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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. Jara August 2, 2016 at 8:29 am - Reply

      8:25 am Eastern – Scanned back to see early morning comings and goings and saw that Gracie came in around 6:00 am with something wrapped around her left foot and attached to some debris. The stick landed on #3 who was not amused. Gracie flew off around 6:27 am with the stuff still attached to her foot. Hope she can lose it at some point.

    2. CarolV August 2, 2016 at 7:41 am - Reply

      7:28am—INTRUDER!

      • CarolV August 2, 2016 at 7:43 am - Reply

        Chase…couldn’t tell if a chick or parent-to-the-rescue……………..

        • CarolV August 2, 2016 at 7:51 am - Reply

          Those two flyers look on the inexperienced side to me…our kid chasing VF?

          • june c August 2, 2016 at 10:10 am - Reply

            Thats our boy/girl…watched h/she leave nest after intruder..great picture..Ha

        • Betsy August 2, 2016 at 10:58 am - Reply

          It was chick #2.

      • CarolV August 2, 2016 at 8:00 am - Reply

        I see that it had started a couple of minutes earlier and that George and Gracie had been there right before this. General teaching moment; what to do to rid your nest of pests!

    3. Jessica V. August 2, 2016 at 7:13 am - Reply

      A very interesting article about Ospreys from The Raptor Research Project:
      https://www.facebook.com/RaptorResourceProject/posts/1079856935384258:0

      • Rob Bierregaard August 2, 2016 at 10:57 am - Reply

        See my post above. Overall their write-up was good, but they’re wrong on some stuff.

    4. CarolV August 2, 2016 at 6:54 am - Reply

      HEAD CHECK! Lookin’ good!

    5. Betsy August 2, 2016 at 6:52 am - Reply

      Chick #1 grabbed the fish George had brought yesterday afternoon. When Gracie went to take it from chick #1, chick #1 pecked Gracie! Gracie never did get the fish!!

      https://youtu.be/3ONEgQIasSQ

      • Marilyn August 2, 2016 at 12:49 pm - Reply

        lol. Great video Betsy. Do you know if Trey is a little late in fledging? Being born a few days after # 2, at this point shouldn’t she be ready?

        • Betsy August 2, 2016 at 4:16 pm - Reply

          Marilyn: Today chick #3 is one day younger than chick #1 was when it fledged. Most of the literature states that they take their first flight at 7 to 8 weeks of age, but I’m sure there could be outliers. And, chick #3 has really been catching air over the last couple of days, so I don’t think it will be too much longer … s/he even appeared this afternoon to be contemplating taking the leap!! 😀

    6. Sheila August 2, 2016 at 6:42 am - Reply

      T 6:40AM maybe Gracie is on the perch as I cannot see her, but only baby in nest . Lots of chatter and one is an adult so maybe Gracie on the perch. No sign of other 2 as they took off before Gracie did and haven’t seen Georgie. Hopefully Gracie will sit tight til she gets freed.

    7. Sheila August 2, 2016 at 6:30 am - Reply

      She took off flying and the whole mess went with her, Sure hope she shakes it off, the plastic was pretty tight on her talon.

    8. Sheila August 2, 2016 at 6:26 am - Reply

      At 6:26 AM, it appears that it is Gracie who has this twig and knows it. Perhaps waiting for Georgie to assist her as she really isn’t walking around much. Still looking down at it sometimes.

    9. CarolV August 2, 2016 at 6:24 am - Reply

      Even the lens smudge looks pretty in pink!

      • CarolV August 2, 2016 at 6:34 am - Reply

        Here comes the sun………………………

        • CarolV August 2, 2016 at 6:39 am - Reply

          There was a fish left last night and Gracie was working on it this morning first thing…

          • Betsy August 2, 2016 at 3:40 pm - Reply

            When I woke up a little before 7 am the first thing, well the second thing, I did was go to OspreyZone to about 5 am when you can start to really see what’s happening on the nest and Gracie was there; so I scrolled all the way back to see when she landed on the nest … I was at the end of the 4-hour window which was 2:55 am and she was there at the left front corner (toward the water) working on the fish!! I wonder when she hopped down to the nest!! 😀

      • Betsy August 2, 2016 at 4:21 pm - Reply

        CarolV; Gorgeous!!

    10. Sheila August 2, 2016 at 6:20 am - Reply

      At 6:18Am it still appears to be attached to her left rear talon, Trey worked at the twig for a bit trying to move it away and once in a while the mama looks underneath her chest as she may feel a tug on her foot. She really hasn’t moved around at all from that perch near the edge.

    11. Sheila August 2, 2016 at 6:08 am - Reply

      At 6″07 AM August 2, it appears as tho’ a parent has left foot entangled with plastic strip which is attached to a “sling shot” shaped small twig. I hope it frees itself of this appendage!

    12. GinaM August 1, 2016 at 11:15 pm - Reply

      Horrifying footage from the Hog Island nest. I won’t post it here. But there was a Bald Eagle attack. They took the fledglings. It makes me treasure our little family even more. I didn’t think that was even possible- but I do.
      I don’t know about the bald eagle population near “our” nest, but I hope there aren’t any. I have a nest near me that met with the same fate as Hog Island two weeks ago.

      Lots of prayers to George and Gracie and the three beauties.

    13. CarolV August 1, 2016 at 9:11 pm - Reply

      Forecast…….high 60s-low 70s; overcast..possible showers toward and thru a.m. Tues.- mid 70s, sun in afternoon. We’ll see…everyone was expecting more rain today, but it was close to picture perfect most of the day!…Coming in to 2 days of new moon…seems to make people super grouchy..the joys of working with the public!
      Was happy to see so many comments filled in already! Only skimmed, but I will enjoy going back to re-read at leisure. Then there’s the fun when additional posts and answers have filled in later! All in context…

    14. Ann H August 1, 2016 at 8:50 pm - Reply

      Horrible,horrible news from Hog Island!!!!!!!!!
      Eagle took one of the chicks!!! One flew away. The last one stayed in the nest.
      Mother looks devastated. Again an eagle took her babies!!
      That nest was an example of perfect harmony of the chicks- so beautiful to watch.
      I am sick.

      • LynD August 2, 2016 at 9:14 pm - Reply

        My condolences to all who watch this nest and the perfect harmony it had. I’m surprised that bald eagles go to “almost fledgling” birds for food,
        rather than find fish or road kill, esp. at hog island where it’s all “good n’ plenty”. This is a definite phenomenon, which I’m sure will be very much
        referenced by Rob and all of his fellow researchers. There’s never a dull moment when dealing with wildlife, I suppose. So sorry that another osprey
        didn’t make it.

    15. CarolV August 1, 2016 at 8:35 pm - Reply

      8:08pmEDT….George stays long enough to get his picture taken…you handsome bird, you! No rush from well fed flock…..

      • CarolV August 1, 2016 at 8:40 pm - Reply

        Looks like Mr. Fish is gonna hang out in the nest…Was gonna make a joke about “sleeping with the fish” but sounded too grim and “GodFather” ish…………

    16. Jai August 1, 2016 at 8:22 pm - Reply

      Sad news from the Hog Island nest. There has been another Eagle attack. The youngest chick was taken and one of the other two is missing. It apparently fledged just as the Eagle struck and is not in the nest at this time. Hopefully, it is in a tree nearby. Right now Rachel and one of the chicks are at the nest. Sad this nest has been hit again after last years attack.

    17. CarolV August 1, 2016 at 7:35 pm - Reply

      There was plenty of fish this afternoon. I saw one @4:39pm, which Uno took charge of.

      This one, @6:25pm, had a very determined Dos in a tug-o-fish with Gracie-mama won, but it was hard fought!

      I noticed another attempt was made to clean the lens, but whatever that is stuck on there doesn’t want to go! Thanks for the try!

      • CarolV August 1, 2016 at 7:36 pm - Reply

        And Trey has been well fed, too.

    18. Pattye August 1, 2016 at 7:00 pm - Reply

      sorry made a mistake on the time – 6:57 on whether that was Lil Bit or not

    19. Pattye August 1, 2016 at 6:57 pm - Reply

      Is that Lil Bit goin up and down at 5:53?

    20. Bre August 1, 2016 at 6:20 pm - Reply

      Kathleen i want to thank you your response, it’s nice to be acknowledged once in awhile 😉

      • rjoneal August 2, 2016 at 9:39 pm - Reply

        8-2-16 Reply- Bre you are part of the family, sorry if you are feeling a little left out but we are all here for you and do like to see your comments. We just get busy and sometimes dont reply or comment back sorry! Dont get discourage I have enjoyed your comments and are glad to have you with us 2 years in a row. Also how could I not like you we are osprey sisters we both live in Florida Sunshine State.

      • Betsy August 3, 2016 at 1:39 pm - Reply

        Bre: I echo rjoneal’s comment — except the Florida part!!

    21. Karen DeLong August 1, 2016 at 6:17 pm - Reply

      Everybody looks absolutely pooped from the day’s activities! All huddled up together. So sweet…….

    22. CarolV August 1, 2016 at 6:14 pm - Reply

      14:39- George brought in a BIG whole fish..Trey isn’t that hungry, so I guess food has been available lately. Gracie does some calling to bring in the others. Betsy…a big beautiful boat..

      • CarolV August 2, 2016 at 6:56 am - Reply

        …………..and a kayak……………..

    23. Marlene August 1, 2016 at 3:41 pm - Reply

      Thanks to the magic screen washer around 3:39 p.m. We sure are a lucky bunch of ospreyites.

      • Betsy August 1, 2016 at 11:34 pm - Reply

        Yes we are!! 🙂

        And thanks, also, OZ for the 10:16 am wash!!

    24. june c August 1, 2016 at 3:39 pm - Reply

      CarolV..u ask about solid lines in Gracie’s call..there not really solid, if you saw it on a long piece of paper they are separate pithes.

    25. Marlene August 1, 2016 at 3:28 pm - Reply

      At 1140, George delivers almost a whole fish and proceeds to feed himself and #3. I think somewhere along the line, Gracie finished feeding. (I scrolled forward and might have missed the transition.) At 14:39, Daddy brings in another big fish, which is eaten by Gracie and some babes. Then, at 15:26, George brings in another whole fish, and the family tells him they are busy eating the earlier fish, so he takes off with it. Guess he was worried about his talons getting bitten again.

    26. Ruth August 1, 2016 at 2:56 pm - Reply

      Watching Gracie feed #3 and have decided that he hasn’t fledged yet because he is a mama’s boy. He definitely likes dad to bring home the “bacon” and mom to feed him.

      • kathy B August 1, 2016 at 7:15 pm - Reply

        Ya Ruth, he finally gets most if not ALL the attention ! Yippee Skippy 🙂

      • Betsy August 1, 2016 at 11:45 pm - Reply

        Ruth: That’s not true!! I’m late on this one!! I’m sure/hoping there will be an avalanche of replies!! 😀

    27. DarDar August 1, 2016 at 2:54 pm - Reply

      George brought a big whole fish at 2:40 pm Mon and Mom and baby are alone to dine and dine and dine.

    28. Trinity August 1, 2016 at 2:25 pm - Reply

      I’m going with August 3rd for chick # 3 to start their flying escapades. It ties in with a historic journey on Aug. 3 ; Christopher Columbus set sail from Spain with the ‘ Nina, Pinta, and Santa Maria. ‘

      • Nancy August 2, 2016 at 7:03 am - Reply

        I haven’t even seen #3 flap her wings much, nor lift /hover……and sometimes she looks so lonely all by herself in the nest. But at least the others do seem to return for a rest/visit.

        • Nancy August 2, 2016 at 7:10 am - Reply

          I take that back. At 7:09 she was flapping and jumping like crazy.

      • Nancy August 2, 2016 at 7:05 am - Reply

        1 & 2 make it look so easy now.

        • Trinity August 2, 2016 at 11:32 am - Reply

          # 3 will take off on their own timetable ?. I’m the youngest of three girls and always did things my own way !

    29. rjoneal August 1, 2016 at 2:06 pm - Reply

      8-1-16 bb3 looks like a young Gracie !

      • LynD August 1, 2016 at 2:43 pm - Reply

        WOW Rjoneal, what a comparison! Almost the same pose and I absolutely agree, our Lilbit looks like her mother! Thanks for posting this.

        • rjoneal August 2, 2016 at 1:24 am - Reply

          8-1-16 Reply-LynD glad you see what I see love the pose thanks for commenting.

        • LYNd August 2, 2016 at 9:29 pm - Reply

          You’d have to be Stevie Wonder NOT to see this. I’d say CLONE!

      • june c August 1, 2016 at 2:45 pm - Reply

        I was hoping u would put up a side by side…a little more wind they could pass as twins Ha

      • Robin August 1, 2016 at 4:34 pm - Reply

        Great comparison shots rjoneal! And yes she does!

      • Karen DeLong August 1, 2016 at 6:14 pm - Reply

        Yes that little girl does!

        • rjoneal August 2, 2016 at 9:40 pm - Reply

          8-2-16 Reply- Karen DeLong 🙂

      • Elaine August 1, 2016 at 7:31 pm - Reply

        #3 even sounds like Gracie!

        • rjoneal August 2, 2016 at 9:42 pm - Reply

          8-2-16 Reply- Elaine dont you know it bb3 can go on and on just like Gracie and its such a high pitch. Thanks for commenting on pic I really liked it.

      • Kimberly August 1, 2016 at 9:27 pm - Reply

        That is precious…the little one makes my heart melt more everyday.

        • rjoneal August 2, 2016 at 9:45 pm - Reply

          8-2-16 Reply- Kimberly my heart does hold a special place for bb3 and its going to be hard to watch them all leave! Happy Tears but still I will miss the day to day adventuress with Bb3.

        • rjoneal August 2, 2016 at 9:57 pm - Reply

          8-2-16 reply – Kimberly good pic of all 3 🙂

        • Dorothy August 3, 2016 at 7:34 pm - Reply

          So, is this 1,2,3 in a row top of the pic to the baby being the closest?

          • Betsy August 4, 2016 at 11:18 am - Reply

            Dorothy: Bingo!! You got it!! 🙂

      • Kimberly August 1, 2016 at 9:50 pm - Reply

        I think I have this replying figured out now. I love the Gracie and little one photo comparison…too precious. I am totally smitten watching this adorable family. Such great personalities and natural love. The little one has grit and shows it more everyday. (He has stolen my heart completely.) We are all blessed to be a part of one of nature’s miracles. Thank you George and Gracie, their babes, the daily posts that keep us all informed and all who make the live cam possible.

    30. Michael G. Martin August 1, 2016 at 12:46 pm - Reply

      Dear June C
      Thank-You for providing to the Group some of the most unique and probably the best research I’ve read concerning Voice Recognition Amongst Ospreys ( VRAO )
      While doing your research on VRAO have you identified the voice patterns on how Ospreys communicate different commands or in general day to day interaction between our Ospreys. Can you tell how they would tell Mom if they were hungry or if Mom or Dad wasn’t present and they were in danger or an intruder was close.
      I always thought that Ospreys used sight to identity their nest mates or if Mom and Dad used sight also Tiocfaidh ar la ID their Brood.
      But now with your thoroughly amazing Research on VRAO does that play a bigger role in identification amongst Ospreys. Please let us know and continue to post your findings.

      Mike

      • June c August 1, 2016 at 4:11 pm - Reply

        This all came about when Denver Holt, president and founder of the Owl Reasearch Institude had a live chat in July. He said (this is not a quote) that each osprey has its own distinctive voice pattern…I put a shout out on Oz regarding this..No answers back so I decided to give it a try. Yes, calls peaks are different when calling, warning or just soft talk in nest with the same Osprey. The pics I posted are squashed each line is a separate vibration. This is pic of bb 2 being fed by Gracie

        • June c August 1, 2016 at 4:12 pm - Reply

          Picture

          • June c August 1, 2016 at 4:15 pm - Reply

            This is same B when George is bringing in fish

        • Deborah August 1, 2016 at 5:08 pm - Reply

          June,C, I was wondering if you could create a file of this information to share.

    31. rjoneal August 1, 2016 at 11:19 am - Reply

      8-1-16 Reply- Marlene your are welcome I enjoy taking pics !

    32. Betsy August 1, 2016 at 10:16 am - Reply

      Re the Mystery Fish: I was watching when chick #1 waggled its head, spying something, and then went over and pulled out a fish!! I knew s/he was no David Copperfield, making a fish appear out of thin air, and the chicks had been grabbing and eating fish as quickly as George and Gracie could bring them — including George’s toes!! So, where did the fish come from?? And then I remembered … George had flown in at 2:36 pm, getting his wing caught on the camera, and then, after freeing it, alarming before flying away. I am so enamored of his feathers that I made a regular and a slow-motion recording of his landing. So I replayed them and, lo and behold, there was the fish in his foot, which I hadn’t noticed both times I recorded his landing!! 😀 With the commotion and wind blowing and George’s wings creating more air turbulence when he took off, it got covered with the plastic until chick #3 laid down near it, apparently shifting the plastic enough that chick #1 could see the fish!!

    33. June c August 1, 2016 at 10:01 am - Reply

      This is bb 2 calls…raspy voice..have to fine tune this….what was going on at the time of calls…learning process
      Thanks for showing interest..

      • Betsy August 1, 2016 at 11:50 am - Reply

        June c: I noticed the raspy voice, too … must have been a smoker in a former life!! 😀

    34. Paula August 1, 2016 at 8:51 am - Reply

      Hi All,
      Such a proud morning. At 6:18 Gorgeous George brings in a nice headless fish and Littlebit gets it immediately and then #2 comes over and tries to take it but Littlebit successfully defends it and eats almost all of it. I was so proud I got tears in my eyes. I don’t know what would have happened if it had been #1 but we’ll see when it happens but Littlebit is really growing up fast now that she isn’t scared and cowering all the time. I also saw her hovering over the nest quite nicely while she was waiting for her breakfast.
      I’m gonna pick August 5 for Littlebit to fledge. I figure it will be Friday because I have appointments and won’t be able to watch as much as I would like so the little brat will do it then. Just when your kid starts walking while your back is turned or when you’re out of the room! So I really hope someone makes a video of it, please.

    35. Leesa August 1, 2016 at 8:29 am - Reply

      Well Trey finally was able to defend herself and keep a fish! George brought a whole fish to the nest about 6 with two chicks in the nest, Dos and Trey maybe. Then one chick flew off before George returned at 6:18 leaving it solely for Trey. But Uno, I think, returned, and tried to take it from her, unsuccessfully! That a girl, Trey! About 6:37 Trey released the remaining fish which Uno proceeded to pick up and eat. Then Gracie brought in a whole fish about 7 and fed Trey till her tummy must have been stuffed. I think it is very interesting that George is bringing smaller fish, sometimes whole, sometimes not, and giving them to the chicks to eat themselves. Gracie, being the mother she is, still wants to feed them. Guess we mom’s never want our kids to “grow up” and not need us, even in the bird kingdom!

    36. Marilyn August 1, 2016 at 8:29 am - Reply

      6:18 am, 8/1 fish delivered to #3. Big bro/sis landed & tried to take fish away. #3 pecked him/her. Kept the fish all to its self.What goes around, comes around,

      • Marilyn August 1, 2016 at 8:35 am - Reply

        Looks like $4 actually lost the fish to big bro/sis at 6:38. 🙁

        • Rob Bierregaard August 1, 2016 at 11:24 am - Reply

          4$? As in $4 haircut?

          • Betsy August 1, 2016 at 11:51 am - Reply

            Rob: No, silly … one keystroke over #3 becomes $4!!

            • Betsy August 1, 2016 at 11:53 am

              Although, it’s true, chick #3 does look like s/he has a $4 haircut!!

              P.S. We can expect the feathers to grow in, right?

          • Robin August 1, 2016 at 4:33 pm - Reply

            Please Rob Bierregaard – can you tell us more about feather re-growth – have you seen other baby ospreys neck feathers grow back after sibling rivalry and at this stage of development? Thank you so much!

    37. Kathleen August 1, 2016 at 8:25 am - Reply

      .At 16:37:38 Lil Bit stood up for him/herself. I was so happy. #2 wanted a fish that George brought home, tried to take it from Lil Bit and he got a couple of pecks on his neck for his trouble.

      • rjoneal August 1, 2016 at 11:22 am - Reply

        8-1-16 Reply- Kathleen it was Bb1 who got pecked by BB3 today remember Bb1 has black spots on chest and BB2 does not along with the markings around the eyes and head. I know its hard to tell who is who sometimes. 🙂 We all noticed since BB2 fledged first Bb1 has been very submissive and laid back.

        • Kathleen August 1, 2016 at 3:46 pm - Reply

          OOOh, thanks for the correction. That scenario is more impressive. It feels even better knowing that #1 ‘Got It’.

          • rjoneal August 2, 2016 at 1:27 am - Reply

            8-1-16 reply- Right, it makes it that much more, yeah Bb3 you can only push Bb3 so far then watch out!

    38. GinaM August 1, 2016 at 8:11 am - Reply

      Baby#3 does some major helicoptering at 5:20 AM 8/1/16 – any day now the Little Chick that Could will be flying with her siblings!

      • rjoneal August 1, 2016 at 11:18 am - Reply

        8-1-16 Reply- GinaM I took same pic I think today or tomorrow depending on if the wind stays strong Bb3 will be taking off.

    39. Renee August 1, 2016 at 7:39 am - Reply

      6:18 George brings in a somewhat eaten fish, 3 is calling him in and gets the fish (?). Think it was 2 (sound) arrives right away and tries to take the fish (?) away from 3 so she defended very nicely by pecking and he backed off…WTG 3!!
      ‘Nobody steals from baby!’

    40. June c August 1, 2016 at 7:32 am - Reply

      fight for fish C wins….Rocky is really fits him now…

    41. CarolV August 1, 2016 at 7:07 am - Reply

      6:52amEDT- Fish in….looked like Biggies were eating something off on the right , but I missed what.

      • CarolV August 1, 2016 at 7:16 am - Reply

        Just tracked down this earlier delivery, with Trey standing up for her claim. She had it for a while, then lost it.

        • rjoneal August 1, 2016 at 11:29 am - Reply

          8-1-16 Yes CarolV it was so great to see our Bb3 taking charge. Bb3 saysI dont mind waiting my turn sometimes but dont push me because then I become the Tasmanian Devil I didn’t forget those nights going to bed hungry! LOL

    42. Mzsha August 1, 2016 at 6:36 am - Reply

      Spirit got a half eaten small fish from George this morning and successfully defended it at least twice from who I think was Uno but I could be wrong. Gave a couple good pecks to the head. Serves them right. The fish have been very small the last couple days. George needs to step up delivery or the fighting is going to get worse.

      • Jai August 1, 2016 at 7:50 pm - Reply

        Spirit is the youngest Osprey at the Hog Island nest. Our little one here doesn’t have an official name yet.

    43. Margaret August 1, 2016 at 6:29 am - Reply

      06:18 – George brings in a medium sized headless that he turns over to Trey. In comes Uno (from up top, I think) and tries to steal the fish and Trey pecked Uno’s head so hard. I have to admit, I was smiling at that. Kinda, what goes around comes around. 🙂

    44. CarolV August 1, 2016 at 6:06 am - Reply

      Look who’s got feathers! Getting there………………

    45. Betsy July 31, 2016 at 10:23 pm - Reply

      Gracie needs toe guards now and chick #2 needs coke-bottle glasses!! 😀 Poor Gracie was yelping in pain!!

      https://youtu.be/4fmQNfrKuuo

      • june c August 1, 2016 at 9:39 am - Reply

        George n Gracie have to learn drop and fly move…..

        • Betsy August 1, 2016 at 11:48 am - Reply

          june c: For sure!! 😀

    46. Bre July 31, 2016 at 8:36 pm - Reply

      Carol V i love the cuddling shot,I will certainly add this pic to the “Osprey Family Photo Album” Smiles 🙂

    47. Bre July 31, 2016 at 8:29 pm - Reply

      June C what a great idea adding voicing charts 🙂 sure creates a different angle of their expression or mood Thank You!

    48. Marilyn July 31, 2016 at 8:17 pm - Reply

      So sad to see chick #3 by itself in the nest. But around 7:30 pm this evening it was air born for about 9 seconds. Good job little one! You’ll be up and away before you know it.

    49. Marilyn July 31, 2016 at 8:02 pm - Reply

      Scrolled back to around 5 pm after getting home from work. Looked pretty nasty up in the nest. Very very windy, camera had rain drops on it. Hope tomorrow is a better day.

    50. Bre July 31, 2016 at 8:01 pm - Reply

      I have to say it’s heart breaking to see our babe #3 resting low all alone in the nest, even knowing mom or pop is close by…s/he is lone :-/ my heart goes out to her/him

      • Kathleen August 1, 2016 at 4:00 pm - Reply

        Hi Bre – I also feel that Lil Bit looks lonely but then i think of all the pecking he/she had to endure and I feel better about her being solo. Watching her getting more than usual to eat is also a plus for being alone. I did catch #2 (I think) snuggle up to our Babe. kThat warmed my <3.

    51. Ginger G July 31, 2016 at 7:58 pm - Reply

      Now that the chicks seem to be self feeding, I am concerned that our little one may not be getting enough food. I can only check in a few times a day and I try to go back and find the feeding times, and lately I don’t see #3 getting that much. I hope I am wrong and will wait for more comments to be posted so I can catch up on the feeding news. Just love watching this Osprey family. Thank you to Paul, Tommy, Aiden and all involved for this wonderful gift! Also to all the Osprey followers who contribute their comments, pictures, and videos!

    52. CarolV July 31, 2016 at 7:55 pm - Reply

      No body’s ready for the next step…………..us, I mean

    53. CarolV July 31, 2016 at 7:31 pm - Reply

      Not sure what I missed, but between video issues and blind corner….there appeared to be feeding happening, but unsure what, who, when.

    54. Betsy July 31, 2016 at 7:28 pm - Reply

      Thank you Tommy. The washer never ceases to amaze me!! 😀

    55. CarolV July 31, 2016 at 7:28 pm - Reply

      Thank You, oh RainMaker! She must have eaten something sticky!

    56. Rjoneal July 31, 2016 at 7:26 pm - Reply

      7-31-16 Tommy and anyone else who might have helped thank you for using Tommy’s secret invention for cleaning the camera lense.

      Chances are our babies 3 will be fledging tomorrow and now we can see and take pictures clearly.

      Thank you Paul and Aiden and all those who help behind the scenes.
      And a special shout out to all the wives who have to put up with all of us.

    57. CarolV July 31, 2016 at 7:18 pm - Reply

      Hope the baby holds out till we can see her again. Com’on rain! I’m thinking it’s gonna be a few days, anyway….I would like to think she’ll hold off till Friday, when I’m off. BUT……

    58. Robin July 31, 2016 at 6:45 pm - Reply

      Will the little guy be okay if his neck feathers don’t grow back – anybody know? Looks like they are partially coming in but not all of them. Hope I’m wrong – is there someone out there that’s seen this before?

    59. rjoneal July 31, 2016 at 6:26 pm - Reply

      7-31-16 Reply- Ruth loved your video on youtube 7-30-16 titled -The troublemaker lol!
      You post on on site for everyone to watch. Awesome !

    60. CarolV July 31, 2016 at 6:16 pm - Reply

      6:08pm..Another fish and another toe pull….teen-agers!

    61. rjoneal July 31, 2016 at 5:53 pm - Reply

      7-31-16 Bb3 I can Fly I can Fly just like Peter Pan- he hovers up to perch almost good job! Happy tears for Bb3

    62. CarolV July 31, 2016 at 5:03 pm - Reply

      There’s been a “threat” of storms all day. While not hot, it’s muggy and uncomfortable. There is a breeze….at least outdoor events haven’t been ruined. Warnings for flash floods on parts of the Island, mostly farther west. We could still use more rain, but a gentler, extended day long kind of shower would be better. Putting my order in……………………..

    63. CarolV July 31, 2016 at 4:36 pm - Reply

      4:23pm–George has had his share and plenty left. Gracie looked like she was getting impatient about that last fish still being worked on by Uno. Now she can feed Trey, while Dos winds up getting last fish bit from Uno.

    64. Betsy July 31, 2016 at 4:35 pm - Reply

      At 10:06 am George dropped off a fish that chick #2 promptly grabbed and started eating. About 3 1/2 minutes later, chick #1 jumped down from the perch and tried to take the fish away from chick #2, but chick #2 was having no part of that, even giving chick #1 a couple of pecks!! I’m going to borrow CarolV’s line: “No osprey were harmed in the making of this video.” But, I’m sure those pecks must have hurt some!! 😀

      P.S. at the 10:09:50 mark, if you want to see the scuffle in slow motion adjust the setting to 0.5 or 0.25 speed.

      https://youtu.be/TaXgGE1-vNw

    65. Elaine July 31, 2016 at 4:13 pm - Reply

      Looks like Trey had his turn earlier in decorating the camera lens. Shame on Trey.

    66. Marlene July 31, 2016 at 4:01 pm - Reply

      Betsy, thanks for solving the Mystery Fish episode. I actually saw that happen and started writing a comment, but didn’t know what the heck happened, so I deleted my note. At leaset the mystery is solved. And, thanks for all of your videos and comments. They are really enjoyable.
      rjoneal, thanks for the humming bird pictures. I know you had to go back to look for them. I know hummingbirds are on LI, but I have not been lucky enough to see one in person. They are so tiny! It’s amazing how you were able to see them.
      Carol, your comments on some of the pictures are really funny. Maybe you missed your calling and should’ve been a stand-up comic!
      Lastly, June C, thanks for the printouts of the bird calls. We have such talented ospreyites. And this is all thanks to Paul, Tommy, and Aidan. You guys are the best!

    67. Bob July 31, 2016 at 3:33 pm - Reply

      Just realized that most commentators who are lost in this website constantly (which is in no way meant as a criticism) are women. Why is that? Could it be that many, having been mothers, have adopted new families to lavish their love upon? Nothing wrong with that but my feeling is reinforced by how clearly and unambiguously commentators anthropomorphize these birds into what they conceive is the behavior of human parents and children which, believe me, is not at all alike. My feeling is, if it makes you happy, DO IT! But, please, if something goes wrong don’t go into mourning. It will only depress you. Hope all three chicks fledge successfully and take off for the south. I especially want to thank those who take the time for those special posts that let people like me who watch occasionally to observe very special moments in the birth and development of this species.

      • rjoneal August 1, 2016 at 11:39 am - Reply

        8-1-16 You are to funny you crack me up Bob this year and last year always trying to keep it real. Good observation on the woman and your writing is pretty good do you write for a living? I know you just had your 70th B-day not to long ago but did you write or lecture ? I am woman and live in Florida you know me, like you ospreys are all around but it is like an addiction to our family live cam site. Every year I cant wait till I can see G&G back together again and yes my children are all grown and my hubby and all think I am crazy spending so much time. They say there is an osprey in your tree right now mom why do you like to watch on the computer? Cant explain it just love learning the behaviors and interaction with all. the things you cant see from the ground. We only humanize it,if thats such a word to make it fun. There are some men on but they dont comment to much like you once in awhile.
        Love our Osprey family and followers!
        ps did you see on YouTube there is video of osprey in Florida eating fish on the side of the road.

        • Bob August 2, 2016 at 8:58 am - Reply

          Thanks for your reply to my comment. I am happy you realize it was in no way meant to disparage anyone on the site and I have always loved women. August 8 will be my 40th wedding anniversary with a very special woman who has tolerated me all these many years. I am very lucky. She follows the site, too, but not on a constant basis. As to my writing, I appreciate your compliments. I guess the many years I spent in school did some good. In truth, although I am not a writer, I have published some essays and short short stories over the years most based on fishing. I was an avid fisherman thanks to my elder brother’s influence. By profession I was a psychologist and teacher so I guess you might say I have done my share of lecturing. Enough about me – now, back to the birds!

          • rjoneal August 2, 2016 at 9:25 pm - Reply

            8-2-16 reply -Bob and wife, very happy for you both, I have been married 25 years, maybe George and Gracie will make it just as long .
            I hope to hear from next season as well take care!
            Love our Osprey Family and Followers!

    68. CarolV July 31, 2016 at 3:06 pm - Reply

      2:54pm- Gracie with the lunch menu….

      • CarolV July 31, 2016 at 3:43 pm - Reply

        Looks like Uno has the fish. Lots of complaints from Trey.

    69. CarolV July 31, 2016 at 3:01 pm - Reply

      WELLLLLL>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> it wasn’t aimed at us……………..talk about an ill wind………………………….

      • CarolV July 31, 2016 at 3:48 pm - Reply

        Unsuccessful try for a second coat…….

    70. Betsy July 31, 2016 at 3:00 pm - Reply

      Paul: I just want to say thank you — the video stream has been just about absolutely flawless since the 26th!! 🙂

      Now, if we could just get the chicks to not have such good aim … well, actually, I shouldn’t say that — it wasn’t chick #3’s fault totally … the wind carried it!! 😀

    71. Mzsha July 31, 2016 at 2:22 pm - Reply

      You can blame this dirty screen on Spirit and the wind. She didn’t really aim at the camera but the wind helped it along.

    72. Arlene July 31, 2016 at 1:49 pm - Reply

      Alone again…it’s okay Trey your time will come….just enjoy all the good fish you will get by yourself for now 🙂

    73. Claire July 31, 2016 at 1:46 pm - Reply

      So, are the official names Uno, Dos and Trey?

    74. CarolV July 31, 2016 at 11:37 am - Reply

      9:40am– first of a series..Dos takes charge of small fish; Uno comes in to take it

      • CarolV July 31, 2016 at 11:38 am - Reply

        10:19am- another small fish, with Dos taking it..

        • CarolV July 31, 2016 at 11:40 am - Reply

          Picture goes with 10:19

        • CarolV July 31, 2016 at 11:41 am - Reply

          Screwing up twice……………SHOULD READ 10:06am

          • CarolV July 31, 2016 at 11:44 am - Reply

            THIS is the 10:19am fish….medium, whole; Gracie came to take charge and Trey was well fed, after Uno had some Mom time.
            Sorry, people…it’s one of those days………………………………..

            • Betsy July 31, 2016 at 6:07 pm

              😀

    75. Betsy July 31, 2016 at 11:07 am - Reply

      So, just where did the mystery fish that chick #1 find at 5:52 pm come from?? …

      https://youtu.be/dg7brWTWI-w

      • CarolV July 31, 2016 at 3:12 pm - Reply

        Bass Ventura, fish detedtive……

      • Monica July 31, 2016 at 5:19 pm - Reply

        I was wondering where it came from. Thanks for the video!

      • Marilyn July 31, 2016 at 8:45 pm - Reply

        Gracey brought it in then flew off & it got stuck under the tarp?

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