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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

    52,629 Comments

    1. CarolV August 14, 2016 at 3:11 pm - Reply

      3:03pmEDT……Big fight for fish between, I think, Trey and Uno. No idea where it came from, but someone dropped down on the right and war broke out.

      • CarolV August 14, 2016 at 3:13 pm - Reply

        Trey got it…..Uno sulking

    2. CarolV August 14, 2016 at 2:25 pm - Reply

      Lucky no one home!

      • CarolV August 14, 2016 at 2:27 pm - Reply

        George loves his scrub pine multi- branches

        • CarolV August 14, 2016 at 2:52 pm - Reply

          Hope this branch stays away from the washer…………………

    3. CarolV August 14, 2016 at 2:21 pm - Reply

      And I can beg from HERE!……………….Trey’s turn………………

    4. graCEY August 14, 2016 at 1:56 pm - Reply

      call Evelyn Alexander Rescue 1-631-728-WiLD

    5. Donna W August 14, 2016 at 11:19 am - Reply

      FOR WENDY – URGENT, Please post ASAP
      Post from Wendy yesterday, August 13 at 9:24 pm

      Wendy August 13, 2016 at 9:24 pm – Reply
      Been walking past a nest on North shore of Great Peconic Bay in Cutchogue, and think one of the bird’s wings is injured in the nest, since Wednesday’s storm? Anyone I can call to help?

      Evelyn Alexander Wildlife Rescue Center in Hampton Bays. Call their HOTLINE: (631) 728-WILD (9453)

    6. CarolV August 14, 2016 at 10:30 am - Reply

      Dos’ turn to beg…and beg…and beg

      “plar…plar…plar….” Maybe Mom will listen to my Spanish”

      • CarolV August 14, 2016 at 10:31 am - Reply

        oops..forgot

        • CarolV August 14, 2016 at 11:13 am - Reply

          Let’s try closer and louder…..CHEEP….CHEEP

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

          Sorry…that would be pio….pio…..for cheep, cheep…could have used those glasses……………

    7. Marlene August 14, 2016 at 10:18 am - Reply

      #3 is complaining to George that she is hungry. George is busy with nestorations, seaweed, twigs. Finally, he catches a whole fish for the baby, who grabs it from George.

    8. CarolV August 14, 2016 at 10:17 am - Reply

      The Case of the Missing Greenery !!! Now you see it…………..09:45:57

      • CarolV August 14, 2016 at 10:20 am - Reply

        Now you don’t…..wind blew; video skipped………….

        • CarolV August 14, 2016 at 10:23 am - Reply

          And I just saw it myself !!!! Didn’t realize I caught it on that top edge on its way out !!! Mystery solved….

          • CarolV August 14, 2016 at 10:24 am - Reply

            It’s even waving GOOD-BYE ………as it LEAFS……………………………………………………….

    9. Marlene August 14, 2016 at 10:05 am - Reply

      Thanks for the postings that #2 caught a fish! Yippee!! I was concerned about that. Thanks for videoing it, too, Betsy. Boy, do we need rain. Everything is so dry and the air is really oppressing..

    10. rjoneal August 14, 2016 at 9:39 am - Reply

      8-14-16 Reply – Wendy Robin posted this in the past here is some info for injured bird? Hope all is ok and shout-out to Robin see I kept info in case I find an injured bird.
      _________
      Fr Robin
      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/
      I am sure they can help

    11. CarolV August 14, 2016 at 9:17 am - Reply

      Thanks. Dad! You are a buen pescador!

      • CarolV August 14, 2016 at 9:18 am - Reply

        “scuse me……a little hungry………………….

        • CarolV August 14, 2016 at 9:22 am - Reply

          oh..yeah……..perdone, un poco hambre

          • CarolV August 14, 2016 at 9:53 am - Reply

            Gracie was making the little begging squeaks while Trey ate and took over fish when Trey was done….

    12. CarolV August 14, 2016 at 8:48 am - Reply

      8:45amEDT—Trey has been begging toward perch…someone flew out…..

      • CarolV August 14, 2016 at 8:51 am - Reply

        And Gracie delivered………………………a branch…nice green one………………………no bueno, mamacita ( Gracie has been practicing and teaching the kids for their intro to S.A.)

    13. Betsy August 14, 2016 at 8:29 am - Reply

      Idiots were apparently shooting off fireworks a little before 5 am.

      • rjoneal August 16, 2016 at 11:19 am - Reply

        8-16-16 Reply – Betsy I hate that when people shoot off fireworks just for the thrill or just because. Its one thing to be patriotic on the 4th July and I can understand New Years Eve but really people they are dangerous to all animals,people also it just pollutes our waters and environment, what a shame. Good eye.

        • Betsy August 16, 2016 at 7:07 pm - Reply

          rjoneal: Couldn’t miss it … the light and bangs of the fireworks going off!! Must have been nearby because the smoke could be seen wafting in front of the camera!! Poor chick #3 looked really frightened!

    14. Betsy August 14, 2016 at 7:56 am - Reply

      George came in on the end of a long dried plant … and then did it again!!

      https://youtu.be/AskZyDJ4gLw

    15. Betsy August 14, 2016 at 7:39 am - Reply

      8/13 We can’t forget George!! This is after he made a delivery of a very thin stick!!

    16. CarolV August 14, 2016 at 7:37 am - Reply

      George stops in to check ….can’t help himself, must adjust something, if only an old claw!

    17. Betsy August 14, 2016 at 7:33 am - Reply

      8/13 As an intruder flew overhead, chick #1 leapt up to shoo it away. Because of the choppy video I got these awesome pictures of his/her wingtip feathers!!

      • Kathleen S August 15, 2016 at 11:45 am - Reply

        Beautiful primaries.

    18. Betsy August 14, 2016 at 7:26 am - Reply

      8/13 Chick #3 … hard to be light in the wind!!

    19. SYLVIA August 14, 2016 at 7:25 am - Reply

      How well did baby Trey eat yesterday, Friday, Aug 13 ? I did not get a chance to watch all day.

      • CarolV August 14, 2016 at 9:30 am - Reply

        I saw one good feeding late in the day. I’m sure we will hear about others. How goes it with you. I’ve been sending good thoughts your way………

    20. Betsy August 14, 2016 at 7:23 am - Reply

      8/13 Chick #3 does the twist again!!

    21. Betsy August 14, 2016 at 7:20 am - Reply

      8/13 Frozen video and chick #3 was frozen in the air!!

    22. Betsy August 14, 2016 at 7:18 am - Reply

      8/13 Chick #2 looks like s/he’s got really funky tail feathers as chick #3 behind her/him gets windblown!!

    23. Betsy August 14, 2016 at 7:10 am - Reply

      8/13 Gracie brought another fish which chick #2 got

    24. CarolV August 14, 2016 at 7:05 am - Reply

      Sunday morning rising….Trey checking out her world…look at that pretty feathered head! Not so “BALDY” anymore, Mr. ROB.B. !!!
      She’s been in and out a few times…

    25. Betsy August 14, 2016 at 6:53 am - Reply

      8/13 Chick #3 teetr totters in the wind!!

      • Betsy August 14, 2016 at 6:53 am - Reply

        8/13 Chick #3 teeter totters in the wind!!

      • Betsy August 14, 2016 at 6:54 am - Reply

        Duplicate — sorry!!

    26. Betsy August 14, 2016 at 6:41 am - Reply

      8/13 Chick #2 came back to the nest just after Gracie delivered the fish … then it was his/her turn to be frozen by the choppy video!!

    27. Betsy August 14, 2016 at 6:27 am - Reply

      8/13 Gracie brought a headless fish which chick #1 grabbed … with the choppy video it made for a chaotic mess of feathers!!

    28. Betsy August 14, 2016 at 5:53 am - Reply

      8/13 Chick #3 doing the twist!!

    29. Betsy August 14, 2016 at 5:38 am - Reply

      Wind and tail feathers and choppy video !! Chick #1 windblown.

    30. Betsy August 14, 2016 at 5:35 am - Reply

      8/13 The video stream was choppy a good part of the afternoon — good for pictures!! The chicks would get frozen posed in funny ways!! This is chick #3.

    31. Betsy August 14, 2016 at 5:26 am - Reply

      8/13 When chick #3 got up from lying down, a piece of plastic got caught in its folded wing!! But, it ended up getting loose and blowing away.

    32. Betsy August 14, 2016 at 5:10 am - Reply

      Chick #3 flying from the nest on 8/13.

    33. CarolV August 13, 2016 at 9:31 pm - Reply

      Coming soon to a sky near you…although time may vary…August 18–5:27amEDT,,,Full Sturgeon Moon/Full Red Moon/ Green Corn Moon/ Grain Moon

      • June c August 14, 2016 at 9:43 am - Reply

        There will be a total Solar Eclips Aug. 21st.

        • Betsy August 15, 2016 at 2:41 pm - Reply

          Wow! I’ll have to keep that date in mind!!

    34. Wendy August 13, 2016 at 9:28 pm - Reply

      Been walking past a nest on the north shore of great Peconic bay, and since the storm of Wednesday, seems like a bird’s wing is injured?

      • CarolV August 14, 2016 at 9:02 am - Reply

        if you didn.t get a better answer- group in Middle Island may have answer- 631-736-8207

        http://www.savetheanimalsrescue.org/

        Good luck!

      • Donna W August 14, 2016 at 11:21 am - Reply

        Evelyn Alexander Wildlife Rescue Center in Hampton Bays. Call their HOTLINE: (631) 728-WILD (9453)

      • Trinity August 14, 2016 at 11:46 am - Reply

        Evelyn Alexander Wildlife Rescue, Hampton Bays, 631.728.9453
        You can also use Google to find a bird specific organization.

    35. Wendy August 13, 2016 at 9:24 pm - Reply

      Been walking past a nest on North shore of Great Peconic Bay in Cutchogue, and think one of the bird’s wings is injured in the nest, since Wednesday’s storm? Anyone I can call to help?

    36. Marlene August 13, 2016 at 9:08 pm - Reply

      Around 6:45 p.m., #3 stole a fish from #2! She’s a real toughy. Hopefully, that determination will help her survive the long trip that lies ahead. Someone asked a few days ago whether anyone saw a baby catch a fish. I have not. Someone wrote in that they thought #3 flew in with a fish. Has anyone seen one of the chicks catch a fish? Also, I agree with a comment by another ospreyite, that the parents are cutting back on the fish deliveries because the babies need to learn how to fish. George checks in at 7:52 to see what’s happening. These little ones need to get their act together and go fishing.
      rjoneal, thanks for the link with new osprey info. I’m going to check it out now.

    37. CarolV August 13, 2016 at 7:27 pm - Reply

      7:23pm- There’s been lots of coming and going and some fish came in…George just stopped by with a piddly stick and to see what’s going on..Dos has been complaining non-stop for a while and had a lot to say to George. Then, while Trey was distracted by George being behind her, zzziiiipppppppppppppppppp…….Dos snagged her fish! At least he’s quiet now!

      • CarolV August 13, 2016 at 9:33 pm - Reply

        I think in all the comings and goings and swaps and steals, everyone ate.

      • CarolV August 13, 2016 at 9:38 pm - Reply

        This was one fish I got to see arrive. Gracie, I THINK…went to privacy corner…

    38. CarolV August 13, 2016 at 6:55 pm - Reply

      Once again…..forecast storms no-show….think they just say that to make us hopeful!!! We Want Rain !!!!!!! Was hotter than they predicted, again…we hit at least 90 in Cutchogue. More of the same tomorrow, but worse………yay….

    39. Betsy August 13, 2016 at 2:31 pm - Reply

      Anatomy of a landing!!

    40. MD August 13, 2016 at 2:06 pm - Reply

      Not sure which chick is in the next, but is s/he favoring that right “leg”?

    41. Betsy August 13, 2016 at 12:39 pm - Reply

      At 7:37 am chick #2 flew back to the nest after catching its own fish!! But, at 7:51 am, chick #1 flew to the nest and stole the fish!! And, at 8:10 am, chick #3 flew to the nest all wet!! … I think s/he was trying to fish!!

      https://youtu.be/AmSKPcZhN_Y

      • Betsy August 13, 2016 at 12:51 pm - Reply

        Chick #2 flies to the nest after catching its first fish … well, anyway, the first fish that we see!! 😀

        https://youtu.be/AmSKPcZhN_Y

        • Monica August 15, 2016 at 1:44 pm - Reply

          Wow!! Congrats, #chick #2!! Glad you capture all the ‘firsts’ of our lovely osprey family. 🙂

    42. Betsy August 13, 2016 at 11:41 am - Reply

      Gracie face time from yesterday … oooh ? — I just need chick #3 and George and I can make a family portrait!!

      • CarolV August 14, 2016 at 9:35 am - Reply

        Typical at portrait time! Everyone too busy………………

        • Betsy August 15, 2016 at 2:43 pm - Reply

          I just need George now to complete the in your face set!!

    43. Betsy August 13, 2016 at 10:59 am - Reply

      ,

    44. Dorothy August 13, 2016 at 10:39 am - Reply

      About 7:38am nest time was that Uno bringing in her own fish?????

      • Betsy August 15, 2016 at 2:44 pm - Reply

        No, Dorothy, it was chick #2!! 🙂

    45. Meg August 13, 2016 at 10:30 am - Reply

      So cool to see this young one catch her own fish, get it to the nest and then eat it!

      • Meg August 13, 2016 at 10:34 am - Reply

        This guy came in and stole it from the original fisherbird.

        • Meg August 13, 2016 at 10:54 am - Reply

          Lots of stealing on this fish. From 1 to 2 to 1 to 3 to 2 to 3 and then I lost track. But they all got a piece of this biggie that either 1 or 2 brought in.

    46. rjoneal August 13, 2016 at 9:18 am - Reply

      8-13-16 Baby 2 fly’s in with his own fish he caught !

    47. Paula August 13, 2016 at 9:09 am - Reply

      Hi All,

      Another milestone today, #2 Dos caught his first fish. I feel like a proud parent .

      I was reading through all the comments and got down to the videos of George toppling over yesterday, funny as all get out, and it made me wonder if all the comments, pictures and videos will be available to go through after our family heads for warmer climes? It would be nice to back and look through them and remember all the good times ( and not so good) and especially get a chuckle from things like the George video when it’s cold and snowy here and we’re longing for spring and the next time we see George and Gracie to start the craziness all over again

      • CarolV August 14, 2016 at 9:38 am - Reply

        The site was left available last winter..I believe we even exchanged occasional comments, like seasons’ greetings. Hope they repeat the courtesy !! They are very good to us addicts !!

      • rjoneal August 14, 2016 at 12:35 pm - Reply

        8-14–16 Reply Paula The Osprey Zone site was has been live streaming year round since Paul started this. CarolV, Besty and I along with others commented through out the winter having conversations and people would ck in every once and awhile. The nest and the view is beautiful all year long. Just like now you can search by date or click on any number and go all the way back to when it first began and read all comments. The comments stay on the site and now this year all the pics will be there too. Videos are different who ever made the video even if its on the site right now they at any time can delete it or block it so it can not be viewed anymore. Winter is also a good time to share info on books to read and so on.

    48. Betsy August 13, 2016 at 8:46 am - Reply

      8/12 Chick #3 does Tai Chi!!

      • Betsy August 13, 2016 at 8:54 am - Reply

        Was supposed to be this picture!! Toes are splayed in last picture!!

    49. Betsy August 13, 2016 at 8:40 am - Reply

      8/12 Chick #2 trying to land on perch and missing

      • Betsy August 13, 2016 at 11:01 am - Reply

        And, here’s the video. Chick #2 is on the right side closest to the camera next to chick #1.

        https://youtu.be/zWb5Fb69jeA

        • Betsy August 13, 2016 at 11:08 am - Reply

          It runs in the family!! Here’s a video from July 11th — yes, July — with, I believe, Gracie skidding off the perch. I don’t know if you’ll laugh or cry seeing them from a month ago … I did both!!

          https://youtu.be/fkc6YAs0wKg

    50. CarolV August 13, 2016 at 7:53 am - Reply

      Mighty fisherman!

      • CarolV August 13, 2016 at 7:54 am - Reply

        And the winner is………………..

        • CarolV August 13, 2016 at 8:04 am - Reply

          STOLEN! Ah, the joys of siblings……………..

    51. Betsy August 13, 2016 at 7:32 am - Reply

      Gracie had dropped off a fish at 4:34 pm that chick #1 pounced on. Chick #2 was not happy, hollering the whole time, eventually moving in front of the camera to let the world know!!

    52. Betsy August 13, 2016 at 7:19 am - Reply

      Chick #3 flew off the nest from the left side of the nest, twisting to take off. I liked how the tail feathers looked in front of the camera!

    53. Betsy August 13, 2016 at 7:15 am - Reply

      Chick #3 preening tail feathers. I like how they were fanned as s/he preened down the length of the feathers.

    54. Betsy August 13, 2016 at 6:43 am - Reply

      The video stream had periods of choppiness and freezing one of them when chick #3 was coming in to land.

      • Betsy August 13, 2016 at 6:46 am - Reply

        With an astray fledgling behind him/her, which s/he and chick #1 shooed away!

        • Betsy August 13, 2016 at 6:52 am - Reply

          You can see the tail feathers of the other chick as it goes away in the last picture.

    55. rjoneal August 12, 2016 at 9:36 pm - Reply

      8-12-16 HI everyone Steve Kress had a live chat the other day and it was very informative a lot of good questions and answers. He mentions our Osprey Expert Rob Bigrregaard a couple of times. Rob has taking a blood sample of one of the chick ospreys in Hog Island and this will help him with a lot of info. He can check the mercury & lead and other pollutants and so much more.
      Ospreys have amazing memory and recognize their mate along with their extraordinary eye site.
      One thing I found interesting is that Ospreys unlike humans breed all their life. When if they become to old to breed they also are to old to fish, and migrate. Birds, Osprey migrate depending on the day lengthen.
      You do not have to worry about one fledgling and not be ready to migrate, they will not go until they know their wings are long and strong enough and they will get a restlessness.

      The first part is about Puffins so just fast forward it a bit and a lot is about ospreys

      https://youtu.be/3JkAkVd6P8g

      Pic- Oldie but A Goodie George & Gracie at the beginning of this year just the two of them building a nest together 4-20-16

    56. Marlene August 12, 2016 at 9:13 pm - Reply

      Thanks to Betsy and Leanne, too, for posting that video re George and his acrobatics. It really was sooo funny!! He’s such a handsome osprey, isn’t he?

      • Leanne August 14, 2016 at 7:01 am - Reply

        You’re welcome, Marlene. 🙂

    57. Ruth August 12, 2016 at 7:17 pm - Reply

      Hi everyone. I Thoroughly enjoyed all the videos of the shenanigans that goes on in that nest. I have a question. When I sign-on through Puffin the picture is always excellent and I’ve had no problems however I never have any sound. Is that the way it’s supposed to be? When I use Safari, I get the sound but I find the site to be very erratic. Thanks…

    58. CarolV August 12, 2016 at 7:16 pm - Reply

      18:58- All the kids are back and empty clawed, when George brings back a chunk left from his fish. I haven’t seen Uno with anything, so I figured she would grab it. But I guess Dos was still hungry-dried fish not filling?- and went after it like a crazy bird. So poor Uno is left blinking and muttering.

      • CarolV August 12, 2016 at 8:08 pm - Reply

        8:00pm…Did anyone see Uno eat? I hate any of them going hungry…hope I just missed something…she’s still hanging in the nest…which makes me wonder if she’s still hoping for food…

        Forecast-mid to high 70s, overcast overnight….bye, bye meteor showers……….Saturday-high 70s- mid 80s with t-storm warnings all morning; high humidity..blah…

    59. Ruth August 12, 2016 at 7:15 pm - Reply

      Hi everyone. I Thoroughly enjoyed all the videos of the shenanigans that goes on in that nest. I have a question. When I sign-on through Puffin the picture is always excellent and I’ve had no problems however I never have any sound. Is that the way it’s supposed to be? When I use Safari, I get the sound but I find the site to be very erratic

      • LynD August 13, 2016 at 9:22 am - Reply

        Hi Ruth ~ I just took out my I-phone and tested the Puffin browser. My sound seems to work fine. Check your volume setting on your device and make sure it
        is in the upper volume range. Also, try and re-fresh the page via the circular arrow shown at the top of the page. Hope this helps! I too thoroughly enjoy all the
        pictures and video clips everyone talented in that kind of thing, has posted. It has really made this site extraordinary this year (of course also due to the antics of
        our bird family). Thanks to all!

      • June c August 13, 2016 at 3:40 pm - Reply

        I just started using puffin. I have sound.

    60. rjoneal August 12, 2016 at 6:54 pm - Reply

      8-12-16 Betsy & Robin I got an Email that Rob Bierregarrd is at Martha’s Vineyard doing some osprey work. This is why he has not answered I am sure.
      I put his Ospreytrax home page on comments and I dont know for sure but there probably is a place to leave him a message I would think.

    61. CarolV August 12, 2016 at 6:27 pm - Reply

      17:50…Of course…things are happening…boom, boom, boom………………Gracie brings in a fish…right to Trey

      • CarolV August 12, 2016 at 6:31 pm - Reply

        18:03….an impatient Dos spots what I think is a dried up leftover and is dragging it back as George comes in behind him…George waits but no one shows interest in his live fish so he takes it off.

        • CarolV August 12, 2016 at 6:35 pm - Reply

          There appears to be an intruder alert which the Biggies stand up to, then Dos leaves with his prize. …that’s him and his fish flying on left…

    62. CarolV August 12, 2016 at 5:37 pm - Reply

      Thanks BETSY and thanks LEANNE…double videos of that funny moment….I wonder if George fell in to a kind of depression (no, not emotional) to make him have a hard time getting up? No arms to push up……………

      • CarolV August 12, 2016 at 7:19 pm - Reply

        Possibly spotted a hung up escapee hangin’ out to dry and tried to reach?

    63. Kathryn August 12, 2016 at 3:40 pm - Reply

      What is the deadline for naming the babies?

    64. Karen DeLong August 12, 2016 at 2:34 pm - Reply

      Tommy and company — Any idea as to when our little ones will be named??

      • Jai August 14, 2016 at 12:03 am - Reply

        I have asked this same question and I have seen other people ask and so far I have never seen a response. Maybe Tommy and company are on vacation.
        I hope we get an answer soon 🙂

    65. CarolV August 12, 2016 at 2:15 pm - Reply

      2:12pm—-3 beggars in the nest…….think parents making a point?

      • CarolV August 12, 2016 at 5:39 pm - Reply

        WE’RE STILL WAITING!!!!!! Hungry kids need a talking to about getting a job……They have a lot to say…

    66. Betsy August 12, 2016 at 11:44 am - Reply

      George topples over … bottoms up!! 😀

      https://youtu.be/6ag1jF-nYao

      • Marilyn August 12, 2016 at 2:02 pm - Reply

        Great video Betsy. Thanks. Love all the videos & pics that you post. Like other people on this site, I miss a lot of stuff because of work. I do manage to sneak a peak on my kindle while at work, but can’t get caught, so don’t do it often. So it’s great to be able to catch up on babies progress & see things that I’ve missed.

      • Elaine August 12, 2016 at 2:42 pm - Reply

        For Betsy: How funny! Looks as if George had a few too many drinks.

      • Betsy August 15, 2016 at 2:49 pm - Reply

        You’re welcome Marlene and Elaine. Poor George … embarrassed himself in front of everyone!! 😀

    67. Marlene August 12, 2016 at 11:33 am - Reply

      Oh, darn, I’m so sorry I missed George’s calisthenics this morning. The pictures look hysterical. I can’t imagine in person. Maybe Betsy can post a video?? We sure keep you busy, but appreciate all of them. CarolV, thanks for alerting us to that episode — too funny! and rjoneal, thanks for the pictures and your comments. That would be my first thought if I tripped and fell — did anyone see?? Haha.

      • Betsy August 12, 2016 at 2:57 pm - Reply

        Marlene: Nope, no video, can’t do it!! 😀 😀 😀

      • rjoneal August 12, 2016 at 11:27 pm - Reply

        8-12-16 Reply Marlene- Your wish came true Betsy and Leanne both made a video.
        Glad you like pic w comments.
        I just love our Geo he is such a character and adds so much to our Osprey family.

        • Betsy August 15, 2016 at 2:52 pm - Reply

          rjoneal: One can never be too rich or too thin or have too many videos of funny things!! 🙂

    68. Leanne August 12, 2016 at 11:07 am - Reply

      rjoneal, I scrolled back, saw the lil mishap and made a video. 🙂

      https://youtu.be/PqUwG7wa0wQ

      • Marilyn August 12, 2016 at 2:04 pm - Reply

        After the mishap, it looked as though he was looking around to see if anyone noticed. lol

      • rjoneal August 12, 2016 at 8:24 pm - Reply

        8-12-16 Reply- Leanne thanks, still makes me laugh no matter how many times I see it. Thank you for making this video for all of us.
        Love Our Osprey Family and Followers !

        • Leanne August 14, 2016 at 6:59 am - Reply

          You’re welcome. Glad you enjoyed it 🙂

    69. CarolV August 12, 2016 at 11:04 am - Reply

      10:47am- Thanks, Dad!!! I’m really hungry!!! Trey gets a fish

      • CarolV August 12, 2016 at 11:34 am - Reply

        Gracie, ever thrifty, takes over fish when Trey moves out

        • CarolV August 12, 2016 at 11:39 am - Reply

          Short alone time…Uno comes in, yelling and begging…

          • CarolV August 12, 2016 at 11:45 am - Reply

            I was wrong….that was Trey back tohave Mom feed her.

    70. CarolV August 12, 2016 at 10:31 am - Reply

      Listening to local weather forecast–muggy, sticky, high80s, possible t-storms- don’t leave your air-conditioning if you have health issues…………….sounds like a lovely week-end on the east end…and our forecast so much better than western LI and the city!

    71. rjoneal August 12, 2016 at 9:35 am - Reply

      8-12-16 Geo was picking at the nest doing his usual thing and this time he didn’t just fall a little he fell to the side and had to quickly get his balance since he was on the edge of the nest. Too funny.

      • Margaret R August 12, 2016 at 10:52 am - Reply

        lololol-great photo Rjoneal

        • rjoneal August 12, 2016 at 11:10 pm - Reply

          8-12-16 Reply- Thanks Margaret R. I cant watch as much as I use to right now but glad I got to see this happen. Leanne and Betsy both made videos, if I would have missed it there probably wouldn’t been a video made. I just laugh still every time I watch it Geo is such a character I just love him.

      • Karen DeLong August 12, 2016 at 11:28 am - Reply

        OMG! I laughed sooo hard when I saw George do his ‘workout’! Honest to God, I thought for sure the old boy was going over just like the fish do!!

        • rjoneal August 12, 2016 at 11:18 pm - Reply

          8-12-16 Reply- Karen I thought while I was watching and taking pics the same thing. I was wanting to fast forward but couldn’t since I was watching live. I kept thinking if he falls hopefully those wings would open before he got to low to the ground. Geo is such a comedian, when he was building the nest last year and they had a real bowl for the babies he would do the same thing using his body to push and move all that nesting to make a nice hole.

    72. DarDar August 12, 2016 at 9:25 am - Reply

      Question. All the fish Geo and Gracie have been catching seem to be the same species and in NC we call them Menhaden. Is that a common fish off the OZ location. Since last year was so scarce for fish I wondered if NY had passed some fishing regulations lately to ban extreme netting of these fish or any fish actually. We did in NC finally because planes would spot the large schools of menhaden and send huge boats to go and net them and the population dwindled. As far as I know fertilizer was why they caught them. Could be fish oil also as they are very oily. Just wondered? Some schools of menhaden are showing up now but nothing like yrs ago.

      • CarolV August 12, 2016 at 10:02 am - Reply

        Menhaden (bunker) are a primary food source for wildlife here. The die-offs last year were bunker. This year, several fishermen were licensed to net a specified amount in the river/bay system to prevent the over-crowding that occurred last year. The fertilizer/fish oil angle was mentioned as what would pay these fishermen for their time. Hopefully—someone willbe watching to be sure the “relieving” doesn’t become overdone.

      • Bob August 12, 2016 at 11:00 am - Reply

        Menhaden (also commonly called bunker or moss bunker) are as common as you can get on Long Island so that is why you see so many of them as they school up and in good weather are easy pickings for osprey. On the other hand, if you have watched this site a lot you have also seen porgies, weakfish (a type of sea trout in a size that would be illegal for a fisher person but not an osprey). Occasionally a gar, flounder that’s silly enough to come near the surface, shad (a member of the herring family) and I could name some others that they have caught. This year’s weather has provided great fishing for the osprey and that is why they are doing so well.Hope this helped.

        • CarolV August 12, 2016 at 7:43 pm - Reply

          Don’t forget the occasional ever adorable sea robin! And I believe gar what we call needlefish? They are so interesting, almost pre-historic looking!

          • Bob August 13, 2016 at 10:29 am - Reply

            As a long time surf fisherman I find it hard to describe sea robins as adorable but I assure you I always released them as carefully as striped bass, bluefish, weakfish, etc.. I never judged a living thing as ugly, or not deserving of its existence as I have seen so many other fisher people do. I’ve always felt these are all God’s creatures and have as much right to live as we do. It is true that I have killed some fish for food just as years ago I killed deer for food (I no longer hunt for many different reasons including my age and waning abilities as I was a good hunter when younger). Yes, gar and needlefish very synonymous although there are numerous species. Tucker’s reply to you has stirred me to follow up on the bunker situation. We don’t have them here in FL as far as I know. Our problem is the overfishing of mullet because there is a market for their roe in Asia and other places. All living things need to be protected and conserved except for the mosquitoes that bite me all the time! (Just kidding) Now, back to the birds.

      • Bob August 12, 2016 at 11:03 am - Reply

        Forgot to mention the millions of baby bluefish (called snappers) all over the place until they migrate in late fall.

      • Tucker August 12, 2016 at 12:21 pm - Reply

        DarDar, I’d like to add to Bob’s comment. A book Menhaden-The Most Important Fish in the Sea by H. Bruce Franklin is worth reading.We all need to protect our oceans for future generations.

        • Bob August 13, 2016 at 10:54 am - Reply

          Thank you for mentioning Franklin’s book. I will certainly look for it.

      • Lady Di August 12, 2016 at 12:56 pm - Reply

        DarDar: Yes, most of the fish that G & G bring in are Menhaden (we call them Bunker up this way). Last year there was a “bunker” die off, and this is why the fishing was bad last year. This year they paid local fisherman a penny a pound to harvest the “bunker” this spring, thus freeing up much needed oxygen for the remaining bunker to thrive! And it “worked”! http://www.eastendbeacon.com/2016/05/21/dec-fishermen-work-to-cull-bunker-from-peconic-river-to-avoid-fish-kill/

        • Bob August 13, 2016 at 10:32 am - Reply

          Thank you for the link which will help keep me up to date on an important topic for the place I grew up. It was quite thoughtful and helpful. Bob

    73. Betsy August 12, 2016 at 9:19 am - Reply

      George brought a fish to the nest. Chick #2 came flying in to claim the fish but couldn’t grasp it when George let go of the fish. It flapped around and then went sailing over the side of the nest!!

      https://youtu.be/EaYpZbUOJ6c

      • rjoneal August 12, 2016 at 9:36 am - Reply

        8-12-16 Reply- cute video Betsy

      • CarolV August 12, 2016 at 11:22 am - Reply

        Poor Dos…they over look over the side like they can’t believe it…and Uno- “Whattup? I heard the dinner bell??”

      • Marilyn August 12, 2016 at 2:07 pm - Reply

        I wonder if George flew away to go find it.

      • Monica August 12, 2016 at 6:47 pm - Reply

        Funny! I always wonder why they never go looking for the fish that flop out of the nest. I suppose it’s just too dangerous…

    74. CarolV August 12, 2016 at 8:50 am - Reply

      BTW- the possible rain possibly didn’t come overnight. Went out about 2:00am with my dog, Harry, and tried to see if there were any shooting stars. Harry was not co-operative to standing and sky watching….all about him and 75 lbs. of arm pulling fun exploration.. .there were stars visible, but lots of fast moving clouds…..

    75. Betsy August 12, 2016 at 8:42 am - Reply

      I think one of the chicks caught a fish and when s/he tried to land on the perch with it it went flapping down into the nest!!

      https://youtu.be/68mnD9VSViM

      • june c August 12, 2016 at 9:47 am - Reply

        I posted yesterday about this, with picture..9:55 was waiting for someone to come back on it…was dropped off perch.

        • rjoneal August 12, 2016 at 11:29 pm - Reply

          8-12-16 Reply – June C dont know if you already seen or not but yes and Betsy made a video on it. It appears she agrees bb3 flys in w fish drops it from the perch.

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