply

      Thank you CarolV…appreciate you so much and all your comments and pictures too!

      AND I want to thank everyone for all their pictures and comments about the fish and nest activities yesterday; I did not get a chance at all to even have one peek. So am catching up now for a few minutes. Went back this morning to that earlier fish where Trey got the tail piece. Enjoyed watching that kid eat. I too am concerned about Trey’s overall body condition; just keep hoping the fishing stays good for dad so there is some buildup of a little overall body fat for flight fuel. With this continued heat…down here in the Chesapeake Bay many fish go deeper and feed shallow late evening thru early morning. Unless they be pond type fish, even in middle of day they are hiding in the overgrown edges for shade.

      This little one appears to have abundant smarts and problem solving skills, as the other two use brute force. Hope upon fledging Trey is quick enough to outwit fish robbers.

      I appreciate all the camera and other support too. Thank you to everyone out there.

      • CarolV July 23, 2016 at 1:51 pm - Reply

        Yesterdays photos probably didn’t download yet when you posted. There is at least one shot of Trey which will makeyou laugh and worry less! She had an excellent day and is doing well so far today. George hit the mother lode of big fish lately!
        Hope things are good with you

    9. CarolV July 23, 2016 at 8:55 am - Reply

      Detente
      And Trey’s ‘do is fab-u-lous………

    10. CarolV July 23, 2016 at 8:42 am - Reply

      Just putting it out there. I know I already use gender specific pronouns for Trey. But now I’m going with Uno being female. too; Dos being male; and staying with Trey as female. Just my opinion….

      • Karen DeLong July 23, 2016 at 2:15 pm - Reply

        Yep, yep!! #1 has markings like mommy on her neck/chest.

      • Margaret July 23, 2016 at 3:18 pm - Reply

        CarolV, I’m with you 100%. That has been my feeling all along. Dos is so sleek and all business.He appears to be a bird built for flight and fishing. Uno is def a female. Kinda thicker and extremely competitive. Our Trey has to be a tough little female that just won’t let the world kick her tail feathers. She mimics Gracie so much with her vocals that i have to feel she is a female built for survival. Can you imagine if she has her own family. I hope she remembers her struggles in the “pecking order” so that she can monitor and help assure her own chicks’ survival based on her own struggle for survival.

    11. CarolV July 23, 2016 at 8:28 am - Reply

      Thought we lost someone! Till I saw tail tip on right. Where’s Waldo, indeed! Love the pose on center chick. Was just a commotion. Couldn’t tell if intruder or if George is near-by. Mini-G is continuing the call.

      • CarolV July 23, 2016 at 10:07 am - Reply

        Then, I thought this was a good-bye wave…Much flapping, then other chicks looked over towards that side. Commotion of Gracie dropping in, George arriving, and only 2 chicks in sight!
        Then the third head appeared,,,,,,I am not cut out for this foster aunt stress! They probably will wait till I go back to work anyway…..

    12. CarolV July 23, 2016 at 8:08 am - Reply

      Sylvia-My heart and prayers go out to you. Glad this site gives you a moment’s peace from that turmoil. Wishing you, your husband, and fur babies,well.

      Betsy- Hope your Andy is safe back with you.

      Leesa-George is only hunter. He supplied fish since they took up residence this spring.

      Isobel. I agree. Watching the deconstruction of these fish is difficult
      And to anyone who has commented on pictures posted, or comments said,by me,,,,I appreciate all of you, too.Enjoy all of the view points expressed .

      • Betsy July 23, 2016 at 9:37 am - Reply

        CarolV: Thank you, but Andy’s not back yet. I was up half the night … nothing 🙁

        • CarolV July 23, 2016 at 1:46 pm - Reply

          BETSY: I’ve had missing cats before. I know the feeling…He’s probably just scared and hiding. Good luck…..

          • Betsy July 23, 2016 at 7:24 pm - Reply

            CarolV: Thank you. I know, I did cat and kitten rescue for many many years and I’ve had several of my own get out throughout the years, but I always get that sick in the pit of my stomach feeling 🙁

    13. CarolV July 23, 2016 at 7:53 am - Reply

      Fledge skedge-

      7/22-gone-sorry, kathleen —————— 7/30-#2 Honey-Jara

      7/23-#1-7:45a-KathleenS———————7/31-#2-JuneC
      7/24-#1-Uno-CarolV—————————8/03-#3-Trey-CarolV
      7/26 -#2-Dos-CarolV—————————8/04-#3-Lil’ One#3-JuneC
      7/27-#1-Bruiser-Jara—————————8/05-#3-Tiger-Jara
      …….#2-KathleenS 9:35a
      7/29-#1-JuneC

      • CarolV July 23, 2016 at 7:58 am - Reply

        ADD-7/31-#3-KathleenS-#2-12:11p

        • CarolV July 23, 2016 at 9:38 am - Reply

          And I gotta get a clearer system

    14. DarDar July 23, 2016 at 7:39 am - Reply

      Sat am 6:40.Big headless fish. Little got to finish off tail section,grabbed the very big tail and gets an A+ for tearing fish meat off by himself and Mom was even impressed! Yeah you show um little(cause he has had a lot of time just watching ).

      • rjoneal July 23, 2016 at 8:07 pm - Reply

        7-23-16 Reply – DarDar thanks for the update!
        Sat am 6:40.Big headless fish. Little got to finish off tail section,grabbed the very big tail and gets an A+ for tearing fish meat off by himself and Mom was even impressed! Yeah you show um little(cause he has had a lot of time just watching ).

    15. CarolV July 23, 2016 at 7:24 am - Reply

      By the dawn’s early light
      I thought maybe there would be leftovers for breakfast, but they must have been mid-night munching.It looked like Gracie stayed in the nest pretty late, which she hasn’t lately.

    16. CarolV July 23, 2016 at 6:45 am - Reply

      6:40am-Out of the sun-

      • CarolV July 23, 2016 at 7:15 am - Reply

        Trey had a small feed at the end of the fish. She spent a lot of time preening bursting out feathers. That full meal yesterday must have pushed them thru!
        Gracie gave her the tail to work on, which she seems to be enjoying.

        • CarolV July 23, 2016 at 7:27 am - Reply

          Gracie took back the tail, after watching Trey work at it, There is much protesting from Mini-G- no surprise.

    17. Betsy July 23, 2016 at 5:47 am - Reply

      Chick #2 does early morning winger-sizing.

      https://youtu.be/a4huTJyxXRI

    18. Susan July 23, 2016 at 12:23 am - Reply

      I just wanted to thank those who have made this rewarding experience possible for all to see. I wake up every morning and check on these darlings hoping that I didn’t miss anyone’s departure. I have watched them from the egg stage and it will be bitter sweet when they have all flown off. I especially adore the smallest, who I call, Baby Boo, 🙂

    19. CarolV July 22, 2016 at 11:56 pm - Reply

      In the waning Buck Moon

      • CarolV July 22, 2016 at 11:58 pm - Reply

        Waning Buck Moon-
        Honest….

        • rjoneal July 23, 2016 at 9:49 pm - Reply

          7-23-16 reply-CarolV nice Buck Moon picture ! 🙂

      • CarolV July 23, 2016 at 6:00 am - Reply

        Mistake photo is from 7/10..

        • Betsy November 9, 2017 at 11:27 am - Reply

          CarolV: Mistake photo is from 7/21!!

    20. rjoneal July 22, 2016 at 9:55 pm - Reply

      7-22-16 look how cute !

      • june c July 23, 2016 at 10:03 am - Reply

        love the pic.

        • rjoneal July 23, 2016 at 8:16 pm - Reply

          7-23-16 Reply- June c thanks I am glad you are here with us again get watch the 2nd set of siblings fledge any day now. Remeber how exciting it was when Ronnie and Sandy went to fish on there own and perch in the nest and would eat the fish. Wont be long !

      • CarolV July 23, 2016 at 1:43 pm - Reply

        Matching crowns!

    21. rjoneal July 22, 2016 at 9:53 pm - Reply

      7-22-16 bb1 looking at something and stretches that neck.

    22. Marlene July 22, 2016 at 9:35 pm - Reply

      So, I saw the following late this afternoon:
      16:34: Whole fish – #3 ate first and a lot; #2 and #3 came for din-din, but #3 was still hungry. She looked afraid of getting pecked, so very smartly she waited until the others were full, then she returned to finish her dinner. However, #3 went for more and after awhile #1 went to peck her. Our bully goes out of his way to track #3.
      18:11: Big fish. Our favorite baby ate very good, until #1 came along.
      18:49: Small fish, which almost entirely went to #3.
      20:41: Huge headless fish. Think they were all kind of full, so Gracie finally got to eat and also some went to #1. Four fish in an hour – great job, George!! At least they all had a good share tonight and should be tired from all of that wing flapping.

      • rjoneal July 23, 2016 at 8:12 pm - Reply

        7-23-16 Reply- Marlene you have been doing awesome job updates and info on the nest love to read your comments!

    23. DarDar July 22, 2016 at 9:19 pm - Reply

      A very odd last feeding at 8:43 pm……..wow. Fri nite. Did anyone else feel this way?

    24. Arlene July 22, 2016 at 9:16 pm - Reply

      at 9 pm tonight George delivered a fish to Gracie and she did not seem to want to feed it to the chicks…she ate most of it herself and only 1 chick was looking to eat..she gave him some but.then he seemed to give up…not sure which chick it was…they are almost the same size now 🙂

      • CarolV July 23, 2016 at 6:33 am - Reply

        They were stuffed and sleeping. If there is fish,Gracie feeds when they ask for it…and only one asked.

    25. CarolV July 22, 2016 at 9:05 pm - Reply

      8:41pm- And the biggest one of the day! Headless but huge…….Gracie’s shakin’ her booty!

    26. CarolV July 22, 2016 at 7:40 pm - Reply

      Uno got a little exercise…

    27. CarolV July 22, 2016 at 7:32 pm - Reply

      Dare I list? Is George done?———7:06am; 7:58am; 9:17am; 2:19pm; 4:34pm; 5:25pm; 6:11pm; 6:48pm
      Someone will let me know if I missed any. TY

    28. CarolV July 22, 2016 at 7:12 pm - Reply

      6:49pm- small, whole- Trey only taker…

      • CarolV July 22, 2016 at 7:14 pm - Reply

        And where is she putting it? No crying in her seaweed bed tonight!

        • CarolV July 22, 2016 at 7:26 pm - Reply

          “I can’t believe she ate the WHOLE thing!”- The Biggies are incredulous again! With this AND the mantling incident, they don’t know the baby anymore!

    29. CarolV July 22, 2016 at 6:19 pm - Reply

      6:11pm- large. whole fish…GO, DADDY-O!
      I’m having difficulty with the Biggies. The wind is blowing so steady, feathers are swirling! And the platform is swaying…..

    30. LynD July 22, 2016 at 5:49 pm - Reply

      5:30 p.m. – After being totally shut out from 2 prior feedings, our LilBit found a rather large morsel left in the nest and really tried as hard as she could to get
      it down her throat. Uno came along as you would guess, and tried to get that morsel, and succeeded with a bad pecking and “turtleing” up of LilBit. LilBit is
      surviving, but not flourishing as she should, in my opinion. This lack of food, and being defeated at just about every feeding, I feel is having its impact. Gracie is oblivious
      or doesn’t particularly care if LilBit gets her fair share. Most of the time if she eats, its the dregs left over that the Biggies are too full to eat. LilBit is a 3rd wheel on a 2 wheel bike. I’m just hoping against fate that after these two fledge, there will be some time for LilBit to catch up, and more attention paid to her by both Gracie and George. We can only hope, right? Pushing and praying for ya, LilBit!

    31. CarolV July 22, 2016 at 5:37 pm - Reply

      5:25pm- George in with a chewed over hunk…I mean a small headless fish. Trey went right in and was being fed when…….

      • CarolV July 22, 2016 at 5:41 pm - Reply

        Trey took it from Gracie! She went to top edge and was guarding it !!!!!!!! Both Dos and Uno went to look at her, as if they couldn’t believe their eyes! But no one bothered her!

    32. CarolV July 22, 2016 at 5:12 pm - Reply

      4:34pm-Medium, head on fish. Trey got 5 mins. to start fish, with Gracie. Mostly head pieces, which I think are supposed to be higher in protein.

      • CarolV July 22, 2016 at 5:15 pm - Reply

        Is that a teen-age rebel with a Mohawk?
        Needless to say, Biggies ate well again.

    33. CarolV July 22, 2016 at 4:07 pm - Reply

      It’s gotta be hard fishing in those choppy waters. The fishing boats here didn’t even try making it thru the Shinnecock Inlet.

    34. Marlene July 22, 2016 at 3:26 pm - Reply

      I scrolled back to 11:00 a.m., and the only fish I saw that was caught by George was at 14:19 — a whole head fish. Not a bad size, but maybe only 3 bites for #3. She must be pretty hungry. I wonder if the wind makes fishing difficult for ospreys. Hope he is on the hunt now.

    35. Dorothy July 22, 2016 at 3:20 pm - Reply

      Just watcedh either #1 or #2 take the rest of the fish from the parent to eat by themselves. The little guy tried several times to be fed by the parent only to be run off. After the food steal he tried again but no luck. Mom (?) called for another fish but service isn’t too good at the moment. Maye it’s harder to see the fish when it’s windy like right now.

    36. CarolV July 22, 2016 at 2:27 pm - Reply

      14:19- Med.size, head on….Uno thought (s)he was taking over…got a haha from Gracie
      Long wait….

      • CarolV July 22, 2016 at 3:22 pm - Reply

        Uno made it his(her) business to cut Trey out again. Uno was playing in the wind; Dos was being fed. Gracie made efforts to reach out to Trey with fish. When Uno saw that, (s)he turned back to start feeding again.
        And now (s)he’s between Trey and Gracie while Dos continues to eat. Trey is in a plastic whirlwind. Prob thinks she’s being attacked.

        She started eating right after this picture. No impediment but the%#**@ plastic blowing in this crazy wind. Hope practice stays low-key for today!
        Note; Check in background for the steal- Uno from Dos….
        Fortunately, this fish was bigger than it looked at first. Broad and thick, as opposed to long
        Trey had about 5 mins. eating before Uno was back and finished the fish.

    37. CarolV July 22, 2016 at 12:26 pm - Reply

      On alert with Mom..watching the sky…
      They look like hood ornaments….

    38. CarolV July 22, 2016 at 12:17 pm - Reply

      Uno at practice. Very windy-glad they’re staying low.

    39. Paula July 22, 2016 at 12:05 pm - Reply

      Hi All,

      Please don’t take this as criticism or complaining, well maybe a little complaining, but I sure hope you get the video feed fixed because I really think that one of the biggies (#2) is gonna fly today and I know no one wants to miss it, especially you!

      Thank you for all you do to provide this site, it is really a great one!

      • ospreyzone July 23, 2016 at 12:21 am - Reply

        Anyone else having video problems?

        • Betsy July 23, 2016 at 3:31 am - Reply

          Yes, Paul, the jumping and choppiness is back and a couple of days ago it was doing the time warp thing … George brought 2 headless fish seconds apart — would have been something in real life!! 😀 It even does it in the middle of the night. Some seconds are long and some seconds are short and sometimes it skips a few seconds after the long seconds or a whole bunch of seconds go by as if playing on fast forward.

          • ospreyzone July 23, 2016 at 7:58 am - Reply

            Thanks, not sure where the problem is, looking into it, could be a number of things. My Mac seems to be fine, my windows laptop has problems.

            • Betsy July 23, 2016 at 9:24 am

              You’re welcome Paul. It seems to be good this morning since around 4 am.

        • CarolV July 23, 2016 at 6:30 am - Reply

          Yes.Thought it was cable.Was jumpy off and on. Then started breaking down and going green screen. OK right now @6:30am

        • NancyT July 23, 2016 at 7:27 am - Reply

          Yesterday there was a lot of stopping/starting for me. Smooth today so far. Thank you!

        • Paula July 23, 2016 at 8:23 am - Reply

          Hi All,

          I noticed after reading the comments that I’m the only one with problems. I’ve tried to fix it but no luck. Maybe you can tell me how to fix it!

          I have a green screen with very little movement. I can hear the video, I just can’t see it.
          If you go to the scroll bar you can see the pictures clearly but tiny.

          If you could help it would be appreciated,

          • ospreyzone July 23, 2016 at 1:03 pm - Reply

            I’m having the same problem with Internet Explorer on my windows machine. Try a different browser.

        • Bobbie July 23, 2016 at 12:13 pm - Reply

          Yes Paul – having video problems. Green screen with Internet Explorer. No problem with Google Chrome.

          • ospreyzone July 23, 2016 at 12:59 pm - Reply

            IE seems to be my problem, Firefox works fine. seems something has changed on our streaming end.

          • Betsy July 23, 2016 at 1:23 pm - Reply

            That’s weird because I use Google Chrome and still have issues with jumping for the last several days and green screen today several times. Going to install and try Firefox now … will report back.

            • Betsy July 23, 2016 at 1:31 pm

              I just installed Firefox … still jumpy at same spots as Google Chrome. I’m on a Windows laptop and have Optimum (Altice) as my ISP.

        • Ed July 24, 2016 at 6:36 am - Reply

          no video at all for 3 days

    40. CarolV July 22, 2016 at 11:48 am - Reply

      no peeking!

    41. Kathleen S July 22, 2016 at 11:08 am - Reply

      Fledge predictions –

      Chick #1 – July 22, 7:45 PM (or July 23, 7:45 AM)
      Chick #2 – July 27, 9:35 AM
      Chick #3 – July 31, 12:11 PM

    42. Leesa July 22, 2016 at 11:06 am - Reply

      Question for some of you that are more knowledgeable. Does Gracie still totally depend on George for all of her fish, or does she sometimes go out now and catch her own? Seems like she is always feeding babies, and that she doesn’t get enough for herself. She and George are such awesome parents! But I was just wondering about that. Thanks for any feedback.

      • Betsy July 23, 2016 at 4:44 am - Reply

        Leesa: Gracie is still dependent on George for fish.

        “… many times the mother sacrifices her meal times to feed the begging chicks, in literature you can find data showing that females Ospreys loose [sic] about 30% weight while raising young, the male don’t do [sic] that sacrifice, after all he needs to go fishing and spent all that energy, flying, fishing and taking food to the nest.” http://www.osprey-watch.org/nests/4657

        “Small broods demand less food than do large broods, and there is a significant loss of weight in adults, especially females, when too many chicks are begging for food. Competition among chicks, and caution on the part of osprey parents, are the major reasons why ospreys don’t raise large broods in the manner of ducks or chickens.” http://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/blog/osprey-cam-update-three-eggs-have-hatched-5017

        Unlike male Ospreys, females have been found to reduce their food consumption and suffer increased mass loss when provisioning experimentally enlarged broods (Poole 1989). The results of this study (although not statistically significant) support the conclusion that females do alter their behaviour and incur an energetic cost when provisioning enlarged broods. Female Ospreys weigh 30% more than males and lose a substantially higher proportion of their body mass while caring for nestlings (Poole 1989). The sex-specific response to brood enlargements may therefore result because mass loss does not have the same consequences for male and female Ospreys. Alternatively, female Ospreys may respond to brood enlargements as they are able to regain mass lost during the nestling period while caring for fledglings, an opportunity that males, who continue to capture the majority of fish eaten by fledglings, probably do not have. http://www.avibirds.com/pdf/V/Visarend2.pdf

        I think George and Gracie are awesome parents, too!!

    43. Kathleen July 22, 2016 at 10:29 am - Reply

      At 8:37, it did my <3 good to see lil bit refuse any more food. She's has quite a full crop.

    44. Monica July 22, 2016 at 10:28 am - Reply

      Good Morning!!

      The little guy fed very very well this morning. This is the first time I’m viewing early in the morning (well, early for me….lol). I’m so happy for the little guy; he’s my favorite!! 🙂

    45. GinaM July 22, 2016 at 9:50 am - Reply

      I wonder if they can see their reflection in the camera glass and they are looking at themselves? Especially when they make such goofy faces into it?

    46. June c July 22, 2016 at 9:22 am - Reply

      3rd. Feeding. George looks so handsome …

    47. CarolV July 22, 2016 at 9:17 am - Reply

      9:17am….Hard working George….looks like good sized, headless.

      • CarolV July 22, 2016 at 9:18 am - Reply

        Gracie is grateful….as always

        • CarolV July 22, 2016 at 9:31 am - Reply

          I think Gracie was raised in a tough neighborhood….or a big family

        • CarolV July 22, 2016 at 9:36 am - Reply

          12 minute fish..Trey didn’t even try. Good think she’s stuffed from last one.

    48. Helen July 22, 2016 at 9:04 am - Reply

      Looking at George with three babies right now – wind whipping through their feathers!

    49. June c July 22, 2016 at 9:04 am - Reply

      Now that’s breakfast..2nd fish

    50. Kelly July 22, 2016 at 8:58 am - Reply

      Glad to see videos from Betsy again!!!!!! Thank u!

    51. DarDar July 22, 2016 at 8:53 am - Reply

      Fri am: 7:06 whole fish, Little “0”. 7:57 big whole lively fish little first 6 min fed a little and #l biggie learning to tear big pieces up #2 really chowing down and little and Mom finish it up. All well fed on this one.Good ole George.

    52. isobel July 22, 2016 at 8:12 am - Reply

      Cant believe my eyes. About 8am George delivered a large fish. When Gracie had removed the head etc. the poor fish started flapping around.Not a pretty sight Im afraid.

    53. CarolV July 22, 2016 at 8:02 am - Reply

      7:58amEDT—GOOD ONE,GEORGE! And Trey is right there, smiling

      • CarolV July 22, 2016 at 8:16 am - Reply

        Dos got a piece stuck on his beak. Was kind of funny watching him getting it off.

        • CarolV July 22, 2016 at 8:21 am - Reply

          Sorry, wrong pic. Hit send by mistake I guess. Don’t like taking unnecessary space

          • CarolV July 22, 2016 at 8:25 am - Reply

            Trey is eating as Uno approaches; look where she goes. Uno keeps coming and going, so Trey is in prime location.Gracie seems to be throwing out chunks to encourage foraging/self-feeding.

    54. CarolV July 22, 2016 at 7:14 am - Reply

      7:06am- First fish of the day. Not so big. George headed straight back out. Maybe he remembers where he got this one?

      • CarolV July 22, 2016 at 7:24 am - Reply

        That fish was gone in ten mins. All Biggies, all the way. Trey expressed her opinion to Gracie. She did a little foraging, but couldn’t tell if she found anything.

        • CarolV July 22, 2016 at 7:49 am - Reply

          I think Trey was telling Gracie that it sucks being the low bird on the fishing pole

        • SYLVIA July 22, 2016 at 11:34 am - Reply

          Thanks CarolV, I miss so much even when I am home. Have 3 elderly ill cats and husband has been to hospital – taken 2 cats to vets twice this week, Will take the third today too. Between stress at home and commute to-from work I just mostly re-wind in evenings to see what has been happening. Love and appreciate all the comments about Trey getting food. Thanks.

      • Helen July 22, 2016 at 9:03 am - Reply

        Great shot CarolV!

    55. CarolV July 22, 2016 at 6:16 am - Reply

      Look at all those sprouting feathers!!! Hope this shows well, cause Trey doesn’t pose often.

      • june c July 22, 2016 at 8:53 am - Reply

        Lets hope he keeps them!

      • Susan G. July 22, 2016 at 2:12 pm - Reply

        I had no idea he had such a large bare spot! Poor thing has perseverance!

    56. CarolV July 22, 2016 at 6:09 am - Reply

      When did those gorgeous leg feathers fill in?

      • Margaret July 22, 2016 at 9:06 am - Reply

        Probably over night at the rate these birds are growing. Finding Trey is becoming a challenge 🙂

        • Betsy July 23, 2016 at 4:57 am - Reply

          Margaret: Yes, finding Trey is becoming a challenge … but that’s not a picture of Trey — that’s chick #2!! 😀 S/he was winger-sizing at 5:45 am (yesterday 7/22).Trey’s the one in the corner of the picture with chick #1 to his/her left.

    57. rjoneal July 21, 2016 at 10:12 pm - Reply

      7-21-16 Reply – in that pic it is so funny since bb3 is always mimicking Gracie perfect shot.
      _______________
      CarolV July 21, 2016 at 4:46 pm – Reply
      What is it Mom-Need help?

      • CarolV July 22, 2016 at 5:56 am - Reply

        I do have tolaugh sometimes. That’s why I sometimes call her Mini-G

    58. rjoneal July 21, 2016 at 10:09 pm - Reply

      7-21-16 pic is after George brings in the bedtime fish and Gracie tells him to leave he flys off and all in the nest look and watch George leave!

      • june c July 22, 2016 at 9:17 am - Reply

        “Where u going Dad”

      • MD July 22, 2016 at 10:37 am - Reply

        this is a great shot!

      • Leesa July 22, 2016 at 10:57 am - Reply

        That is an awesome picture!

    59. Marlene July 21, 2016 at 9:54 pm - Reply

      George brought a headless fish to the nest at 19:45. So, #1 ate first, then #2 jointed in; then, #2 flapped and hopped all over the nest. Looks like it’ll be helicopter time! #3 was flapping at the same time #1 was eating. Then, #1 went to explore the nest, and #3 got quite a bit to eat before bedtime. All ate well. They are just so adorable!!

    60. Marlene July 21, 2016 at 9:36 pm - Reply

      CarolV, love that May 7th photo. Priceless!!

    61. CarolV July 21, 2016 at 8:46 pm - Reply

      So I got %;30am; 7:50am (first 2 heard, not seen) 9:46am; 10:27am; 12:05pm; 2:50pm; and 7:45pm……did I miss any?

    62. birdRJSviewer16 July 21, 2016 at 8:29 pm - Reply

      Wow at 8:20 it way mayhem ??. Chick #1 way trying to fly and kept hitting chick #2 who tried to keep his/her balance while chick #3 had a hugh piece of fish and I thought was going to choke.?? Mom tried to help but he/she said “no this piece is mine”. #3 ate it. ??

    63. Betsy July 21, 2016 at 8:28 pm - Reply

      CarolV and All: I’m not putting in a fledge date guess, but I’m going with chick #2 as the first to fledge. You don’t know how badly I wanted to say that I thought chick #2 was the most ambitious … as soon as s/he was standing wobbly and flapping her/his wings (with a wuaaack after!!) while chick #1 was “lounging” around eating fish bonbons!! 😀 Here’s video from June 5th with chick #2 standing in the middle of the nest, flapping her/his wings … listen for the “wuaaack’ after — it’s the cutest!! (It was part of a whole bunch of segments that I had planned to use to make a full “Highlight of the Day” video for July 5th).

      P.S. See how much the chicks have changed!!

      And, even though the video is for everyone, Bre I think it will mean more to you because even though I haven’t finished reading the comments, from scanning I think your Ray of sunshine is your favorite!!

      https://youtu.be/L5eOmo9FcNM

      • Betsy July 21, 2016 at 8:34 pm - Reply

        And, the sneezing you hear is chick #1!!

      • Betsy July 21, 2016 at 9:08 pm - Reply

        Video is from July 5th!! not June 5th!! June 5th chick #2 was just newly hatched!!!

        Holy cr*p … I went and looked at it (the June 5th video) and oh my gosh … I just need to post it 🙂 At the end of the video that’s chick #1 facing toward us and #2 is the curled up ball of a chick!! Wow …

      • Leesa July 22, 2016 at 11:03 am - Reply

        So cute, Betsy, thanks for posting. They look so small in this video compared to now!!

    64. Wendy C. July 21, 2016 at 8:28 pm - Reply

      Deborah,

      Your post is exactly what this site is all about; learning and teaching a generation who until recently have not had the honor of peering into the window of the osprey world.. Thank you for teaching our new generation about the balance of nature and showing them that their “little” world is more about kindness and understanding than about video games and social media. Teachers make such an impact on our little ones and I’m thrilled that you are using this wonderful teaching tool in your class! ??

      Wendy C.

    65. Donna July 21, 2016 at 8:26 pm - Reply

      A nice flounder @ 19:45. The littlest got a huge piece from Gracie and had a hard time getting it down. Gracie tried to help out and take it back but it wasn’t having any of that! I have it and it’s mine now! It got it down finally. Then another piece with difficulty because of the size. We have the oldest who is taking small lift-offs.

    66. PattyK July 21, 2016 at 8:24 pm - Reply

      7-21-16 watched feed from 7″23 till 8: 19pm….simply love the tenacity and smarts of Lil one!!! Hopefully someone captures the scenexoxoxox

    67. GinaM July 21, 2016 at 8:22 pm - Reply

      Exciting viewing! #3 scarfed down a gigantic piece of fish- Gracie was trying to help but he walked away with it until he swallowed it. In the meantime #1 flapped, hovered and went out of screen shot for a second. Then he landed again. Meanwhile, #2 watched it all shaking his head saying, “these guys are nuts.”
      It was about 8:20 pm

    68. June c July 21, 2016 at 8:08 pm - Reply

      Lil one took fish from A…Good job Lil one!

    69. CarolV July 21, 2016 at 7:52 pm - Reply

      7:45pm BIG sigh….I rarely worry about George, but……Big, poosibly flounder. Hungry mouths….
      Unless I missed it fish, it’s been 5? hours….

      • CarolV July 21, 2016 at 8:06 pm - Reply

        Is George on the perch? Looks like Trey is appealing to him, as that fluke disappears rapidly.

      • CarolV July 21, 2016 at 8:15 pm - Reply

        Desperate baby appealing to Uno…

        • CarolV July 21, 2016 at 8:20 pm - Reply

          Trey just counted Biggies in her view, looked around and realized the coast was clear! She RAN with happy squeaks to eat..and plenty left! Yay!

          • CarolV July 21, 2016 at 8:32 pm - Reply

            Trey ate and ate-chunks! Had a chunk almost as big already-part of this is down. She won’ take Gracie help. And big kid that she is, she reworked position till it went down! And ate more!

            • Betsy July 22, 2016 at 7:23 am

              One video coming up!!

    70. Rob Bierregaard July 21, 2016 at 6:51 pm - Reply

      Hey Ospreyzoners,
      I’m back from my week up at Hog Island, watching Rachel and Steve from right below–and in!–their nest. I was pretty busy and didn’t have time to check in with George, Gracie and their brood. Things look good! I think the little guy should be called “Baldy” ;-). I love all the pics that you’ve captured and posted. Amazing that the young are helicoptering that high off the nest, but when you think about how windy it is up there in the stratosphere, not too surprising. They’d better be careful or we may have a premature 1st flight!
      Would someone remind me when the eggs hatched?
      Thanks!

      • CarolV July 22, 2016 at 5:48 am - Reply

        Just wanted to say hi and glad you’re keeping track of us. I’m just curious about our chronic sneezer, #1. I know sneezing is a natural reaction to the dust and feather debris that is shed during feather development, but his is way beyond the occasional sneeze. Is it likely to effect him in any way? He seems fine otherwise.Except for sounding like a seagull.

      • Betsy July 22, 2016 at 7:21 am - Reply

        Rob Bierregaard:

        1st chick hatched: 6/3/2016 between 2:42 pm and 5:23 pm, when first seen (39 days incubation)
        2nd chick hatched: 6/5/2016 somewhere before 4:58 am, when first seen (38 days incubation)
        3rd chick hatched: 6/8/2016 at 6:17 am (38 days incubation)

        The chicks hatched in the order in which the eggs were laid.

        (In case you’re curious:
        Egg #1 laid on April 25th @ 8:51 am
        Egg #2 laid on April 28th @ 7:11 am
        Egg #3 laid on May 1st @ 7:46 am)

      • GinaM July 22, 2016 at 9:49 am - Reply

        Hey Rob,
        How great you were so close to Rachel & Steve!
        I was thinking the same thing. With the wind today, I think we are going to have some unscheduled flights take off today, too!

      • Kathleen S July 22, 2016 at 10:31 am - Reply

        That place is magical. Such an experience!! Counting gull eggs, chowing down oatmeal with Steve Kress and Puffin Pete, doing bird charades on the way back from seal island… can’t wait to go back. We plan on doing raptor rapture next summer (2017) hopefully you will be teaching there! 🙂

      • Helen July 22, 2016 at 2:08 pm - Reply

        May I ask you what may be a stupid question – how come the adults separate during the winter? Thanks.

    71. Monica July 21, 2016 at 6:47 pm - Reply

      It’s about 6:46pm and there haven’t been any fish since probably midday. Not sure. Gracie is squawking for George to bring in some dinner!!

    72. Leesa July 21, 2016 at 6:42 pm - Reply

      Whoa! Did anyone else see that at about 4:09 pm. One of the chicks, Uno I think, went airborn! They have all been really flapping their wings. But this chick got a lift from the breeze and had some air time! Hard to believe they will be fledging soon!!

    73. CarolV July 21, 2016 at 6:27 pm - Reply

      Long time, no George….winds are so good, maybe off sailing?….JK…But these (or THIS) intruders aren’t so persistent when he’s close by.
      Even the kids are calling, with Gracie yelling so much! I keep thinking it’s delivery time!

      • CarolV July 21, 2016 at 8:21 pm - Reply

        BETSY: if you do the movie, you could do that section in slow motion!

        • CarolV July 21, 2016 at 8:24 pm - Reply

          Jeeze, Betsy, put you in the wrong place, This belongs under 8:20 post.

          • Betsy July 22, 2016 at 7:22 am - Reply

            I was wondering what you meant!! 😀

        • Betsy July 22, 2016 at 8:57 am - Reply

          CarolV: I have to hold off for now — my kitty Andy pushed through the screen and tumbled out of the window 🙁 I have traps set, but can’t really concentrate on videos right now).

    74. Karen July 21, 2016 at 5:54 pm - Reply

      What do you mean I have to leave the nest some day?

      Love this one chick checking out what is all around, almost standing post until Dad or Mom come back.
      I think this is #1

    75. CarolV July 21, 2016 at 5:49 pm - Reply

      Get away from MY nest!!!!!!!
      Gracie launches after intruder–tiny speck upper right….

      • CarolV July 21, 2016 at 5:50 pm - Reply

        Sorry LEFT !!!!!!!!

      • June c July 21, 2016 at 6:12 pm - Reply

        17:42:56 Not only got up went after intruder. You can see in background. Thanks for heads up on that one

        • June c July 21, 2016 at 6:22 pm - Reply

          Gracie in chase

      • CarolV July 21, 2016 at 6:22 pm - Reply

        18:18- Someone is really testing Gracie’s patience!! She barreled out of the nest again. You could just make them out in the LEFT corner, Gracie on a mission, unsub bobbing and weaving….

      • Rob Bierregaard July 21, 2016 at 6:52 pm - Reply

        I saw her take off after a trespasser this afternoon.

      • Jackie Budris July 21, 2016 at 8:23 pm - Reply

        Don’t you think that these rare majestic birds should be on the ANIMAL PLANET TV SITE?? They would promote real environmental awareness of the treasures that we have here on Long Island and elsewhere. Just thinking out loud. Just sayin.

        • Bob July 22, 2016 at 11:45 am - Reply

          Your observation is excellent but the fact is that Osprey, thankfully, are far from rare if you live anywhere they can successfully nest and fish. Have so many around me and have seen so many elsewhere that it is hard to refer to them as rare. Please don’t take this reply negatively. It is not meant to be so. Just because they are not rare doesn’t mean they shouldn’t be on TV.

      • Leesa July 22, 2016 at 11:12 am - Reply

        I’m still amazed at how the chicks know her call to “Get down”! They respond so quickly too.

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