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Bald Eagles Visit Nest

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Eggs Over Easy

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Intruder

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OspreyZone Highlights: George Returns

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Belle’s Journey

Written by Dr. Rob Bierregaard & Illustrated by Kate Garchinsky

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

Click HERE for more information!

IMPORTANT: Messages from osprey experts

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

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

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

Hello Paul,

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

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

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

Best wishes, and good luck,

John W. Fitzpatrick

Director, Cornell Lab of Ornithology

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

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

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

charles.

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

Paul,

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

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

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

    Leave A Comment

    52,585 Comments

    1. Dawn Frazzitta May 4, 2017 at 12:58 pm - Reply

      So excited that we have 3 eggs! It’s going to be a great season!

    2. Elizabeth May 4, 2017 at 12:55 pm - Reply

      I see we have a 3rd egg. Since we were successful last season with 3…here’s hoping for the same this season.

      • Pattie Hoolie May 4, 2017 at 3:02 pm - Reply

        Yes Totally have my fingers crossed

    3. June c May 4, 2017 at 12:20 pm - Reply

      This is a shadow of intruder flying over Gracie at 12:03 PM…don’t know why my pictures are not clear

      • Betsy May 4, 2017 at 8:17 pm - Reply

        June c: You can control the quality settings from the gear icon — after you click on the icon, verify that the quality is set on auto or 720p. Hope this helps!!

        • Betsy May 4, 2017 at 8:18 pm - Reply

          June c: If you want that picture for your collection, I’m posting a clear pic. 🙂

        • June c May 5, 2017 at 6:59 pm - Reply

          Thanks Betsy..will check..

    4. Elaine May 4, 2017 at 11:55 am - Reply

      Congratulations Gracie and George for their third egg!! I am happy for them, and hope for successful hatchlings.

    5. June c May 4, 2017 at 9:28 am - Reply

      Congrats again to Gracie..I had wrong time 7:31…not 7:45

      • margaretR May 4, 2017 at 10:40 am - Reply

        Reply:JuneC– that is ok June!!

    6. Pattie Hoolie May 4, 2017 at 9:23 am - Reply

      Egg number 3 is here!

    7. Betsy May 4, 2017 at 9:05 am - Reply

      Gracie did a hat trick!! We have a 3rd egg!!
      https://youtu.be/ofMyLdUDVfA

      • Betsy May 4, 2017 at 9:06 am - Reply

        Gracie after laying 3rd egg!

        • Robin May 4, 2017 at 6:42 pm - Reply

          She should feel relieved now! She’s a 3-egg female I guess – 3 years in a row now.

          • Betsy May 5, 2017 at 10:03 am - Reply

            Robin: I hope they have the same great outcome as last year!!

            • Robin May 5, 2017 at 4:13 pm

              Me too Betsy – Rocky knew when to hold em and better yet when to fold em! It was a life saving strategy but he sure did get his feathers pulled out too – no way to escape that when your third hatchling but certainly can survive and thrive too! I feel confident this one will do the same!

      • Monica May 4, 2017 at 8:15 pm - Reply

        Yay!! Congrats to G & G!! That crazy George!! Flying in at the most inopportune times! lol

        I hope this year will produce three healthy ‘babies,’ but with not so much of the pecking. Keeping my fingers crossed. 🙂

    8. Tora May 4, 2017 at 8:57 am - Reply

      Looks like we have 3 eggs now! The third was pretty late, so we might have a sibling issue later on 🙁 Hopefully, we will see plenty of fish deliveries, and a successful fledge for all. If not, lets just be strong and remember that nature works this way for a reason! Take breaks from the cam if need be. We love our birds!

      • Trinity May 4, 2017 at 3:31 pm - Reply

        Nice image of the three eggs and Gracie ✌🏻

      • Monica May 4, 2017 at 8:24 pm - Reply

        Great pic of mom and her babies. 🙂

      • June c May 5, 2017 at 6:57 pm - Reply

        Nice Picture..

    9. June c May 4, 2017 at 8:53 am - Reply

      Congrats to Gracie on number 3 around 7:45 this AM….poor thing had intruder around 8:30… Close fly by

      • June c May 4, 2017 at 8:59 am - Reply

        Correction in time intruder fly over 8:45

    10. Rjoneal May 4, 2017 at 8:49 am - Reply

      5-4-17 Gracie lays her 3rd egg and George brings a fish not even knowing she laid 3rd egg. He feeds Gracie. An Awwww moment, chirping and talking to each other while he feeds his woman.
      I can’t wait to see George’s look when he sees the 3rd egg.

    11. PattyK May 4, 2017 at 8:47 am - Reply

      5/4/17 8:44 am I see 3 eggs!!

    12. Renee Wolf May 4, 2017 at 7:50 am - Reply

      5-4-17 Just thought I saw 3 eggs as Gracie was up..can anybody confirm?

    13. SusanM May 4, 2017 at 7:48 am - Reply

      Hello everyone. I am so happy our family is back for (my) third season. I can’t watch as often as I would like so I do appreciate all the updates. Working interferes!!

    14. Laura May 4, 2017 at 7:42 am - Reply

      Gracie lays 3rd egg at 7:31am.

    15. CarolV May 3, 2017 at 8:16 pm - Reply

      About 6pm- George racing in after Gracie has had intruder problems…..
      Clear and cool at the nest-53…..dropping to mid 40s overnight. Tomorrow sunny, mid to upper 50s. Weekend looking wery, wery soggggyyyyy…Booooooooo……..

      • CarolV May 3, 2017 at 8:20 pm - Reply

        Sorry- must have cut off the credit TRS.com and cprt 2017ospeyzone.com tagline. Usually more careful.

        • CarolV May 3, 2017 at 8:28 pm - Reply

          Rotating the eggberts-and a ribbon child…

    16. alizarin May 3, 2017 at 4:57 pm - Reply

      If anyone gets an email request from an .edu email address to share a Google document, please delete it, as it is malware. Opening the link can infect your computer. Just thought I’d pass this on since I got a notice from our IT dept that these emails are going around. And I just received one myself.

      Now back to osprey programming…

      • Rjoneal May 4, 2017 at 10:19 am - Reply

        5-4-17 Reply- alizarin thanks for posting and sharing info to all. 🙂

      • Robin May 4, 2017 at 6:55 pm - Reply

        Thank you alizarin – also your calendar from last year is the best and is coming in handy with the egg dates from last year. Wanted to say thank you!

      • Rjoneal May 4, 2017 at 7:39 pm - Reply

        5-4-17 reply- Alizarin still waiting for you to do a Gravatar pic.

      • Helen May 4, 2017 at 9:05 pm - Reply

        Thanks Alizarin. I am loving your calendar – think of you every day.

      • June c May 5, 2017 at 6:56 pm - Reply

        Thank you for heads up…I to love your calendar!

    17. Ann H. May 3, 2017 at 10:10 am - Reply

      I do hope that Gracie is not working on another egg. The drama with 3 chicks is unbearable.
      Rocky was a miracle only because the 2 older chicks fought with each other and ignored him.

      • Tora May 3, 2017 at 2:21 pm - Reply

        I was just thinking the same, Ann. Do we know the exact dates of the first two? A third would definitely be at a disadvantage now, since I believe there was no delaying incubation once the first one came along.

        • Redkayak May 3, 2017 at 5:14 pm - Reply

          First egg April 28th second egg May 1st.

          • Tora May 4, 2017 at 9:53 am - Reply

            Thank you!

        • Ann H. May 3, 2017 at 8:18 pm - Reply

          First egg Friday, Second egg Monday.
          If there is a third it will probably be Thursday- tomorrow.
          Talons crossed.

          • Tora May 4, 2017 at 9:52 am - Reply

            Ah I see, they are on time, then. Lets just hope for abundant fish and a strong, smart #3!

        • Betsy May 4, 2017 at 9:09 am - Reply

          Tora: Gracie laid the 1st egg at 10:36:07 on Friday, April 28th; the 2nd on Monday, May 1st at 07:06:24; and a 3rd today at 7:31:23!!

          • Tora May 4, 2017 at 9:51 am - Reply

            They are evenly spaced, at least! Thank you!

      • Lady Di May 4, 2017 at 6:53 am - Reply

        I was thinking the same thing! We were lucky last year, and saw #3 survive, thanks to plenty of fish in the nest. But we know the odds of a 3rd egg surviving to fledge are rare.

    18. June c May 3, 2017 at 6:11 am - Reply

      I love watching George landing in nest…

    19. Sheila May 3, 2017 at 5:59 am - Reply

      Also, most delighted to see our special viewing from so high up, back on camera. had been looking keenly for the return of these 2 delightful and zany decorators to start anew. For some reason, these 2 are my favorite ospreys to visit. Thanking one and all for making it possible for us to experience.

    20. CarolV May 3, 2017 at 5:52 am - Reply

      Morning, Gracie and George- Cooler sunny/cloud mix today, but dry….good day ahead…yay!

    21. Betsy May 3, 2017 at 2:07 am - Reply

      George almost got knocked over in the wind!

    22. Betsy May 3, 2017 at 2:06 am - Reply

      George coming in

    23. Betsy May 3, 2017 at 2:06 am - Reply

      Gracie and George swayin’ in the wind

    24. Betsy May 3, 2017 at 2:05 am - Reply

      Gracie in the wind

    25. Betsy May 3, 2017 at 2:04 am - Reply

      Gracie flying in

    26. Betsy May 3, 2017 at 2:03 am - Reply

      What the heck is George is holding?

      • CarolV May 3, 2017 at 7:09 pm - Reply

        BETSY & RJONEAL et al—-Not sure what that is in George’s beak……………It reminds me of a piece of the palm fronds given out at Palm Sunday—a dried piece with a split in it….

      • Kathleen of Nassau May 3, 2017 at 10:21 pm - Reply

        I’ve seen those things frequently along the north shore beaches I roamed nearly daily as a kid (50 something now)…dad said something about cigars, but brief Google search yielded nothing. Some kind of plastic plug for a tube with four flaps – G has it upside down from what I figure. Sorry, you don’t know me as I lurk and love this site, but have only posted twice – don’t even remember (or know) what to call myself as my name(s) are also (match those of) other posters…so I’ll try the below. Osprey seem to really be thriving in my immediate area over the last several years and I really enjoy seeing their return over my home (low) and especially up close here – really enjoy all the frequent comments from the regulars…anyone else have a clue what that thing is? Knowing dad, he could have been protecting his little girl from something “bad” and just made that cigar reference up! It’s a real shame what’s on the beaches…

    27. Betsy May 3, 2017 at 2:02 am - Reply

      Poor George on windy days!

    28. CarolV May 2, 2017 at 7:51 pm - Reply

      Maybe I’m just missing it. In the scroll back, I’m not seeing any fish. George has been popping in and out, keepin watch and Gracie company….reminding me of pre-egg #1 & 2 behavior….is it possible #3 on the way??????????

      Gracie enjoying the evening sun–

      • CarolV May 2, 2017 at 7:52 pm - Reply

        Dang ribbon!

        • CarolV May 3, 2017 at 5:55 am - Reply

          Got the heads up from Rjoneal that Gracie was fed and I had just missed it..felt better-for Gracie…not my eyesight!!!

    29. Rjoneal May 2, 2017 at 7:15 pm - Reply

      5-2-17 Betsy & CarolV what the heck is that in Geo’s mouth a connector of some sort???? Anyone have any ideas??

    30. CarolV May 2, 2017 at 7:12 pm - Reply

      JOJO-please note- I answered your question somewhat right under your original post- note the “reply” next to your name and time of posting…another thing to get used to is scrolling back thru pervious comments and noting dates of comments that are replies for an individual post, as opposed to new subjects which are entered in the comment box at the bottom of the page. You are also welcome to enter photos about this couple and various other things like poems, hopefully reflecting your outlook on what you see here….as I said it may take a little getting used to—Good luck….

      • CarolV May 2, 2017 at 7:35 pm - Reply

        And I can’t forget to mention—-on youtube…eraftery- BETSY on OZ- has her channel where videos are posted of various events from the past 2 years to present. She and our other talented viewers are generous with their time, even a couple of poets like Bre(and others) who has shared her musings on important highlights.

        • Betsy May 3, 2017 at 10:33 am - Reply

          CarolV: Thank you for the mention! 🙂

    31. RobininMD May 2, 2017 at 6:57 pm - Reply

      Great to see all the familiar names – hi to everyone! – I am so happy the cam is back up (Thank You), hoping too that the balloon ribbon will dislodge itself and blow away!

    32. Emilie May 2, 2017 at 4:42 pm - Reply

      I am SO HAPPY the website is back up and our beloved couple has 2 eggs! This is my third year to view and I am overjoyed the camera is back up!

      • Rjoneal May 2, 2017 at 7:17 pm - Reply

        5-2-17 Reply- Emilie glad your back for another Season, 3rd year YIPEE we are so lucky.

    33. Pam May 2, 2017 at 4:11 pm - Reply

      Does anyone know how old G&G are? Wish the wind would dislodge that ribbon!! Thanks everyone for your videos & screen shots.

      • Betsy May 2, 2017 at 5:25 pm - Reply

        Pam: I think they must be around 5 years old. I figure that since osprey don’t come back in the spring following their first migration, as the adults do, (they come back the spring after that, when they are 2 years old) and not usually until late May or early June – when they may meet a partner and set up their “house” but don’t have eggs/chicks. Then when they are 3, they come back and have their first clutch, which is probably how old G&G were when they had chicks in 2015.

        • Rjoneal May 3, 2017 at 10:51 am - Reply

          5-3-17 Betsy I agree we figure 5 yrs old since Tommy did tell us the 1st year when there was no camera is when him and his wife noticed the pair of Ospreys
          Made some sort of a nest but no babies that year.
          The following year we had Season 1 and 3 babies born but Pewee passed away. 2 fledged successfully that 1 st year.

          • Pam May 3, 2017 at 3:39 pm - Reply

            Thank you all for your replies to my question re G&G’s age. Is there a way to identify whether it’s ‘mum’ or ‘dad’ on the nest, please as I can’t tell them apart. Thanks, Pam

            • Betsy May 4, 2017 at 8:49 am

              Pam: I made a video — “How to tell George and Gracie Apart” at https://youtu.be/RpzWk6ys7GQ

            • Pam in UK May 4, 2017 at 11:07 am

              Hello Betsy Thanks so much for the video identifying who is who A great help and much appreciated Recommended watching for anyone who, like me, was struggling to identify ‘mum’ or ‘dad’ And then there was 3! George is going to be a busy boy and have his work cut out Can you tell me what the strip of land is on the right of the camera shot? Thanks to everyone

          • Betsy May 4, 2017 at 8:52 am - Reply

            Rjoneal: I guess I should have included that info!! 🙂

      • CarolV May 2, 2017 at 7:21 pm - Reply

        Not really. These are not tagged birds. All we really know is that this couple have successfully raised 2 nests-2 fledglings out of 3 chicks in 2015 and 3 for 3 in 2016–a damn good job judging by all the hazards and catastrophes that have hit other sites I’ve watched and read about. This platform was erected in 2014, and there is debate as to whether the female in the 2014 courting video is this Gracie or another bird. Since their age at outset cannot be determined….’tis a mystery……

    34. Tora May 2, 2017 at 2:43 pm - Reply

      I just snorted laughing. That’s one way to get your message across, George! Plop that stick right on her!

      • Betsy May 2, 2017 at 5:06 pm - Reply

        Tora: Some things never change!! 😀 😀

      • CarolV May 2, 2017 at 7:24 pm - Reply

        He’s been plopping all kinds of things on her!!!! What up, dude?????

    35. JO JO May 2, 2017 at 2:27 pm - Reply

      Question:
      Is it generally a long gap between comments being posted?
      Or is the chat just not very busy? I haven’t frequented this site enough to know.
      Regardless, wishing a healthy season to all. 🙂
      [Submitted: May-2-2017 at 2:27pm Eastern Time]

      • Betsy May 2, 2017 at 5:05 pm - Reply

        JO JO: Comments sometimes take a little while to post (our moderators are volunteers (actually, I think it’s only Aidan!! Hi, Aidan and thank you!!) and post our comments when they can, plus apparently a ton of spam flows in which then must be weeded out and discarded), so as long as comments are not outlandish or extremely controversial, they do eventually get posted. 🙂 Last year there was talk of a possible new system that would hopefully, for both moderators and commenters alike, be more efficient and timely — maybe that will happen this year. 🙂 At this point the “chat” is relatively not busy, but when the chicks hatch, Holy Toledo!! Hold onto your eyeballs, ’cause the comments, they start a-flying… and comments post more quickly! 😀

      • CarolV May 2, 2017 at 6:56 pm - Reply

        Time between posting varies- it’s a privately run site and most of the comments need to be sorted through and posted here by AIDAN. There isn’t a staff or a lot of volunteers and from what we hear, a lot of spam to be gone thru. So it’s a different pace than fb or other chat rolls. Takes getting used to. Nothing for a while, then a plethora of comments and pictures. Not everyone likes the system, especially if you want quick replies. Hope you stick with us and give it a chance- There is a 4hr. scroll back on the live video and if you lookat the bottom of the page, below the comment box, there is a line of #s that are older pages going back to 2015 when the site began, with pictures and comments about 2 seasons of this family. Also, if interested, near top of site are subjects to click on from the site innovator and assorted videos. Ask any questions you need and someone usually answers, just be patient till posting gets done.
        Actually, the nest platform was erected in 2014 and there is a beautiful video of G& G’s courting (altho there is discussion about whether the female in that video is this current Gracie—a whole other discussion!)

      • JO JO May 2, 2017 at 8:09 pm - Reply

        I think it took about 40-45 minutes before I noticed it was posted with the original time stamp.
        So at least I know that for this test.
        Thanks.

    36. Bre May 2, 2017 at 10:26 am - Reply

      We have Egg #2 🙂 🙂 YaaY! I honestly hope that is all she will have..we all know the struggle of a third egg.

    37. SUE May 2, 2017 at 9:06 am - Reply

      Now there’s a piece of garbage on the nest that ALWAYS gets me upset when I see it- ribbon, most likely from a balloon. I go on to the LI Sound beach and there are ALWAYS balloons & LOTS of ribbon everywhere. I watch shows like The First 48 & one of the things the family ALWAYS seems to do is release huge amounts of balloons into the sky. WTF PEOPLE???!!! THAT’S LITTERING! It looks disgusting wadded up on the beach, hanging from the trees, and it’s MUCH worse when you see an animal tangled up in the ribbon. PLEASE START SPEAKING OUT AGAINST RELEASING THE BALLOONS!!!!! And if it tangles around one of the babies when they hatch, or around Gracie or George, start contacting your legislators & ask them to ban release of the balloons!

      • Trinity May 2, 2017 at 4:17 pm - Reply

        Great comment. Common sense seems to be lacking !

      • RobininMD May 2, 2017 at 7:01 pm - Reply

        Agree, it is a threatening site to see the ribbon in the nest!

    38. Rjoneal May 2, 2017 at 5:57 am - Reply

      5-2-17 Good morning, hope the weather clears up, poor Gracie looking a little rough. George made sure he did his part early morning mating and hopefully he is off to get some fish for Gracie.

      • Betsy May 2, 2017 at 12:07 pm - Reply

        Rjoneal: She always seems to get the egg-laying shift when it’s pouring!! 😀

        • Betsy May 2, 2017 at 12:07 pm - Reply

          Oops — egg-SITTING shift!!

        • Devil gamer May 2, 2017 at 4:09 pm - Reply

          Is that true I just started to watch

          • Betsy May 3, 2017 at 10:29 am - Reply

            Devil gamer: No, not really! Just seems like it! George is out there somewhere also getting drenched!! 🙂

      • June c May 3, 2017 at 6:15 am - Reply

        Hopefully she will have beautiful days ahead…

    39. CarolV May 2, 2017 at 5:47 am - Reply

      Morning! Was pouring when I took this. Is that balloon ribbon across nest? Maybe it will blow away………….

      • CarolV May 2, 2017 at 5:51 am - Reply

        I checked back and here it is in right corner yesterday

      • CarolV May 2, 2017 at 5:55 am - Reply

        George stops by briefly to say Hi!

        • Trinity May 2, 2017 at 4:21 pm - Reply

          George starting the morning off with a bang 😉

      • CarolV May 2, 2017 at 7:13 am - Reply

        The good news is that it’s trying to clear-up @7amEDT–possible one more shower blowing thru but then clearing with sunshine by afternoon…about 60 by nest now, rising to near 70 hopefully! HAGD, everyone…hi-ho-hi-ho for me…………….bah………………

    40. Betsy May 2, 2017 at 3:00 am - Reply

      George and Gracie on 05/01

      • Rjoneal May 2, 2017 at 7:18 pm - Reply

        5-2-17 nice portrait Betsy cant wait for you to make one of the babies!

    41. Betsy May 1, 2017 at 11:29 pm - Reply

      Uh-oh … George brought ribbon to the nest

      • Betsy May 1, 2017 at 11:30 pm - Reply

        We’ll have to be vigilant watching to make sure there’s no catastrophe

        • Betsy May 1, 2017 at 11:35 pm - Reply

          As Gracie nodded off, her beak went into a loop of the ribbon

        • Robin May 3, 2017 at 7:15 pm - Reply

          Seems has become part of the nest now, dang!

    42. Betsy May 1, 2017 at 11:28 pm - Reply

      Gracie walking to egg bowl to sit on eggs

    43. Betsy May 1, 2017 at 11:27 pm - Reply

      George landing on nest

    44. Rjoneal May 1, 2017 at 9:30 pm - Reply

      5-1-17 I hate it when see any type of string, ribbon or anything like that, they can get tangled in it so easily those crazy Ospreys.

    45. CarolV May 1, 2017 at 9:21 pm - Reply

      9:15pm- Very dark at nest, but looking really windy, from some grasses waving by camera. Can just see Gracie, with her beak tucked into the nest and stretched out low. Night, pretty-girl..Hope this storm goes thru quickly!

    46. Rjoneal May 1, 2017 at 9:17 pm - Reply

      5-1-17 I guess George did not want to feed Gracie till he knew for sure she was going to lay more than 1 egg, he wants to make sure he keeps his bloodline going lol ha……
      George Feeds Gracie for 1st time this Season.

      • Betsy May 2, 2017 at 12:10 pm - Reply

        Rjoneal: I love watching George feed Gracie!

        • Rjoneal May 2, 2017 at 7:28 pm - Reply

          5-2-17 Reply- Betsy you know they are my favorite moments, I wait for every year to see. I know by them feeding each other this is a sign of strengthening their bonds. I just expected George to do it a lot sooner than he did. I was worried he was not going to do it at all. Thank goodness for JuneC texting me and letting me know since I was not home but made sure I got home in time to get some pics and watch over and over.

          Remember this video you made for me and everyone Gracie Feeds George 2016

          . https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GWQYfS6GZk0&t=34s

          • Betsy May 3, 2017 at 10:35 am - Reply

            Rjoneal: I hope my videos are better this year!!!

      • june c May 3, 2017 at 5:52 am - Reply

        Love watching this also…

    47. CarolV May 1, 2017 at 6:04 pm - Reply

      Gracie sitting on eggberts#1 & #2….enjoying the afternoon breeze. It’s been an overcast but warm day. about 62 now. Supposed to stay close to that temp. overnight, with a 30-80% chance of showers thru the night, highest in the 2-3am hours. Clearing (in&out sun) tomorrow, with mid to high 60s .

      • CarolV May 1, 2017 at 6:07 pm - Reply

        Haven’t had a chance to catch up on all the good comments from #2’s lay-day, but scrolled back enough to see George caring for the tired wifey …..

        • Betsy May 2, 2017 at 12:13 pm - Reply

          CarolV: I love watching George feed Gracie!! That’s a good capture!

    48. Isobel May 1, 2017 at 2:36 pm - Reply

      Great job Gracie. Wonder if there will be a third.Thank you Betsy for posting the video and to everyone for sharing the great photos. I’m afraid sending an e-mail is my limit.

    49. Pattie Hoolie May 1, 2017 at 2:06 pm - Reply

      Am I the only one secretly hoping it’s just two eggs? when 3 or 4 hit the mix it’s survival of the fittest and it’s gut wrenching The last two years I’ve watched and hated the bigger ones beating up on the little ones ugh

      • Trinity May 1, 2017 at 6:54 pm - Reply

        My thoughts exactly.

      • MargaretR May 1, 2017 at 7:09 pm - Reply

        Reply Pattie Hoolie, you are not alone I completely agree

      • CarolV May 2, 2017 at 5:19 am - Reply

        Your not alone. I would be happy with just 2 but…
        We had the triumph of Rocky last year, so always hope for the best!

      • Susan G May 2, 2017 at 7:54 am - Reply

        I agree, Pattie! Two is enough!

      • Leanne May 2, 2017 at 12:20 pm - Reply

        No, you’re not the only one. I’m right there with ya.

      • Monica May 2, 2017 at 5:27 pm - Reply

        I’ve been hoping it’s just two eggs this year. 🙂

      • June cI May 3, 2017 at 5:55 am - Reply

        I just hope 3 comes sooner then later…and hatches early…

      • RobininMD May 3, 2017 at 6:29 pm - Reply

        We should know if there will be a third egg by tomorrow, right? 3 days apart?

    50. Marlene May 1, 2017 at 12:42 pm - Reply

      What wonderful parents! Congratulations on egg #2, George and Gracie.

    51. Doris May 1, 2017 at 11:06 am - Reply

      Gracie has laid second egg.. Went 4 hours back and she had already laid an egg. I am so happy. Thanks for getting the camera back up. You go Mama Gracie

    52. Elizabeth May 1, 2017 at 10:30 am - Reply

      Congrats on 2nd egg! Thanks for the pictures and video.

      • Betsy May 1, 2017 at 8:41 pm - Reply

        Elizabeth: You’re welcome!

    53. ed May 1, 2017 at 9:42 am - Reply

      Second egg visable at 7:07am 5/1/17

    54. Betsy May 1, 2017 at 9:32 am - Reply

      Second egg is here!!
      https://youtu.be/TtDH5paH9qg

      • Betsy May 1, 2017 at 9:36 am - Reply

        Woo hoo!

      • Monica May 1, 2017 at 10:05 am - Reply

        Thanks for this video. I was wondering if laying the eggs ‘hurts.’ Well, there’s no way of knowing. lol

        • CarolV May 1, 2017 at 5:28 pm - Reply

          after first egg, she definitely rested…and there was no egg mambo going on for a good while—George seems to take care of her with special attention, too. So I’m guessing yes-as much as they recognize it as pain. We’ve all seen our own animals endure injuries with seemingly little response. Part of the survival instinct, I guess…..don’t show vulnerability.

        • Betsy May 1, 2017 at 9:02 pm - Reply

          Monica: You’re welcome!

          Re: Does laying an egg “hurt”
          From the website “Ask a Biologist (http://www.askabiologist.org.uk/answers/viewtopic.php?id=12799)
          Q: “Is laying eggs painful?”
          A: “… Having asked one of the experts at University of Bristol, their response is:

          I think it’s a really interesting question that we don’t know the answer to – and would be very difficult to answer because behavioural signs of pain are so difficult to recognise in hens. I don’t worry so much about the normal sized eggs but the super sized ones that are getting laid often have blood on the shell – and that makes me think that laying them is painful because it’s probably associated with damage to the tissues.”

          🤔 Hmmm!!

      • CarolV May 1, 2017 at 5:22 pm - Reply

        Yayyyyyyyyyyyyyyy!!!!!!!!!!!

      • Patty K May 1, 2017 at 9:34 pm - Reply

        Thank you dear Betsy for always on target to capture the special momentsl! xoxo

        • Betsy May 2, 2017 at 12:03 pm - Reply

          Patty K: You’re welcome!

    55. Patty K May 1, 2017 at 9:20 am - Reply

      5/1/17 9:17 am Egg #2 !! Great job dear Gracie!!! xoxo

    56. Pattie Hoolie May 1, 2017 at 9:07 am - Reply

      Monday Morning 2 Eggs in the Nest! Yay!!

    57. Laura May 1, 2017 at 9:01 am - Reply

      Gracie lays egg #2 at 7:06am.

    58. June c May 1, 2017 at 7:35 am - Reply

      Congrats to Gracie on egg #2..around 7:06…quick delivery..just some heavy breathing around 7:03..

    59. Rjoneal May 1, 2017 at 7:31 am - Reply

      GRACIE LAID EGG 2 TODAY! GOOD JOB GRACIE WE LOVE YOU !

    60. Carol C May 1, 2017 at 7:23 am - Reply

      5/1/17….Video od 2nd egg being laid @ 7:06am… https://youtu.be/dVlW7pNprjM

    61. Betsy May 1, 2017 at 1:19 am - Reply

      Serene Gracie

    62. Betsy May 1, 2017 at 1:18 am - Reply

      Gracie looking up at George on perch

    63. Betsy May 1, 2017 at 1:17 am - Reply

      George egg sitting

    64. Betsy May 1, 2017 at 1:16 am - Reply

      George landing with fish

    65. Rjoneal April 30, 2017 at 8:56 pm - Reply

      4-30-17 I think the pictures say it all

      • Karen DeLong May 1, 2017 at 12:56 pm - Reply

        OMG Rjoneal!!! I almost fell out of my chair girl!

        • Rjoneal May 1, 2017 at 9:03 pm - Reply

          5-1-17 Reply- Karen DeLong I was beginning to wonder if anyone even saw it with the news of Gracie laying her 2nd egg.
          You made me laugh and glad you didnt fall but I was hoping to get some kind of response so Thank -you! 🙂 Osprey Hugs

    66. CarolV April 30, 2017 at 5:45 pm - Reply

      About 5:00pm- George dropped off a fish, which Gracie didn’t seem interested in; a minute or so later, George was back and an intruder flew by. George took off with the fish again
      About 5:30–George brought back what was left of the fish, which Gracie finally got to take-out.

    67. Rjoneal April 30, 2017 at 5:16 pm - Reply

      4-30-17 WTR97 posted video of George and Gracie ( An Embarrassing Stick Moment) check it out !
      Thank You for making WTR97 video, I know you are one of our Osprey Zone Followers and part of our family but will not say your name just your YouTube account name. Osprey Hugs

      https://youtu.be/9CNSu8T5ORM

    68. Rjoneal April 30, 2017 at 5:12 pm - Reply

      4-30-17 Our Osprey Family George and Gracie are so lucky, in Colorado they have an osprey family sitting on 4 eggs and it snowed yesterday poor birds guess they are use to it.

    69. CarolV April 30, 2017 at 3:58 pm - Reply

      Saw a lot of in-n-out, Saw reno and wall building and rearranging. What I did not see was fish or Gracie asking for one. Is it possible she got her own? George seems to be sticking close and Gracie has had multiple breaks. Could #2 eggbert be on it’s way? The more I watch these birds, the more questions I have!!! LOVE them!!!!

    70. Rjoneal April 30, 2017 at 11:22 am - Reply

      4-30-17 For Our Newcomers – Betsy posted last year but this is from our Osprey Specialist Rob B. and Betsy
      “…Newly laid eggs, before incubation has begun, can withstand a lot of chilling. It’s much more damaging for an egg that has been incubated for a while to cool off. …” (The Incredible Egg by Rob Bierregaard http://fergusonmuseum.org/the-incredible-egg/

    71. CarolV April 30, 2017 at 11:08 am - Reply

      George with reno on his mind—-

      Gracie watches in disbelief……

      • CarolV April 30, 2017 at 11:09 am - Reply

        ….as THIS..

        • CarolV April 30, 2017 at 11:10 am - Reply

          …arrives!

          • CarolV April 30, 2017 at 11:12 am - Reply

            Really, George?

            • CarolV April 30, 2017 at 11:14 am

              Is this Gracie’s opinion of George’s version of The Wall………………note further addition

            • CarolV April 30, 2017 at 11:33 am

              Addition

            • CarolV April 30, 2017 at 11:35 am

              Gracie stepped out when she got poked by stack, leaving George to place it wherever……..

            • CarolV April 30, 2017 at 1:33 pm

              OK- Joke’s over—was kidding about WALL!!!!!

      • Rjoneal May 1, 2017 at 9:05 pm - Reply

        5-1-17 Reply- CarolV thats exactly the words I was thinking by her expression, ( George with reno on his mind—-

        Gracie watches in disbelief……) carzy birds.

    72. CarolV April 30, 2017 at 8:48 am - Reply

      Here’s one way to get wifey going in the a.m………

      dump weeds on her back

      • CarolV April 30, 2017 at 8:50 am - Reply

        then give her a shove!

        • CarolV April 30, 2017 at 8:51 am - Reply

          Gracie stood and grumbled foe a few minutes….

          • CarolV April 30, 2017 at 9:00 am - Reply

            ….headed out for morning run….
            “Thanks, dear…..you know I have some lazy mornings!”

            Predicted to be at least 15deg. cooler today..Feeling it already; crisp this a.m. @57, this may be the warm point for the day….yesterday was gorgeous, tho……………..clouds & sun, mixed…Possible showers overnight tonight…..fitting farewell from April…

            • CarolV April 30, 2017 at 9:12 am

              Just realized George had been in earlier!! Pretty early @5:11a.m.EDT ! No wonder Gracie was grumpy later…was catching up on sleep!
              Camera was pixilating a bit, so a little blurry

    73. Rjoneal April 29, 2017 at 9:20 pm - Reply

      Our Beautiful Gracie

    74. Bre April 29, 2017 at 7:21 pm - Reply

      Thank you Betsy for the great video, 🙂 I was working and would have missed the first egg birth. CarolV Love the “anybody have a can of mackerel? ” shot of Gracie
      is adorable 😉

      • CarolV May 1, 2017 at 5:35 pm - Reply

        TY, Bre- I loved the expression–although I know I “anthropomorphize” (but I don’t care–hehe)

      • Betsy May 2, 2017 at 12:34 am - Reply

        Bre: You’re very welcome!

    75. Betsy April 29, 2017 at 7:03 pm - Reply

      CarolV: Just noticed you changed your Gravatar picture! Nice!! (I like dogs but I LOVE cats! 🙂 )

      • CarolV May 1, 2017 at 5:42 pm - Reply

        Part of my “herd”…Howie, 16- gentle loving big boy….

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