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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

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Osprey Rescue Extended - July 30, 2015

Osprey Zone Highlights - June 28, 2015

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First Sighting

George and Gracie's First Baby

Eggs Over Easy

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Breakfast is Served

Upgrading

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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

    52,629 Comments

    1. CarolV June 25, 2017 at 12:38 pm - Reply

      11:53amEDT—Brunch coming in- probably menhaden (bunker)

      • CarolV June 25, 2017 at 12:41 pm - Reply

        Gracie accepts it…

        • CarolV June 25, 2017 at 12:54 pm - Reply

          12:34pm—Follow-up….George brought a “minnow” for dessert….could barely see it in his claw…

    2. CarolV June 25, 2017 at 11:12 am - Reply

      Everyone seems to be well fed…at one point, there was even 2 fish in the nest with 2 adults to feed them and the chicks weren’t overly enthusiastic. Think George is bringing flounder this a.m.

      • CarolV June 25, 2017 at 11:18 am - Reply

        Gracie seems to be doing a lot of nestorating….she moved a lot of things yesterday afternoon, from sticks, to reeds, to seaweed. This morning was a small tree that she tried adding to the wall under the camera but it thankfully ended in the Invisible Zone. They must be enlarging the patio, cause the munchkins are spending more time out there out of sight.

        • CarolV June 25, 2017 at 11:20 am - Reply

          This looks like a Mardi Gras mask as Gracie finds a new home for this dried seaweed

    3. Betsy June 25, 2017 at 8:18 am - Reply

      Gracie brought a big stick to the nest. This is her flying in with it with what looks like a crow in hot pursuit!!

    4. Rjoneal June 25, 2017 at 8:03 am - Reply

      Our precious Families

    5. sera June 24, 2017 at 10:33 pm - Reply

      Gracie “what sort of fish is that, George?”

      • Betsy June 27, 2017 at 2:35 am - Reply

        sera: Something I’d like to know myself when I see him bring them!! 😀

        • sera June 28, 2017 at 3:25 am - Reply

          😃 and thank you Betsy.

    6. sera June 24, 2017 at 10:16 pm - Reply

      Both watching something below the nest.

      • Betsy June 27, 2017 at 2:35 am - Reply

        sera: Fantasic shot!!

      • CarolV June 27, 2017 at 7:48 pm - Reply

        Good capture! Love the intensity in their faces…

    7. sera June 24, 2017 at 10:10 pm - Reply

      Haha feeding between Gracie’s legs ♥

    8. CarolV June 24, 2017 at 9:16 pm - Reply

      Gracie sitting in the evening sun, telling George her thoughts…….

      • CarolV June 24, 2017 at 9:18 pm - Reply

        I guess this was his answer…..

        • Betsy June 27, 2017 at 2:36 am - Reply

          CarolV: 😀 😀 😀 😀

    9. Michael G. Martin June 24, 2017 at 8:07 pm - Reply

      Hello Group
      I hope everyone know what it means when an Osprey Mantles. If not I’ll try to explain what it means if not someone else will probably explain it better than I will.
      When an intruder or anything else threatens the Chicks or the nest George and/or Gracie will posture with their Wings in an outward fashion, this is probably done to try to make them seem bigger and more Ominous to the threat. And they will also begin to increase their vocal range and intensity (very loud). And if this doesn’t work and hopefully there are Two Parents on will fly up or down to the Threat and literally “Dive Bomb” the threat, these two forms of repelling the threat usually works. But George and Gracie would be relentless in getting rid of the threat.
      After all this being said, my question to everyone is has anyone ever witnessed this being done to any intruder or threat and if so were all of these actions done to all threats or just done to other Ospreys in general.
      Thank-You for taking your time is responding

      Mike

    10. Roberta June 24, 2017 at 7:49 pm - Reply

      I’ve been noticing that Gracie is having difficulty with tearing the fish apart. Looks like much harder work than earlier.
      Also happy that I’m not seeing aggressive pecking between the little ones.

      • Betsy June 27, 2017 at 2:40 am - Reply

        Roberta: It seems like that — maybe her beak is getting dull from tearing so many fish apart!! 😀 Just kidding! I guess some of the fish are just tough!

        I’m glad to see there’s very little fighting, too! (Today there was a pecking episode!)

    11. Monica June 24, 2017 at 7:08 pm - Reply

      Family feeding time…. Saturday, 6/24 at approx 7pm

      First time ever posting a pic!! 😉

      • Betsy June 27, 2017 at 2:41 am - Reply

        Monica: Congrats! Hope to see more!!

      • Rjoneal June 27, 2017 at 10:40 am - Reply

        6-27-17 Monica Yeah thanks for posting hope you post more. 🙂

      • CarolV June 27, 2017 at 7:53 pm - Reply

        Fun, isn’t it?

    12. CarolV June 24, 2017 at 7:01 pm - Reply

      18:35—-evening fish delivery

      • CarolV June 24, 2017 at 7:03 pm - Reply

        one chick wobbled over and took a little nap; the other tucked right in

    13. Helen June 24, 2017 at 5:40 pm - Reply

      Watching Gracie redecorate is a riot. She is so intent on making her home safe for her chicks, she is just moving stuff all over the nest.

    14. CarolV June 24, 2017 at 5:04 pm - Reply

      KEVIN—-Hope you were checking in Saturday afternoon…..this one’s for you! Hi Dee….
      …………Another section of the OZ watchers local contingent

    15. Mickey Martin June 24, 2017 at 4:04 pm - Reply

      I cant wait to see how many posts there are saying a chicks is missing. Its there though. Tucked in the 4pm position.

    16. Betsy June 24, 2017 at 2:39 pm - Reply

      I think the rain watered the chicks and made them grow!! 😀

    17. CarolV June 24, 2017 at 2:39 pm - Reply

      A suave George Clooney pose…………

      • CarolV June 24, 2017 at 2:40 pm - Reply

        A little more George of the Jungle…………….

    18. CarolV June 24, 2017 at 1:56 pm - Reply

      O>K> Heartattack time! Logged in to see one chicklet…..Scrolled back to 13:25 to see chick butts off to right..one moved back to Mom- with a p.s. on the way. The other scooted in to the Invisible Zone. What is the appeal of that corner?????????

      • CarolV June 24, 2017 at 2:05 pm - Reply

        George came in minutes later…..

        • CarolV June 24, 2017 at 2:11 pm - Reply

          Both chicks front and center ….

          It’s turned in to a beautiful day. The remnants of Cindy ran thru this a.m. We had downpours for about 3 hours and it cleared out quickly, leaving glorious sunshine, a gentle breeze and temps in the 80s.

          • CarolV June 24, 2017 at 4:53 pm - Reply

            BETSY—-testing—chick #1 on left—–#2 on right appears to have a darker head..?????????????

            • Betsy June 27, 2017 at 2:51 am

              CarolV: BINGO!! You got it!! 🙂

      • Betsy June 27, 2017 at 2:45 am - Reply

        CarolV: The appeal?? To keep us guessing with our heart in our throats!!

    19. Betsy June 24, 2017 at 1:49 pm - Reply

      Gracie flapping her wings dry — or less wet!!

    20. Betsy June 24, 2017 at 12:18 pm - Reply

      George brought a fish at 8:08 am. After Gracie was done feeding the chicks she left the remainder of the fish on the left side of the nest and sat on the chicks to shield them from the rain. George brought another fish at 9:51 am. Gracie took that fish from him and then he picked up the leftover fish from earlier. Chick #1 came over to him and he fed chick #1 while chick #2 went over to Gracie and she fed that chick. Sweet!!

    21. Paula June 24, 2017 at 11:08 am - Reply

      Hi All,

      I’ve been checking in regularly and The George and Gracie show is fantastic as usual. They really are the best parents. The nest here in Columbus,OH is doing well but it’s only because of Mom. They oldest chick is barely 4 weeks old and she has already had to go hunting to feed the chicks. The Dad is in no way our Gorgeous George. I never saw him sit on the eggs. I have never seen him feed the chicks and he really is lacking in the food delivery as well. Sometimes he sits on the nest while Mom is feeding the chicks, I guess as look out but I really believe he’s hoping there might be something left. With 3 chicks and a stressed hungry Mom, that never happens. I know I’m complaining about him a lot but when you get your start watching an Osprey nest George and Gracie really set the bar high!

      • Betsy June 27, 2017 at 2:53 am - Reply

        Paula: Maybe he’s just an inexperienced Dad and next year he’ll do better. I hope it works out well on that nest!

      • CarolV June 27, 2017 at 8:00 pm - Reply

        Just like people, these birds come in all types….there’s a male on one nest where the female was killed and he has been raising them by himself and seems to be doing a successful job..The more nests I see, the more amazed I am at the variety in personalities.
        And our G&G are champions!

    22. sera June 24, 2017 at 5:55 am - Reply

      George delivering breakfast ♥

      • sera June 24, 2017 at 5:57 am - Reply

        Gracie feeding the chicks.

      • June c June 24, 2017 at 2:10 pm - Reply

        Hi Sera…George seems to bring !st. fish around 5AM daily…one thing for sure no storage of fish this year.

      • Rjoneal June 25, 2017 at 12:12 pm - Reply

        Sera good picture 🙂

    23. Betsy June 24, 2017 at 2:43 am - Reply

      George feeds chick #2 while Gracie supervises 😀

      • Betsy June 24, 2017 at 2:48 am - Reply

        Oops! George feeds chick #1 while Gracie supervises.

    24. Betsy June 24, 2017 at 2:26 am - Reply

      The chicks are getting so big! I think Gracie and George are such wonderful parents. This year George seemed to start feeding the chicks himself earlier than I remember him doing last year! And, I love watching when Gracie feeds the chicks – if you listen, with each piece of fish she gives she says “Here” or “Eat.” Even when they are stuffed, she tries to get them to eat a little more. I think she must have been an Italian mama in a former life!! 😀

      • Betsy June 24, 2017 at 2:37 am - Reply

        BTW, Chick #1 is closest to the camera

      • CarolV June 24, 2017 at 2:14 pm - Reply

        A little “I love you ” with each bite….
        I thought George was participating more, too…

    25. Betsy June 24, 2017 at 2:06 am - Reply

      It was very windy at the nest this afternoon. When George hopped down from the perch to the nest, he couldn’t control where he landed and landed right on Gracie 😀

      • Betsy June 24, 2017 at 2:08 am - Reply

        He managed to fly up a little and came down right next to her — literally toe to toe!! 😀

        • CarolV June 24, 2017 at 2:16 pm - Reply

          I had to watch this a couple of times! He just sort of slid down her till he lifted himself up enough to land next to her!

    26. CarolV June 23, 2017 at 6:38 pm - Reply

      George was watching anxiously as Gracie worked down to the end of the fish. e waned to gt a hold on it. I think he enjoys feeding hisfamily!

      • CarolV June 23, 2017 at 6:40 pm - Reply

        So much for multi-finger typing! Either back to 2-finger or remember to proof read!

    27. CarolV June 23, 2017 at 6:04 pm - Reply

      17:59pm….another fish- possibly a butter fish…

    28. CarolV June 23, 2017 at 5:55 pm - Reply

      George watching over his sleeping family……..

      Temps to stay in low 70s overnight. Rain may hold off till morning, with t-storms possible and clearing by noon….temps high 70s

    29. CarolV June 23, 2017 at 5:02 pm - Reply

      Another fish donates itself to the survival of our osprey.
      George hangs around while the chicks are being fed. Does every one remember how Gracie used to be when the fish were delivered?-meaning past seasons…… She used to mantle over the fish and squawk until George left the nest before she would feed the chicks. They are so much better together this year….George often stays in the nest and they have had the group feeding sessions, which are so beautiful to watch!

    30. CarolV June 23, 2017 at 4:02 pm - Reply

      It’s gotten very windy—Gracie is swaying, even the nest is swaying.
      George got blown off course and landed on Gracie! He lifted back up and landed next to her, acting like nothing happened….

    31. CarolV June 23, 2017 at 3:29 pm - Reply

      Yea….another fish….happiness all around!

    32. Betsy June 23, 2017 at 1:59 pm - Reply

      It looks as if there was lightning near the nest

      • CarolV June 24, 2017 at 4:26 pm - Reply

        yea! I slept thru it if we had any here…but explains why cat was in hiding when I had my usual mid-night wake up call

        • Betsy June 27, 2017 at 4:57 pm - Reply

          CarolV and Rjoneal: This was during the daytime!! I only saw the single light up — it looks so different from nighttime lightning!!

          • Rjoneal June 29, 2017 at 8:11 am - Reply

            Wow so thats why it looked different, I have seen night lighting but just thought you got a view no one else seen before at night. Glad you told me daytime makes it even more mysterious and unusual..

      • Rjoneal June 24, 2017 at 11:49 pm - Reply

        6-24-17 Betsy WOW with all that light hope it did not hit anything down below like Tommy’s house or just a tree. Amazing even during the lightening storms in past we never saw a pic like this one.

    33. CarolV June 23, 2017 at 1:45 pm - Reply

      Mom is finishing last of fish when Junior wakes for next course…

      • CarolV June 23, 2017 at 1:46 pm - Reply

        Gracie tries a bigger portion…what are you thinking, Gracie?

        • CarolV June 23, 2017 at 1:48 pm - Reply

          slightly smaller, but still attached….

          • CarolV June 23, 2017 at 1:50 pm - Reply

            Gracie chokes it down…..

            • CarolV June 23, 2017 at 1:51 pm

              she finds another good size chuck which I thought was too big…

            • CarolV June 23, 2017 at 2:03 pm

              finds another piece which looked big…..

            • CarolV June 23, 2017 at 2:06 pm

              but was watching Mom’s technique!

    34. CarolV June 23, 2017 at 12:46 pm - Reply

      12:40pm…..Yea, lunch! And look who’s peeping along with Gracie.
      I may have missed a feeding, but I only saw one minnow delivered at 8 something this morning.

    35. CarolV June 23, 2017 at 11:42 am - Reply

      George brings in a nice stick…Gracie tells him she needs a break.

      • CarolV June 23, 2017 at 11:45 am - Reply

        She glides gracefully in place, then dives…….

    36. CarolV June 23, 2017 at 11:18 am - Reply

      Was admiring how long the legs are and how he’s learning how to stand up….

      • CarolV June 23, 2017 at 11:19 am - Reply

        …and not paying attention to why……..

    37. Darlene June 23, 2017 at 9:31 am - Reply

      No shortage of food at this

      nest this year. A great year for fishing and that makes a great year for raising babes.

    38. Rjoneal June 23, 2017 at 9:10 am - Reply

      HAPPY FRIDAY,enjoying the view

      • CarolV June 23, 2017 at 11:30 am - Reply

        Interesting view!

      • MargaretR June 24, 2017 at 7:34 am - Reply

        Amazing technique and photo!

        • Rjoneal June 24, 2017 at 11:52 pm - Reply

          6-24-17 Margaret R thanks I thought I would help everyone get a jump start on celebrating the weekend this will really make you question your vision.

    39. CarolV June 23, 2017 at 9:00 am - Reply

      First time I get to check in after a day and 1/2 and the lens has been decorated….

      • CarolV June 23, 2017 at 9:04 am - Reply

        …..and they’re hiding in the Invisible Zone…..will have to check up on comments and pics later. All I can see right now is how healthy they look! That’s a euphemism for roly-poly, isn’t it?
        Happy to see they have been eating well……..

      • Rjoneal June 24, 2017 at 11:56 pm - Reply

        6-24-17 CarolV this is what you get when you go back to work and didnt get to ck in for a day 1/2 you brought us bad luck. You know we count on you for your updates and weather reports and of course the main thing is your sense of humor. 🙂 Next time just take a day the 1/2 is what pushed it overboard heee

    40. Rjoneal June 23, 2017 at 8:45 am - Reply

      6-23-17 Found Saved VIDEO FR OUR BETSY LAST YEAR WITH THE CROWS, well guess we just forget over time since I found lots of pictures and this video of crows bothering the nest last year. This is why pictures and videos are PRICELESS. Just look at our family last year during the same time period June 21,2016 video. This is Brutus Ali, & Rocky.

      https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s_-lchc64ls

    41. Betsy June 22, 2017 at 9:32 am - Reply

      Gracie out for the count. I don’t recall ever seeing Gracie sleeping in the usual bird sleeping position on the nest!!

      • Rjoneal June 24, 2017 at 11:59 pm - Reply

        6-24-17 Betsy I saw her sleep like this 2 or 3 nights ago and I had to rewind several times to make sure she was sleeping. Pictures do not do it justice to see her in this position, but the Eagles sleep like that and maybe it is a sign of her maturity now. Guess we will never know.

    42. Betsy June 22, 2017 at 8:50 am - Reply

      Chick #1 was doing some earnest winger-sizing

      • CarolV June 23, 2017 at 9:58 am - Reply

        Is it just my bad memory or are these guys ahead of schedule? Wingersize time already!

        • Betsy June 24, 2017 at 2:29 am - Reply

          CarolV: I’m not sure but I think they may be!

        • Rjoneal June 25, 2017 at 12:02 am - Reply

          6-24-17 CarolV I found a pic real quick showing Wingersize from last year on 6-22-16 so guess they did start at about the same time frame.

    43. Rjoneal June 22, 2017 at 8:26 am - Reply

      6-22-17 Yesterday, Cutest Ever, George provided shade not only to baby 1 and 2 but Gracie took cover under him and all took a nap after eating fish. Job Well Done Stud Muffin!

      • CarolV June 23, 2017 at 9:56 am - Reply

        Adorable…..

      • Betsy June 24, 2017 at 2:31 am - Reply

        Rjoneal: I got a real kick out of watching that!!

        • Rjoneal June 25, 2017 at 12:06 am - Reply

          Betsy it was the first time I seen Gracie intentionally get under him with the babies for shade. Usually you only see it if George is busy moving stuff around not paying attention.

    44. Betsy June 22, 2017 at 8:17 am - Reply

      The chicks are getting so big. I love watching Gracie trying to still sit on them!!

      • Rjoneal June 25, 2017 at 12:08 am - Reply

        Agree and she still tries to huddle and sometimes rotate that egg even though she has to know its not viable anymore. The babies sure love to cuddle up and lay on and around it. Kinda like Yoga ball maybe it feels good.

    45. Tucker June 22, 2017 at 8:17 am - Reply

      Bobbie & CarolV you guys are spot on. I focused this morning on the insects in the nest. This year seems to be quite remarkable. At this stage in my career I can’t remember last evening’s dinner menu. Albeit, in comparison to the past the nest seems to be heavily infested with the little buggers. What a gorgeous sunrise- the North Fork a little proof that there is a heaven!

      • Bobbie June 22, 2017 at 11:27 am - Reply

        George doesn’t seem to have the feather mite problem. Could Gracie have brought them back with her after associating with some “dirty birds” while they were apart last winter?

        • CarolV June 23, 2017 at 11:25 am - Reply

          Possibly George’s many dips in salt water help alleviate the problem??? He may not always go full immersion but any dips may help.

        • Monica June 23, 2017 at 6:47 pm - Reply

          Perhaps. Gracie must have fallen in with a ‘bad crowd.’ lol

          But, seriously, I was watching on a full screen the other day; there seem to be so many bugs in that nest.

          • Rjoneal June 25, 2017 at 12:21 am - Reply

            6-24-17 Monica, Agree 100% more bugs than any previous year.

        • Rjoneal June 25, 2017 at 12:20 am - Reply

          6-24-17 Reply-Bobbie I do not believe for sure its mites and definitely do not believe Gracie got on migration. It did not start till after the nest was built up and the fish and materials were coming in. There are at least 5 different bugs living in that nest and maybe more that we can not see. I think it is more likely from wood planks or grassy stuff or even just from crumbs and particles in nest. Sometimes the osprey will pick up a clump of trash and it will be loaded with bugs which then in turn end up in the nest.
          Last year we had a lot of birds living below and they would come get scraps and bugs but this year they seem to just make an appearance and then disappear below again.
          We actually believe their were 2 rounds of baby birds below last Season. It has been kinda quiet lately maybe soon we will hear all the birdie noise from down below like previous years.
          The babies will itch due to the feathers. Also do not forget I posted awhile back article with website on feathers Gracie is itching due to that.
          However, I do agree it does seem she has been itching more than usual and poor thing seems bothered by it sometimes you can see all the bugs crawling all over the nest.

    46. Betsy June 22, 2017 at 6:58 am - Reply

      Early morning quiet time

    47. Betsy June 22, 2017 at 6:45 am - Reply

      Patty K (and CarolV): Hi! The way to tell the chicks apart (for now!! 😀 ) is by the back stripe and the head stripe. Chick #2’s back stripe flares at the bottom and is wider at the top. In this picture chick #2 is on the left

      • Betsy June 22, 2017 at 6:48 am - Reply

        And in this picture chick #2 is on the right.

      • Betsy June 22, 2017 at 6:52 am - Reply

        The head stripe on chick #1 is thinner

        • Betsy June 22, 2017 at 6:53 am - Reply

          Forgot to put that chick #1 is on the right

      • PattyK June 23, 2017 at 8:09 am - Reply

        Many thanks dear Betsy! xoxo

      • CarolV June 23, 2017 at 11:28 am - Reply

        BETSY—I printed out your i.d. chart a few days ago, but still not differentiating. Haven’t been able to watch as often.

    48. Betsy June 22, 2017 at 6:11 am - Reply

      Yesterday, poor George

      • Betsy June 22, 2017 at 6:12 am - Reply

        was in the

      • Betsy June 22, 2017 at 6:12 am - Reply

        line of fire!!

        • Betsy June 22, 2017 at 6:34 am - Reply

          PS George was blasted by chick #1

          • CarolV June 23, 2017 at 9:09 am - Reply

            Why does it feel like George is the target for target practice?

            • CarolV June 23, 2017 at 9:51 am

              and I love that Gracie is just looking down at the little shooter…

    49. CarolV June 21, 2017 at 7:41 pm - Reply

      Gracie trying very hard to fit over the chicks and tuck eggbert in, too!

    50. CarolV June 21, 2017 at 6:27 pm - Reply

      Talk about food coma! These guys look like they are stuffed to their bums!!!!!!!!!

      • CarolV June 21, 2017 at 6:42 pm - Reply

        George tried to “top off” each chick, but a couple of bites and they were out for the count again.

        Today was a beautiful June day! temps. in the 80s ….77 right now @about 6:30pm. Dropping to low 60s 0vernight. Looks like high 70s tomorrow and sun, sun, sun.

        • CarolV June 21, 2017 at 6:46 pm - Reply

          Dare I cheer too soon? See a lot of seaweed and grasses added to the nest and do not see the dastardly ribbon………but it has squirmed out before………..

          I wish they would rebuild the crib rail on that top right edge. Just a worried “grandma” I suppose.

          • CarolV June 21, 2017 at 9:26 pm - Reply

            Sorry- meant top left edge, where it looks like some sticks are missing

        • CarolV June 21, 2017 at 8:10 pm - Reply

          One more look at the roly-polys!

        • Rjoneal June 22, 2017 at 9:45 pm - Reply

          6-22-17 CarolV thanks for weather report 🙂

    51. Leesa Downs June 21, 2017 at 3:42 pm - Reply

      Hey everyone! I haven’t been able to watch our family as much this year, but have checked in when I can to see how they are doing. I looked back, and didn’t see any posts to answer this question, so I’ll ask it now. I thought Gracie laid 3 eggs, and is that the 3rd one still in the nest? Since it has been 2 weeks since chick #2 hatched, is it likely that egg # 3 will not hatch? Or am I wrong and there were just 2 eggs?
      Thanks for the help with this. And I am really enjoying looking at all the pictures and videos since I don’t get to watch live as much as last year.

      • Sheila Falkowski June 21, 2017 at 5:12 pm - Reply

        I believe the egg is more than likely not going to hatch. it has been far too long and rarely sat upon

        • Leesa Downs June 22, 2017 at 10:04 am - Reply

          It’s probably a blessing in many ways, that it didn’t hatch. So much easier for the two chicks as opposed to three. Thanks for the reply!

      • CarolV June 21, 2017 at 6:01 pm - Reply

        Yes there were 3 and the 3rd was not viable…Past hatch time……and it is still there.

        • Leesa Downs June 22, 2017 at 10:05 am - Reply

          Very interesting. I never stop learning about these magnificent birds! Thank you for the reply!

    52. Darlene June 21, 2017 at 2:54 pm - Reply

      Hi all. Good gracious is George good with big sticks or what! Wed pm 14:51 look back and see what he did. Unbelievable!!

    53. GinaM June 21, 2017 at 9:48 am - Reply

      Hi Rjoneal. I wanted to make a separate post to say hi- there are so many posts it is hard to keep up and find anything i posted but I caught your hello in an older thread. Happy first day of Summer!

    54. Paula June 21, 2017 at 9:33 am - Reply

      Hi All,

      I unfortunately have noticed that the chicks have begun to like the right side of the nest where we can’t see them. That’s very disappointing and I hope that changes. I have also been quite surprised at the aggression between the chicks. I would have thought that things might have been calmer with only 2 chicks and Gorgeous George the Super Fisherman. I’m sure they are not hungry!

      • CarolV June 21, 2017 at 6:19 pm - Reply

        No, they just have a need to establish dominance. Probably practice for futures on their own…..rough to watch, but it’s nature. Puppies, kittens, many animals, also establish their “pecking order” but it often passes as play.

    55. Betsy June 21, 2017 at 8:24 am - Reply

      Gracie still had most of the 1st fish remaining and the chicks seemed full when George brought her another fish 13 minutes after he brought her the 1st fish!

      • PattyK June 21, 2017 at 4:38 pm - Reply

        6/21/17 4:32 p Need help from the Pros here- Betsy, RJ, Carol, et al, having a difficult time telling who is who, any specific markings to tell #1 from # 2?? Many thanks!

        • CarolV June 21, 2017 at 6:15 pm - Reply

          I generally wait till feathers come in but Betsy posted a few days back on her id’s…..I’m sure she’ll help you out…

    56. Betsy June 21, 2017 at 8:07 am - Reply

      Chick #2 is 2 weeks old today

    57. Rjoneal June 21, 2017 at 7:06 am - Reply

      6-21-19 Good Morning OZ

      • CarolV June 21, 2017 at 6:11 pm - Reply

        Diplomatic pink & blue—unknown gender for kids!

    58. Michael G. Martin June 20, 2017 at 9:54 pm - Reply

      Hello Group
      One of the Ospreyphiles mentioned something about a few Sparrows hanging around the Nest.
      A few times a week I take a walk along Cedar Beach. There is an Osprey Nest with a Clutch. Sometimes I’ll bring my binoculars with me to observe the goings on in and around the Nest.
      And what I noticed to my amusement is that a Family of Sparrows has attached their Nest to that of the Ospreys Nest. And what amazes me is that there is no Physical or Social interaction amongst their respective Families,it’s just like business as always. But I do believe that it maybe a symbiotic relationship where the Sparrows may feed off of the Fish dropping of the Ospreys

      Mike

      • Sarah Lynn June 21, 2017 at 1:57 pm - Reply

        I was looking at several Web sites about this relationship ,and I saw the suggestion that, in addition to extra security and lodging convenience, the small birds eat insects attracted to the leftover fish, and the ospreys benefit from early warnings the small birds may provide. Fascinating.

    59. Mickey Martin June 20, 2017 at 8:54 pm - Reply

      6/20/17…8:40pmish…the wind has calmed down and its a peaceful nest. Gracie has been aerating under both chicks. All we can see is 2 butts from under Gracie though. The butts were both moving 🙂

    60. CarolV June 20, 2017 at 8:28 pm - Reply

      Our handsome hero, relaxing with the fam….

      • CarolV June 20, 2017 at 8:30 pm - Reply

        Partner feeding–always a beautiful glimpse of their bond

    61. CarolV June 20, 2017 at 7:34 pm - Reply

      George barely got one tug at this fish before Momma Bear came for it………..

      • CarolV June 20, 2017 at 7:36 pm - Reply

        She kind of tromped on the chicks while taking possession….

        • CarolV June 20, 2017 at 7:38 pm - Reply

          …but everyone is fine and feeding well! Amazing how much these fluffballs can take!

    62. Helen June 20, 2017 at 11:39 am - Reply

      I think it is only one chick…..

    63. Helen June 20, 2017 at 11:38 am - Reply

      Chicks at the perimeter of the nest….scary.

    64. Betsy June 20, 2017 at 9:38 am - Reply

      Gracie walking to George to get the fish he brought

    65. Betsy June 20, 2017 at 9:37 am - Reply

      A sparrow was checking out the nest this morning

    66. Bonnie Sudnick June 20, 2017 at 9:11 am - Reply

      Yes, yes, yes! Looks like that darn plastic cup has gone on its pesky way. Hopefully no more. Glad to see all made it through the storms.

      • Betsy June 20, 2017 at 4:14 pm - Reply

        Yes, that annoying cup, so getting in the way when Gracie was feeding the chicks …

        • Betsy June 20, 2017 at 4:16 pm - Reply

          Blew to the corner of the nest …

        • Betsy June 20, 2017 at 4:17 pm - Reply

          And, then, finally off the nest!! 🙂

        • Bonnie Sudnick June 21, 2017 at 9:19 am - Reply

          Thanks Betsy for the update on that darn cup. I was wondering which way it ‘flew’ off. Love all the photos.

    67. CarolV June 20, 2017 at 6:03 am - Reply

      Good morning! A snack for all…

      Rough night- hard rain and windy…..showers still passing thru on the east end, clearing soon….HAGD!

    68. Rjoneal June 19, 2017 at 8:29 pm - Reply

      6-19-17 OZ FOLLOWERS- With so many other Osprey Nest being invaded by the crows and now our nest seems to be a target as well, thought it would be a good time to post some info on American Crow. CarolV and Betsy have been documenting and posting the day to day events with these crows coming to the nest and attacks to our George and Gracie.
      Here is just lil info please click on link below to read more on the American Crows.

      American Crows are familiar over much of the continent: large, intelligent, all-black birds with hoarse, cawing voices. They are common sights in treetops, fields, and roadsides, and in habitats ranging from open woods and empty beaches to town centers. They usually feed on the ground and eat almost anything – typically earthworms, insects and other small animals, seeds, and fruit but also garbage, carrion, and chicks they rob from nests. Their flight style is unique, a patient, methodical flapping that is rarely broken up with glides.

      https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/American_Crow/lifehistory

      • CarolV June 20, 2017 at 7:45 pm - Reply

        Thanks for the info….I really do like and enjoy watching crows; I just don’t like the chick stealing part….

    69. CarolV June 19, 2017 at 8:26 pm - Reply

      George posing on his fish like a hunter posing with his trophy!

      The showers are running thru now(about 8pm) I can hear thunder in the distance. We aren’t supposed to feel the full effects of this storm front on this end of the Island. West Nassau, the 5 boroughs of Manhattan and the counties of southern NY mainland are being warned of severe t-storms and flash floods. We show possibility of t-storms till midnight and further showers possible thru till morning. Temps hovering around 70.
      Cloudy morning with a hopefully sunny afternoon. Temps mid to high 70s.

      • CarolV June 19, 2017 at 8:28 pm - Reply

        Dad??? ya gonna share?

        • CarolV June 19, 2017 at 8:35 pm - Reply

          George has a good meal…Gracie doesn’t harass him…then she gets control and has two eager customers.

          • CarolV June 19, 2017 at 8:42 pm - Reply

            Good to the last scale….one chick heading to bed, the other not far behind

            • CarolV June 19, 2017 at 8:52 pm

              Let’s see….do you guys mind separate rooms?

    70. Mickey Martin June 19, 2017 at 8:11 pm - Reply

      @ 7:51 George arrived with a fish. Gracie didnt show interest at first. So he started to east by himself. She then got up, both chicks and egg still there, and she went over to him cautiously. He then fed her. My thought at the time was what a bonded pair they are. He wasnt giving up the fish so she went back to the chicks and sat back on them as best she could.

    71. Betsy June 19, 2017 at 7:49 pm - Reply

      I like this picture. George was taking a rest from working on rearranging the sticks in the right corner when the wind caught him and blew him back and Gracie threw up her wings 🙂

    72. Rjoneal June 19, 2017 at 6:34 pm - Reply

      6-19-17 Had not had a chance to read comments but Gracie feeds George and WTR97 made a video of it. This person has been an Osprey Zone Follower since the start. Thank you for making the video and everyone please watch.

      • CarolV June 19, 2017 at 7:07 pm - Reply

        Love the video—hate the cup! Why does Gracie like things that flap and wave?

        • Rjoneal June 20, 2017 at 9:30 pm - Reply

          6-20-17 Reply- Carolv Gracie does love flappy things for some reason.

      • Michael G. Martin June 20, 2017 at 1:22 am - Reply

        Great video That’s the nicest one I’ve seen yet. When you have one of those days, where you come home and you’re Ears are Bleeding from all the days noice it’s always nice to be able to watch a peaceful video and get ready for a good nights Sleep

        Mike

        • Rjoneal June 20, 2017 at 9:31 pm - Reply

          6-20-17 Reply- Micheael G Martin glad you enjoyed the video. Such a good bonding family.

      • Marilyn G June 20, 2017 at 3:15 pm - Reply

        Fun video! I like how the chicks are passed out sleeping.

        • Rjoneal June 20, 2017 at 9:33 pm - Reply

          6-20-17 Reply- Marilyn G glad you liked the video and yes those babies crops full and they were in a food coma for sure. 🙂

    73. JessicaV June 19, 2017 at 5:34 pm - Reply

      Very very bad storm on the way.

    74. Michael G. Martin June 19, 2017 at 3:37 pm - Reply

      Hello Group
      Where I live, which is a stones throw away from this nest. There are quite a few Crows in the area. And what I have observed is that the Crows will attack another Birds nest and attempt to snatch up any food and worst yet the young chicks or the eggs in the nest. But what’s makes it interesting is that the other similar and smaller birds will attack the Crows and drive them off. After the Crows are driven away, the same birds will chase the crows relentlessly as far away as possible.
      So maybe these Crows are looking to steal the chicks or the egg or left over food.But I’m surprised the Mom and Dad would let them that close to the Nest.

      Mike

      • CarolV June 19, 2017 at 7:14 pm - Reply

        I suspect they are harassing George hoping for some fish. I have witnessed crows stealing chicks from nests, both in person and on video and it’s not pleasant….
        When a crow stole chicks from a bluejay nest near me, at least 20 birds, of all kinds, chased that crow…and he still came back and methodically stole 2 more chicks.
        Hopefully, our chicks are big enough now to be safe.

      • GinaM June 19, 2017 at 9:01 pm - Reply

        Michael, I also live in the area. I have also noticed a marked increase in crows this year. They can be very aggressive. I, too, often see little sparrows and waxwings chasing them like fighter pilots. I think G and G know they could kick a crow’s butt and just haven’t “pulled the trigger” yet. But if they keep it up it will make for interesting viewing!

        • Michael G. Martin June 20, 2017 at 9:28 pm - Reply

          Gina
          I too have noticed a marked increase in the Crow population on the North Fork. At the beginning of Spring, I noticed a large Murder of Crows on the Bayside of the NF. I was wondering if it was Mating Season for Crows or they were gathering to feed on the Nests of smaller birds. But in all honesty I do cheer the smaller birds on against the Crows. I know that you are feeling the same way. And have you seen a lone Sparrow or Grackle relentlessly pursuing 2 or 3 Crows, that takes Guts

          Mike

        • Rjoneal June 20, 2017 at 9:34 pm - Reply

          6-20-17 Gina Hi 🙂

    75. Leanne June 19, 2017 at 3:15 pm - Reply

      It’s pretty windy today.

      • Rjoneal June 20, 2017 at 9:37 pm - Reply

        6-20-17 Leanne pretty windy is an understatement lately it seems like hurricane winds at the nest. Now you all are getting hot temperatures, are we sure we are not watching live from Florida….haaaaa Good picture

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