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An Intro to OspreyZone

The Story of DDT

Osprey Rescue

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Bald Eagles Visit Nest

Ospreyzone Highlights: May 21-29, 2020

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

OspreyZone Highlights: May 7th-14th, 2020

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March 18, 2016 Timelapse

The Summer of 2015 by GinaM

Osprey Rescue Extended - July 30, 2015

Osprey Zone Highlights - June 28, 2015

Osprey Zone Highlights - June 19, 2015

osprey 07/11/15 squirt

First Sighting

George and Gracie's First Baby

Eggs Over Easy

Changing of the Guard

Breakfast is Served

Upgrading

Feeding Time

First Love

Let's Hang Out

Hard to Get

Little Brother

Intruder

Dinner is Served

OspreyZone Montage

OspreyZone Highlights: George Returns

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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. Keith Bittner August 29, 2016 at 8:55 am - Reply

      At about 6;30am or so this morning it looked like George brought in more nesting material. But as soon as he landed it seemed he was chased off by two if not three other birds including the chics. Question was this George or the intruder?

      • Betsy August 29, 2016 at 5:35 pm - Reply

        Keith Bittner: It was George.

    2. CarolV August 29, 2016 at 7:06 am - Reply

      Seriously????? Brutus….@6:53am

      • CarolV August 29, 2016 at 7:09 am - Reply

        Left……and back….someone handing out fish on the beach???

    3. ospreyzone August 29, 2016 at 7:05 am - Reply

      In reply to Bob.
      Jim’s message has been deleted, never should have been published, sorry about that, things slip through sometimes.

      Although I agree, in part that comments should be reserved a bit, I would add that most of the frequent commenters have been the most valuable contributors to our group. Bob, please don’t take one rude, rogue comment to heart. One of the tidbits of wisdom I’ve learned over the years is that “you can really tell a gentleman (or lady) by the way they complain”. So please, we’ve come so far, let’s finish out this season with smiles, and above all everyone, “be nice”.

      Jim, No need to make your points so personal and negative, if you’re really interested in improving our comments section may I suggest that in all walks of life, “sugar” goes a lot further in winning friends and influencing people.

      And please, no more comments on these issues.

      Thanks

      • Bob August 26, 2016 at 10:41 am - Reply

        I must say you made my day. I hadn’t thought I’d been overstepping the bounds of thoughtful commentary but when Jim responded as he did I felt it would be better to just apologize and call it a day on commenting. I apologized to him because I do not want to foment negative feelings on your site of love and caring for our wonderful wildlife.That you took note of this incident makes me feel that I may have been right as I am not a constant but definitely a loyal commenter and watcher for two seasons. Thanks for your pick me up.I feel better about myself and I certainly have gained an exceptional respect (which I already had, to be truthful) for all that you folks do on OZ. Yours truly, Bob

    4. CarolV August 29, 2016 at 6:44 am - Reply

      FORECAST; 73 right now..overcast..slight breeze..mod. humidity—- gradually turning to full sun this afternoon..mid 80s…

      • rjoneal August 29, 2016 at 10:06 am - Reply

        8-29-16 reply CarolV tks 🙂

    5. CarolV August 29, 2016 at 6:06 am - Reply

      Good Morning! Rocky is on the nest as day rises…….she is talking to someone on perch. You can tell someone flies off perch and Rocky goes off shortly afterward…….about 5:45amEDT

      • Shar August 30, 2016 at 6:55 pm - Reply

        CarolIV Can you help me out? How can you tell it is Rocky? Now that he/she’s neck feathers have grown in I”m having a hard time identifying him?

        • Betsy August 31, 2016 at 2:44 pm - Reply

          Shar: I’m not CarolV, but I’ll answer … Easiest way:Rocky has a thin center head stripe Brutus’ is thick!!

    6. CarolV August 28, 2016 at 7:29 pm - Reply

      7:00pm- Gracie brings in a nice big fish, which Brutus claims. Gracie’s talon was stuck in fish and I thought she was going overboard for a second! She beat it out of there to safety…..We now get to listen to Rocky. yay…..

      • CarolV August 28, 2016 at 8:38 pm - Reply

        Was beginning to think Brutus was eating that whole fish! Rocky finally got it and was eating til we could no longer see her.

        • CarolV August 28, 2016 at 8:42 pm - Reply

          8:40pmSee her slightly…her white still shows as she moves.

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

      About 6:40pm–There was a persistent intruder that seemed to be trying to perch and land in the nest.

      • CarolV August 28, 2016 at 7:24 pm - Reply

        It got so heated, these two were going after each other. Rocky flew out and came back as if to give Brutus time to realize who she was, then even laid down low in the nest.

    8. CarolV August 28, 2016 at 5:21 pm - Reply

      16:55–How can we not define these relationships in human terms? Gracie and Brutus, sitting on the nest…B sees George coming and starts getting excited, while Gracie looks at her, like “What? Nothing here to squawk about…” as Geo delivers a stick

      • CarolV August 28, 2016 at 5:24 pm - Reply

        Then, Brutus turns from Gracie to George and back, squawking at each, wondering why a hungry kid is being ignored !!!

        • CarolV August 28, 2016 at 5:34 pm - Reply

          AND I missed the exchange where Gracie came in with her 1/2 fish, and Brutus got it, about 10 mins. or so before George came in. So was Brutus putting in a dessert order, or kicking her parents out?

    9. CarolV August 28, 2016 at 3:09 pm - Reply

      1:20pm– Gracie comes in with a fishtail, sitting, holding it , til almost 3:00pm. George stopped in, briefly, poking around. All’s quiet otherwise, as Gracie goes off with her fish.

    10. Betsy August 28, 2016 at 2:49 pm - Reply

      In answer to Renee’s question but also for everyone: re: “Anyone have an opinion or knowledge if this could this the ‘necklace’ (on it’s chest) that female Ospreys will usually develop?” in reference to Rocky.

      “… In the chicks, necklaces can be deceiving. Many chicks start out with a necklace and then lose it as they mature, so normally necklaces in young ospreys are not very reliable indicators of gender. If the young osprey comes back from South America in a few years when it has matured and it still has the necklace, then that would be an excellent sign that it was a female. … Body size is another indicator of gender in grown ospreys, but again it can be deceiving in chicks. With adult birds, the female is always bigger – as much as 1/3 bigger. But with chicks, so many things influence their size at this stage, that it’s hard to use it as a tool for determining their sex. … Order of birth, amount of food received, and other issues can affect the size of a chick, and those factors can make it hard to determine the correct gender just by looking at the bird’s size. Of course, once the birds are fully grown (around the time they’re ready to migrate), size becomes a better indicator. … But for now, it appears that DNA tests are the most reliable way to find out the sex of the chicks” http://www.friendsofblackwater.org/osprey_cam_blog05/archives/2005_07.html

      • Renee August 28, 2016 at 6:06 pm - Reply

        Thank you Betsy for the info..I appreciate the response.

      • Leesa August 29, 2016 at 5:48 pm - Reply

        Great info, Betsy. I’ve been kind of comparing the chicks’ sizes, and wondering if they are male or female, so it’s good to know that it’s hard to tell at this stage.

    11. helen August 28, 2016 at 2:21 pm - Reply

      As I look at Gracie sitting alone in the nest, can’t help wondering what she is thinking.

      • CarolV August 28, 2016 at 8:27 pm - Reply

        Straight down to Hatteras, jog to right . along coast…..was that over Key West or west of the Keys?…then………………..where’s my Appple watch…is the GPS app on there?,

    12. CarolV August 28, 2016 at 1:01 pm - Reply

      6/26/16— a stack of chicks………..

    13. CarolV August 28, 2016 at 11:26 am - Reply

      7-7-16—- not a candidate for a logo shirt! ! Are we doing any “anti-litter” T-shirts? Give a screech- don’t litter the beach!! ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………Stash your trash; don’t make the osprey do it!!
      ………………………………………………………………………………………………………Reduce, re-use, recycle…Learn from the wildlife!!!

      • CarolV August 28, 2016 at 11:31 am - Reply

        And this is NOT the worst!

    14. CarolV August 28, 2016 at 7:02 am - Reply

      Dad. that is NOT a fish !!!!!!

    15. CarolV August 28, 2016 at 7:01 am - Reply

      Hey, Rjoneal, do I look like a flamingo wearing my pink outfit?

      • rjoneal August 28, 2016 at 11:30 pm - Reply

        8-28-16 Reply- CarolV Awesome pic it does look like a flamingo wearing a pink outfit! Now that was a good shot with the sun and colors making it look so good.
        Bye the way with so many comments that all loaded at the same time, I wrote something to you on 8-26-16 in a reply you will have to scroll down a bit. I wanted everyone to see but doubt they did since no one else commented and I think at least one person would have. Just to far down and to long to repost.
        thanks for the special pic! 🙂

        Pic Bb1 holding fish from Gracie and Gracie just looks at Bb1 as if she is saying kids, don’t just hold it and play with all day eat the fish or give it back I will eat it while its still fresh.

    16. CarolV August 28, 2016 at 6:47 am - Reply

      Wake up. kid- leftovers to starboard………….

      • CarolV August 28, 2016 at 6:48 am - Reply

        Thanks,Mom, for pointing that out!

    17. Betsy August 28, 2016 at 3:10 am - Reply

      This is Rocky on the nest after dinner and after Brutus flew up to the perch. It was getting dark but there was still enough light for the camera but when the colors start to marble so it made the picture look like a painting!!

    18. Betsy August 28, 2016 at 2:56 am - Reply

      Rocky grabbed the headless fish that Gracie brought at 6:30 pm (I think s/he had 2 small fish all day) and then Brutus came back with his/her own fish at 7 pm (second catch of the day). I loved how they each ate their fish side by side and how the evening sky went from rose to blue before they were done.

    19. Marlene August 27, 2016 at 11:08 pm - Reply

      Around 6:30 p.m., Rocky beat Brutus to a fish that Gracie brought to the nest. After a while, he flew off and returned at 7:00 p.m. with a nice size fish! There was a gap in the video, but I believe he flew away with it and returned with it later. The tape was slightly broken up. Rocky never finished his fish, but flew away and then flew back later. Looks like he’s in the nest for the night, but not lying down right now. Maybe he’s keeping the rest of the fish for a midnight snack. Yummy.

    20. CarolV August 27, 2016 at 8:58 pm - Reply

      Space shortage or fish minding? Looks like someone still in nest. Not even gonna guess. There were two as it got dark, then someone went up.
      FORECAST; clear and in the 60s tonight…yey! fan off!..mod. humidity. Sunday:Sunny, low 80s- gorgeous day!

    21. Elaine August 27, 2016 at 8:36 pm - Reply

      I love the names for our osprey family-Brutus, Ali and Rocky. I have enjoyed this season so much. I am so glad to be a part of the OZ family. Thank you Tommy, Paul and Aidan for all you do in providing us an opportunity to view this wonderful osprey family, and for providing the special equipment for cleaning the camera lens, as well as for positioning the camera so we can get a closer look at the family. Thank you everyone for the comments to keep us informed about nest activity, and for the various videos. I love the humorous comments to keep us chuckling. I will miss our osprey family and OZ family. Winters are so long. I hope the cameras will continue to function during the winter months.

      • rjoneal August 28, 2016 at 11:59 pm - Reply

        8-28-16 Reply Elaine Osprey Zone is on 24/7 and we did have a nice view all winter long. For someone like me who does miss the snow but dont want to live in it I can stay in Florida and see on Osprey Zone. Not to mention there is no stopping CarolV and Betsy and I along with a couple of us would check in regularly. It was nice and wonderful to hear from some of our followers and family. Mostly during Holidays people would check in more. Beautiful view in the winter and thank goodness Paul knows how much this site means to us that is on for our viewing pleasure all year long.

        • CarolV August 29, 2016 at 6:52 pm - Reply

          RJONEAL…..ppppllllllllllbbbbbbbbbblttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttt!!!!!!!!!!!! One more crack about your no snow status and you’re getting a box full on your doorstep! Yeah- I know it wouldn’t work, but I can enjoy the idea!

          • Betsy August 30, 2016 at 12:02 pm - Reply

            Wow!! That’s one heck of a pbbllbbllbbllppptt!! 😀 😀

            P.S. I don’t mind the snow so much!! 😀

            • CarolV August 30, 2016 at 9:24 pm

              I think spit was involved…wiped off my screen; hope no one else got any,,(;-))

    22. CarolV August 27, 2016 at 7:11 pm - Reply

      Video losing time, gaining time……Brutus jumped down from perch with a big fish, but no idea how she got it.

    23. CarolV August 27, 2016 at 7:04 pm - Reply

      6:30pm- Gracie brings in a large whole fish that Rocky takes. Brutus feels compelled to beg even after that whole fish she ate. Gracie is staying in nest.@ about 6:42- video feed jumped about 10 mins. to correct time and Gracie and Brutus were gone. Rocky still has a big slab o’ fish.

    24. Eva August 27, 2016 at 6:14 pm - Reply

      These magnificent birds just got named after a killer and 2 men who took part in a “sport” that causes brain damage. That said, I’ll respect the choices and hope for better next year. Please, no hate mail, it’s just an opinion.

      • CarolV August 29, 2016 at 6:59 am - Reply

        (Not hate mail),but just another way of looking at…Brutus started out with a killer’s attitude, in defending her right to survival and turning on those closest to her, by preventing the younger chick from eating……Ali, a more laid back attitude, was a fighter with a more gentle demeanor and a confidence in himself, while liked by many….Rocky- more known as a movie about defeating the odds and rising to a champion. It’s all in the way you look at it.

      • Betsy August 30, 2016 at 12:44 am - Reply

        Eva: I agree with you. I think these beautiful birds deserved equally beautiful gender-neutral names. But, I think OZ did, as they say, get busy; I think they saw the comments asking when the names were going to be announced and realized they hadn’t picked any; I think they put a printout of the submitted names on the wall and threw darts at them or did a pin-the-tail-on-the-donkey type game to pick the names!! 😀 I’m not thrilled with the names — in fact I think they’re downright blech — but, like you I respect the choices and hope for better next year.

    25. Kathy B August 27, 2016 at 6:10 pm - Reply

      Does Dos/ Ali have the funky feather sticking out on the left wing? If so she was in the nest with a fish between 5 and 6pm. Rocky tried to steal the fish but was not successful. Someone on perch that they keep squealing at.

      • CarolV August 28, 2016 at 8:16 pm - Reply

        No, that’s not permanent. That feather thing is just when a wing doesn’t fold neatly. Even happens to parents on occasion.

    26. CarolV August 27, 2016 at 5:43 pm - Reply

      17:27- Rocky flies in with still wriggling minnow…uh, fish. Still counts!
      Someone had flown in a little bit ago right above Brutus, who went after whoever.; that bird landed and sat on right for a few minutes, then left again. Maybe Rocky went after B’s fish again? Wasn’t out long when she came back with fish.

      • CarolV August 27, 2016 at 6:02 pm - Reply

        Fish gone in minutes. Went over by B. and tried eating the gill plate. Now you can here begging off camera.

        • CarolV August 27, 2016 at 6:14 pm - Reply

          Brutus walked away and Rocky checked and found whatever remnant is left

    27. CarolV August 27, 2016 at 5:19 pm - Reply

      Brutus the beggar out

      • CarolV August 27, 2016 at 5:21 pm - Reply

        17:00…………Brutus the fisherman in!……………….8 mins!

        • CarolV August 27, 2016 at 5:23 pm - Reply

          Rocky tries for the steal…and she’s out at home…

          • CarolV August 27, 2016 at 5:27 pm - Reply

            Just realized all heads were missing…..for i.d’s

    28. CarolV August 27, 2016 at 4:45 pm - Reply

      Parental shadow….begging kids…-we know who you are behind your blob- we’ve been here before!

      • CarolV August 27, 2016 at 4:49 pm - Reply

        Next Osprey Olympics—synchronized begging……………

    29. Jackie Budris August 27, 2016 at 3:57 pm - Reply

      Congrats to the peeps for the naming of the babes. Awesome. They (the names) absolutely fit to a tee. Thank you to all for a wonderful fun-filled summer watching our osprey grow and for all of your funny and informative comments. TIL NEXT YEAR. Have a safe holiday.

      • rjoneal August 29, 2016 at 12:07 am - Reply

        8-28-16 Reply Jackie Budris- I hope you can stay with us till they all migrate. This is what makes you even closer to them at the end of it all, so many of us with emotions have so much to say and express. Not to mention last year Tommy himself told us about Our Osprey saying goodbye to him as he landed by his back door if I remember right on the railing.
        My point being so many poems and so many of us like to end with a tribute and we each say our goodbyes. Gina M did the first video allowed on Osprey Zone for the final farewell.
        We all still watch it and the music goes so good with the video. Hope you check in till the end love having you with us.

    30. Stephanie L August 27, 2016 at 3:50 pm - Reply

      Sweet Gracie

      • CarolV August 28, 2016 at 8:13 pm - Reply

        Good choices…love ’em both!

      • Betsy August 30, 2016 at 12:09 pm - Reply

        Stephanie L: I love the picture!! I made a copy!!

    31. Stephanie L August 27, 2016 at 3:47 pm - Reply

      Another Favorite!

      • Monica August 28, 2016 at 7:55 pm - Reply

        Love this picture!

      • rjoneal August 29, 2016 at 12:16 am - Reply

        8-28-16 Reply Stephanie L – I have the same pic and now you made me cry already. Time has gone by so fast this year and our George and Gracie have grown so much and really are a wonderful couple of magnificent birds. They really keep the family traditions going almost as if Gracie is sentimental on how she is raising her family. What about how Gracie would feed George and George would feed Gracie especially when she laid on the eggs. Lets not forget how George is a hands on daddy and would sit on those eggs all day for Gracie even if it meant fiddling around him he would always do his turn and then some. They have such special qualities other ospreys dont have and I just cant wait to see what they will learn over their migration and show us next year.

    32. Stephanie L August 27, 2016 at 3:46 pm - Reply

      Going thru more pics and getting a little weepy!!

      • CarolV August 30, 2016 at 9:27 pm - Reply

        Love that you can see so many separate feathers! Good capture…….

    33. CarolV August 27, 2016 at 3:45 pm - Reply

      This is for TOMMY, in appreciation for all his ingenuity and diligence ………………from THE READER’S DIGEST

      • Karen DeLong August 28, 2016 at 5:54 pm - Reply

        OMG Carol! What a perfect caption!

      • rjoneal August 28, 2016 at 11:40 pm - Reply

        8-28-16 reply- CarolV fits perfect hope Tommy saw this!

    34. Kathy B August 27, 2016 at 3:32 pm - Reply

      Rocky in nest 3:15 pm… being noisy. Guess he doesn’t want to get his own. I did see Gracie earlier.

    35. Bob August 27, 2016 at 3:03 pm - Reply

      Now as we await the departure of George, Gracie, Brutus, Ali, and Rocky (I congratulate the winning namers. Nobody liked my picks (and, to be truthful I didn’t think they were very good either) we can all be thankful for a super presentation by all those great folks at OZ. Certainly , it kept us spellbound for quite a long time (although I know many think it is never long enough).. It was a great feeding season with plenty of food for all which was not the case last season. We can only hope for the success of all these birds on their long journey and that they all continue to thrive in the future. I personally want to thank all who took the time and effort to keep me up to date and show me very special pictures and events throughout the season. I would have missed much without your efforts. Yours truly, Bob

      • CarolV August 28, 2016 at 8:11 pm - Reply

        Thanks for being part of the family!

      • rjoneal August 29, 2016 at 12:24 am - Reply

        8-28-16 Reply – Bob dont leave yet stay checking in until they all migrate if you can. We love having you here with us and as you know there is a lot to be said between now and when they leave. If you must sign off for now feel free to check in during the Holidays and if nothing else my friend I hope to hear from next season. You will be 72 Right next year? I hope I am still able to see at 72 to type to get on my computer to watch Osprey Zone. Heeee

        • Betsy August 30, 2016 at 12:17 pm - Reply

          rjoneal: ?

          • rjoneal August 30, 2016 at 8:59 pm - Reply

            8-30-16 Reply- Betsy tks for the glasses!

            • Betsy September 1, 2016 at 10:44 am

              rjoneal: You’re welcome!!

    36. CarolV August 27, 2016 at 3:01 pm - Reply

      And so it began. for this year………4/25/2016, before 6am

      • Betsy August 30, 2016 at 12:19 pm - Reply

        CarolV: Yup!! First egg laid … on my birthday!!

        • CarolV August 30, 2016 at 9:29 pm - Reply

          Should have named that kid Betsy

    37. Jo August 27, 2016 at 2:24 pm - Reply

      Where are the babies today? Parent brought fish to the nest several hours ago and called … no one came or replied? Again a few minutes ago a parent at the nest calling and no response. Have not see the babies at all this morning, hope they are okay.

      • Jo August 27, 2016 at 3:49 pm - Reply

        Oh good one baby at nest calling now 🙂

    38. Betsy August 27, 2016 at 2:03 pm - Reply

      Here’s a picture from a short while ago of George “smooshing” the nest!

      • CarolV August 28, 2016 at 8:58 am - Reply

        4-24-16-a pair?

    39. Helen August 27, 2016 at 1:59 pm - Reply

      Gracie alone in the nest. 1:58 Haven’t seen that for awhile but perhaps I just missed it.

    40. Betsy August 27, 2016 at 1:57 pm - Reply

      The nest has been so quiet today that I decided to look at some old videos (they’re not even gone and I’m already nostalgic!! 😀 ). This picture is from July 1st The Storm when Rocky (chick #3) was getting fed by George in the middle of the storm!!

      • CarolV August 27, 2016 at 3:38 pm - Reply

        I found it so adorable that those big babies tried to crowd under Gracie! Thanks for the memory! I’ve been getting nostalgic too

      • June c August 27, 2016 at 3:44 pm - Reply

        I remember that storm very windy….Our Rocky was the only brave one to stick out his head…

      • Paula August 28, 2016 at 9:39 am - Reply

        Betsy,

        I remember that. That was when I truly thought that Rocky would make it because his parents were really trying make sure he got fed, no matter what!

    41. JO JO August 27, 2016 at 12:22 pm - Reply

      Will a new chat format be up by next year?

    42. CarolV August 27, 2016 at 11:37 am - Reply

      10:50amEDT- Gracie comes in with 1/2 a fish and starts calling

      • CarolV August 27, 2016 at 11:40 am - Reply

        No one has shown up for at least 1/2 hr. of waiting, so what’s a bird to do? Eat…before the bees take over….

        • rjoneal August 27, 2016 at 4:59 pm - Reply

          8-26-16 Reply CarolV I watched this too and while she is eating fish all by herself I this pic saying the look on Gracie’s face is priceless!

    43. Renee August 27, 2016 at 10:24 am - Reply

      Bb #3 this morning….Anyone have an opinion or knowledge if this could this the ‘necklace’ (on it’s chest) that female Ospreys will usually develop? (#3 does look smaller though….but that could be due to getting less to eat due to pecking order)

      • CarolV August 27, 2016 at 4:22 pm - Reply

        . Even George has had a few spots, especially last year. Gracie’s spots are no where as numerous as many females. And add to that, juveniles sometimes have spots. Not a confirming indicator.

      • Monica August 28, 2016 at 5:21 pm - Reply

        Hi – I’ve always thought #3 was a male. I’m not an expert – just me thinking that he’s a strong, feisty ‘little guy.’ 🙂

        So, what have I missed? I haven’t had the opportunity to log on in a couple of days.

        • CarolV August 28, 2016 at 8:08 pm - Reply

          You aren’t alone; others think of Rocky as male. I just find her female in her cleverness, perseverance. and ability to adapt to that difficult situation she was in to become the survivor she is.
          In other words; it’s a crap shoot; a 50/50 shot and part of the mystique.

    44. June c August 27, 2016 at 9:40 am - Reply

      Bre..I was wondering if you could write a poem about us..this wonderful family we have become..sharing our photos, videos, comments to each other..all are caring loving people who make up our OZ family..

      • Bre August 27, 2016 at 8:53 pm - Reply

        I will certainly work on it June c…;-)

    45. CarolV August 27, 2016 at 8:35 am - Reply

      8:16am- Rocky gets her own…no wasted begging time…

      • CarolV August 27, 2016 at 8:38 am - Reply

        Happiness is a fresh fish………………..

    46. Kathy B August 27, 2016 at 7:42 am - Reply

      Has anyone seen Gracie in a few days? Think Dos (Ali) has flown the coop/ nest. I see Rocky and George the most in the nest.

      • Betsy August 28, 2016 at 2:54 pm - Reply

        Kathy B: Yes, Gracie has been around — usually to drop off a fish. In fact she’s standing on the nest today at this very moment with a partial fish awaiting a taker!!

    47. rjoneal August 26, 2016 at 9:28 pm - Reply

      8-26-16 Gracie brings a piece of fish to nest, later baby 3 arrives and gets the fish from Gracie love the sunlight on her wing.

      • June c August 27, 2016 at 3:42 pm - Reply

        nice capture of the light….feathers & wings!

    48. Marlene August 26, 2016 at 8:38 pm - Reply

      Love the names Brutus, Ali, and Rocky. Very appropriate, and congratulations to the winners! To think that’s the second generation of George and Gracie’s family. And, we have been so fortunate to have this sight, thanks to Paul, Tommy, and Aidan. You are all very special people, to do all of this for us ospreyites.
      So, as Betsy asked, has anyone seen Ali? Is he weaving and bobbing and keeping out of sight???

    49. CarolV August 26, 2016 at 8:16 pm - Reply

      FORECAST- dropping humidity will make for a more comfortable night.-81 @ 8:11-(anyone play the numbers?) temp to drop to 70 or so overnight; clear skies…Saturday-mod. humidity; mid to high 80s; sunny

    50. CarolV August 26, 2016 at 7:38 pm - Reply

      6-12-16-3:00pm-

      • CarolV August 26, 2016 at 9:02 pm - Reply

        Frazzled new parents!

        • CarolV August 27, 2016 at 9:35 am - Reply

          That was probably Ali farthest up front, already scouting out the horizon!

          • Betsy August 28, 2016 at 2:40 am - Reply

            CarolV: Very good!! Yes, that’s Ali (chick #2) 😀

    51. CarolV August 26, 2016 at 7:19 pm - Reply

      6:45pm–Gracie comes in with Rocky hot on her heels…1/2 fish for dinner…

      • Betsy August 28, 2016 at 2:31 pm - Reply

        CarolV: I love this picture!!

    52. CarolV August 26, 2016 at 6:14 pm - Reply

      George on the job, bringing in dried grasses.

      • CarolV August 26, 2016 at 6:18 pm - Reply

        Each time you see a new view of these birds, you can appreciate a different angle showing the complexity of the anatomy that makes up these beautiful living machines of nature….

    53. Stephanie L August 26, 2016 at 6:12 pm - Reply

      Great names for our babies! Congratulations to the winners. Just want to share some of my favorite photos.

      • Betsy August 28, 2016 at 2:43 am - Reply

        Stephanie L: Great picture!! George the lumberjack!!

    54. CarolV August 26, 2016 at 4:41 pm - Reply

      4:19pm–Brutus out……………

      • CarolV August 26, 2016 at 4:44 pm - Reply

        Rocky in–11 whole minutes of peace for occupant (Gracie?) on perch

    55. CarolV August 26, 2016 at 3:34 pm - Reply

      3:30pm- What is the sound of two beaks begging? Noise………..Must be someone on the perch

      • CarolV August 26, 2016 at 3:38 pm - Reply

        Now, that’s a beautiful bird!

    56. Leesa August 26, 2016 at 1:54 pm - Reply

      Yeah!! Thanks Adrian for sharing the names, and a big congratulations to the winners! Great names that really fit the chicks!

    57. CarolV August 26, 2016 at 1:31 pm - Reply

      1:19pmEDT- Rocky got tired of waiting..and again, it took less time to catch one than she spent asking for one!

    58. CarolV August 26, 2016 at 12:58 pm - Reply

      Rocky looking for a hand-out…….

    59. Leanne August 26, 2016 at 12:52 pm - Reply

      To Aidan: Thanks for letting us know what the winning names are and congratulations to the winners of the contest 🙂

    60. CarolV August 26, 2016 at 12:45 pm - Reply

      12:20pmGeorge brings it in………..

      • CarolV August 26, 2016 at 12:47 pm - Reply

        Gracie takes it.Just like the old days….she took it to go

    61. CarolV August 26, 2016 at 11:07 am - Reply

      AIDAN..Thanks for the update on names! And congrats to the namers!!!!!!!!!
      VERY happy to see last year’s chicks commemorated as a TRIO..keep up the good work! Looking forward to ordering something when available. May not get shirts, but hoping magnets or mugs will follow.

      • CarolV August 26, 2016 at 12:38 pm - Reply

        Classic literature; contemporary athlete classic film…..well rounded ; good choices…….must adjust my mind-set

      • rjoneal August 26, 2016 at 9:32 pm - Reply

        8-26-16 Reply CarolV I agree congrats to winners! Like that they included our Peewee.

        Thanks Osprey Zone !

    62. Aidan August 26, 2016 at 10:55 am - Reply

      Hi everyone! We’d like to announce the winners of our Name the Babies contest for this year’s chicks. The winning names, from oldest to youngest, are:

      Brutus (submitted by Ronnie M)
      Ali (Doris)
      Rocky (HollyM)

      We’re sorry it took a little longer than we were expecting to announce the winners, we were all busy and it took a while to go through hundreds of submissions! Thank you to everyone. We will email the winners by early next week.

      In other news, based on feedback from many of you, we are working on adding new shirts and other items to our store with pictures of this year’s chicks, last year’s, and George and Gracie. See the picture below for one of our design ideas, and let us know if you like it! We’re also looking for pictures to use, so if you have any you think would look good, send them our way. We need clear pictures that are as high resolution as possible, and feature both George and Gracie, or all three chicks. If your pics aren’t great quality but you have the date, we might be able to get a better one from our footage.

      Thanks again to everybody for watching and supporting the site!

      • june c August 26, 2016 at 1:05 pm - Reply

        love the shirts..sign me up for both last and this year..

        • june c August 26, 2016 at 1:10 pm - Reply

          Congrats to the winners!!!

      • Kathy B August 26, 2016 at 1:39 pm - Reply

        Great shirt for last year but we need one like it for 2016 with the three chicks on it. Thanks. Oh, and plus sizes as well.

      • Karen DeLong August 26, 2016 at 2:53 pm - Reply

        Oh boy…. As soon as I saw a picture of last year’s ‘kids’, I was a complete mess. I miss that baby sooo much. And bless ALL of you for including Peewee on the shirt. And YES to this design. I absolutely love these new ideas, plus Gracie and George. I am planning on getting a few when you guys get things rolling.

      • Marilyn G August 26, 2016 at 4:10 pm - Reply

        Good names! Congratulations to the winners! I like the idea of pictures on the tee shirts. There was a nice picture of each of the 3 chicks in a rectangular frame. Don’t remember who posted it but she posts a lot of good pictures. That would look nice on a shirt.
        Thanks again for doing this.

        • Betsy August 30, 2016 at 12:50 am - Reply

          Marilyn G: Thanks, Marilyn, for the compliment … I posted that picture. But, I think OZ wants more rustic pictures of G&G&3 and definitely with a huge logo!!

      • Cathy cmr August 26, 2016 at 5:29 pm - Reply

        Thank you once again for a great site. I enjoyed watching the 3 chicks growing up and it will be hard watching them fly “south” with their parents.

      • Helen August 26, 2016 at 6:27 pm - Reply

        I love the T Shirt and hopefully a sweatshirt and long sleeved t shirt as well. It will help to keep them near while they are gone. Please let us know when they are available.

        Thank you. Helen

      • Deborah August 26, 2016 at 7:32 pm - Reply

        I really like the design you have here. Very nice.

      • Pattye August 27, 2016 at 9:26 am - Reply

        Love the names. They all fit them perfectly. Love the shirt with all three of our chicks from last year. Great job – as always!!

      • rjoneal September 3, 2016 at 10:52 pm - Reply

        9-3-16 reply – Aidan or Paul I have many pics of George and Gracie together and would like to email them all to you and see if you like any of them. I would need and email address so I can do so.

    63. CarolV August 26, 2016 at 9:57 am - Reply

      FORECAST_Overcast with clearing to clouds and sun, then clear overnight.. …and flower watering later-no rain in sight. mid 80s.. low 70s tonight

      Just really went back thru comments for the past few days and saw how many people remarked on the whole “map” comment…just wanted to thank Everyone for their kind words..RJONEAL- you are like a tiger-mom- you defend with the passion you seem to put in to all you do! Made me teary. (I know, everything does!) Anyhow, that’s all over and we’re back to our birds…

      BETSY- you get COLORS with your migraines? I just get dizzy! And a big blob in my vision like I’m looking thru a BIG raindrop on glass!

      • CarolV August 26, 2016 at 10:38 am - Reply

        RC- Sylvia uses “Steward” as her name logo…I believe that’s another book on osprey? One you’re looking for?

        BOB-btw- in case you feel ambitious enough to tackle another project- I found you have to put placemarkers/spacers between columns, like…………or———- to keep your columns intact. PITA but excess space is deleted and things squish together……………………………………………………………………………………………………here………..and——- here

        • CarolV August 26, 2016 at 10:42 am - Reply

          ok- that didn’t work- looked good till I hit send—hmmmmmmmmm …probably because there was a sentence before I tried my lining up…………..but it should work if you’re just doing columns. So much for MY teaching moment!

        • CarolV August 26, 2016 at 11:22 am - Reply

          Also, saw Paul’s message to you…missed whatever was said to you, but you certainly did not deserve any negativity! Glad Paul stepped in!

        • Bob August 26, 2016 at 6:29 pm - Reply

          Thank you Carol for the advice and the support.. I’ll keep it in mind in the future. Let’s hope all these guys and gals have a safe trip south. Bob

      • rjoneal August 26, 2016 at 10:02 pm - Reply

        8-26-16 CarolV you are such a big part of our Osprey Zone Family from the time you started last season your kind heart,sense of humor with all the varieties of different reference you make it all fit to our bird family and I just love that in you! You can make an ordinary day turn out to be a day full of laughter as so many people on this site have commented time and time again. You have put a smile on everyone’s face at one point or another.
        I told you from day one to keep on going and post lady post, it has made so many people come back to see and read more on this site. Lets not forget there is a lot of educational info posted by you along with others but I am just singing praise to you today. How can we forget even your son has become a responsible young man who is always thinking about all nature and how us humans can stop some of the problems by making people aware. He obviously gets that from you. Example is recently you posted a pic balloon in water your son took along with info. We have all learned so much from each other and I am so glad you stayed with us.
        Osprey Zone wouldn’t be Osprey Zone without our CarolV. Hugs
        Love our Osprey Family and Followers

      • Betsy August 26, 2016 at 11:14 pm - Reply

        CarolV: Yes, I get migraine headaches and ocular migraines!! The ocular migraines are like looking through a big raindrop but edged in a rainbow of colors!!

    64. Roberta August 26, 2016 at 9:22 am - Reply

      This has been a marvelous experience. What a privilege, to be witness to the life of these magnificent birds. I’m so grateful for what you’ve presented to me. Thank you, thank you. Roberta

      • rjoneal August 29, 2016 at 12:29 am - Reply

        8-28-16 Roberta if you leave before they migrate hope you come back next season. We are one big family here.
        Love our Osprey Family and Followers

    65. CarolV August 26, 2016 at 9:05 am - Reply

      8:50am- Watch the toe..WATCH the tooOHHHHHHH
      Uno has been haunting the nest this a.m. A real fish for her patience………….

      • CarolV August 26, 2016 at 11:33 am - Reply

        Must be taking a trip with her fish again…out, in and out..snacking a little

    66. Daly August 26, 2016 at 8:58 am - Reply

      Hello
      Has anyone knows about chick #2

      • Paula August 26, 2016 at 7:38 pm - Reply

        Hi Daly,
        I wanted to let you know that I have seen chick #2 at times. I guess I should start calling him Ali now. But I have seen him. He doesn’t spend a whole lot of time on the nest but stops in occasionally. I can’t always tell the difference between Brutus and Ali unless they are together.

      • June c August 27, 2016 at 9:44 am - Reply

        No not since the 20th…may be getting some flight practice in for prep for long journey south. Rob said that half of tagged Ospreys have left..Just hope Ali is OK.

    67. CarolV August 26, 2016 at 8:38 am - Reply

      8:16am- not much but I’ll take it!

    68. CarolV August 26, 2016 at 8:23 am - Reply

      Looks like a scarf blowing in the breeze………..

    69. Betsy August 26, 2016 at 1:26 am - Reply

      To all: I have chick #2 on video from the 20th but I don’t have any video of chick #2 since. I commented on the 21st that I hadn’t seen chick #2 all that day nor have I seen him/her since.

      • Carol August 26, 2016 at 7:10 am - Reply

        Do you think we should be worried or could he have left that soon on migration? Sometimes fledglings visit other nests, but surely he would still make visits to this nest. I must admit I am a bit worried.

        • CarolV August 26, 2016 at 10:56 am - Reply

          Juveniles are unpredictable. Rob B., our kind expert who weighs in sometimes, has remarked on things he has seen for the first time through sites like this. He was happily wrong that chick#3 even survived this year, on seeing the beating she was getting at the beginning. And he pointed out that long held beliefs like juvs. following fathers to learn how to fish now appear to be mistaken; it’s more a self-taught or co-operative learning experience among siblings and other juveniles.
          So it’s possible… #2, our laid-back, kumbaya chick grew in to an independent first to fly, first to fish, first to sleep out juvenile…and there was no stopping him!

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

          CarolV: I don’t know if we should be worried. So many things can happen to them but it’s not like we’ll be able to do anything. We need Holly W, Donna W or Redkayak to tell us what they see on the perch since they’re neighbors!!

          • CarolV August 27, 2016 at 3:30 pm - Reply

            Guess you know by now that wasn’t me, Betsy. Not worried. Think Ali is once again ahead of his class.

            • Betsy August 29, 2016 at 5:43 pm

              CarolV: NOW I do!! Just now scrolling back through comments!! 😀 😀 😀

    70. CarolV August 25, 2016 at 9:19 pm - Reply

      Dos? Or have I forgotten what he looks like?

      • CarolV August 26, 2016 at 3:46 pm - Reply

        Yeah- wishful thinking…………..

      • Betsy August 26, 2016 at 11:28 pm - Reply

        CarolV: Not that you forgot what s/he looked like but more wishful thinking 🙁

    71. rjoneal August 25, 2016 at 9:00 pm - Reply

      8-25-16 Reply Tommy thanks for the window cleaning today. 🙂

    72. Bre August 25, 2016 at 8:49 pm - Reply

      Have to SAY….Betsy: I Love the “A little trouble at dinner” video lol i watch that happen an seemed, ” bad went to worse” for chick #1, Rjoneal I love the pic of the bb flying in sunglare it is Beautiful!, Gina: what a heart filled “Dear..G & G” we all felt Thank You..& CarolV you are an AWESOME narrator for this site we all appreciate, can go on & on…June C & Kathy B ect smiles big

      • rjoneal August 26, 2016 at 10:49 pm - Reply

        8-26-16 Reply – Bre thanks for commenting on my pic since so many of us are posting a lot of pics throughout the day I try to pick out 1 picture and post that and hope it is not a duplicate.
        I am grateful to all our osprey followers that are part of our family even the ones that do not post but maybe once or twice during a season but they are watching with us.

      • Betsy August 26, 2016 at 11:30 pm - Reply

        Bre: Thank you our resident poetess!

      • June c August 27, 2016 at 9:45 am - Reply

        Thanks Bre…..

      • CarolV August 27, 2016 at 3:27 pm - Reply

        TY, Bre…we ALL contribute! Your poetry is so special! Every one has something different to offer……….duplicates just give twice as much happiness, but we all tend to see different moments. This is a special privilege being part of this community. As always, thanks to our admin. group and the time they dedicate.

    73. rjoneal August 25, 2016 at 7:21 pm - Reply

      2016 8-25-16 Baby3 fly’s in with his/her own fish he/she got soak and wet but love the colors in feathers!

    74. June c August 25, 2016 at 3:01 pm - Reply

      I am sure a lot of u know exactly where the ears are located. This picture is for those who don’t.

      • Karen DeLong August 25, 2016 at 7:40 pm - Reply

        Thanks for the drawing! I had an idea but wasn’t positive!

      • BirdNerd August 26, 2016 at 7:50 am - Reply

        Thanks Doctor. I’m among those who weren’t sure.

    75. Leesa August 25, 2016 at 11:13 am - Reply

      Finally! I’m at the nest!! Or was. Could tell someone is in the nest but couldn’t tell who it is. Everytime I try to get the video feed it gives me an error message. Is the site down or can someone tell me who was in there around 11:00 a. M. ? We are driving out to the end of the island then will stop back by afterwards on our way back to Southold. I can’t explain the emotions I’m feeling! Such a privilege to see this nest and these magnificent birds up close. 2 Osprey were hunting right out from the nest, but I couldn’t tell it they were from our nest or not. Wish me luck that they will be close by when we stop later. If not, we will be coming back this evening!!
      Also, this is one of the most beautiful areas I’ve seen up here. Thanks, Tommy, and all your neighbors for letting us get a little taste of your paradise!!

      • ospreyzone August 25, 2016 at 11:38 pm - Reply

        Please, please, please, don’t visit the nest. It is on a private road in a private community. There is no parking there only private driveways and the nest is on private property. We don’t want to become an issue with the neighbors. Thanks

        • mac August 26, 2016 at 7:46 am - Reply

          My fear is that people won’t see your request, so can you repost it at the top of the page so it can’t be missed?

      • Betsy August 26, 2016 at 12:48 am - Reply

        Hi Leesa!! The site wasn’t down so I don’t know why you couldn’t get the feed. But, anyway, the nest was empty from 10:17 am when Gracie flew off with leftover fish and 11:06 am when chick #3 flew back!! I know this is over 13 hours since your post but I’m just now looking at comments!!

        • Leesa August 26, 2016 at 7:47 am - Reply

          My phone sometimes gives me errors, so I guess that’s all it was. It’s doing it again this morning so I guess I’ll have to wait till I get home in Tennessee to see them again. Thanks for letting me know.

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