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Bald Eagles Visit Nest
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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.
IMPORTANT: Messages from osprey experts
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.
Paul 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.
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
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
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
George came in and hop-scotched right over Her………….
hop
stuck it……………
Notes from the morning…love my days off so I can catch up on our nest…………….
While Her isn’t settling on the egg, she roots around it and stands over it. She does feel ownership of the nest and takes guard duty seriously. Sometimes when George comes in, she heads up to perch. There was some chirping between the two as George brooded the egg. Maybe she will learn by his example.
Her standing over the egg….
.watching below………..
..checking the sky………….
……Learning Fierce!…………………….
That’s better, Her………
Hi All,
It looks like George is trying to do it all. He is so awesome! Hopefully this new girl will learn from George before next year. Everything I’ve read says that first years eggs/chicks quite frequently don’t survive. I would just really like to see the new girl brood the egg. That would give me some hope!
I wish the camera could be adjusted so we could see the entire nest. Miss Gracie and poor George looks so confused.
To viewers that are mourning the loss of Gracie, yes it’s a very disappointing outcome but we still have George and a new female to observe. If you choose to stop watching that’s your prerogative. Nature isn’t a Disney animated feature ! This season is going to be different but no less enjoyable than previous years, in my humble opinion ✌️
I agree.there are many other nests to watch.this is my first nest as everyone else,am very sad about Gracie. Regards to the egg…if it’s viable,would think George would incubate it? Even if she is inexperienced I am rooting for her.she may be our new female.saw someone mention naming her. That would be better than her,she,ms.thing. Jane is cute. I’ve been calling her tommy girl.
I will miss Gracie….With this female very interesting to watch…I know nest year will be a wonderful season…
And I humbly agree!!!! Will certainly miss Gracie and the lack of babies, but Nature is a learning experience. It is frustrating that Her is so disinterested in the egg, but I guess it’s a learning process for them too, especially if she is very young.
Please don’t say “this is not a Disney animated feature”. It minimizes or at least tries to minimize what some people are feeling. I for one find it insulting as most if not all people understand that. This is my 4th year viewing nests and it is truly a learning experience including the good and the bad. But for those who are new to viewing and are still learning the good and the bad lets give them the respect they deserve, teach them the beauty and sadness of nature and not minimize their feelings. Although I don’t get nearly as upset as I once did when bad things happen it was a process to get to that point and I would never make the Disney comment. I feel it is condescending to those new to viewing and not very accommodating to the learning process. I thank everyone kindly for allowing me to speak my mind on the subject.
Hello to everyone. Bravo to you Linda – I agree with every word you posted. We see this recurring theme in every live cam chat I have seen. When will people get it that we are all different?! We are all in differing places within, including our emotional availability, our emotional well being or lack thereof = plus! we all view these live cams with vastly different viewpoints. For some, it’s nature and that’s that, go with it, accept it and they do. For others FIRST there may be a world of thoughts and, gasp, feelings about whatever we may witness or learn of that happens here… Acceptance comes later for we who are more sensitive than others… Also this is not to imply that those who take a more pragmatic approach care any less than we who are sensitive. I don’t imply, period. ;D Bottom line – human beings all fall somewhere on the feelings spectrum – from totally checked out/toxic on one extreme to mania/hysterical on the other end – do we not? Most of us fall somewhere in between those extremes, period.
And why do people use Disney – I see this on a regular basis as well and truly, I don’t get it. I guess their implication there is that Disney shows only rosy pictures… or perhaps they mean Disney has happy endings, all the time.. Guess what? I have a completely different take on Disney = Bambi? Old Yeller? Do those ring a bell?! I cried my eyes out during the very sad-to-me things that occurred. In addition, no matter whether classic Disney, movie or animated film – they all DO show the good, the bad, the kind and the wicked – the yin and the yang. So ya, for me, Disney shows it ALL.
Finally, might I suggest “Live and Let Live”? Might I also suggest “To Thine Own Self Be True”? I mean people – yes indeed, we are all different. Let us embrace these differences, rather than to chide anyone, ever, for feeling things that perhaps you do not. With the exception of those who go wayyy too far, (leading some folks out there to shut down their live cams due the hate, the demands, the endless hysteria due the horrors that can happen out there in nature – and we have all seen, or heard about those!) then no, having feelings of sadness and loss, concern and/or fear are rather normal human emotions.
Let us remember that for all of our differences, we all come here for similar reasons and some different ones too. Let us be accepting of the diversity – in all its many forms – here in our live cam chat communities. I am not new to live creature cams however, I am a sensitive soul and I embrace that, thanking God for it. Does this then mean I make a scene when something horrid happens in these cams? Heck no, but I sure do share my feelings, along with my thoughts. I get affirmations from kindred spirits and I affirm others. Let us remember what a dear friend of mine told me many yrs ago – “We need every piece of the pie to make the whole.” So every person is welcome here. Every person has license to follow the beat of their own drum. Enjoy these cams as you do, and let others do the same.
Hope everyone here in The USA enjoys a good Memorial Day Wknd. Blessings to George, to his new mate and to Gracie – wherever she may be out there… If she has passed, then may she fly forever free in the skies of heaven. If she is wounded, may she be found by someone and rescued… If she is off healing somewhere, then may she return here, surprising everyone… God bless. =)♥
A sense of humor goes a long way in life. I didn’t write that post with the intention of upsetting people, honestly.
Hello Trinity – “A sense of humor”? I am one of THE silliest people I know, so nothing lacks in my sense of humor. If you knew me, then you would know this. This writer is also deadly serious about matters that I feel warrant such. When I respond to any post, I do so to honor what I think and feel, plus there are those out there who may also feel the same….
Your original post = Trinity May 25, 2018 at 8:56 am – Reply
“To viewers that are mourning the loss of Gracie, yes it’s a very disappointing outcome but we still have George and a new female to observe. If you choose to stop watching that’s your prerogative. Nature isn’t a Disney animated feature ! This season is going to be different but no less enjoyable than previous years, in my humble opinion ✌️”
So I don’t see what denotes that one needs a sense of humor when one reads that post? If it’s there, it does elude me. XD
Speaking only for myself, as always – I wasn’t “upset” at all When first I read your comment, the parts that I perceived as a bit harsh were the “If you choose to stop watching that’s your prerogative. Nature isn’t a Disney animated feature !” Then I read others’ posts, followed by my sharing my own thoughts and feelings, sparked by this entire topic….
Sometimes when people have their very OWN reactions/responses to another, the first person will then try to pass it off as a “joke”, or tell others to “lighten up”, etc.. similar to your post re having a “sense of humor”. Again, there is nothing that could possibly be perceived as humorous in your original post.. Finally, once one person posts something in a very public venue, others may respond – hence the post then takes on a life of its own, yes? And so, what you shared simply sparked this discussion. Therefore, it is not about you per se, but rather, the topic at hand re different people feel different things when watching live cams.
No one accused you of any “intention of upsetting people” – so it’s not about you. We simply have our very own thoughts, feelings, experiences, etc. sparked by the words in your post and that is all. So again, it’s the subject matter at hand, not you personally. You had three people who affirmed what you shared and two of us who think/feel differently. Pretty normal in any chat venue to have those who agree, and those who harbor a very different outlook. It’s all good, as per my original post = we are all different, a fact driven home by this very discussion! ;D
(Pic from birdorable dot com)
I know you didn’t and its all good. I just want to make sure that we don’t minimize those who are new to watching nests. The longer one watches nature and sees some of the sadness the easier it gets to move past the pain. I was once one of those people who would get traumatized when horrible things would happen but now, as time goes on I find that I am able to accept nature as it is and move on. There are others however who have great difficulty and I just want them to feel comfortable expressing their sadness to all of us. Have a very lovely Memorial Day weekend. 🙂
So nice to see the stream and be able to scroll back!
I see that Her was hanging around the nest earlier-
17:41EDT- George brought a nice fish for Her
After several minutes of George standing with fish in foot- Ms. Thing said “Buh Bye!” without taking it.
George hung around, popping out and in, taking care of Eggy.
At 18:27- Her drops back in to grab the fish……………
And George is left to watch Her and dinner leave…………….
He is again hanging around the nest, brooding the egg, as the sun goes down. He was calling a bit
getting dark………………………
He left about 20:47 by the clock
I bet that is George on the nonviable egg. Poor George. No mate, no family. I wonder where they went for the winter?
South America most likely on the Amazon River
Hi Everyone, I am just now getting the news that Gracie didn’t arrive home. I have no words to express my sadness. Do we know or have any idea of her age? I am sure she lived a very full life – seemed to be a very experienced Mom – perhaps she was an older bird. She was beautiful and I will never forget her. They sure do have a tough life.
I miss her too Robin. Gracie was a beautiful oisprey. The nest needs some major overhauling. It is a mess. There is a female on the nonviable egg. I don’t know how anyone could find the egg for the mess.
This platform was erected on the radio tower in 2014 because 2 osprey were hanging around as if looking for a rental. Those two osprey started a nest and spent time courting that summer. The male was George but there was some disagreement as to the identity of that female. In 2015 George and Gracie were identified as a pair and returned in 2016 and 2017.If you scroll up, you will see -on the right- some small pictures which represent videos. Click on “Highlights 2014” to see the first year this nest was occupied. All the other videos are also interesting and informative.
There was no way of knowing ages when these two hooked up. Some birds return for years before getting nests of their own.
And if you haven’t watched it already- scroll to top of the page where you will find a line of choices. Choose ABOUT and you will meet Tommy, the man responsible for this site. It makes this site more personal to find out explanation for its founding. Hope you go on to explore other videos getting to know the family better.
Hello from New Zealand. Was so happy to see this nest being occupied again. Sadden to hear about Gracie. Hopeful that Georges new mate will work out.
Hey to New Zealand, Robyne!! This female seems to be learning on the job, George is trying but Her (as I’m calling her for now) very sketchy about her duties! Fingers crossed…………….
Hello Robyne from New Zealand..Gracie is in our hearts and will always be there….I fell that this female is really new at this…Sat possibly will lay 2nd egg..In a way I am happy the egg is nonviable egg…the season is far in for this egg to hatch…But..looking at the bright side of things..next.. season older and wiser, I hope….See in future a successful nest…for now extremely
interesting to watch and take some notes along the way….never saw anything like this…this family always amazes me…
the flapping plastic flag is a nice touch
Yay! We are back live. The nest is getting so big the camera angle had to be changed and you will notice we had to move the OZ banner to the top of the page.
Thanks for your patience everyone! Have a great day 💗
Thanks for fixing the camera angle
Thanks for the explanation and keeping us up to date! Like the new angle!
Around 2:25 George delivered a real whopper for late lunch ! The new lady had been calling out very impatiently 😀
See an egg.no parents.no new post.seems this nest may be a no go for the season.how sad!
Ok,now see female sitting on egg! Have some hope now. Almost gave up on Belwood nest. Then lo and behold one egg, then two, then three! Also glad to see the tweedles back!
Went to YouTube to watch live stream and the female(temp calling her Her)isn’t brooding but does appear to be shading the egg and showing interest in it. Baby steps.
She also loudly yelled at what seemed to be a flyby. She has a very different tone to her voice!
While I obviously miss our Gracie, this is an interesting new chapter to our learning experience.
She sure isn’t paying any attention to eggbert.
Is this Gracie or the new female?
I believe it’s the new femal Elaine.
My post with the beginning of this series disappeared. Prob due its awaiting moderation.
And so to continue: Pic 4 of 5
Pic 5 of 5
You know… I have seen some people wondering if this isn’t an entirely new couple who has been in the nest here lately? I’ve been perusing videos of George and Gracie, and the markings do seem different. We know that the female who laid the egg, etc. is not Gracie as that is obvious. But what about Geoege? Time can change chest markings and I’ve read that they can change during nesting season as well. However, I do wonder if this is George or not George?
I am not a regular at this osprey pair’s site, just one who meanders on over here upon occasion… So you who truly know “your” George would know I am sure, if this is George, or not. ..The new female is back here once again… Heck, she might lay another egg, we don’t know. XD
Thanks for posting these pics
Now the egg seems to be buried slightly…the reason maybe as to why it could not be seen for a while.
The egg disappeared between a lapse in the stream from around 10:11 am to 11:11 am today..very strange…
Hello everyone! The live stream has been acting up again this morning so Aidan is trying some new settings to see if this won’t solve the technical issues we’ve been experiencing. Thanks for your patience as we sort thru these issues.
I sure do miss our Gracie. I am so sad for the empty nest and nonviable. This is the first nest I ever watched in 2015. I am shedding a few tears. I was looking forward to another great season with Gracie and George. George must be devastated.
Good night good night
Sweet Princess
We enjoyed every day with you……
As a new chapter begins, I feel it necessary to send Gracie off with this classic line ;
George ; “ say goodnight Gracie “
Gracie ; “ goodnight “
Thanks 🙏🏽 Trinity…..perfect
Absolutely perfect!
Hi everyone – it would appear the live feed is working, over at YouTube. Sadly, poor Eggie is alone in the nest. Who knows what is going on there? Inexperienced new mother with no interest? Non-viable egg and she knows that? Who knows, but ever since laying egg, she’s had no interest.
We can only guess and mine is that this is a young inexperienced female, most likely her first egg and perhaps their instincts tell them it’s too late in the season for a successful clutch.
Hi Shelli – Thanks for reply and yes, sounds about right. Or… elder female? Who knows…. But what you share does make the most sense. It’s just sad all the way around.. George seems a tad lost, bless him. .He is reminding me of Hanover Eagle whose mate Liberty also disappeared for a time… Another female came in and destroyed their eggs… Then, over time, Liberty came back! So who knows what is going on out of our vision…
1p – another osprey can be heard, can’t help but wonder about Gracie… Is that her he is talking with?? At 1:01 he flies off after lots of chatting with another osprey, that we cannot see… Someone is on cam pole, can see it moving with their squawking…
Here are a few pix I snapped on egg day, the 23rd…
Pic2 of 5
Pic3 of 5
We are aware of the cam being off line. Aiden will take care of this in the morning. Thanks for your patience and understanding.
since it doesn’t appear to be our beloved Gracie…could you please change the header?
Yes, I have changed the header 😊
Hello everyone. My screen is blank with error message.
We are experiencing internet issues
Just scrolled back to watch the egg appear! Wow.
George settled on the egg briefly then went to perch.
Video still spotty
George is in and out, sitting briefly each time—
and looking all around for the lady……………..
Back at it……………………
We are experiencing some internet issues, so bare with us. Thanks for your patience 🤗
I logged in to find the video is frozen. Each time I sign out and come back, the video works briefly, with a different time on the frame. Boooo-hoo-hoo…..was looking forward to seeing how the new mama was doing…………….
Seems to be running now @5:50 but the clock reads 7 min. slow. Egg is alone but temps in high 70s. Hear chirping so checking. Looks like shadow from someone on perch………….
Stopped again about a minute after photo
Although I don’t post often, I have been following George and Gracie from the beginning. I am now in the process of moving and do not have a lot of time right now to read all the posts. I see that something has happened to Gracie?? Would someone be kind enough to update me with what is going on? Just a brief post. Thank you,
Susan all we know is when the cam was turned on yesterday this new female was seen on the nest.
Unfortunately we have no clue if or what has happened to Gracie.
Thank you Shelli
From deep, deep sorrow, to a new feeling of hope! So incredible that one day after the camera is back up, with the realization that Gracie is not here, that the new female lays an egg. I’ve read most of the comments, and I’m just going to pray that the egg is viable, and that this new mommy will let instincts take over and begin laying on the egg soon. George will definitely be a great teacher for her if she is a first time mom. Feeling hopeful, but still missing our Gracie!
Hi All,
Exciting news about the egg being laid. I just don’t think it’s going to be viable because she didn’t lay on it for over and hour and then George laid on it for a while and then she came back and George left and she stood over it for I don’t know how long because my feed isn’t working right. Is anybody else having problems?
I also have an name for our new girl I’d like to put out there for consideration-Jane- like in the Jetsons cartoon.
Paula sometimes Osprey delay incubation, but it’s also very possible that she’s young and this egg (and others if she lays more) won’t be viable.
I think Jane is a super cute name. And if she sticks around I think we should have a naming contest. 🤗
Sounds good!
I’m in for that!
I would love a naming contest. My first thought was Amal, George Clooney’s wife.
Hi Jane is cute…anything better the G2 sounds like a sports drink..Maybe end July have a name contest….and Facebook as well..
An egg. Life goes on. She seemed to have a tough time delivering, her peeps with each push made me feel sorry for her.
But we have an egg. Dottie, you have the BEST mate with you. He is a very hand’s on dad and will help you learn the ropes.
George (Studmuffin) is our hero, after all.
I have just one tiny thing to put out there and I am going to ask Rob about it. Do females’ necklaces get darker as they get older? Just something to think about.
We have our nest. We have our George. We have a beautiful, exotic new mom, and now we have an egg. See? I knew they could still lay them. The weather here was nuts- we had snow two weeks ago. Mother nature knows what she is doing. And today is SPECTACULAR weather.
by the way- just between us- Gracie contacted me. She stopped off in Captiva on her way north from Venezuela and was chatting with the ospreys who live there year round. “You mean you don’t migrate? You stay here all year? No wonder your nest is nice!”
She saw the weather forecast, thought to herself, “Maybe George will have some sense and find me here and not try to fly through two hurricanes.” She is quite happy – there are lots of fish in Pine Island Sound and the water is so clear she can see them from way up high. xo
It’s nice to think of Gracie like that……..osprey heaven……………………Thank you, GinaM
What a wonderful development to come so soon after yesterday’s heartbreak!! The circle of life, indeed.
Miss you sweet Gracie…. you’ll always have a special place in our hearts.
So exciting !
SO Happy to see an EGG! Lets hope all goes well 🙂
We know George knows what to do!
the camera turns on, the weather clears up, we get a new character added to this compelling story and a new egg arrives right on cue.
Just read on fb and Helen left a message for me at work (ty!)……. YYYYAAAAAAYYYYYYY! The new couple waited for US to lay an egg!!!! My phone won’t boot the video right now of course!!!
OK- phrased that wrong–sounds like we laid the egg,,,,,,,…………. but you all knew what I meant……………..
Wait, is that egg new? I didn’t see one yesterday….
I scanned back and it was laid today at 12:03!!
OMG is that an egg I see!!!!
An EGG!!!!! Wow!
I sure hope some of you guys hang in there and watch. I know it’s sad about Gracie, but, this is nature and we can see that the Osprey are going on with their lives.
I, for one, choose to root for this new beginning and will keep tuning in.
I’m with you! Nature is constantly changing ! Life moves on…yadayada…. and this is “my nest”………. close to home and first one I started watching……..
Okay here are the pix of when I came in here today, noting osprey acting oddly… It was then I eventually realized that she was laying an egg… So far, she is not laying upon it since laying it… Wonder if she has ever been a mother before?
I am struck and reminded by how life works…. The loss of Gracie and now this, new life…. But it will remain to be seen if this female knows what to do – re laying on the egg, George accepting all of this and egg surviving to hatch…. Time will tell… When he made a brief visit, it didn’t seem like he noticed egg. She did not make a move to get the partial fish that he had in his talons. He stayed but briefly, then flew off with the fish… Mother osprey has just been standing to the right, for a long time now, after laying egg…
According to cam time stamp, egg as laid at 12:04:50p. So this female has been standing on right side of nest for over an hour now. I am sure she is exhausted from laying egg…. I am hoping she lays down on that egg ASAP. The time stamp does seem a bit off to real time, unless this is to mean we get a lapsed view – i.e. delayed view? Bec my time shows about 12minutes ahead of time shown on live feed. .
Pic2 of laying Eggie1
Pic3 of laying Eggie1
Pic4 of egg laying…
Pic5 of egg laying….
Well, look at that! Maybe she will need a name. Although “Dottie” seems a good name for her, Hog Island has (or used to have–she’s maybe somewhere else this year) an osprey called Dottie, and some people watch that site also.
Egg in nest at 12:04PM !!!!
I see a unhatched egg under the new lady’s tail at 12:52. I don’t think it’s viable since she isn’t sitting on it. Screenshot attached.
George and Martha?
Godspeed Gracie.
Wait! I just scrolled back. She laid the egg around noon!
It’s a nice warm day,and they don’t necessarily stay on the egg(s) all the time. Audrey on Chesapeake was off the eggs more than a day once in the last couple of years and they were o.k.
So hello to everyone. I have peeked in on the live cam in the past, but never commented. Stumbling upon it again yesterday, I could not help but to be drawn right in. This writer then meandered on in here today, prior to checking on any of my other fave live creature cams. I don’t believe in coincidences! And so, when I came in here, I noticed the osprey acting oddly…. I snapped pix and had a wonderful realization – a knowing? as my dear, late grandmother would call them? I got EGGcited thinking – “Wow, is she laying an egg, right now?!?!” I kept watching and my wonder turned to that knowing indeed… Once she got up and I saw the EGG it was all validated! What an honor to be here at the exact time for the first egg of the season! So yes indeed, thank you SO much for this pure privilege! I am soo happy for the osprey, for the owners/creators of this nest and for all we who just adore the osprey!!! WOOT!
Dad just came in with headless fish… He didn’t seem to notice or realize yet that they have an egg!! He then flew off with fish! Dad, wait! Come back and see your first egg!! XD
Will post pix soon of Mom laying the egg and Dad’s brief visit. I am SO sorry at the loss of Gracie – for George, for the cam owners and for all viewers who loved Gracie. SOO sad to read about the loss of her.. Suggestion = new name for this new female, to honor Gracie and to honor George’s new wife….
THIS IS WONDERFUL N CRAZY…Cant believe an EGG..WOW..12:04 for those who missed….wonder if she is a new Mom..think that there will be 3?????
Hello to everyone! Congratulations to the osprey couple! Thank you so much for this live feed and chat!! I am too happy! How do people create profiles here? Going to try to share first view of egg as I snapped pix like crazy!! =)
The above pic was my final shot during the egg-laying process. See above pictures1-5 of when she was actually laying the egg. I then got this shot right after Pic5 above, when she stood up. What a thrill to witness and no matter how many times one is blessed to see this live, it is like the first time, every time! =) And I know, this is poignant, due so many mourning their beloved Grace, whom I did not have the pleasure of knowing. Again, I am very sorry for what seems to be, your loss… I say seem to be, because we just don’t know…. It’s clear she is not here, the not knowing – where she is and what happened – makes it all very hard indeed. I have seen both George and Grace, in times past, as mentioned earlier. This was due others sharing of them in other live cam sites that I partake of. So I have visited here before, but was not a regular follower. So yes indeed, along with this new egg excitement and trepidation re this egg and it’s fate – I offer spiritual hugs to all who are mourning Gracie’s presence here. ♥
UPDATE – Dad came back with fish, female took it and is eating… Dad finally sees egg, tries to get egg is good spot to lay down upon it… Intruder flying too close, both squawking for some time… That finally ended and Dad working hard to incubate precious egg.
could that be an egg laid 1159am today
Egg
IS THAT AN EGG I SEE ON OUR NEST? Noticed it about 1208??? My broken heart may have just healed!
WOOT! She JUST laid an EGG!!!!! Wheeeeee!!!! I just happened to come in here, to check on these beauties and I just knew she was in labor, so to speak! Congratulations on Eggie1!!!
The new female can easily be identified: besides her heavy, large, dark necklace, by low-hanging straggely-fringed bunch of white feather from her belly. Its quite noticeable and I have never seen this on other females. Her shrill voice is demanding. And then there is George with his sweet calls, pleading and he really sounds like he is still waiting and looking. Then there are only some quiet, low chirps …. makes you wonder what he is experiencing.There is something sad in his behavior. Does anyone know why he is still bringing in building material?
Has anyone informed Dr. Rob Bierregaard? He was very found of our pair.
Rodee, the male will continue to bring in fresh nesting material all season long…nest building is a never-ending process.
How do you put this into words? I am heartbroken at not finding our George and Gracie on the nest this year. I’m no expert, so I do realize there are lots of scenarios that could have taken place. I’ll still always watch this nest, and just pray George will bond with another female if Gracie isn’t there. My tears won’t stop flowing, but I know we will all get past this and move on.
Oh no. I am so so sad. This happened with the eagle nest in Decorah. The dad disappeared. I know it is nature, but it doesn’t stop the tears.
BRE..hope your out there…Can u write a poem about Gracie…
You write the most beautiful poems…..
Wow. I was totally unprepared for this. Somehow I thought Gracie would be there for years.Can’t stop crying.She was the rock that the nest was built on.I have been following this nest from the beginning – peewee was my first heartbreak. Last year there was so much tragedy with osprey nests that I almost stop watching altogether. But I have been selective now and I thought at least this nest would be stable with G+G. Well that’s nature. That’s the risk if you watch nests.
Look forward to some good photos of Gracie- she was gorgeous.
And George is still as handsome as ever.
Sob…
Hi Everyone…. I have been watching this nest for a couple years now whenever I can….don’t post much but check in everyday. As all of you , I have been anxiously awaiting the see Gracie and George this year. . When I checked in this afternoon I didn’t see any eggs…. Then started to read comments. I am so sad as I no all of you are. I miss Gracie ….and deep down cannot say goodbye to her. Still hoping she will appear…just wish we knew what happened. Feel so sad for George too… He’s waiting for her… Ugh…this stinks
As an original season 1 watcher, that is definitely not Gracie. I am not quite sure that is Studmuffin- I mean George- either. Lots of things could have happened. We had many storms and hurricanes this migration season. Gracie could be on another nest somewhere south of here. Maybe George and Gracie did return and had a run in with more aggressive ospreys or eagles and decided to set up house somewhere else.
The female is darker and seems a bit more mature than and the male seems to be about 2 or 3 years old. Remember- ospreys return to the area where they were born. Maybe this is Ronnie or Sandy? Or maybe a mix of one of “our” family with a new mate.
For me, I love ospreys, all of them. I see them fly over me and they make my heart soar with them.
I am going to route for these two and watch them enjoy the season.
I choose not to believe anything bad happened to Gracie. I have to say there has been an osprey pair flying over my house since April and I always feel like they are saying hello. Maybe they chose to set up here on this part of Long Island? I can dream can’t I?
As far as the delayed egg laying they also had a late start due to the insane weather patterns we have had. There may be an egg laid by Dottie. I think that is the perfect name for her because as we all anxiously waited to see under her wing all we saw were dots. So maybe Dottie and George? Dottie and Ronnie?
love to all- I know how you are feeling, my heart sank too. But then I saw the nest, the bay, heard the soft calls and realized we still have an amazing opportunity to “live” in the nest until September and I was grateful to be able to see the world from an osprey’s eyes.. no matter who they are.
Love Dottie! Better than Speckly as I called her! I think it is George tho.
George is definitely interacting with the female. She is richly marked, both on her chest and sides. George presented her with some nesting material and did his chest push for an egg cup.
My computer is no longer allowing me to post multiples…….back to basics, I guess
and…
It’s been raining so she looks a bit disheveled…
ooooo…..think I got 2 at once….have to figure out how I did ! Method has changed.
George at work
That is good news Carol.
Well, after checking all morning whenever I could, I just managed to log in now to see a video turned on again!!!!!! Thanks go out to Aidan, Tommy, Paul and all involved for hooking us up again and to Admin Shelli for keeping us informed while work was being done.
I stared and stared and double and triple checked the date and time to make sure it was a live picture and conceded with sadness that it is indeed our nest and indeed empty………..After reading comments, it seems Gracie is m.i.a. I am heart broken…………..After the wait to see our couple, just to find out one is missing…………….
I haven’t gone back to read comments from last year before Gracie’s departure, but I seem to remember she was acting strangely before she ceased coming to the nest Perhaps she was sick or injured before she even left? But we will never know.
Although my heart is sore from this loss, nature doesn’t stop for our grief. This is not the first nest to lose a major player…………life goes on and new mates are found. It won’t stop me from watching and hoping a new mate is chosen. I do know, when a new female took up residence at the Verizon nest, there were 2 years without chicks, for whatever reason. While we won’t have chicks to watch this year, I will still be checking in for that glorious view and to see if there is any action. Right now, there is no one in the nest but it sounds like someone is on the perch, quietly chirping. Sounding lonely.
I will probably shed a few tears, but I’m gonna choose a few of my favorite pictures of Gracie. I apologize in advace, Admin, because there is at least one with no OZ tag line. Hope it’s okay. Later….activity in nest…………..
I’m glad you wrote about continuing to watch this nest camera. Mother Nature is beautiful, inspiring yet brutal at times. I’m not giving up on this nest, it will be a pleasure to see the development and changes. Life goes on 😊
so very sad…the disney movies had it right…sometimes there isn’t a happy ending
but let us all hope for the rainbow that could surprise us all
Lovely sentiment
Hello All,
I have been watching this camera for 3 years now and like so many of you I am heart broken over Our Beautiful Gracie. I had been watching all day for the camera to come back on and as soon as I saw the birds I knew it wasn’t Gracie. I have been watching all afternoon and Gorgeous George seems quite upset. Every time he’s in the nest, he seems to be calling for his love. They were a wonderful couple and I just hope George can find another female close to as good as Gracie so that he can pass on his fantastic genes. I will continue to watch this year and am already looking forward to next year.
Thank you to the owners of this camera for all you do and God Bless All!
I just now got back from upstate and immediately checked the cam. I scrolled back through the video and I don’t see beautiful Gracie, only another female. I’m glad George is here, but I’m heartbroken, totally heartbroken about not seeing Gracie. I’m going to scroll back through today’s comments. I wonder if it’s too late for George and the new mate to start a family.
I feel that maybe Gracie was sick last year. It seemed to me that she had a lot of trouble grasping the fish that George brought to her, often coming back empty footed shortly after she was finally able to grasp it from him and flying off with it, and although she was good with the chicks, she didn’t seem to me to be as involved/bonded with them as she was with the 2016 chicks. Like Rjoneal, I will check in from time to time to see what’s happening on the nest.
I am posting a couple of my favorite portraits that I did of Gracie
If our beloved Gracie is no longer with us, I felt this quote appropriate to those missing her. Kahlil Gibran has comforted me through many difficult times.
“ When you are sorrowful
Look again in your heart,
And you shall see that in truth
You are weeping
For that which has been your delight. “ 💚
Trinity this quote absolutely says how I feel beautifully.
Thanks so much!
Like many of you I have been with this family from the beginning…1st year poor Peewee..2nd..go Rocky go..3rd. Eggbert..Gracie was a wonderful Mom and perfect mate for George..I feel they had a special bond..II…..If the eyes on the ground saw 2 Ospreys in the nest in April then Gracie made it back..something must have happened to her here…I feel so very sad for George, knowing he will be at the nest until late August early Sept. Maybe he will make a connection with this new female…It so vary sad…….
Thank you for all who for cam…..
Someone – I think it was last year ???? – made sound recordings. I have them in my photo library, but can not tell who it was.
To help further id this bird, could this person do the same with this bird we have in the nest now. To me, she sounds different than OUR GRACIE.
This is not a pleasant return to our nest.
I have not seen George as of this minute. Has anyone? Rodee
Here are the dates from last season. So perhaps we won’t see babies this year.
What a shame after all that had work 😰
Lay dates
1st egg 4/28
2nd egg 5/1
3rd egg 5/4
HATCH
egg 1 – 6/5/17
egg 2 – 6/7/17
I spent a long time now to identify this birds as Gracie – scrolling back, freezing the picture and as this bird lifts her right wing – THERE IS NO BLACK SPOT, the one that marked her so well.
Will someone, with more knowledge, say something ……….. PLEASE.
5-22-18 so unfortunately I am heartbroken for losing my George and Gracie Osprey family. George is definitely on the nest but either Gracie did not return for migration or something happened to Gracie after she returned home we will never know the facts on Gracie since the camera was down.
Fact you can tell that George is been building up the nest and waiting for Gracie whether she showed up or not we will never know George is definitely at the nest. Gracie is not there are no eggs and no babies it is too late for any eggs to be laid at this point.
There was a new female on the nest which George did not alert or seem alarmed so maybe they are starting to bond since George has realized Gracie is not coming back.
Our beloved Gracie where ever she may be did not have a necklace either does George both of them had what you would call more of a speckel black markings.
None of George’s and Gracie’s babies had a necklace either and it would be rare although could happen if that were one of the siblings however like I said none of the babies that we have ever witnessed on the live cam have had a necklace they to only had black speckle markings.
This is a very very sad confirmation and a very very sad day to a long awaited Osprey season. My heart hurts so bad but I knew it would happen someday because that is nature.
So the George and Gracie long island osprey Family has come to a conclusion that book has been completed.
If the camera stays on and if the camera works again next year George will probably find a mate and start a new family with a new female. It appears he might be trying to bond a little with the new female at the nest.
It has been a wonderful four years with my Osprey Zone Followers and Our Georg & Gracie. I will miss each and everyone of you so much. Together we learned so much and witness so much life and yes some of us even witnessed the death of our Seeer PeWee R.I.P.
Together we all laughed and cried we felt wet and cold when it rained we felt hot when it was sunny and we felt comfort and joy.
Gracie was the rock she was the solid force she dominated and ruled the nest. She was a queen bee she was an excellent mother and a good provider wonderful mate. She was beautiful and graceful yet clumsy at times she put joy in your heart by looking at her.
I hope George finds a good mate and continues to raise a family he is wonderful magnificent good fisherman and has a gorgeous slender look about him.
After all he is our stud muffin.
I know he is missing Gracie as much as we are at this time but life goes on.
So for now I would just like to thank each and everyone of you for all your complements on my pictures and everything we’ve done over the years with our calendars and Egg Guess Hatch events Baby naming contest you name it you guys have been wonderful .
I will check in from time to time and probably post some pictures of our Gracie in remembrance of her.
So take care Osprey followers.
Thank you Tommy,Paul ,Aiden and all the helpers along with Shelli and Nita without you we would not have been able to experience the life Gracie gave us.
Bye for now Hugs
Love My Osprey Family& Followers
UGH!
You will be missed, but you may just need this “time out” to heal. I think we all do. But together we are stronger and help one another. I thank you all for the updates (even though I rarely post) ….I have been to the nest, a few times last year and called home for them to check the computer….I was out in the boat waving! I adore all the Osprey nests, yet this is “my home” nest. The nest that helped me heal when I lost my dad, again when I lost my brother and so many other times. Sending ((( HUGS ))) to everyone. I hope Gracie is still around flying around, we just never know.
I’m heartbroken but I knew the minute I saw the birds in the nest.
Can’t stop crying….
Thank you so much for bringing George and Gracie back into our homes again. Looking forward to another wonderful summer watching them.
Has anyone positively identified these 2 as being George and Gracie?
I am puzzled????? To me, this does not look like Gracie. Her breast necklace is totally different. So much darker and more pronounced.
PLEASE< SOMEONE TELL ME IT IS – IT IS GRACIE.
Rodee
I’m so happy to see the nest again and hopefully George and Gracie will appear here soon as I just checked in for the first time in days. Also happy to be able to see the water again. I grew up and lived for almost 35 years just a few miles away from this nest but moved 22 years ago and have missed the water so much. Cant wait to see the boats and canoes, etc. Thanks to all who have made this camera possible again this year. It means so much to me…..for many reasons.
its nice to see George & Gracie are practicing safe sex… (see nest) 😳
Hooray! What a view. Thanks to all those who got the camera up and running for another season!