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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

OspreyZone Highlights: April 15-21, 2020

OspreyZone Yankee

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 18, 2017 at 9:19 am - Reply

      Usually we see George or Gracie in the morning sun … today it’s Mr Bee!! 😀 Look at the little wings!! 😀

      • Betsy July 18, 2017 at 10:32 am - Reply

        Proofreading well after the fact!! 😀 Was supposed to be silhouetted in the morning sun! 😀

        Aidan, for your next project an edit button!! 😀 😀

    2. Betsy July 18, 2017 at 8:39 am - Reply

      And, behind the curtain …

      • Betsy July 18, 2017 at 8:40 am - Reply

        we have chick #2 😀

      • CarolV July 18, 2017 at 5:13 pm - Reply

        I recognized that eyeball thru the curtain! JK…..

    3. Betsy July 18, 2017 at 2:19 am - Reply

      Poor George!! He brought a late fish and then fed the chicks. Both chicks were grabbing for the fish at the same time. Wait until he’s dropping off fish when they can eat a fish on their own and they both grab his toes (as happened last year!! 😀 ) instead of the fish!!

    4. Betsy July 18, 2017 at 2:13 am - Reply

      George slipped on wet seaweed on the yellow plastic then caught his balance.

      • Betsy July 18, 2017 at 2:14 am - Reply

        I couldn’t decide which picture to post — this or the above!! 😀

        • CarolV July 18, 2017 at 5:15 pm - Reply

          Looking graceful even when slipping…wish I could pull that off!
          And glad you posted both..

          • Betsy July 19, 2017 at 10:19 am - Reply

            CarolV: Thanks!! Sometimes I just want to post them ALL!! 😀 😀

    5. Betsy July 18, 2017 at 2:11 am - Reply

      Chick #2 winger-sizing. Remember those little stubby featherless wings the chicks had just a few short weeks ago? Amazing how they grow so fast!!

    6. Betsy July 18, 2017 at 2:08 am - Reply

      Chick #1 rested after winger-sizing and then watched the mockingbird rasp George up on the perch. Chick #2 is at the front of the nest doing a wing stretch

    7. Betsy July 18, 2017 at 2:06 am - Reply

      Chick #1 winger-sizing.

    8. Betsy July 18, 2017 at 2:02 am - Reply

      Gracie pauses a second while feeding chick #1

    9. Rjoneal July 17, 2017 at 9:23 pm - Reply

      7-17-17 WTR97 made a video for us on a fish delivery. Thanks for the video everyone enjoy in case you missed.

      https://youtu.be/yWJRmWZd46Q

    10. CarolV July 17, 2017 at 8:48 pm - Reply

      George was the chef for dinner fish. It looked like both chicks ate.

      Did a quick scan thru new posts but look forward to going back to see all the pictures.

      We’re right back to muggly weather. Heat wasn’t bad but that 65-70% humidity (I believe they call that oppressive) I’m not a fan.

      • CarolV July 17, 2017 at 8:54 pm - Reply

        Brownie takes a bow……………

        cloudy tonight, holding in the heat with temps in 70s…next few days forecast as sun/ clouds with temps low-mid 80s

    11. Betsy July 17, 2017 at 5:04 pm - Reply

      Gracie was standing on the right edge (between the chicks) and George must have been on the perch. They both started alarming. An intruder must have tried to land on the nest. A shadow crossed over the nest and then this osprey could be seen flying away.

      See the bee on the left? 😀

    12. Betsy July 17, 2017 at 3:51 pm - Reply

      “Let me make my move while she can’t see me!” 😀

    13. Betsy July 17, 2017 at 3:09 pm - Reply

      Like father …

      • Betsy July 17, 2017 at 3:09 pm - Reply

        like son!! 😀

        • Betsy July 17, 2017 at 3:10 pm - Reply

          That’s chick #2 smooshing the nest!

    14. Betsy July 17, 2017 at 3:08 pm - Reply

      Extreme summer sports: Gracie stick-boarding!! 😀 😀

    15. Isobel July 17, 2017 at 2:10 pm - Reply

      Mike Thank you for that information. I’ve just had a look at the Rutland Cam. Shows you can’t believe all you read in the newspapers. By the way I can’t find any ospreys in Ireland but could be wrong. Anyway I will stick with George and Gracie.

      • Michael G. Martin July 18, 2017 at 6:10 pm - Reply

        Isobel
        I’ve looked in Ireland too, and I can’t find any Ospreys also. What I like about Rutland is the document all of the milestones their Chicks achievements and inturn I can figure out what’s going to be next for our chicks
        Of what I can surmise our chicks will begin flapping their Wings and then hopefully the will Fledge. I think this will happen at around 7 weeks old. Let’s keep our fingers crossed

        Mike

      • Michael G. Martin July 18, 2017 at 6:11 pm - Reply

        Isobel
        I’ve looked in Ireland too, and I can’t find any Ospreys also. What I like about Rutland is the document all of the milestones their Chicks achievements and inturn I can figure out what’s going to be next flapping their Wings and then hopefully the will Fledge. I think this will happen at around 7 weeks old. Let’s keep our fingers crossed

        Mike

    16. GinaM July 17, 2017 at 10:46 am - Reply

      You know with all the talk about the creepy crawlers, I bet there is a Queen Ant in a nest IN our nest. The other bugs are unknown to me. Maybe we could spray some Raid on the base of the pole of nest if they are crawling up from the bottom. If you look at it from far away it looks like a highway system. Thankfully, GG and Family don’t seem to mind!

    17. Rjoneal July 17, 2017 at 8:55 am - Reply

      7-17-17 Good Morning Osprey Zone Followers,Memories on Monday, here is a pic on 5-24-17 with Gracie sitting on 3 eggs George by her side bonding posted in past but just love the way they are together. Enjoy

      • June c July 17, 2017 at 9:51 am - Reply

        cool pic…such a loving pair

    18. June c July 17, 2017 at 6:59 am - Reply

      Gracie’s seaweed wrap for kids

      • June c July 17, 2017 at 7:00 am - Reply

        Pic

        • June c July 17, 2017 at 7:01 am - Reply

          Feels good Mom

          • CarolV July 17, 2017 at 8:34 pm - Reply

            Humans pay top dollar for a seaweed wrap….the percs of being an osprey!

    19. Sheila Falkowski July 17, 2017 at 6:56 am - Reply

      A parent brought the seaweed in at 6:40AM, dumped it across the two babes and now at 6:55AM all seems well again, but sheeesh!!!!!! Lethal seaweed bombs away!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! My mom only chased us with a broom from time to time.

      • CarolV July 17, 2017 at 8:31 pm - Reply

        You, too? Parents back then had so much more fun- uh, I mean leeway. Now the kids prob have CPS on speed dial—or whatever they call it now!

      • Kris Zuba July 18, 2017 at 10:51 am - Reply

        Maybe with the heat wave we are having, she was attempting to protect them from the beating sun and cool them off a bit.

    20. Sheila Falkowski July 17, 2017 at 6:48 am - Reply

      Seems to me that seaweed is causing a bit of havoc in this nest or soon might be. One of the little ones is struggling to free itself from a strip of seaweed across its back and clumped around the nest bed. At one point a minute ago isome of it was around the left ankle, almost looked like banding had been done. It is 6″47AM on Monday July 17. Is anyone else aware of this potential mishap?

      • Betsy July 18, 2017 at 3:48 am - Reply

        Sheila: Hi Sheila. The seaweed in the nest is little cause for concern. If it does wrap around an ankle, it’s biodegradable and will fairly quickly dry out and break apart. It’s fishing line and ribbons and twine that are real causes for concern since the osprey can get tangled in them. However — and this is not meant to get everyone really upset and worried — young ospreys can become entangled in seaweed and drown (http://www.birdsinbackyards.net/species/Pandion-cristatus).

    21. Betsy July 17, 2017 at 6:27 am - Reply

      Chick #1 is 6 weeks old today.

      At 6 weeks old osprey nestlings are nearly the same size as the adults and weigh between 2 1/2 to 3 1/2 pounds

      “The male, dedicated to providing for his family, does all of the hunting until the chicks are six weeks old. … The female may leave the nest to hunt when the chicks are six weeks old. The young start to feed themselves at this time.” http://www.newyorkwild.org/osprey/osprey_info.htm

      • GinaM July 17, 2017 at 10:47 am - Reply

        Great picture of a big strong baby!

        • Betsy July 18, 2017 at 2:32 am - Reply

          GinaM: Thank you Gina. They’re both so beautiful and healthy-looking!!

          Here’s a picture of George for you

    22. birdRJSviewer08 July 17, 2017 at 6:23 am - Reply

      At 5:41am one of the chicks took the egg under him/her and sat on it.
      AlsoI noticed I think on of his/her leg is caught in a black line.

      • Betsy July 18, 2017 at 2:39 am - Reply

        birdRJSviewer08: It was just a strand of seaweed on its leg. 😀

    23. CarolV July 16, 2017 at 8:37 pm - Reply

      Homin’ in the gloamin’….a nice relaxed evening as the sun sets….Gracie was in no rush to jump down from perch when George came in and she seems content to let George feed Blondie. Brownie looks to be napping. Hope he wakes before fish disappears….the BP (bottomless pit) is eating like she hasn’t seen fish in days….

      I had thought the chicks were getting along better. Brownie wasn’t hanging back as long and seemed comfortable stepping in. Seems more hesitant again.
      I do think these two sleep together more than last year’s chicks. They slept side by side, while these two often curl in to each other.

      I went roaming back through comments and found a section I had missed. That was fun, catching up. I so enjoy everyone’s posts and comments and pictures! I’m on the fence with the new system, but it’s a compromise between the two camps-too many pictures vs post away, baby- so it will just take some getting used to.

      So, everyone, have a good night. Our babies are growing so fast! We’re very lucky they’re in a nest which is so safe- except for human garbage that can be harmful….

      Special thanks to Aidan for the wonderful job he does-you must be a patient man!………….And thanks to Tommy & Christine and Paul et al…this little idea of yours has come to mean a lot to a community of people, built around a simple pair of birds.

      • CarolV July 16, 2017 at 9:08 pm - Reply

        Eventually Gracie moved over to be fed and Brownie tried to get in there, He grabbed a few mouthfuls, but then George took off

    24. CarolV July 16, 2017 at 6:05 pm - Reply

      Is that the shadow of the nest down on the beach? I don’t think I’ve noticed it before.

      That is the shadow of George on Gracie. She’s yappin’ away, looking up.

      • CarolV July 16, 2017 at 6:10 pm - Reply

        He sat up there before. Gracie had her back to him; when she looked around and started yapping, he flapped his wings, as if teasing her, and didn’t come down. When he did, he landed the fish right on her! Wish I had a picture of that, but pic was breaking up.

      • Betsy July 18, 2017 at 2:44 am - Reply

        CarolV: Afternoon shadow for 3 years, now!! 😀 😀 😀

    25. CarolV July 16, 2017 at 5:23 pm - Reply

      @15:36– Gracie barely beat George……

      • CarolV July 16, 2017 at 5:25 pm - Reply

        but she was there to greet him and his fishy friend…

        • CarolV July 16, 2017 at 5:28 pm - Reply

          Gracie was feeding ?Blondie when George came in at 15:40 with a 2nd fish.

          • CarolV July 16, 2017 at 5:32 pm - Reply

            George held it, looking toward 2nd chick, (on porch) who was peeping but not coming over. He eventually just left the fish in front of Blondie, who practically sat on it while Gracie fed her from the 1st fish.

            • CarolV July 16, 2017 at 5:35 pm

              Brownie? came over hesitantly and Blondie stared at him, but decided to move that pesky stick…must be Gracie’s kid! Re-do George’s work!

    26. CarolV July 16, 2017 at 3:22 pm - Reply

      Gracie was in earlier with a delivery………………

      • CarolV July 16, 2017 at 3:24 pm - Reply

        ……….nice wet seaweed…………………

        • CarolV July 16, 2017 at 3:27 pm - Reply

          At 14:42….George and his stick delivery……………..

          I think I heard laughter…Gra or the chick?????

          • CarolV July 16, 2017 at 3:39 pm - Reply

            4 mins. later, he outdoes himself…..you can see his shadow flapping away….

            • CarolV July 16, 2017 at 3:40 pm

              He drops the stick and comes in for a ta-da landing

            • CarolV July 16, 2017 at 5:38 pm

              This is the other end of George’s stick, accidentally rolled up and fortunately rolled down again…

    27. CarolV July 16, 2017 at 12:33 pm - Reply

      @11:44- George delivers what I think is a porgy. He’s been bringing a lot of them.

      • CarolV July 16, 2017 at 12:35 pm - Reply

        He’s back for the fish tail…Everyone must be well fed with leftovers laying around!

    28. CarolV July 16, 2017 at 9:54 am - Reply

      BTW- Eggbert is on a roll again

    29. CarolV July 16, 2017 at 8:49 am - Reply

      Morning in the Zone…..
      Start of another good day. high 60s rising to mid 80s…light breeze and low humidity—-sun, sun, sun…what more do we need?

    30. CarolV July 15, 2017 at 8:05 pm - Reply

      George brought fish @17:02

      • CarolV July 15, 2017 at 8:06 pm - Reply

        @19:10……

        • CarolV July 15, 2017 at 8:08 pm - Reply

          and at 19:59——-phew…..I’m exhausted for him!

          • CarolV July 15, 2017 at 8:12 pm - Reply

            It’s so nice having all the color in the video! Look at those gorgeous amber eyes!

    31. CarolV July 15, 2017 at 3:49 pm - Reply

      15:41- Med. size fish brought by the local monger—mean Gracie took it to porch for al fresco dining

      • CarolV July 15, 2017 at 3:50 pm - Reply

        in this case, al fresco means “out of sight”

        • CarolV July 15, 2017 at 7:32 pm - Reply

          10 mins. later, George brought a second fish…decent size, still flapping. The chick saw him coming and met him.

          • CarolV July 15, 2017 at 7:34 pm - Reply

            For me? ALL for me?

            • CarolV July 15, 2017 at 7:37 pm

              Surprisingly, the chick kept control.( I THINK it.s Blondie) I thought it might flip away

            • CarolV July 15, 2017 at 7:42 pm

              Gracie sidled over with the piece she had from the 1st fish and offered some to the chick, then dropped it there, while she went around and took the new fish. Mama’s got the moves! Blondie looked up a few times and stared toward Gracie, as if trying to figure out how this happened…….

            • CarolV July 15, 2017 at 7:45 pm

              Gracie shared the new fish.
              Brownie hadn’t been left out–he had a good feed on first fish while his sib was distracted.

    32. CarolV July 15, 2017 at 3:18 pm - Reply

      @14:34—-George was in over the camera in a Kris Angel landing. Video was jerky and didn’t really see exchange but Gracie got it, of course…

      • CarolV July 15, 2017 at 3:20 pm - Reply

        LLLLoooooooKKKK! So cute…
        Yeah, I know, not affection but food motivated….but–aaaawwwwwww….anyway

        • CarolV July 15, 2017 at 3:22 pm - Reply

          duh-comment above..

          • CarolV July 15, 2017 at 3:40 pm - Reply

            It’s hard to see in pictures, but there is feather fluff all over, stuck in the sticks and nesting and floating in the air……looks like a dandelion seedball explosion!

    33. CarolV July 15, 2017 at 2:49 pm - Reply

      Sun-SUN- Glorious SUN!!!! (and color—whispering…don’t want to jinx)

      Sometimes the itch is more important than the fitch…uh, fish….

    34. CarolV July 15, 2017 at 2:22 pm - Reply

      Isn’t this where Dad stands when he talks to someone in that shiny spot?

    35. elaine July 15, 2017 at 11:51 am - Reply

      What beautiful chicks. They are so grown up. I love this nest with Gracie and George with their 2 chicks.

    36. CarolV July 15, 2017 at 9:41 am - Reply

      Gracie’s latest prize…on my screen it looks too bright to be natural…if not grass, what?

      • CarolV July 15, 2017 at 9:43 am - Reply

        George checking on us…”Who’s watching me now?”

        • CarolV July 15, 2017 at 9:49 am - Reply

          “Why are dese new feawers so skwatchy?”…typical kids….complaining

          • CarolV July 15, 2017 at 10:09 am - Reply

            It’s been a gloomy morning but the forecast is brighter…..clouds/sun afternoon with clearing toward evening and a clear sky overnight in to tomorrow. temps. 67 now, rising to high 70s and mid 60s overnight.

            Chicks were bouncing in place chirping and what looked like Gracie flew out from perch…..now we’re trying recumbent karate

      • Betsy July 18, 2017 at 2:47 am - Reply

        CarolV: I think it was a ribbon

    37. rodee hansen July 14, 2017 at 11:22 pm - Reply

      THIS IS FOR BETSY……. Those weird somewhat rounded pieces George brought in is a form of cacti . It has flowery yellow blooms and I grew them in a stone bed . I forget the name, but I also remember they are eatable . Succulent and prickly. When he first brought them in, they were attached to one another, now seem to be separated.
      Yes, our nest is an abstract one – makes all the others look ordinary. What will Gracie think of next.????
      Just a quick up-date on my chemo. I had the 4th today and thanks be to God, I am coping well. Even did a little creative work in my studio last week. To all of you, I am so happy to have you as my BIG family and your support . Fondly ….. Rodee

      • CarolV July 17, 2017 at 8:25 pm - Reply

        So glad to hear from you, Rodee.! It must be a morale booster to get in your studio….food for the soul.! Take care of yourself, and let your family help….they need that, maybe more than you………………..Keep on keeping on…

      • Betsy July 18, 2017 at 2:50 am - Reply

        rodee: Thanks for ID’ing that thing rodhee. A cactus!! — they bring the darnedest things!! Glad to hear the chemo is going well.

    38. Bre July 14, 2017 at 7:47 pm - Reply

      Gracie is and has been in teaching mode for chicks to learn how to take fish and learn to tear apart on their own, George helping out with roll playing to get a
      little aggressive with taking fish from mom to start practicing. Gracie sees they still like to be fed like babes, tosses fish ends around to encourage them. So
      sweet to watch 2nd chick being so very patient and observes and is picking up on what to do and may fledge first…we will see! Exciting

      • Betsy July 18, 2017 at 2:57 am - Reply

        Bre: Hi Bre! I think it’s going to be a tossup this year on which chick will fledge first!! It doesn’t seem to be like last year when your ray of sunshine was such a go-getter!! Wouldn’t that be something if they both fledged on the same day!! 😀

    39. CarolV July 14, 2017 at 7:39 pm - Reply

      19:33—It’s gotten windy and someone’s having fun—flapping and workin’ those feet!!!

      • CarolV July 14, 2017 at 7:40 pm - Reply

        Oops! Off course!

        • CarolV July 14, 2017 at 7:47 pm - Reply

          BETSY’- sorry about the coffee incident….owe you

          • CarolV July 14, 2017 at 7:50 pm - Reply

            and I think this is what Gacie brought to nest….altho I doubt she’s pickin’ um ! Maybe someone cleared their yard and dumped them?

            • CarolV July 14, 2017 at 7:51 pm

              oooppsie….con’t from above…

          • Betsy July 18, 2017 at 2:57 am - Reply

            CarolV: Thanks!!

            • Betsy July 18, 2017 at 2:59 am

              For the coffee, I meant!! But, also the info!! 😀

    40. Bre July 14, 2017 at 7:37 pm - Reply

      I think those are old cactus plant pieces laying in the nest that Gracie brought..but between me you all they look like pork chops! LOL 😉

    41. birdRJSviewer08 July 14, 2017 at 6:32 pm - Reply

      When will the baby name contest for 2017 begin?

    42. CarolV July 14, 2017 at 4:45 pm - Reply

      16:20—chicks react to someone arriving on porch…

      • CarolV July 14, 2017 at 4:46 pm - Reply

        Peek-a-boo!

        • CarolV July 14, 2017 at 4:48 pm - Reply

          It’s George!

          • CarolV July 14, 2017 at 4:54 pm - Reply

            He must have brought a fish but I believe that’s Gracie feeding…front chick ?Blondie? has her own piece and is self-feeding.

            Rain making it difficult to see

    43. CarolV July 14, 2017 at 3:59 pm - Reply

      13:28- Gracie brings in a stick and steps o chicks wing…….

      Has anyone seen George today? Am I just missing him? Is he off with his buddies celebrating Bastille Day?????

    44. Mickey Martin July 14, 2017 at 2:19 pm - Reply

      Good Afternoon. I love the smaller pictures. Thank you for giving us the option to make them bigger if we want to see the nest close up. But lastly, thank you to Betsy and Carol for keeping those of us who miss a day or 2 updated. 🙂

      • CarolV July 17, 2017 at 8:19 pm - Reply

        You’re very welcome…

      • Betsy July 18, 2017 at 3:10 am - Reply

        Mickey Martin: You’re welcome! The smaller pictures are growing on me! I remember last year when I posted my first picture it seemed so, so huge — I commented to Aidan at the time that I thought OZ needed to set size recommendations!! Funny what you get used to!! 🙂

    45. CarolV July 14, 2017 at 1:59 pm - Reply

      Gracie worked on this skin for a long time…stretching it and pulling, till she tried to swallow it……
      The kids had a pushing contest over space…..

      • CarolV July 14, 2017 at 2:04 pm - Reply

        There was some kind of pointy object at end of skin…each time Gracie tried to swallow it, she would shake it back out and try to pull that end off. Eventually, she got most of the skin down and shook the remains away….

        • CarolV July 14, 2017 at 2:06 pm - Reply

          Gracie steps out for quick turn as chick watches….

        • Betsy July 18, 2017 at 3:12 am - Reply

          CarolV: It took Gracie like 20 minutes to get it down!! I think they were bones!

    46. CarolV July 14, 2017 at 1:41 pm - Reply

      Wet chick stretching—It’s been a rainy morning- quick showers; drizzle in between….

      Every day, those tails grow longer!!!!!

      • CarolV July 14, 2017 at 1:44 pm - Reply

        Any port in a storm! Using a sib tail as an umbrella…..

      • PattyK July 14, 2017 at 8:23 pm - Reply

        Excuse, please, when and why are the pro photos reduced in size? Thank you all, xoxoxo

        • Betsy July 18, 2017 at 3:18 am - Reply

          PattyK: Just seeing your comment now!! On July 12th Aidan updated a plugin used for attaching images so the images are smaller.

          • Betsy July 18, 2017 at 3:19 am - Reply

            Oh!! PattyK, in case you don’t already know, just click on the image to see the big size!

    47. Betsy July 14, 2017 at 12:30 pm - Reply

      Chick #1 multitasks!!

    48. gracey July 14, 2017 at 11:50 am - Reply

      Well folks, I liked the photos larger than now…you could scroll thru faster. Now we have to open up each photo

      to get the total impact. We are so lucky to see so closely into the nest. I like the snaps larger but w/o the

      fancy frames…We are also lucky to still have two “babies” in the nest. Thank you…

    49. Betsy July 14, 2017 at 2:13 am - Reply

      Trinity, don’t count!! 😀 😀 😀 It was too dang hot today to even step foot outside!! I’m so not a hot-weather person!! Anything below the low 70’s is fine by me!! 😀

      • Elizabeth July 14, 2017 at 12:42 pm - Reply

        Thanks for the pics Betsy. I like the new set up and options for the pics.

        • Betsy July 14, 2017 at 3:21 pm - Reply

          Elizabeth: You’re welcome!

      • CarolV July 14, 2017 at 6:44 pm - Reply

        I’m with you, Betsy! Even low 80s with low humidity is tolerable. Cooler nights for sleeping tho—no air conditioning at home.

        • CarolV July 14, 2017 at 6:46 pm - Reply

          I wonder what the draw is with those cactus pads…but then, why wonder at any of Gracie’s choices….I’m assuming they are Gracie’s?

      • CarolV July 15, 2017 at 7:22 pm - Reply

        Glad you shared all these moments. Get stuck in any day!

    50. Betsy July 14, 2017 at 1:48 am - Reply

      George and Gracie were funny this evening — one would take off and then the other would take off and they were looping around in front of the nest. This is George taking off from the perch just after Gracie flew by with the seaweed and before she landed …

      • Betsy July 14, 2017 at 1:50 am - Reply

        Gracie dropped off her seaweed load and then took off … there’s George still flying away from the nest with a crow or mockingbird in pursuit!!

    51. Betsy July 14, 2017 at 1:44 am - Reply

      I love this picture of Gracie flying in with seaweed!!

    52. Betsy July 14, 2017 at 1:42 am - Reply

      Gracie going for a spin

    53. Betsy July 14, 2017 at 1:41 am - Reply

      George as he took off from the perch

    54. Betsy July 14, 2017 at 1:40 am - Reply

      Symmetrical poses!! 😀

    55. Betsy July 14, 2017 at 1:34 am - Reply

      The chicks were winger-sizing this afternoon. This is chick #2 …

      • Betsy July 14, 2017 at 1:36 am - Reply

        Alternately lifting their feet as they winger-sized!! This is chick #2

      • Betsy July 14, 2017 at 1:39 am - Reply

        This is chick #1 winger-sizing. Won’t be long until they start briefly lifting up with both feet off the nest and then, gulp, … hovering!

      • CarolV July 14, 2017 at 6:48 pm - Reply

        Good shots!

    56. sera July 13, 2017 at 8:51 pm - Reply

      George arrived with fresh seaweed and moved a few sticks around but he really wanted that fish tail that Gracie has ♥

      • Betsy July 14, 2017 at 9:54 am - Reply

        sera: He’s always so funny about that!! Even before Gracie is done he has tried so many times to pull it away from her!!

        • sera July 16, 2017 at 5:09 am - Reply

          😃 it is amazing how much character these birds have, Betsy. Yesterday at another nest the dad tried to get the fish while mum was occupied but she was onto it, whipped round and took the fish off him 🤣
          ….too early to get up ♥

      • CarolV July 14, 2017 at 6:50 pm - Reply

        Guess Gracie wasn’t in a romantic mood….no cute feeding session!

    57. CarolV July 13, 2017 at 8:30 pm - Reply

      Looking a bit damp around the edges! Didn’t seem to dampen their appetites!!! Seemed like George supplied and everyone ate…..

      There was distant thunder for about two hours before the skies opened and it poured.(at my house) just about the time this picture is stamped. When that band passed thru, the temp dropped about 20 degs- 90s to 70s- and it is such a relief. Humidity all day was close to 100%

      • CarolV July 13, 2017 at 8:35 pm - Reply

        A second line of rain is running thru (about 15 mins after this on the South Fork)

        Possible showers throughout the night and possibly tomorrow- temps in 70stomorrow…definite relief after the last few days…

        Everyone have a good night….

    58. Betsy July 13, 2017 at 8:16 pm - Reply

      Nothing like a good stretch!!

      (Chick #2)

    59. Betsy July 13, 2017 at 7:02 pm - Reply

      Gracie flying to perch

      • Betsy July 13, 2017 at 7:04 pm - Reply

        This was Gracie flying from the nest a few minutes before.

    60. Betsy July 13, 2017 at 6:44 pm - Reply

      Chick #1 playing with whatever that stuff is that Gracie brought yesterday

    61. Betsy July 13, 2017 at 6:23 pm - Reply

      George coming in for a landing

      • Betsy July 13, 2017 at 6:26 pm - Reply

        Look at chick #2 looking!! 😀

    62. Betsy July 13, 2017 at 5:07 pm - Reply

      Here’s George. Now I need a really nice close-up of beautiful Gracie!!

    63. Betsy July 13, 2017 at 5:05 pm - Reply

      Chick #2 was winger-sizing. They’re so adorable at this stage because they can’t control their wings yet!!

      • Betsy July 13, 2017 at 5:05 pm - Reply

        Chick #1 gave it a go!!

        • CarolV July 14, 2017 at 6:57 pm - Reply

          You can really see in these shots how those flight feathers are coming in.

    64. Nancy July 13, 2017 at 2:56 pm - Reply

      I can’t get over how many bugs there are crawling all over the nest. Gives me the creeps. Didn’t notice them before that yellow addition, but now….YUCK. The birds don’t seem to mind though. I guess the nest is a good home for those that need it !

    65. Isobel July 13, 2017 at 1:50 pm - Reply

      I wasn’t aware there were no ospreys here in England till I read this article in the newspaper this morning. Eight chicks have been taken from nests in northern Scotland, where there are now sustainable populations, and brought 500 miles south to Poole Harbour in Dorset. They will live in pens until they can fly and exploit the harbour’s rich supply of fish before migrating. Poole is a rest stop for adult birds as they travel to overwinter in Africa’s Sahara desert. It is hoped this group will return to the area next spring and settle. Should be interesting but my heart will always be with George and Gracie and so pleased the family are doing so well.

      • Betsy July 14, 2017 at 9:57 am - Reply

        Isobel: Wow, I didn’t know that either! What they’re doing is so interesting!! I hope it works!!

      • Michael G. Martin July 14, 2017 at 3:11 pm - Reply

        Isobel
        There is quite a large Osprey population in Manton Bay in the UK it is the Rutland Osprey Project They do a lot of Research and Education for the neighboring primary schools They also have an Osprey WebCam. If you can to view the WebCam go to Ospreys.org.uk and hope you enjoy

        Mike

      • CarolV July 14, 2017 at 7:03 pm - Reply

        I knew there were some elsewhere on the British Island, so I assumed they were all over. Very interesting!.I hope the project is a success, but a long term project, given th mortality rate. And young birds often take 2 years before returning, at least here on this side of the world…
        Do you know if there are any in Ireland?

    66. Betsy July 13, 2017 at 1:10 pm - Reply

      George brought a fish at 10:21 am

      • Betsy July 13, 2017 at 1:12 pm - Reply

        Hooray for George — he was back 13 minutes later with another fish.

        • CarolV July 14, 2017 at 7:04 pm - Reply

          He’s Speedy Gonzales when the fish are jumpin’!

    67. Betsy July 13, 2017 at 1:04 pm - Reply

      Chick #1 seeks shelter from the sun under Gracie

    68. Sarah Lynn July 13, 2017 at 12:55 pm - Reply

      I like the smaller pictures because it gives me the option to scan quickly when I’m in a hurry, but still to click on and see the pictures in more detail when I have more time.

    69. Betsy July 13, 2017 at 11:29 am - Reply

      Low flying osprey coming in!! George flying to the perch.Chick #1 watches and Gracie ducks.

    70. shredman July 13, 2017 at 10:11 am - Reply

      Lots of non flying insects in nest this year, I don`t recall seeing so many in past years.

      • Rjoneal July 14, 2017 at 1:46 pm - Reply

        7-14-17 Shredman we have never had this problem with this many insects in nest before. Yes in past we had some ants,bees and other insects but the nest never got infested with them. This is the worst it has ever been.
        Makes you wonder if a lot of the creepy crawlers were on the wood and in all the crab legs and seaweed that George and Gracie have brought to the nest. Obviously with the heat and constant fish being brought into the nest it is a perfect place for the insects and bugs. I have reached out to Rob B our Osprey Specialist and he stated if all the bugs were going to cause a problem to Ospreys it would have already affected them by now. So since they are doing ok living with all these bugs must mean it is not a parasite or mite that would have killed them during their younger days before they had all their feathers.

    71. Rjoneal July 13, 2017 at 9:34 am - Reply

      OH NO great horned owl comes back again last night takes and kills another juv baby. Rachel & Steves nest. Rachel was there on perch and tried to do what she could do to protect other baby. Were 3 now only 1 baby. Our Rob B osprey specialist just banded all 3 babies right before the first attack. I think about 1-2 weeks before they would fledge. They look like our babies.
      Last year it was eagles took babies this year the Great Horned Owl.
      This really must be the year the GHOwls make a big comeback and their success fledges from their nest.

      RIP lil one many loved you and you will always be in their hearts.

      Positive- last year someone told us they did not believe owls were around our George & Gracies Nest. Hope that is true.
      Our 2 Babies are still with us and getting stronger everyday.
      Really makes you cherish the Ospreys that actually make it to fledge. Then thanks to Robs Ospreytrax we can follow many to see how many actually make it back from migration and their siblings when they get old enough to come back.
      Talons crossed open wing osprey hugs let’s keep the positive flowing.
      Whatever you do today don’t take advantage of any type of life sooooo precious.

      • DC July 13, 2017 at 3:29 pm - Reply

        Is it normal for there to be so many bugs in the nest?

        • Rjoneal July 14, 2017 at 1:47 pm - Reply

          DC I just replied to Shredman this is what I posted hope it helps.
          we have never had this problem with this many insects in nest before. Yes in past we had some ants,bees and other insects but the nest never got infested with them. This is the worst it has ever been.
          Makes you wonder if a lot of the creepy crawlers were on the wood and in all the crab legs and seaweed that George and Gracie have brought to the nest. Obviously with the heat and constant fish being brought into the nest it is a perfect place for the insects and bugs. I have reached out to Rob B our Osprey Specialist and he stated if all the bugs were going to cause a problem to Ospreys it would have already affected them by now. So since they are doing ok living with all these bugs must mean it is not a parasite or mite that would have killed them during their younger days before they had all their feathers.

      • Elaine July 13, 2017 at 3:51 pm - Reply

        That is beautifully said. George and Gracie are great parents and have raised two great chicks.

        • Rjoneal July 14, 2017 at 1:51 pm - Reply

          Elaine thank you they are the best Osprey Family we are so lucky.

      • Michael G. Martin July 13, 2017 at 5:31 pm - Reply

        Thank-You RJ for those Kind Words
        I see no need for anyone to criticize anyone for the type and amount of posts or comments especially on a site like this one in particular. We don’t mention anything that is Political or Religious or anything that is the least bit controversial. We come here to relax and enjoy what nature and God provided for us free of Charge oops sorry I mentioned Religion ( lol )

        Peace to All
        Mike

        • Rjoneal July 14, 2017 at 1:48 pm - Reply

          Michael G Martin 🙂 Peaceful posting and Peace in the nest.

      • RobininMD July 13, 2017 at 7:31 pm - Reply

        There was 3 babies at the Chesapeake Beach Railway Nest yesterday – now only 2 – but there is nobody to ask what happened – does anyone watch that nest? Maybe predator took the baby there too. They are large there too. It is devestating at this stage of the game.

        • Rjoneal July 14, 2017 at 1:53 pm - Reply

          7-14-17 RobinMD I will look and see if I have anything on this nest. I cant keep them all straight in my head I check in with about 25-30 different ones to learn and compare. I will let you know if I have anything on this nest.

          • RobininMD July 14, 2017 at 6:04 pm - Reply

            I just read on youtube chat that someone was doing something with a ladder under the nest and one of the babies got spooked and fledged early. It has a very small following and there are tons of Osprey nests in the Chesapeake beach area. Hope someone is out there looking for the baby. Thanks for your reply Rjoneal. I love the osprey! I am so sad for the Hogg Island Osprey – praying that Bailey will make it to fledge.

          • RobininMD July 14, 2017 at 8:33 pm - Reply

            They have 3 at the nest again – yay- so must’ve figured out how to fly and come home! Tho, I am so concerned for the Hogg Island remaining nestling – I can’t think about anything else! So happy for these 2 so far so good – the sooner they can fly and be on their own – the better!!! Thanks for your response.

        • Rjoneal July 14, 2017 at 2:03 pm - Reply

          7-14-17 RobinMD If this is the nest you are talking about a person TCB on YouTube I subscribe to has videos and I found this on chat. I think this is the one since they are talking about one of the babies who fledge to soon maybe and it looks like they are trying to get more info also. Hope this helps,nice talking to you again.

          Chesapeake Beach Osprey Camera https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0BwXUDM7_KA

          From the chat read info below-

          Merrill Dudley​I was watching when the third nestling took a fright/fledge. My only hope is that the mom and dad have located the fledgling and are feeding it in the tall grass. Still in shock??? Injured???

          Merrill Dudley​I was wondering if the men tried to locate the nestling? Wonder if calls have been passed to the adults from the fledgling….definitely? Most likely cannot feed itself yet. Prof opinions yet?

          Edward Kirk​I think I will send email to town of Chesapeake Beach administrator, ans ask the birds status.

        • Rjoneal July 14, 2017 at 10:04 pm - Reply

          RobininMD -Excellent news the baby made it back to the nest and all is good. Everyone on live chat very happy. Here is a picture of the 3bb and I think the mom osprey on perch.
          Hope this makes you feel better.
          Alot of greenery around this nest, very colorful.

    72. Betsy July 13, 2017 at 8:47 am - Reply

      Chick #1 had feathers stuck on its tongue after a preening session. If cats throw up fur balls, do osprey throw up feather balls? Hee hee

      Teaching moment: Besides storing food for later consumption, the crop also stores indigestible material – like bones and scales. These unusable fish pieces are captured in the crop and eventually molded into pellets that are later regurgitated. (http://www.friendsofblackwater.org/osprey_cam_blog/archives/2004/05/25/)

      • CarolV July 13, 2017 at 11:48 am - Reply

        Birds 🐦 throw up feather dusters

        • Betsy July 14, 2017 at 9:58 am - Reply

          CarolV: Just spit out my coffee when I read your reply!!

        • Rjoneal July 14, 2017 at 1:49 pm - Reply

          Carol cute 🙂

    73. Betsy July 13, 2017 at 8:25 am - Reply

      George studies the bugs coating the fish that he had brought a mere 11 minutes before!

    74. Helen July 13, 2017 at 7:58 am - Reply

      George is still bringing stuff to put around the nest…….

    75. CarolV July 13, 2017 at 5:15 am - Reply

      Morning! Gonna be another hazy, hot & humid day. We had an occasional shower yesterday and last night, doing noting except add to the humidity. Same situation today- possible t-storms, around 90 and humidity close to 100%

      …………………..Everyone, keep cool and enjoy your day…
      ……………Waky waky, little guys….another busy day of growing!

      • CarolV July 13, 2017 at 5:19 am - Reply

        Nice fish, Pop! Good way to start the day!

      • Rjoneal July 14, 2017 at 1:49 pm - Reply

        thanks for weather update I can always count on you ! HUGS

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