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OspreyZone Highlights: George Returns

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Belle’s Journey

Written by Dr. Rob Bierregaard & Illustrated by Kate Garchinsky

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

Click HERE for more information!

IMPORTANT: Messages from osprey experts

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

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

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

Hello Paul,

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

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

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

Best wishes, and good luck,

John W. Fitzpatrick

Director, Cornell Lab of Ornithology

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

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

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

charles.

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

Paul,

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

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

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

    Leave A Comment

    52,585 Comments

    1. Elaine July 26, 2016 at 5:51 pm - Reply

      Looks like #2 returned. Now we can all rest comfortably.

    2. JudithW July 26, 2016 at 5:50 pm - Reply

      At 5:49 DOS returned!

    3. Dorothy July 26, 2016 at 5:49 pm - Reply

      !7:50:40 an d#2 is baaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaak!!!!!!

    4. L.C Sylvester July 26, 2016 at 5:47 pm - Reply

      That is the baby with the constant chirp right now at 5:47pmEDT

    5. june c July 26, 2016 at 5:42 pm - Reply

      around 16:56 boy double fish delivery, Mom n Dad brought in fish. George I think wanted Lil one to do it himself. Could not do head, Dad helped with that.
      Still have hope B will find his way home.

    6. L.C Sylvester July 26, 2016 at 5:40 pm - Reply

      Isn’t any one going to check to see exactly where #2 is…from what I can see and hear when you look at the cam pic…to the left she may be on the part of that roof to the left that is not in cam view…does this cam pan?????

      • Betsy July 26, 2016 at 11:40 pm - Reply

        L.C.Sylvester: I believe it’s stationary.

    7. Helen July 26, 2016 at 5:27 pm - Reply

      Still chirping – almost nonstop – definitely not in nest.

      • STEVE W. July 26, 2016 at 5:57 pm - Reply

        i do believe they are ALL there, 4 in nest, one keeps flying out over water, then comes right back up on perch.

    8. Leanne July 26, 2016 at 5:22 pm - Reply

      Gracie Delivers 🙂

      • Leanne July 26, 2016 at 5:23 pm - Reply

        With George delivering seconds later 🙂

        • Leanne July 26, 2016 at 5:24 pm - Reply

          Dinner Is Served 🙂

    9. Helen July 26, 2016 at 5:16 pm - Reply

      Definitely hear chirping outside the nest – hopeful.

    10. rjoneal July 26, 2016 at 5:15 pm - Reply

      7-26-16 Good meal for dinner Gracie brings in fish and George fly’s in right after her with fish. Still no sign of Bb2 getting worried now ! Trying to keep the faith though. Baby 2 where are you ?

    11. Dorothy July 26, 2016 at 5:10 pm - Reply

      That’s a first for me. Both parents with a fish and both are feeding each one chick. No sign of #2 today? It’s still early for her to make it back so not concerned as yet.

      • Robin July 26, 2016 at 5:22 pm - Reply

        Seems like they are trying to entice Baby #2 to come home! Hope they see her!

      • Jo July 26, 2016 at 6:10 pm - Reply

        both parents in the nest and just heard and saw #2? perched and stretching his wings about 8 minutes ago between 18:02

    12. Paula July 26, 2016 at 4:05 pm - Reply

      Hi All,
      Hasn’t it been an awfully long time since the last feeding? Littlebit has been screaming so much she’s starting to sound hoarse.
      I know it’s very hot there today. I’m quite surprised that Gracie hasn’t went shopping yet since it seems that George is off tracking the runaway.
      At any rate I hope someone brings some vittles to those young’uns soon!

      • Tora July 26, 2016 at 5:02 pm - Reply

        Mom and dad, each in with HUGE fish. Both babies on the nest are now being fed. Worth the wait, I’d say!

    13. GinaM July 26, 2016 at 3:51 pm - Reply

      I’m posting this from my phone so please gorgon the typos. I am on my way back from the nest area. I spent 3 hours and did everything short of getting arrested for trespassing.
      There is a wooded residential area with tall trees that borders the northeast corner of the lavender farm. I saw a female which I thought looked like Gracie flying low close to the tree tops and I saw a male adult take off from the ground in the same area. I couldn’t get closer because it is fenced private property. I combed the rows of lavender and walked the beaches and woods where I could.
      I hope that baby is found and when he is found someone brings bait or fresh fish for him until the experts arrive he needs hydration

      • Tora July 26, 2016 at 5:03 pm - Reply

        *Thank you so much* for the update and for doing what so many of us wish we could.

        • Leanne July 26, 2016 at 5:28 pm - Reply

          Thank you so much, Gina. 🙂

      • Leesa July 26, 2016 at 5:14 pm - Reply

        Thanks for going out to look for our wayward young one. I wish I was there to help out. Will be there later in August, but too far away now to do anything but pray for safety.

      • Lorri July 26, 2016 at 5:14 pm - Reply

        Bless you for all you’re doing, Gina.

      • rjoneal July 26, 2016 at 5:27 pm - Reply

        7-26-16 Gina thanks for the update and taking time to go there even though its on private property you did the best you could do. From what you are saying you are thinking Baby 2 is on the ground from the looks of it but you couldn’t actually spot the bird itself.

        Do we know if Paul has asked someone to try and locate our Baby 2 yet?

      • Robin July 26, 2016 at 5:28 pm - Reply

        Thank you for looking – seems like she would be home by now if she could be – must be terribly hungry!

      • Betsy July 27, 2016 at 1:28 am - Reply

        GinaM.: Thank you for taking the time and effort to look.

    14. L.C Sylvester July 26, 2016 at 3:44 pm - Reply

      Hello all…is theres something wrong with #1’s left foot????I hope not.

    15. Rjoneal July 26, 2016 at 3:34 pm - Reply

      Reply-Kathleen are watching last year when Ronnie andSandy fledge.
      Anyways Ronnie was the first to fledge and he was only gone a very short bit the first time he left the nest it was like one flyby and I’m back to the nest. Ronnie did this a couple times throughout the day and then the next day the same thing continue this time he stay gone for about an hour or 2.
      It wasn’t till about two or three days after he had fledged that he would stay gone but always came back to the nest at least three or four times or more per day especially if he heard Gracie when fish was arriving to the nest. Ronnie would take the headless fish his stick his little perch he had that he love to eat from. After he ate he would do like Gracie a flyby down towards the water return back to the nest to rest it wasn’t for about I want to say a week I’m going by memory before he started sleeping up on the perch at night.
      When Sandy fledge she did the same thing.

      However we have to remember that the food situation and circumstances were different it was much later in the season and much hotter.
      Once Ronnie and Sandy both fledged Ronnie would spend most of his time off with George you could see him and George at times. Sandy I don’t think no one ever spotted her but Sandy stayed in the nest most the time.
      She wanted to make sure she was there when food arrived she had to fight to keep her fish remember Ronnie would always steal her fish because she ate slow. Sandy was also the younger one and although times she won most of the time Ronnie was such an aggressive eater he wold eat his fish and then try to pull out the fish from Sandy.
      Once Ronnie and Sandy both fledged by this time George would bring in a fish Ronnie would take it then Sandy would have to wait for either Gracie or George for the second fish and that would be Sandy’s they both ate their own fish.

      I know this is why baby number two being gone so long concerns many of us viewers that watched last year since this is not how Ronnie and Sandy fledged.
      But no two birds are like and just because Ronnie and Sandy fledged and returned to the nest immediately almost doesn’t mean there’s something wrong with baby2. The food and everything about last year is completely different than this year so we cannot compare.
      Don’t get me wrong I am nervous because I saw how it was done last year and I want to compare last year to this year but it’s not the same.
      I will be honest I was hoping we would see baby2 today for sure or maybe get some confirmation that baby 2 has been spotted in a tree around the area that would definitely make me feel better.
      Keeping the faith love our Osprey family and followers.

      • Robin July 26, 2016 at 5:42 pm - Reply

        Thank you for this Rjoneal – this is my first time watching an osprey nest and didn’t know what is typical for them – I am very concerned for our baby 2 but trying to stay positive.

      • Kathleen July 26, 2016 at 7:54 pm - Reply

        rjoneal – Thank you kindly for your answer. After we lost PeeWee last year I stopped watching.

    16. Jenn July 26, 2016 at 2:45 pm - Reply

      Possible baby #2 sighting around the nest. Either that, or possibly another juvenile. Watch from 12:24pm to 12:27pm time frame. You’ll see #1 and #3 looking/following something, and then a couple times you will see the other juvenile outside the nest flying by (watch toward the left of the screen).

      • Betsy July 26, 2016 at 6:07 pm - Reply

        Jenn: I happened to copy the video from that time frame because the mockingbird was doing fly-bys around and over the nest and that’s what the chicks were watching!! 🙂 Thanks anyway!

    17. Betsy July 26, 2016 at 2:19 pm - Reply

      To all: This was part of Robin’s comment on June 16, 2016 at 8:17 pm and after seeing Anne Pip’s post from today (and Jim’s post re: fledgling on beach) I think this is the perfect time to re-post the link. So, Robin, I hope you don’t mind:

      “Here is a list of wildlife rehab contacts for you as well anyone that finds an injured bird or animal: http://wildliferehabber.com/rehabber-location-listings/us/ … ”

      • Robin July 26, 2016 at 4:21 pm - Reply

        Thank you for re-posting it (I saved it to my favorites when someone else posted it on an eagle cam)- lots of good information within the tabs. Hope the fledgling on the beach was able to take flight again. The baby birds face so many challenging situations. I’m hoping our Baby #2 is getting something to eat.

      • Robin July 26, 2016 at 4:32 pm - Reply

        Certainly way too late but regarding the fledgling on the beach – I have heard many say not to disturb wildlife unless it’s injured – hopefully the baby will figure it out on its own – or parents will find it – the rule, “if you care, leave it there” applies many times. Just a thought…Still hoping baby 2 comes home soon!

        • Betsy July 26, 2016 at 5:49 pm - Reply

          Well, Paul posted an update on that fledgling — that it had flown off and returned to its nest, but I just glanced at GinaM’s post, which need to go back to and fully read to digest.

    18. Donna W July 26, 2016 at 2:00 pm - Reply

      Fish #3 – headless fish dropped off by George at 10:14 am. #1 went over and started to self feed for around half a minute before Gracie flew down from upstairs. Gracie took the fish and she and #1 polished it off by 10:25 am. #3 baby was not interested since it was still stuffed!! There was no mantling by Gracie or yelling at George to get out of the nest. George hung around on the nest till 10:23 am.
      Note: Gracie didn’t mantle the fish delivery at 8:40 am either, at least not that I could tell.

    19. Jara July 26, 2016 at 1:50 pm - Reply

      12:13 Eastern – Crossed my fingers and checked in on our favorite feathered family. Glad to have the video back. Gracie and George in next with young’uns calling and calling for absent baby. I tend to think it is #1 that took the leap of faith. Scanned back to 9:30 feeding and the little one wasn’t looking over her shoulder to see if she was going to get pecked and the biggie waited to be fed. Just my opinion.

      • Betsy July 26, 2016 at 2:47 pm - Reply

        No, Jara, it was #2 who fledged yesterday. The markings on #1 and #2 are different. With only the two chicks currently in the nest chick #1 most likely doesn’t feel the food competition as when there were three chicks there.

    20. Betsy July 26, 2016 at 1:28 pm - Reply

      That is, all 220 of them from yesterday alone!!

    21. Betsy July 26, 2016 at 1:26 pm - Reply

      Do you guys remember my video “Making the Bed” from July 9th? Here’s a companion piece of sorts. I’m hoping to lighten the mood, if only for a moment. https://youtu.be/DsZKk44b6TM

    22. Donna W July 26, 2016 at 1:24 pm - Reply

      Fish #2 this morning at 8:40 am. This was a nice long whole fish!! Way to go George! #3 was first up and ate until 9:34 am when it was stuffed and laid down. #1 was not interested at all during that time. Then Gracie ate for abt. 5 minutes. Finally #1 decided she was hungry and went over to get bites from the bottom half for 7 minutes and Gracie gulped down the tail end.

    23. Kathleen July 26, 2016 at 1:09 pm - Reply

      Good Afternoon Everybirdy – Can anyone tell me if the offspring of 2015 returned to the nest for a visit after they fledged? It would be nice to see Dos again. Thanks to all that make this wonderful experience available to us…

    24. Renee July 26, 2016 at 12:33 pm - Reply

      #3 was stretching their wing and showed #1 their right hook!

    25. Pattye July 26, 2016 at 12:22 pm - Reply

      There seems to be a lot of squawking going on between G&G round 12:15 and looking up & around. Maybe they see #2???? i pray

    26. ej July 26, 2016 at 11:53 am - Reply

      You are funny!

    27. Leanne July 26, 2016 at 11:26 am - Reply

      When you almost scare your mother off the perch 🙂

      https://youtu.be/EI-TMVJxGWo

    28. Redkayak July 26, 2016 at 11:22 am - Reply

      I bet he’s out looking for Pokemon. All the kids in the neighborhood are doing it.

      • Betsy July 26, 2016 at 1:27 pm - Reply

        And eating snacks!!

        Ornithologists report that osprey adults are rather tolerant of wayward juveniles from other nests, and sometimes even feed the visiting fledglings before the young head back to their real homes. It’s kind of like “trick or treat” in the osprey community — chicks visit other nests to see if the snacks at the neighbors’ house are any better than the ones they’re getting at home. http://www.friendsofblackwater.org/osprey_cam_blog/archives/2004/07/11/

        • Monica July 26, 2016 at 4:39 pm - Reply

          I certainly hope he’s being treated to snacks at another osprey nest. I hope….

        • CarolV July 26, 2016 at 7:06 pm - Reply

          If you remember…The parents at the CC nest not only raised foster chicks last year, but allowed a fledgling to practically move in…

          • Betsy July 26, 2016 at 11:21 pm - Reply

            Amazing, isn’t it, that they did that??

    29. Claire July 26, 2016 at 11:11 am - Reply

      Hi, I have two questions please. Is it #1 or #2 who has fledged? Will the chicks not be named until they are gone? Thank you.

      • Betsy July 26, 2016 at 12:13 pm - Reply

        Claire: It was chick #2 who fledged yesterday.

        • Claire July 26, 2016 at 3:03 pm - Reply

          Thanks Betsy!

          • Betsy July 26, 2016 at 11:18 pm - Reply

            You’re welcome. I didn’t answer the second part of your question because I thought a viewer from last year could answer better than I. I didn’t watch OspreyZone last year until shortly before the chicks fledged and they had names already when I started watching, which were picked, I believe, after a contest and names were submitted and voted on. This year OspreyZone is also having a “Name the Babies Contest” http://ospreyzone.com/contest/name-the-babies-contest-2016/ I don’t know when the names have to be submitted by.

    30. Leanne July 26, 2016 at 11:08 am - Reply

      July 26- Ready for some stupid questions? Is it possible that chick 2 is in the area and might be afraid to land on the nest because of lack of space? I mean, he is a new flyer and might not think he can make it. Also, Is it possible that Gracie could be sounding her alarm just to tell the other 2 chicks to take cover because number 2 might be thinking of landing? I know these are silly question but there is definitely another osprey in the area that has been flying close to the nest and Gracie has been sounding her alarm. Maybe this is just me wishful thinking that it’s C2?

    31. Paula July 26, 2016 at 11:05 am - Reply

      Hi All,

      At approx. 10:52 started seeing shadows on the nest and Gracie chirping. Then saw Osprey flying under the nest on the left. Pretty sure it’s #2. He seems a bit unsure about landing on the nest. Gracie apparently chirped for the 2 in the nest to lay down but #2 had already went somewhere else.
      I have read in the posts that George will look out for him, but I was wondering if George will feed him? Because if not that has to be one hungry baby because I’m sure he doesn’t know how to hunt yet.

    32. Redkayak July 26, 2016 at 11:03 am - Reply

      I’m not far from the nest in a wooded are popular with Osprey during flying lessons. They can usually take a break in the tall trees. There was a flying lesson overhead on Sunday one loud adult one screechy youth

    33. Janie July 26, 2016 at 10:21 am - Reply

      I’m not worried about #2 not returning to the nest yet. I watch a lot of nest cams and from what I have witnessed, a fledgling usually doesn’t come back to the nest for at least 48 hours.

    34. Paula July 26, 2016 at 9:50 am - Reply

      Hi All,

      I don’t know what happened or when it happened but the live feed is back up on IE. I hadn’t checked yesterday because of all the excitement and then worry about #2, but this morning I decided to check and it’s on.

      If it was because of the wonderful people at Osprey Zone, thank you.If it was just internet Gods, thank you too.

    35. Leanne July 26, 2016 at 7:39 am - Reply

      July 26- 7:38 am- George Delivers 🙂

    36. rjoneal July 26, 2016 at 7:35 am - Reply

      7-26-16 Reply- CarolV when I posted that as my song choice of course our Baby 2 was out there flying around and had been seen by Holly W. did not know he was going makes us all worry about him. Guess I should have waited !
      He needs to get in time out when he fly’s back to the nest agree?

      • Leesa July 26, 2016 at 10:35 am - Reply

        He needs a good spanking if you ask me!! I’m worried sick.

      • HollyW July 26, 2016 at 6:12 pm - Reply

        now I’m second guessing my sighting of #2 on perch with George..when I left on my walk, there were 3 birds in the nest Gracie and 2 babies. When I got to nest approx. 10min. later(dog stopped to play for a bit on the beach) there were 2 birds on perch..it is very possible Gracie went up after I left the house. I’m praying #2 is safe and around here somewhere. I worked the day shift today, so I wasn’t around to hear or see them today.

    37. birdRJSviewer July 26, 2016 at 7:34 am - Reply

      7:33 am First fish brought in. Sadly no chick #1

    38. NancyT July 26, 2016 at 7:20 am - Reply

      I have tried every browser and can’t get a smooth stream. Someone mentioned YouTube – is there a way to get the life stream there? Just want to try all avenues.

    39. CarolV July 26, 2016 at 6:23 am - Reply

      My song of the moment is “Bill Bailey Won’t You Please Come Home!”

      • Monica July 26, 2016 at 4:45 pm - Reply

        Carol IV – LOL!! I think one of my name suggestions was Bailey. Not sure; I submitted so many but didn’t write them down. 🙂

    40. L.C Sylvester July 26, 2016 at 6:17 am - Reply

      Good Morning all!! I cannot believe all of the negativity regarding #2’s fledge!! I thought you all loved this family??Well with love comes hope,faith and trust.STOP with all the negativity about #2 not returning to the nest because of not making a landing on a perch! Yes…sure..there is a possibility that he did not-but who is to say that he did not get back up into the sky and take a long fly about! I believe this is what he did and I also believe George and Gracie know where he is and if he wants back in the nest he will come back to the nest.Have faith in him and all the others please! I have been an Osprey fan for many,many years and although not an EXPERT these are my thoughts. Thank you and I hope you all have a wonderful osprey watching day! PEACE!!

      • NJD July 26, 2016 at 8:57 am - Reply

        L.C Sylvester – I believe these comments are not negative, but are coming from concern about this little one. It is similar to the feeling one has when giving, for the first time, the car keys to your child. We have grown to love this wonderful family and hope that this little one is just exerting his/her independence.

        • Betsy July 26, 2016 at 11:12 am - Reply

          NJD: Perfectly said and what a great analogy.

      • Jai July 26, 2016 at 5:19 pm - Reply

        Please do not confuse “concern” with “Negativity”. I’ve read “negativity” in these comments in the past and these current comments are out of concern for the youngster and a feeling on helplessness. This is an outlet for viewers to share concern and bolster each other while we all hope and pray our little Osprey finds his/her way home.

    41. CarolV July 26, 2016 at 6:14 am - Reply

      George made a brief stop and a chat.

      • CarolV July 26, 2016 at 6:19 am - Reply

        Sorry–shouldn’t post till my eyes are working…George stopping in
        Nice to know it wasn’t all me…computer had a hand in that…sorry again for wasting space….

    42. CarolV July 26, 2016 at 5:08 am - Reply

      Gonna be a hot one today! 90s….and sunny….low humidity

    43. Shar July 26, 2016 at 1:02 am - Reply

      Everyone is talking about thunder and lightening storms today – the nest is on a 80′ metal tower. How does the tower stay safe and not get struck by lightening? Have there been other storms the nest and birds survived? Hard not to worry about these lovely birds.

      • June c July 26, 2016 at 6:32 am - Reply

        Caught lighting in water. That was a severe lightning storm in mid June. After that storm all fears where gone of lighting hitting the nest. But then again anything is possible with the weather.

        • mary jo zapolnik July 26, 2016 at 10:22 am - Reply

          Awesome capture June!

          • june c July 26, 2016 at 10:46 am - Reply

            Thanks ..kept my finger on shutter..out of 10 got this one and what followed after hit.

        • Leesa July 26, 2016 at 10:37 am - Reply

          WHOA!! Amazing picture!

        • Betsy July 26, 2016 at 12:20 pm - Reply

          June c: Great capture!!

        • CarolV July 26, 2016 at 7:09 pm - Reply

          WOW!

    44. Marlene July 25, 2016 at 10:10 pm - Reply

      GinaM, thanks so much for contacting Rob Bierregaard, although his truthful reply is very sad. We were all so happy to see #2 fledge — so excited! Now we have to pray that he is safe somewhere and will hopefully be found safe tomorrow or be able to lift himself up from wherever he is. I kept seeing an osprey flying around the nest early this evening, around 3:49 pm. I thought it might be #2, having a good time. June C. posted a picture at 4:02 of the osprey flying around, and she also thought it was our middle one. Let’s pray tomorrow that we see him safe and sound. He seems to have such a nice spirit.

    45. rjoneal July 25, 2016 at 10:10 pm - Reply

      7-25-16 Reply CarolV- yes indeed I told hubby babies are going to fledge any day now so I get to take breaks now and then haa 🙂
      __________________________
      Taking a break from your “nestorations”? Bet your having fun!

    46. rjoneal July 25, 2016 at 9:43 pm - Reply

      7-25-16 I agree, I am reading what was posted from Rob to Paul and Gina and I say we have an unusual nest and our birds so far dont play by the rule book. I know it was reported one time by me I saw an osprey fly by this afternoon then June C posted a pic which may be our Bb2 especially since Holly W. posted around 6:30 pm George and Bb2 were both on the perch. I believe that Bb2 for whatever reason is just sticking around with dad and is sleeping in a tree. Or were ever Bb2 landed George is near by keeping an eye out for him/her. I will get a little worried tomorrow if we dont see Bb2 at least flying around the nest or hear Bb2 on perch. I refuse to think the worst way to soon for that. I too watch and we have eagles here in Florida never knew of 3 days thats a long time. Learn something new everyday. Thanks for info and comment. I think its unsettling to most since last year Ronnie and Sandy on their first fledge I think Betsy posted something about it or someone did but they were quick trips at first for several days until they would stay gone but always came back to the nest at least 3- 4 maybe more to eat fish whether they caught the fish themselves or fish was delivered by parents.
      _________________________________
      7-25-16 Dorothy-When I was watching the DC eagle cam in the National Arboretum it took the first fledger three days to make it back to the nest. The second eaglet took 24 hours to get back. I know that these babies are being looked after even though mom seems a bit “scattered” at times.

    47. Leanne July 25, 2016 at 9:33 pm - Reply

      8:32 pm- I think 1 and 3 are a little lonely. I just checked them and they seem to be snuggling up. Hopefully 2 and George are huddled some place close by and we’ll see the entire family in the morning. 🙂

    48. CarolV July 25, 2016 at 9:32 pm - Reply

      7/25/16- fish count-5:34am; 7:29am; 8:35am-tail for Trey (maybe Dos, too); 10:00am; 2:53pm; 4:31pm; 7:46pm……………………..and back to work for me tomorrow. Looking forward to all your posts.

    49. Kathy B July 25, 2016 at 9:04 pm - Reply

      At 8:38pm there are 3 birds in nest and you can hear someone also on perch. 2babies and gracie tail feathers? to far right. BB2 or George on perch?

    50. ospreyzone July 25, 2016 at 8:52 pm - Reply

      On Mon, Jul 25, 2016 at 8:06 PM, Rob Bierregaard :

      Gina, and others,
      This is probably a needle in the haystack event. If (s)he’s still not back (hard to tell on the cam, now, but it looks like just 2 young being fed), the fledgling may have messed up a landing and wound up someplace he can’t get up from. With those really long wings, if a bird goes down in a brushy area, it’s really hard for them to get airborne again. We lost a young that I satellite tagged in its nest before it could fly to just such a circumstance. Flying is easy, but landing is hard, as any pilot will tell you. I’d look under poles or any place he might have tried to land near the nest. This is why I wait for a week or so before trapping young for satellite tags. That way I avoid the young that are just unlucky in their first days on the wing. This is the “nature is random” part of the lesson we learn from these cams. I’m not writing the bird off, but it certainly can happen that very healthy young just miss a landing and wind up in someplace they can’t get out of. The problem is that in a few hours it could have gone a long way. If he is located and is OK, give me a call. No point in trying to get him back in the nest. He just needs to get up somewhere high where he can take off from again.

      Talons crossed that we see him tomorrow.

      Feel free to post this to the chat thread. I’m sure there’s lots of concern among the faithful followers.

      Rob

      On Mon, Jul 25, 2016 at 5:50 PM, Gina wrote:

      Hi Rob,

      I am a bit concerned. Particularly in light of what happened at the Dyfi nest.
      Chick #1 took off at 10:23 this morning. He has not returned. Not for food, not to Gracie’s calls and now there are terrible thunderstorms on their way.

      • rjoneal July 25, 2016 at 9:55 pm - Reply

        7-25-16 Paul,Gina and Rob thank you so much for giving us info just to put it out there so no one goes into shock if something were to happen.

        I say we have an unusual Osprey Family with George and Gracie and they have never played by the rule book and they are just writing their own story. I know for fact I took a pic of an Osprey earlier today and June C took a pic later on that afternoon of an Osprey which we are hoping it was Baby 2. Holly W. posted she saw George and Baby 2 on perch I think she said around 6:30 pm. I have to think Baby 2 is just hanging out with dad tonight.

        Once again thank all of you for getting things prepared in case we need a search for our Baby 2. Nice to have an experts opinion based on what you have seen and studied.
        Thank you Paul for posting this right away so all could read and Gina for reaching out to Rob.

      • Eleanore July 26, 2016 at 10:10 am - Reply

        Just getting back from out of town and checking in. Has anybody spotted the baby today?

      • lisa A July 26, 2016 at 5:55 pm - Reply

        So excited he/she back at 5:50

      • Glenn July 26, 2016 at 6:06 pm - Reply

        Just saw #2 at 17:56 Landing in the nest seems to be the problem

      • Annie July 26, 2016 at 6:43 pm - Reply

        George dive bombed #2 and then knocked the chick on the nest. I posted pics of this previously but they were deleted.

        • ospreyzone July 26, 2016 at 7:24 pm - Reply

          no pictures have been deleted

          • Annie July 26, 2016 at 10:00 pm - Reply

            Thank you, I apologize for jumping to that conclusion. I’m not used to commenting here, just watching. I also believe I was wrong about the chick being #2, the behavior of the parents as well as chicks #1 and #3 indicate it was a visiting juvenile.

            • Donna W July 27, 2016 at 1:15 pm

              Annie – your pictures are down below posted yesterday at 6:21 pm and 6:17 pm. I hope you can find them. Thanks for posting the pics and comments!!!

      • Michael G. Martin July 27, 2016 at 11:44 am - Reply

        To All

        If anyone has any Connections with the Suffolfk Times we may be able to post a story in the Editorial Section of the paper or even better have them do a short piece on Chick No 2. Concerning what has happened and maybe a BOLO Alert

        Ron Is it possible for No2 to have come across a nest that is occupied by a Nom-Breeding Male Osprey and possibly be adopted into the Nest

        Mike

        • Donna W July 27, 2016 at 1:11 pm - Reply

          Hi Mike, a non-breeding male would not have a nest. They only use a nest for breeding. Thanks for the thought though!!

          • Michael G. Martin July 27, 2016 at 3:54 pm - Reply

            Donna W

            I was thinking about a Non-Breeding Male Osprey and a Nest. The Town of Southold erects quite a few Platforms for Osprey’s to establish a nest. What I was thinking about is an abandoned nest. Just for argument sake if a Non-Breeding Male took over an abandoned nest and No2 made his home with the Male Osprey, could this possibly ever happen.
            I know that this Scenario may sound improbable but it Nature anything is possible.
            So Donna or Ron or anyone else for that matter would like to weigh in on this Paradigm.
            This Scenario sounds like it would be a good topic for Discussion
            So everyone let me know what you all think of my hypothesis.

            Mike

        • Leanne July 27, 2016 at 7:18 pm - Reply

          Hi Mike, The real 2 has made it home safely and seems to be doing just fine. 🙂

      • Karin July 27, 2016 at 7:44 pm - Reply

        OMG, 7:45 pm all babies are in the nest!! WOW, I have not posted this season, just looking every day.
        Karin N.

      • SYLVIA July 27, 2016 at 8:13 pm - Reply

        The missing baby returned!

    51. CarolV July 25, 2016 at 8:51 pm - Reply

      Maybe this is rain posture? Trey tried it and flopped down. Looked like Gracie is still on nest. Can see our lightning in the distance.

    52. Jai July 25, 2016 at 8:38 pm - Reply

      Wonder where our little explorer has taken refuge? I hope dad is with the little rascal. Hopefully tomorrow I will see all three youngsters back in the nest with BB2 telling the siblings a wonderful story of adventure and excitement from the day out. 🙂

    53. CarolV July 25, 2016 at 8:21 pm - Reply

      7:46pm-George beats Gracie.

      • CarolV July 25, 2016 at 8:23 pm - Reply

        Uno had just settled into this spot…..

      • CarolV July 25, 2016 at 9:24 pm - Reply

        Trey ate very well

    54. Pattye July 25, 2016 at 7:51 pm - Reply

      I’m getting nervous. Has anyone seen No. 2 come back at all?

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

        Has flown by several times, so he knows where home is.

    55. Margaret July 25, 2016 at 7:49 pm - Reply

      7:47. George brings in a fish and trey is eating first while Uno looks on…. Love it !!!

    56. Betsy July 25, 2016 at 7:34 pm - Reply

      I know this is not what you were looking for June C, but I thought it made a good composite. The little chicks picture is from June 11th — the chick closest to us is chick #1, the chick toward the front of the nest is our flier and the one closest to Gracie is the baby!! 😀 And in the more current picture from July 22, chick #1 is in the back on the left.

      • june c July 25, 2016 at 9:23 pm - Reply

        Love the picture! No its good. I will take pic of 3 front shot and then will have all 3. Hard to believe their growth in 7 weeks. isn’t it amazing.

      • Betsy July 26, 2016 at 4:05 am - Reply

        Oops. Current picture was from July 23rd!!

        • Betsy October 30, 2016 at 10:39 am - Reply

          Oops again!! It’s me from the future trying to backtrack and sort and date my pictures. 😀 😀 Found the video for this picture — the 24th of July, two-four of July!! 😀 😀 😀

    57. Rjoneal July 25, 2016 at 6:48 pm - Reply

      7-25-16 Maybe we can get Tommy to look out his door and see if he see if our baby 2 is on the perch of the nest ?

    58. Dorothy July 25, 2016 at 6:42 pm - Reply

      Baby #2 must be close by. I can hear her chirping. Mom just flew off the nest and down out of sight so I think #2 is quite close by.

      • CarolV July 25, 2016 at 9:20 pm - Reply

        George probably has a favorite perch in a tree nearby. Fledged chicks are used to seeing parent there and may head there. George should be near-by.

    59. birdRJSviewer08 July 25, 2016 at 6:07 pm - Reply

      Oh my goodness. Thank you Leanne for posting it. I was out today morning. I am so happy and sad. What a day he/she picked to fly for the first time! A huge storm is hitting their way within an hour or 2. The rain has started. I hope the little one is okay and finds his/her way back home!!!

      • Leanne July 25, 2016 at 9:30 pm - Reply

        You’re very welcome 🙂 I am also worried and am praying we see a full nest in the morning. I have faith he’ll be there.

    60. GinaM July 25, 2016 at 5:47 pm - Reply

      This is why I am so concerned. After a first flight they return to the nest and eat at the nest. This tragic event happened in the UK
      http://www.dyfiospreyproject.com/blog/emyr-mwt/2016/07/25/ceri-final-update

      • JeanneD July 25, 2016 at 10:58 pm - Reply

        Thanks, Gina, for the link. I check Dyfi periodically, so I read about Ceri, but your recent link gave a lot more information. One of the recently fledged red-tailed Hawks on the Cornell campus in Ithaca had a similar injury, but it was low to the ground when found and easily rescued. It is doing well in rehab. Alas, another of the babies died when It crashed into a window. Which leaves only one. And then there are all the accidents we will never hear about. Life isn’t easy for young birds.

      • JeanneD July 25, 2016 at 11:55 pm - Reply

        Hi Gina Thanks for the link to Ceri final update. I had been on the site and read about her death, but it was nice to see the pics and read the update.

      • Betsy July 26, 2016 at 3:25 am - Reply

        Distressing to read. I’m hoping, I’m sure like so many others, that chick #2 will eventually make it safely back to the nest and that we’ll only have to wonder where s/he was.

    61. Karen July 25, 2016 at 5:43 pm - Reply

      Thank you to all who took snapshots and video of #2 stepping out! How exciting to get to see it for myself hours after the event. I am thrilled to see all the excitement. I can not say thank you enough, as I do not work with a computer near by to watch thru the day. YEAHHHH to our Fledgling!

    62. Jessica V July 25, 2016 at 5:34 pm - Reply

      When will these guys self feed? They look like such big babies, too big to be fed!

      • Dorothy July 25, 2016 at 6:31 pm - Reply

        Teyt have already been self feeding. #1 had a fish all to herself yesterday evening but left half of it. It was covered by part of a trash bag and Trey found it this am. He didn’t eat all of it but did a good job getting a lot of bites.

      • Dorothy July 25, 2016 at 8:22 pm - Reply

        They are already self feeding.

      • Jim July 26, 2016 at 7:43 am - Reply

        Greenport here @ Widows Hole. A fledgling dropped to beach late yesterday, unable to get back up. What to do, who to call? Can we feed it fish to bolster it?

        • ospreyzone July 26, 2016 at 10:35 am - Reply

          Fledgling has flown off and returned to his nest. It was a different osprey family, but we’re all glad for the happy ending and hoping for a similar end to our missing friend.

          • Donna W July 26, 2016 at 11:08 am - Reply

            Thanks Paul for posting that theWidows Hole fledgling was able to take off and return to it’s nest. I was going to move his post back to the top because it got buried down here under yesterday’s posts. I’m so glad all worked out well. Hoping that our #2 finds it’s way back to our nest.

          • Betsy July 26, 2016 at 1:07 pm - Reply

            Thank you Paul for the information.

        • Anne Pip July 26, 2016 at 1:13 pm - Reply

          Jim, from everything I ever heard or read, never feed a baby bird or animal. It can quickly imprint on you as food source. In addition, when a fledging has a less than perfect landing after fledge, it doesn’t always mean it’s injured. Quite often they might be stunned or a little shaken up from the experience of a rough landing the first couple of times. Perhaps the powers that be can recommend proper agencies for people to contact should they run across this situation where a bird is truly injured.

    63. GinaM July 25, 2016 at 5:30 pm - Reply

      Really bad T-Storms coming through tonight. Time for everyone to come back to the nest!

    64. Junec July 25, 2016 at 5:29 pm - Reply

      Flew by again…17:14:52

    65. Donna July 25, 2016 at 5:28 pm - Reply

      I believe #1 & 2 are females. I saw #1 take off but it looked as though she went to the perch. Not sure if she just went for a long stretch of her wings and will return. I recall last year it took them a little time before they left.

    66. rjoneal July 25, 2016 at 5:22 pm - Reply

      7-25-16 The books say the male dad osprey will follow the juveniles when they fledge and keep an eye on them. Also it has been noted that the male dad will also provide fish if they wont go to the nest as a last resort it has been seen, usually the fish at the nest is the way to entice the juvenile to come back until he/ she has learned to fish from the dad. I hate that it is raining like all of you Bb2 has been gone along time. I have to say we know George is a good dad and he probably is in a tree keeping an eye on bb2 for now. I am sure George will try to get him to come back to the nest. Maybe after the rain.

      As soon as I said this you can see an osprey flying by at 14:14.50 maybe its bb2 Gracie was calling.

      • GinaM July 25, 2016 at 6:15 pm - Reply

        I am so worried about the chick that left at 10:23 this morning… we haven’t seen her since!

      • Dorothy July 25, 2016 at 6:34 pm - Reply

        When I was watching the DC eagle cam in the National Arboretum it took the first fledger three days to make it back to the nest. The second eaglet took 24 hours to get back. I know that these babies are being looked after even though mom seems a bit “scattered” at times.

    67. Marlene July 25, 2016 at 5:14 pm - Reply

      I think #3 is on the perch. Keep seeing an osprey flying by. Don’t think it’s Daddy.

    68. CarolV July 25, 2016 at 5:04 pm - Reply

      5:00pm–And it’s raining…come on ta my house!

    69. Marlene July 25, 2016 at 5:00 pm - Reply

      At 17:01, #1 hovered. Thought he would take a quick flight because only his talons were showing, but he came back down. It’s starting to rain over there.

    70. CarolV July 25, 2016 at 4:46 pm - Reply

      16:31 delivery. Headless, good size.

      • CarolV July 25, 2016 at 4:48 pm - Reply

        Is George counting?

        • CarolV July 25, 2016 at 4:49 pm - Reply

          “Darn teenagers! Give them a little freedom and they can’t even make it home for dinner!”

          • CarolV July 25, 2016 at 4:55 pm - Reply

            Uno ate for a good while..stepped back. As Trey came schootching in, Uno gave her a little beady- eye, but didn’t stop her.
            But she was back in a few minutes and Trey stepped aside.

          • Leanne July 25, 2016 at 6:14 pm - Reply

            So true!! 🙂

    71. Bre July 25, 2016 at 4:33 pm - Reply

      Just got in from work to SEE Betsy’s video & many people’s comments on #2 chick, my ( Ray) of sunshine has flown the coup! Soo excited!…until i see where it says the time he left 10:23 and its now 4:30 and still hasn’t come back.. hmm.. have to have faith he will make it back safely soon before it gets dark or starts to storm. Prayers

    72. Jara July 25, 2016 at 4:32 pm - Reply

      4:30 Eastern – So sad that I can no longer see the image and have missed the first fledge. I’m on IE and understand that ospreyzone is no longer supported. Tried every which way. I’ve been watching since before eggs were laid and am devastated. Maybe next year. 🙁

      • Robin July 25, 2016 at 7:40 pm - Reply

        Jara, Change the setting to the lowest possible resolution and it might come in that way – worth a try…

      • Betsy July 25, 2016 at 7:43 pm - Reply

        Jara: There are videos — scroll down through comments.

      • Elizabeth July 25, 2016 at 8:50 pm - Reply

        Try different browser. Saw others saying IE not working right for some reason….I’m on Chrome and its fine.

      • CarolV July 25, 2016 at 9:15 pm - Reply

        Did you try youtube?

    73. Marlene July 25, 2016 at 4:30 pm - Reply

      George delivered a big whole fish at 14:53, and Gracie told him to go away, she can handle it. Peanut echoed her words. Both #1 and #3 ate well. I cannot believe how big #3 got in two days. I’m getting a little worried because I have not seen #2 since he fledged. Has anyone noticed him landing and taking off since then? I hope he knows how to land. There’s a severe thunderstorm watch for this evening. Someone mentioned that there were about 20 osprey nests in the area, but I would think he knows his home with the plastic sheets and water bottle. Hope he returns soon.
      I just scrolled back, and around 15:49 I did see an osprey flying by a couple of times. Gracie did not give a warning, but #1 was giving his warning. Maybe that’s #2, still enjoying his freedom. At 16:31, George brought in a big headless fish. Maybe #2 will return; he must be hungry. Looks like the weather is changing out there.

    74. Lucie Pecor July 25, 2016 at 4:08 pm - Reply

      Thank you for that Fledging video! I love the way the other one just watching him leave as if to say- hey! Where are you going??

    75. June c July 25, 2016 at 4:02 pm - Reply

      I think this is our little runaway…

      • Leanne July 25, 2016 at 6:19 pm - Reply

        I agree. What a little show off. 🙂

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