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An Intro to OspreyZone

The Story of DDT

Osprey Rescue

2020 Clips

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

    52,629 Comments

    1. Betsy July 13, 2017 at 2:16 am - Reply

      Gracie flew to the nest at 1:55:01 am. She stayed for a few minutes and then flew away at 2:06:22 am

    2. Betsy July 13, 2017 at 1:58 am - Reply

      Gracie all excited as George is coming to the nest with a fish

      • Betsy July 13, 2017 at 1:59 am - Reply

        George is mob attacked for the fish by Gracie and chick #2

      • Betsy July 13, 2017 at 2:00 am - Reply

        Chick #2 tried to grab the fish but Gracie won

    3. Betsy July 13, 2017 at 1:50 am - Reply

      George takes off

    4. CarolV July 12, 2017 at 8:26 pm - Reply

      George with another fish….every one is ready!

      Odd thing is—-I was reading BETSY’S explanation to Michael Martin about thumbnails and the red line when I suddenly realized the line on my scrollback is white, but once was red….I was also feeling sad because the thumbnails showed more color than my live video. Suddenly, my video switched on the color!! HALLELUYAH! I was blind and now I see! OK- over dramatic…..line is still white but so what? The big taco is finally yellow in my video and posts!

      • CarolV July 12, 2017 at 8:29 pm - Reply

        Crap–rejoiced too soon- color gone again…….maybe time to take this comp in to a specialist

      • CarolV July 12, 2017 at 8:33 pm - Reply

        George hasn’t quit yet!

        • CarolV July 12, 2017 at 8:42 pm - Reply

          This fish took about 2 mins or less to catch—-speedy !!!!

    5. CarolV July 12, 2017 at 7:57 pm - Reply

      Fish arrives with Blondie ready in line….

      • CarolV July 12, 2017 at 8:01 pm - Reply

        Brownie isn’t too far behind, edging in and even trying the go-under-Gracie approach….

        Reminder- these are just nicknames

        • CarolV July 12, 2017 at 8:04 pm - Reply

          It wasn’t too long before Brownie was eating. Blondie was calm and showed no aggression………

          • CarolV July 12, 2017 at 8:06 pm - Reply

            They even had a tug o’ fish…with Blondie( #1) winning. It was good to see a peaceful shared feeding.

    6. CarolV July 12, 2017 at 7:43 pm - Reply

      @18:48- Look at that “baby” tail! So beautiful!!!

      Eggbert did a rollback…..

    7. Betsy July 12, 2017 at 5:50 pm - Reply

      Gracie waves “Hi” as she swings passed close right in front of the nest, apparently flying sideways!! 😀 😀

    8. Betsy July 12, 2017 at 10:51 am - Reply

      I’ve been reading about the tragedies that have happened on other nests posted here by viewers, but not commenting. So awful and so sad. I feel sad for the viewers of those cams, too. You wait with eager anticipation for the return of the pair starting in late March/early April, giddy with joy when both return and re-form their bond, sad but accepting if only one of the pair returns but happy when they find a new mate and form a bond. You watch as they mate and know soon eggs will be laid. Again eager anticipation as you watch through the incubation period. The eggs hatch and you watch as the tiny hatchlings grow, hitting their milestones, watching as they take their first wobbly steps, start to winger-size with their unwieldy wings, learning their personalities and coming to know them as they head toward becoming beautiful juveniles and fledglings. And, then, bam, catastrophe strikes. You know awful things can happen, you just don’t expect it will happen to “your” ospreys. It must feel as if your heart has been ripped out. We have been truly fortunate.

      • Betsy July 12, 2017 at 10:54 am - Reply

        Yes Aidan! So, tiny!!

        • Betsy July 12, 2017 at 10:59 am - Reply

          Aidan: I’m guessing the extra features and options are for the viewer after a post is made, because there weren’t any in the “choose files” box when attaching a picture.

          • Aidan July 12, 2017 at 11:37 am - Reply

            Correct, the uploading should be exactly the same, the differences are mostly in displaying the pictures and behind the scenes.

            • Betsy July 12, 2017 at 2:35 pm

              Okey-dokey. Thanks.

        • Betsy July 12, 2017 at 11:11 am - Reply

          Kind of a shock to see!! You should have weaned us off big pictures, Aidan!! 😀 😀 😀

    9. Aidan July 12, 2017 at 10:08 am - Reply

      Hi everybody,

      I’m going to be updating the plugin we use for attaching images to comments shortly. It should work exactly the same as the current system when commenting, but there are a lot of extra features and options. One option is to show a smaller image in the comment and allow you to see the full-sized image by clicking on it. I hope this will address some of the issues people have with the comment section being hard to follow, as well as reducing the size and load time of the page.

      I’ll be making the changes in a few minutes, so there might be some time where things aren’t looking right. Once it’s up and running, let me know if you run into any problems.

      • Rjoneal July 12, 2017 at 1:39 pm - Reply

        7-12-17 Aidan thanks for posting info on changes people were emailing me asking what was going on with the site. Whatever it takes to keep the site up. Thanks a bunch for all you do. 🙂

      • ChrisH July 12, 2017 at 2:24 pm - Reply

        Thank you, Aidan — this is perfect!!

      • RobininMD July 12, 2017 at 4:01 pm - Reply

        That is a nice improvement! Thank you!

      • GinaM July 12, 2017 at 6:31 pm - Reply

        THANK YOU! I have not been able to read the comment section like I used to- this will help so much.

      • June c July 17, 2017 at 7:08 am - Reply

        Thank you Aidan…so much easier to read comments…nice to have option to enlarge …

    10. Betsy July 12, 2017 at 9:57 am - Reply

      George comes with the third fish of the day. Hope it’s going to be a good fishing day for him!

      • Betsy July 12, 2017 at 9:58 am - Reply

        Chick #1 heads over to him to check it out, stretching along the way …

      • Betsy July 12, 2017 at 9:59 am - Reply

        Gracie eventually hops down from the perch …

      • Betsy July 12, 2017 at 10:00 am - Reply

        And takes the fish from George

    11. Betsy July 12, 2017 at 9:15 am - Reply

      Comparison of the head stripe — chick #1 is on the left

    12. Rjoneal July 12, 2017 at 8:28 am - Reply

      OZ Followers- Another nest is over with No successful fledges at Belwood the Great Horned Owl came back and took the last remaining baby in nest. The 2 babies were banded early on and he/she was about 1-2 weeks from fledgling all were hoping it would make it. Losing their mom early on and dad stuck with all the responsibility it just was not in the cards for this family to be. It was truly sad for weeks the dad called out to his mate and every morning feeding the babies you could till he was determined to complete his duties on raising the babies. Good Job Dad Osprey you did all you could do!
      RIP you are in so many peoples hearts.

      Positive news this really makes you appreciate our nest even more every year. We have only had 1 tragedy and it was not from Intruders. So many eggs, young and Juvs. have all been destroyed or killed by intruders this year. It is nature and with all the live cams expanded almost every state now has at least 1 Osprey Camera we are learning so much. It almost seems amazing that the Osprey are able to stay off the endangered list seeing very few make it. Sooo glad that so many people know about the Ospreys and even learning about marine life along with dangers in their environments. Children and college students are learning about Birds Raptor Birds and Ospreys are in that wheelhouse. Awareness is the key as we all know. Great to know young children will hopefully grow up and respect animals,environments, and nature in general.

      We are so lucky that George and Gracie seemed to have picked a really good spot to raise their young.
      Thank You Tommy and family for seeing they needed a permanent home and made the platform. Thank You for Paul and Aidan along with all the others who made this idea come true to have a Live Cam installed and bring George and Gracie into our homes.
      My opinion we have to keep the negative out and positive in and hopefully our Nest will continue to succeed year after year.
      Love Our Osprey Family and Followers

    13. Betsy July 12, 2017 at 8:03 am - Reply

      Chick #1 looking up at the camera. So cute!!

      • Betsy July 12, 2017 at 8:19 am - Reply

        Sorry! Forgot to attach © and sponsorship info!

      • Betsy July 13, 2017 at 1:45 am - Reply

        Chick #2 looking up at the camera

    14. Betsy July 12, 2017 at 7:18 am - Reply

      Chick #2 is 5 weeks old today

      • Betsy July 12, 2017 at 7:19 am - Reply

        Doing a little stretching

      • Betsy July 12, 2017 at 7:25 am - Reply

        Chick #2 getting those wings high up!!

    15. CarolV July 12, 2017 at 7:08 am - Reply

      Morning, people! Anyone have a spare air conditioner???????

      Gonna be hot and muggy today and tomorrow ….high 80s low 90s….HIGH humidity….overcast possible Tstorms…..yay—-

    16. Betsy July 12, 2017 at 6:52 am - Reply

      George moves in front of the camera

      • Betsy July 12, 2017 at 6:54 am - Reply

        George is such a handsome bird!!

    17. Betsy July 12, 2017 at 6:49 am - Reply

      George comes with another fish

    18. Betsy July 12, 2017 at 6:29 am - Reply

      Gracie feeds chick #1 while chick #2 patiently waits

    19. Betsy July 12, 2017 at 6:28 am - Reply

      Gracie taking possession of George’s early morning fish delivery

    20. CarolV July 11, 2017 at 8:27 pm - Reply

      AAAHHHHHHHHHH…….cuddle time!

    21. CarolV July 11, 2017 at 7:43 pm - Reply

      Is that a cactus lobe/segment?

    22. CarolV July 11, 2017 at 7:32 pm - Reply

      MICHAEL G. MARTIN- as one illiterate to another…I have picked up a few terms and techniques thru the kindness of some patient people, Ranay and Betsy jumping to mind…..hope this helps and if I botch my explanation, hopefully the gifted will jump in with any corrections.

      Have you ever used the scrollback feature to see what went on within the previous few hours of live video? Go to the long black box at the bottom of the video frame(where the OZ-TRS line is) With the cursor/pointer positioned on the upper edge of that box ( I usually start at right edge by time stamp), slowly scroll backward…You should see small pictures that show what is occurring in the video frame corresponding to the time you have backed up…there is usually a counter telling how many minutes you have rolled back. Those small pictures are thumbnails. You may be doing this already and just not have known the term……that’s often the case with me.
      So-clear as mud?

      Also I appreciated your reminder about trolls. I often try to ignore but in some recent incidents, I felt a need to respond but tried to make a point without being disrespectful……I too see this as a family of G&G lovers who occasionally squabble but get over it. Thanks again for the reminder.

      • CarolV July 11, 2017 at 7:38 pm - Reply

        And thanks to you, MGM, and TUCKER for your beach patrol duties………Just be careful Gracie doesn’t spot you and wrestle you for any choice plastics!!!!! {;-))

      • Michael G. Martin July 12, 2017 at 12:39 pm - Reply

        Carol
        When I view the Webcam I’m only using my iPhone which kind of limits what I can achieve. The laptops are used by me kids so I’m not able to watch the NestCam on one of those devices but if I get my hands on one of those I will definitely use your advice

        Thanks
        Mike

      • Rjoneal July 12, 2017 at 1:43 pm - Reply

        CarolV, silly lady you mean Rjoneal nothing like giving my name out…. Thats ok I forgive you! 🙂

    23. Betsy July 11, 2017 at 6:49 pm - Reply

      Chick #2, in the corner, stretching its wing

    24. Betsy July 11, 2017 at 6:47 pm - Reply

      A mockingbird was buzzing around and over the nest …

      • Betsy July 11, 2017 at 6:48 pm - Reply

        Even landing on the nest on 2 separate occasions!!

    25. Rjoneal July 11, 2017 at 8:22 am - Reply

      ALL OZ- Another tradgrdy hits Osprey Nest at Hog Island Rachel &Steves Nest 1 out of 3 Babies is taken by Great Horned Owl. Rachel is on Perch and you can hear her vocalizing soooo sad.

      At Bellwood where the dad had been raising 2 baby Ospreys a couple of weeks after they were born mother Osprey died. Dad has been doing a excellent job chasing intruders off and feeding both babies. The other day an owl attacks the nest at night and takes 1 of the 2 babies. That owl actually just stood in Nest holding down the baby awhile the other baby sat up and just stared at the owl till finally the owl flew off with baby Osprey.
      Of course there is fear every day the owl will.be back for other baby with only 2 weeks before he fledges. All hope the owl doesn’t return till baby can fly then maybe only maybe he /she will have a chance. Owls usually strike late night early morning and the Ospreys don’t have a chance to even see they are coming.
      So many baby Ospreys this Season have been lost.

      RIP to all who lived but nature just did not have plans for them here on earth. You will be remembered by many.

      • Elaine Hedrick July 11, 2017 at 11:26 am - Reply

        I am sitting at my computer right now crying my eyes out. What tragedies. I was so hoping that the Hog Island Nest would be successful with all three chicks. And Dad at Belwood is trying so hard to raise 2 chicks. What a shame. I am at my computer briefly, and will be discharged from rehab unit tomorrow.

        • Rjoneal July 12, 2017 at 1:53 pm - Reply

          7=12-17 Elaine Hedrick- awhile back I posted a Shout out to You for speedy recovery but you forgot to tell me you were still in Rehab. Hope all is going good with recovery.
          Now that you cried, stop crying I know it is sad but it is nature and I want you to get well soon. Focus on the good ok I know it is hard, grieve a little for Our lost Ospreys but then you have to move on. I mean look at these beautiful baby ospreys in our nest so healthy,active,lively,and George & Gracie the best Osprey parents.
          Glad you can watch our Osprey Family while in Rehab,keep watching.

      • CarolV July 11, 2017 at 8:44 pm - Reply

        I hadn’t been on the computer all day-just phone. Hadn’t heard about the HI loss, so read it here first. Thanks for mentioning this and the other loss at Bellwood. There was also the loss at the SF Bay nest where the chick prematurely fledged and died in the care if rehabbers from her many injuries. It’s been a tough year, with adults as well as chick losses. All I can say is….sometimes………… Mother Nature Sucks!!!!!

    26. Rjoneal July 11, 2017 at 7:19 am - Reply

      7-11-17 Good Morning Osprey Zone Followers, all is good at the nest well feed and healthy.

      • MargaretR July 11, 2017 at 7:48 pm - Reply

        Love the photo, so peaceful… just taking a guess b#1 on the left?

      • Trinity July 11, 2017 at 8:27 pm - Reply

        Great shot ! I’d love to know what they’re ” saying ” to each other 😀

        • Rjoneal July 12, 2017 at 1:54 pm - Reply

          7-12-17 Trinity- Right, if only we could know.

    27. Betsy July 11, 2017 at 7:11 am - Reply

      Chick #1 winger-sizing

      • Betsy July 11, 2017 at 7:12 am - Reply

        My picture!!

      • Betsy July 11, 2017 at 8:02 am - Reply

        Chick #2 winger-sizing.

        I want to add to my comment from yesterday to Gordon (re his concern for the size difference in the chicks). Chick #1 hatched first and naturally would be larger than chick #2 at this age. In adult osprey “The female is larger- up to 20% bigger and a heftier bird” (https://scottishwildlifetrust.org.uk/scotlands-wildlife/osprey-fact-file/). We don’t know the gender of the chicks, so, besides age difference, it’s possible chick #2 is smaller (but I see it as being only slightly smaller than chick #1) because it’s a male. Obviously there have to be male osprey chicks which grow up to be male adult osprey so they can mate with female osprey and produce more osprey chicks — both female and male!!

    28. CarolV July 10, 2017 at 9:31 pm - Reply

      Late snack before George says good-night

      • CarolV July 10, 2017 at 9:34 pm - Reply

        Between George’s talons and that stick, Gracie had a hard tug……………

    29. CarolV July 10, 2017 at 7:53 pm - Reply

      RANDI…thanks for the video of the yellow thing arriving….GINA M suggested rubber glove-does look a lot like the material and color Playtex uses……………..TUCKER suggested foul weather gear-also similar in color and rubbery look.
      Gracie just likes to keep us guessing!

      ALLISON J- I appreciated your defense of BETSY and her right to post as many photos as she wishes. But then you turned around to insult posters who post(your term) schlocky-framed pictures. Aren’t you doing the same type of criticizing? Only aimed at something you dislike?

      I just wish we could get along without the critics needing to get snarky. If admin allows these posts(and in fact has taken note of both types of photos) maybe we should all just learn to enjoy what we like and skip what we don’t…….BUT JMO!

      • Rjoneal July 12, 2017 at 2:03 pm - Reply

        CarolV love how you pointed out doing the same thing, this is not ok. We all need to take a breath and remember there are trolls and sometimes things get read out of context. No one here that is our osprey family is going to deliberately try and bully or hurt someones feelings. To many bad things happening all around us every day we need this to be our happy place to go to decompress and get away from all the negative.

        Allison J no matter what you posted or feel I hope you can put this behind you and move on to our babies and osprey family they will be leaving to soon.

        Micheal G Martin good wording on your post on your take of all this mess.

    30. CarolV July 10, 2017 at 5:43 pm - Reply

      Family meeting……………………something added to the wall. Hope when comments fill in there are pictures of that coming in. Unless Gracie rearranged She tried that yesterday and stepped on chick’s head in the process
      Video acting up…very jerky.
      I don’t know why my screenshots don’t show that taco thing as yellow. Will have to find out if color can be adjusted on my computer.

    31. Michael G. Martin July 10, 2017 at 3:26 pm - Reply

      Hello Group
      A few times every Season I post a short reminder about “The Care And Feeding Of Trolls “. I take the opportunity to bring this matter to the forefront because of a Comment made by Trinity concerning the amount of posts made by Betsy.
      First off let me say that we are a relatively a small Family of Ospreyphiles who enjoy each other’s Company as well as everyone’s Posts and Comments and Pictures. Very rarely do we ever see a disagreement between friends and if we do it’s usually resolved between those involved.
      As far as dealing with Trolls and Trolling. We as a Group are a small but cohesive bunch of Ospreyphiles who enjoy coming to the OspreyZone to visit with Our Osprey Family and also enjoy a light Banter amongst Friends. We watch this webcam at the pleasure of its Four Main Stars. So let’s honor their privacy. I usually pay a visit about once a day usually in the morning over a Cup of Herbal Tea and enjoy reading and viewing the photos and videos posted by our resident Osprey Experts, I say this because to me they are Experts. And without their photos and posts I wouldn’t know half of what’s going on in the Nest.
      I haven’t seen so far any evidence of Trolls rearing their Ugly Heads. But if the do come by a start trolling in a kind of subversive manner my advice is ” Don’t Feed The Trolls” if we don’t bye into their BS they will leave and go away, that’s all we have to do and they will get the Hint and Leave.
      As far as Trinity’s comment about the amount of posts generated by Betsy. I have a very good memory and the following remarks are Objective on my part. I have seen posts by Trinity although not many but quite a few from time to time over the last Two Seasons and to the best of my recollections they in no way could be misconstrued as being Malicious or Mean Spirited. And before we misjudge her we should let her explain herself to Betsy and Only Betsy, and let Betsy decide for herself if the comment hurt her feelings in anyway and then let the Two of them resolve the matter amongst the Two of Them. And if not a Third-Party can mediate for them. And this should be addressed by them only
      I sorry that I had to bring this matter to the Attention of the Group but. It’s better to Nip it in the Bud than to let it fester and get feelings hurt even more.

      Thank-You Everyone
      Mike Martin

      • June c July 11, 2017 at 10:45 am - Reply

        Mike you are 100% correct..My apologies for all I have offended…Have been with OZ for 3 years..love this special family…enjoy ALL pictures and creative things that OZ family brings to table….

      • Rjoneal July 12, 2017 at 2:05 pm - Reply

        7-12-17 Micheal G Martin good choice of words and we need to just enjoy our happy place here at Osprey Zone.

    32. Betsy July 10, 2017 at 9:36 am - Reply

      CarolV: Talking about getting stomped on … Gracie landed smack-dab on chick #1’s back yesterday when she came in for a landing!! Overshot the runway!! 😀

    33. Bonnie Sudnick July 10, 2017 at 9:09 am - Reply

      Poor Eggbert looks as if it might eventually take a tumble off the nest. Kids have grown so much since I last got a chance to look-see. WOW! Great to see them doing so very well. So many nests this year had bad weather, turbulent waters and starvation of their off spring as well as predators – so sad – but happy to see there are some nests thriving. Hope they all continue to do so.

      • CarolV July 10, 2017 at 9:58 pm - Reply

        It was a rough year-with adults as well as chicks lost- in some unusual circumstances. I thought it was just that I had expanded my cam watching to so many more nests. But it’s a pleasure to come home-here-and see a thriving family…..

    34. Tucker July 10, 2017 at 9:04 am - Reply

      I agree Bird RJS about the bugs. My guess the yellow- is a piece of foul weather gear. I live on the North Fork in a community that has a private beach. Lots of people come to our beach, who are not members. I’m somewhat okay with that, don’t want to deny anyone access to our beautiful bay. But, a good portion of them leave tons of garbage on the beach, and show no regard for the environment. Two big black trash bags full, gathered every Monday morning despite a 55 gallon drum at the entrance way. Just look at what the Osprey bring to the nest. I know I’m preaching to the choir, Osprey Followers care. Heck, someone even took our Private Beach sign.

      • Michael G. Martin July 10, 2017 at 4:06 pm - Reply

        Tucker
        I live on the North Fork also, Southold. When my Son was in the Boy Scouts, the Troop on weekends would go to the local public beaches and pick up litter. This project was part of the requirements for a Community Merit Badge. But it was also done to beautify the beaches. I sometimes go for walk along Cedar Beach. Which by the way has and Osprey Nest. After reading some of the Comments here about the type of nesting material brought to the nest that is potentially harmful to the Chicks, I’ve started picking up trash around the Nest

        Mike

    35. Allison J. July 10, 2017 at 8:27 am - Reply

      To Trinity —
      What a terribly ignorant and insensitive comment to make to someone, asking if they “get outside away from that screen”. Suppose Betsy was bedridden or in some other way physically incapacitated and unable to get outside?
      As far as your criticism of the number of posts she makes, whether she chooses to post, as you say, “Wow almost 30 posts in the last 24 hours by you”, no posts, 1 post, or 100 posts, what business is it of yours? I don’t believe there is any maximum on the how many things a person can post.
      It seems to me that Betsy mostly posts pictures in bunches from the early morning or late afternoon or evening. There have been days she didn’t even post at all! And, her comments and replies are mostly short and to the point. That doesn’t sound to me like someone spending all of their time in front of the computer.
      Anyway, I really enjoy her pictures — they are beautiful and unique. I’m so glad she doesn’t feel the need to post pictures in garish frames or to use tawdry embellishments. On the occasion she has framed pictures they are refined and tasteful, showing respect for the wonderful birds osprey are. I think she has tremendous talent and creativity. I would much rather see 30 of Betsy’s pictures in 1 day than even 1 of those, in my opinion, schlocky-framed pictures in 30 days! (I got a kick out of the pictures she posted a few weeks back spoofing that!)

      • Cathryn Z July 10, 2017 at 9:43 am - Reply

        I 100% agree. I myself went through a very traumatic thing in life and these silly, wonderful birds helped heal my heart in a way. No one knows what any of us may be going through. Be kind. I really enjoy Betsy’s photo’s especially because there are times I am not able to get on my computer for days. This is a happy-safe place for (most) of us. Let’s keep it that way ok? And thank you all for the positive things you do.

      • MFPI July 10, 2017 at 10:16 am - Reply

        Bravissimo, Allison. 👍🏼 So well said. Was so shocked when I read that critical post. So sad 😞and inappropriate. We love you, Betsy. A visible and truly valuable member of this wonderful OZ family. Rjoneal always beautiful and educational posts, thank you. And CarolV spot on humor makes my day. The best to all followers.

      • June c July 10, 2017 at 2:23 pm - Reply

        You sound and write just like Betsy are you related?..My advise to you if you do not like a pic scroll by it…Love all the creative pictures..I know addressed to Trinity but remember this is public site

      • Trinity July 11, 2017 at 8:30 pm - Reply

        Relax ladies, I was making a light hearted joke. It obviously didn’t go over well. My mistake and will definitely refrain from posting anything further on this site for awhile. My bad.

    36. Betsy July 10, 2017 at 8:02 am - Reply

      Gracie’s wing framing the chicks

    37. Betsy July 10, 2017 at 8:02 am - Reply

      George flying in with a big wad of seaweed

    38. Betsy July 10, 2017 at 6:14 am - Reply

      Chick #1 is 5 weeks old today.

      Osprey chicks are almost adult size by 5 weeks, their leg bones are fully formed, and they will be ready to fly in 2 to 3 weeks. (https://scottishwildlifetrust.org.uk/scotlands-wildlife/osprey-fact-file/) and they are about 15 inches long (https://www.cumauriceriver.org/pages/ef-slide/ef-13.html). [Adults are 21 to 23 inches (http://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/birds/o/osprey/)].

      Good site to see osprey chicks’ growth: https://www.cumauriceriver.org/pages/ef-slide/ef-01.html

      • Marilyn G July 10, 2017 at 10:45 am - Reply

        Thanks for the great picture! They are really getting big now!
        Every time I look the chicks are on the far right and maybe I see part of a wing. I can’t scroll back on my iPad so I depend on everybody’s pictures to see what’s going on.

        • Betsy July 11, 2017 at 5:33 pm - Reply

          Marilyn G: Yes, they like to torment us!! 😀 😀

    39. Betsy July 10, 2017 at 4:20 am - Reply

      PattyK: This one’s for you!! (Gracie giving fish to George and George giving it to chick #1)

      https://youtu.be/NVOIQ5OamVk

      • PattyK July 11, 2017 at 8:24 am - Reply

        Betsy, thank you so much !! xoxo

    40. CarolV July 9, 2017 at 6:53 pm - Reply

      Gracie was trying to re-do George’s redone wall…chick got stomped but seemed o.k.(had under left claw

    41. Rjoneal July 9, 2017 at 6:33 pm - Reply

      7-9-17 OZ Followers, please ck out Randi’s video on Page 63 were Gracie brings in the yellow thing, he made for us to enjoy and for those who missed it.

    42. CarolV July 9, 2017 at 5:50 pm - Reply

      @17:14- George dropped off another….and is the chick after one of those bugs???

    43. CarolV July 9, 2017 at 5:41 pm - Reply

      SERA- Love a good TA-DA shot of George making deliveries. Posts can take various times to be added…we have one moderator who does the best he can….takes getting used to…
      BETSY–Gracie’s getting more resourceful in her shopping trips.!! And what is that yellow thing??? And the bee shot was precious!
      BRE- appreciated your comments….good to hear from you.
      GINA M.–ANTS n BEETLES n BUGS, OH MY! There is quite an insect farm going on here! The yellow thing does highlight them in pictures. Have you seen any live video when a piece of fish that’s been sitting there gets moved??? bllllaaaccchhhhhhhhh…made my skin crawl…

      Just wanted to say thanks to others posting and commenting…those of us who enjoy every little thing these birds do don’t always get to be here. As the comment posting is often delayed, “flow of conversation” is unlikely. I, for one, do not enjoy the comment sections on other sites where terse sentences flow quickly by, intermingled and disjointed….but JMO…

      • CarolV July 9, 2017 at 5:43 pm - Reply

        and RANAY… so glad the thumbnails are back!!! Is it my imagination o are they better than before??

        • Michael G. Martin July 10, 2017 at 3:43 pm - Reply

          Carol
          I’m very computer illiterate, what is a Thunbnail and how do I use it here

          Mike

          • Betsy July 11, 2017 at 10:26 am - Reply

            Michael G. Martin: If you hold the cursor over the red scroll bar of the video at any point, you’ll see a small picture appear above the bar. This is called a thumbnail – it gives you a preview of what’s on the video at that point of the video. When I’m behind on the video, I like to run the cursor along the scroll bar to see what’s coming up – I see a sort of like a sped-up mini version of the video!! Hope this helps you!!

            • Betsy July 11, 2017 at 10:45 am

              So, the picture I posted doesn’t show the cursor itself but I was holding it at the -2:07:08 mark. I added a hand to show you what you’ll see!!

      • sera July 11, 2017 at 4:22 am - Reply

        Thanks Carol for letting me know 🙂

        I actually zoomed in to see the crawlies the other day and thought woah this nest is very “lively” .

    44. Jack July 9, 2017 at 5:23 pm - Reply

      The nest is literally crawling with insects. I’ve been away for two weeks and did not notice this in the past. Just an observation, hoping this is not a problem.

      • CarolV July 10, 2017 at 7:26 pm - Reply

        It’s been a very prolific year on LI for insects. As humans, we have noticed an increase in fleas, ticks, ants….I guess whatever conditions caused this for us carried over in to the nest. One day when I was watching, a fish that had been left for a while was picked up….the nest under it was like a black, boiling mess…pictures didn’t do it justice…had to see it in motion…disgustingly amazing!

    45. CarolV July 9, 2017 at 5:00 pm - Reply

      WHAT NOW, GRACIE?????

      A few crayons and the kids can practice drawing fish

      • CarolV July 9, 2017 at 5:57 pm - Reply

        Wave buh-bye, mr. paper……………………
        Thanks for the visit…?sorry? you couldn’t stay…………
        a thin papery scream was heard as it floated out of sight

    46. sera July 9, 2017 at 3:47 pm - Reply

      Gracie with the fish and the oldest chick practising gripping the fish with its beak.
      (how long do you wait for your posts to be moderated please? I have 3 previous posts still waiting in the queue from the 7th, thank you . )

      • Betsy July 10, 2017 at 2:59 am - Reply

        sera: Wasn’t that great to see!! The chicks are getting there!!

        • sera July 11, 2017 at 4:16 am - Reply

          It sure was Betsy 🙂

    47. sera July 9, 2017 at 3:38 pm - Reply

      George arrives with afternoon fish.

    48. CarolV July 9, 2017 at 3:38 pm - Reply

      #2-Brownie-maks room in case #1-Blondie- leaves any for him…..

      • CarolV July 9, 2017 at 3:41 pm - Reply

        Brownie fidgets with sticks and grasses, waiting for the bottomless pit to step away………

        • CarolV July 9, 2017 at 3:59 pm - Reply

          Nice thing to do to Mom who just spent about 25 mins. feeding you!!!

          • CarolV July 9, 2017 at 4:19 pm - Reply

            #2- Brownie- gets his turn….he made sure #1 was well away before moving in.

      • M Giordano July 9, 2017 at 4:07 pm - Reply

        Thanks for posting all those pictures! Are Brownie & Blondie their official names? Sounds like a good choice.

        • June c July 10, 2017 at 2:31 pm - Reply

          Names are not picked until they fledge…

        • CarolV July 10, 2017 at 5:22 pm - Reply

          No….just nicknames…I for one have called them Shorty and Jr. and assorted indiscriminate names, but these are my pet names just for now. Official naming will come around fledge time….

      • Betsy July 10, 2017 at 2:55 am - Reply

        CarolV: Brownie (chick #2) and Blondie (chick #1) — you nailed it!! 😀

        • CarolV July 10, 2017 at 5:27 pm - Reply

          Thanks BETSY….had started calling #1 Blondie (to myself) and was thinking Bruney for #2’s brunette hue….then I had TV on with a Blizzard commercial where they were making floats or whatever they are and said–Brownie and Blondie….sssoooooooooo–it was an aha moment…..

    49. CarolV July 9, 2017 at 2:32 pm - Reply

      @14:22–Fish arrives—-Anyone home?

      • CarolV July 9, 2017 at 2:34 pm - Reply

        Gracie jumps from perch

        • CarolV July 9, 2017 at 2:38 pm - Reply

          It almost looked like she flew in over the perch….guess she was out exercising…..

    50. CarolV July 9, 2017 at 2:29 pm - Reply

      @13:44- George adds to wall…..

    51. CarolV July 9, 2017 at 2:19 pm - Reply

      @13:35- wingersize…..

      • CarolV July 9, 2017 at 2:22 pm - Reply

        “an’ sometime I wose my bawance”…….

    52. PapaG July 9, 2017 at 9:52 am - Reply

      Way to many screenshots this year it destroys the comment flow . JMO but we don’t need to see every thing the birds do, let it be already .

      • Jack July 9, 2017 at 5:16 pm - Reply

        I agree.

      • Betsy July 10, 2017 at 3:02 am - Reply

        PapaG: Sorry you’re troubled by the pictures, but not everyone is around during the day and the pictures give them some idea of what went on during the day. People have stated that they appreciate the pictures!

        • Cathryn Z July 10, 2017 at 9:49 am - Reply

          I 100% agree. I myself went through a very traumatic thing in life and these silly, wonderful birds helped heal my heart in a way. No one knows what any of us may be going through. Be kind. I really enjoy Betsy’s photo’s especially because there are times I am not able to get on my computer for days. This is a happy-safe place for (most) of us. Let’s keep it that way ok? And thank you all for the positive things you do.

    53. Betsy July 9, 2017 at 8:42 am - Reply

      Chick #1 found a fish tail in the nest. It knew it had to hold down the fish tail to rip off a piece; it was trying very hard but just couldn’t figure out exactly how to get its foot on the tail!!

      • Betsy July 9, 2017 at 8:46 am - Reply

        Still trying and so close!! But, in the end, it finally it gave up

    54. CarolV July 9, 2017 at 8:21 am - Reply

      – family affair…G&G with fish…………….George feeding one while other chick snags tailfin Gracie has left behind

      • CarolV July 9, 2017 at 8:23 am - Reply

        Eggbert is heading for the edge…….will he fledge before the other two?????????

        • Betsy July 10, 2017 at 3:03 am - Reply

          CarolV: 😀 😀 😀 !!

    55. CarolV July 9, 2017 at 8:16 am - Reply

      Breakfish delivery coming in thru that beautiful morning sky…

      • CarolV July 9, 2017 at 8:17 am - Reply

        Pancakes! No. not food…intruder alert!

    56. Betsy July 9, 2017 at 8:04 am - Reply

      Gracie feeds chick #2 while George feeds chick#1

    57. CarolV July 9, 2017 at 12:52 am - Reply

      Someone’s out boating in the moonlight…….

    58. birdRJSviewer08 July 9, 2017 at 12:35 am - Reply

      Wow that yellow item on the nest really shows us how many insects are on the nest.

      • Rjoneal July 9, 2017 at 10:59 pm - Reply

        Birdrjsviewer08, it really does give you a better very of those creepy crawlers. This is the worst infestation we have had in the nest.

        • Birdrjsviewer08 July 12, 2017 at 1:53 am - Reply

          Very true. I do not remember seeing so many insects last year and the year after that. Poor things. No wonder they are always itching and tending to their feathers.

    59. CarolV July 8, 2017 at 8:16 pm - Reply

      19:40—– Another delivery??!! The hubby is o fire!

      • CarolV July 9, 2017 at 8:50 am - Reply

        The fish who came for dinner…………..

    60. CarolV July 8, 2017 at 8:10 pm - Reply

      Watch the timing on this!!!!!
      17:44:23—- George had been sitting with the family….everyone dozing….Gracie expressed a request…and George stepped out…

    61. CarolV July 8, 2017 at 7:55 pm - Reply

      15:07—Gracie has a BIG fish to share….

      • CarolV July 8, 2017 at 7:57 pm - Reply

        Each chick had some…..

        • CarolV July 8, 2017 at 8:03 pm - Reply

          George drops back and Gracie feeds him….then they did relay feed ……Gra to Geo…

          • CarolV July 8, 2017 at 8:07 pm - Reply

            ….then Geo to (I believe) Blondie #1

            • Betsy July 10, 2017 at 3:04 am

              CarolV: Yes

          • Rjoneal July 9, 2017 at 11:03 pm - Reply

            Carolv I saw this,it seems Gracie has rule to do family dinners together so George is more than happy to do his part.

    62. sheila Falkowski July 8, 2017 at 7:43 pm - Reply

      I missed the evening paper being delivered!

      • CarolV July 9, 2017 at 5:13 pm - Reply

        good one! That will probably be next!

    63. sheila Falkowski July 8, 2017 at 7:43 pm - Reply

      At 7:42pm, I see ahuge fish still trying for air being delivered to the nest. Yum Yum!

    64. CarolV July 8, 2017 at 6:22 pm - Reply

      I’ll be happy when comments fill in to hopefully find out what the heck this is! When I logged in at work, on my phone, it looked yellow….like a big tortilla chip !!!!!!!

    65. PattyK July 8, 2017 at 3:45 pm - Reply

      7-8-17 3:39 pm Hopefully our professionals will capture this magnificent site!! Saturday family meal share! First time for me to see Dad & Mom passing to each other then feeding their tots…..such a splendid site! xoxo

      • Rjoneal July 9, 2017 at 11:06 pm - Reply

        PattyK, they have been doing this quite a bit but so glad you got to see it. Bonding together as family how precious. Soon they will all be off living on their own 🙁 We will be sad but we will have these kind of memories. 🙂

        • PattyK July 11, 2017 at 12:39 pm - Reply

          Yes, Rj!!! Thanks!

    66. Randi July 8, 2017 at 11:49 am - Reply

      Anyone familiar with ospreys knows they can bring some of the darnedest things to their nests as “decoration”. George and Gracie of Long Island are no exception. Here we find George bringing in what appears to be a yellow rubber something-or-other. If you look, you can find all kinds of nifty things they’ve gathered.
      https://youtu.be/l2byFGNwM7M

      • Rjoneal July 9, 2017 at 6:26 pm - Reply

        7-9-17 Randi good video thanks for posting and before anyone else corrects you, we know you meant to say Gracie brought in the yellow thing. We know it takes time and I hope all our OZ Followers watch.

      • PattyK July 11, 2017 at 12:42 pm - Reply

        Thank you Randi for the great video! xoxo

    67. Betsy July 8, 2017 at 11:48 am - Reply

      Poor George!! George was attacked on his way to the nest by, it looks like, a crow which was literally on his shoulder from this point until George flew up higher than camera range

    68. GinaM July 8, 2017 at 10:45 am - Reply

      The balloon is back which means so is its ribbon. And I see Studmuffin found a big yellow rubber glove? It is nice to see the lense is so clear – the rain must have washed it or did Tommy turn on his magic machine again? It is so clear you can see that they are seriously infested this year with ants! Good weather for the next few days… we will have happy ospreys. All we need is a good breeze to blow away that balloon forever!

    69. Betsy July 8, 2017 at 10:35 am - Reply

      Gracie brings a pop of yellow to the nest.

      • Betsy July 8, 2017 at 10:36 am - Reply

        Yesterday it was a blue and silver thing. I guess she wants to brighten up the nest with lots of color!! 😀

      • Betsy July 8, 2017 at 10:53 am - Reply

        So, lets see — there’s the white ribbon (on the left partially exposed), the green ribbon (which alternately gets partly unearthed and then covered), the lavender ribbon (which I saw starting to peek out yesterday), the yellow plastic sheet and the blue and silver thing — which I think may be Mylar or foil balloon. OH!! And that dark blue cloth strap thing that she brought a few days ago (which had gotten twisted around chick #1 later on the day she brought it in and I thought chick #1 was a goner when Gracie decided to move a stick around which the strap was also twisted!!)

    70. Betsy July 8, 2017 at 8:00 am - Reply

      It was amusing to watch chick #1 watching the bee flying around … it wasn’t quite sure what to make of it!! 😀

    71. Betsy July 8, 2017 at 7:57 am - Reply

      A starling flew passed behind Gracie. She must have seen it out of the corner of her eye because she stopped feeding chick #1 to take a brief look around

      • CarolV July 9, 2017 at 4:51 pm - Reply

        I think I saw that too, but it whipped by! Kid looks like he’s got his napkin tucked in around his neck! Good shot!

        • Betsy July 10, 2017 at 9:29 am - Reply

          CarolV: Thanks!! Love the napkin comment!! — or maybe it’s a fish bib … like a lobster bib!! 😀 😀

    72. sera July 8, 2017 at 7:38 am - Reply

      George brings in a great fish for breakfast ♥

    73. Betsy July 8, 2017 at 7:03 am - Reply

      About 15 minutes later George landed on the can’t-see-corner, apparently with another fish …

      • Betsy July 8, 2017 at 7:04 am - Reply

        And while Gracie fed chick #2 he fed chick #1

    74. Betsy July 8, 2017 at 6:33 am - Reply

      George tried to land with the fish in the usual can’t-see-corner but Gracie and the chicks were apparently in his way …

      • Betsy July 8, 2017 at 6:35 am - Reply

        So he circled around and landed on the front of the nest for, finally, a good view of him landing with a fish!!

    75. sera July 7, 2017 at 11:26 pm - Reply

      A little wing exercise before tucking in for the night ♥

      • Rjoneal July 9, 2017 at 11:07 pm - Reply

        Sera good pic thanks for posting 🙂

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