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Intruder

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OspreyZone Highlights: George Returns

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Belle’s Journey

Written by Dr. Rob Bierregaard & Illustrated by Kate Garchinsky

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

Click HERE for more information!

IMPORTANT: Messages from osprey experts

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

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

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

Hello Paul,

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

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

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

Best wishes, and good luck,

John W. Fitzpatrick

Director, Cornell Lab of Ornithology

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

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

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

charles.

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

Paul,

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

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

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

    Leave A Comment

    52,629 Comments

    1. Leanne June 3, 2018 at 6:51 am - Reply

      Early Morning June 3

    2. Leanne June 3, 2018 at 6:48 am - Reply

      Good Morning.

    3. CarolV June 3, 2018 at 6:48 am - Reply

      Dealing with an intruder this a.m.-Her jumped up…………

      • CarolV June 3, 2018 at 6:49 am - Reply

        ………ready for a fight……..

        • CarolV June 3, 2018 at 6:50 am - Reply

          DON’T MESS WITH ME!!!!!

          • CarolV June 3, 2018 at 6:51 am - Reply

            I am MIGHTY!

            • CarolV June 3, 2018 at 6:53 am

              jumping up toward perch…………….

            • CarolV June 3, 2018 at 6:55 am

              Buh-bye sucker!…………….. Hummmpppfff…….some nerve!

      • Trinity June 3, 2018 at 3:31 pm - Reply

        She’s a typical Long Island gal, feisty !

    4. Leanne June 3, 2018 at 6:42 am - Reply

      What a beautiful morning.

      • CarolV June 3, 2018 at 12:46 pm - Reply

        Hi! Looked good with all the cloud formations blowing by. But a bit chilly for June. At least it’s not raining!

    5. CarolV June 3, 2018 at 5:53 am - Reply

      About 5:30………. INSERT FISH HERE!!!!

      Good Morning !

      • CarolV June 3, 2018 at 6:56 am - Reply

        It seems like we have a pattern. George starts night in nest and Her slips in sometime in the wee hours, in the nest as dawn comes in.

    6. CarolV June 3, 2018 at 3:03 am - Reply

      1:24am……..bedhead

      Sky cleared enough for a little moonlight

    7. Betsy June 2, 2018 at 10:36 pm - Reply

      Not even a half hour later, Missy got up off the eggs, and in being careful not to step on the eggs, moving with her wings raised, the wind caught her wings and almost knocked her off balance. Then she stood at the corner of the nest, begging for a fish from George and joining him in alarming …

      • Betsy June 2, 2018 at 10:37 pm - Reply

        then she flew away and George took over sitting on the eggs …

      • Betsy June 2, 2018 at 10:38 pm - Reply

        Missy flew back to the perch and George flew away and Missy sat on the eggs.

      • Betsy June 2, 2018 at 10:39 pm - Reply

        But, not for long!! 8 minutes later, she high-tailed it up to the perch!!

      • Betsy June 2, 2018 at 10:44 pm - Reply

        George took over as dusk changed to night … and he is still on the nest as I post!!

      • Isabella June 3, 2018 at 3:15 am - Reply

        Wow Betsy & CarolV, thx for all the great pics and storylines to go with them! It was like I didn’t miss a thing!

        • CarolV June 3, 2018 at 12:50 pm - Reply

          YW..I miss so much when I work I like to se lots of pictures when I get home……so I post when I am so others can catch up

        • Betsy June 3, 2018 at 1:06 pm - Reply

          Isabella: You’re welcome!! I was recovering from my ordeal at the upstate house on Friday, just spent Saturday vegging!! Had to get my fill because I’m doing more of upstate thing this week!!

          • Isabella June 4, 2018 at 12:26 am - Reply

            Betsy, hope this week goes well for you!

    8. Betsy June 2, 2018 at 9:24 pm - Reply

      George from the nest …

      • Betsy June 2, 2018 at 9:25 pm - Reply

        and Missy stared for a little while down at the spot where her fish went down …

      • Betsy June 2, 2018 at 9:25 pm - Reply

        Before going back to sit on the eggs, Missy did some wing flapping …

        • CarolV June 3, 2018 at 9:02 am - Reply

          She’s a busy lady! Good mate for industrious George!

      • Betsy June 2, 2018 at 9:26 pm - Reply

        moved a stick …

      • Betsy June 2, 2018 at 9:26 pm - Reply

        did some more wing flapping …

      • Betsy June 2, 2018 at 9:27 pm - Reply

        looked to see if what George had been watching earlier was still happening …

      • Betsy June 2, 2018 at 9:28 pm - Reply

        did more wing flapping …

      • Betsy June 2, 2018 at 9:28 pm - Reply

        moved more wood …

      • Betsy June 2, 2018 at 9:29 pm - Reply

        and then going to …

      • Betsy June 2, 2018 at 9:30 pm - Reply

        not sit, but move the stick she had just put in that spot to another spot …

      • Betsy June 2, 2018 at 9:32 pm - Reply

        and then going to ….

      • Betsy June 2, 2018 at 9:34 pm - Reply

        not sit, but move another piece of wood, a clump of grass, and another piece of wood …

      • Betsy June 2, 2018 at 9:35 pm - Reply

        she didn’t like where this piece of wood was either …

      • Betsy June 2, 2018 at 9:36 pm - Reply

        nor this stick …

      • Betsy June 2, 2018 at 9:38 pm - Reply

        which, after moving it, wasn’t quite right, so she moved it again …

      • Betsy June 2, 2018 at 9:39 pm - Reply

        and yet again …

      • Betsy June 2, 2018 at 9:40 pm - Reply

        only, when she released it, it went over the edge of the nest. Moral: leave well enough alone!!

      • Betsy June 2, 2018 at 9:40 pm - Reply

        and, finally to the eggs!!

    9. CarolV June 2, 2018 at 8:28 pm - Reply

      As the deep purple falls on these sleepy osprey walls………………..

      Her getting ready…..

      • CarolV June 2, 2018 at 8:31 pm - Reply

        ……George came in.

      • CarolV June 2, 2018 at 8:46 pm - Reply

        Maybe I’m borrowing trouble, but I’m concerned that IF any of these eggs hatch, it will already be much hotter than normal hatching time and the sun’s rays stronger. Will the chicks who are not able to regulate temp be able to withstand the heat? I guess that is just one of dozens of questions waiting to be answered……………… and a lot of IFs…………..

        • Betsy June 2, 2018 at 10:59 pm - Reply

          CarolV: That’s a good point!

      • CarolV June 2, 2018 at 8:58 pm - Reply

        zzzz-zzzz-zzzzz

        That feather/fluff has been stuck on his beak for a while…………..

    10. Betsy June 2, 2018 at 7:48 pm - Reply

      George brought Missy a nice partial fish. She grabbed it from him and flew away carrying it in her beak, touching down briefly on a branch that was sticking up before continuing on her way. Oh no!! There goes the fish!! I wrote the other day that it looked like a precarious way to hold it!! But, Missy didn’t read my post!! 😀 😀

      • Betsy June 2, 2018 at 7:50 pm - Reply

        Circled back around, she did, landing back on the nest, complaining to George and looking at his feet to see if he had another fish tucked away!!

    11. Betsy June 2, 2018 at 7:00 pm - Reply

      Shift change. Missy flies away and George sits.

      • Betsy June 2, 2018 at 7:12 pm - Reply

        Less than 20 minutes later, George is done sitting and he flies away and Missy sits.

    12. CarolV June 2, 2018 at 6:40 pm - Reply

      There was another fish delivery about 18:13; again off to the right.

      Her went for the grab

      • CarolV June 2, 2018 at 6:41 pm - Reply

        …….only had a beak grip—- mistake—–

        • CarolV June 2, 2018 at 6:42 pm - Reply

          ……………… and it………….

          • CarolV June 2, 2018 at 6:44 pm - Reply

            drops…………………….

            • CarolV June 2, 2018 at 6:45 pm

              She was right back to nest, telling George the story, showing where it went……….

            • CarolV June 2, 2018 at 6:47 pm

              Out goes our Studmuffin, the gallant osprey. She’s been yapping in the nest since.

            • CarolV June 2, 2018 at 7:16 pm

              OK….maybe I was optimistic. George came back to perch and did some chirping of his own until Her left. Guess he wanted his egg time and too bad, so sad about the fish. He’s been doing some alarming while on the eggies. Too much traffic……………

            • Betsy June 2, 2018 at 11:03 pm

              CarolV: Wheeeee, there it went! Poor Missy … no dinner!!

    13. Betsy June 2, 2018 at 6:21 pm - Reply

      When Missy returned from dinner, George got up from the eggs, walking right in front of the camera to the other side of the nest. Look at him watching what’s going on below. What a busy body!! 😀 Look how beautiful his feathers look!!

      • Betsy June 2, 2018 at 6:22 pm - Reply

        Then, it was up to the perch for him and onto the eggs for her.

        • CarolV June 2, 2018 at 8:33 pm - Reply

          Nice tail feathers!

          • Betsy June 2, 2018 at 11:04 pm - Reply

            CarolV: I love the tail feathers … the color and how they fan!

    14. CarolV June 2, 2018 at 5:53 pm - Reply

      about 3:30pm EDT……….Happy to see Her getting excited by the arrival of afternoon tea. She tripped several times in her hurry to get to the right side…………..

      • CarolV June 2, 2018 at 5:54 pm - Reply

        And away she goes……………..

        • CarolV June 2, 2018 at 5:55 pm - Reply

          George making his careful way to the eggies……………

    15. Betsy June 2, 2018 at 5:50 pm - Reply

      Finally!! George brought Missy a partial fish and away she flew off with it.

      • Betsy June 2, 2018 at 5:50 pm - Reply

        In her excitement to grab the fish from George, she lost her balance a couple of times … I hope she doesn’t drop the fish in her eagerness to eat!!

    16. Betsy June 2, 2018 at 5:15 pm - Reply

      Not to long into her shift, an intruder tried to land on the nest (if it’s Gracie I hate to be calling her an intruder!!) Missy alarmed and then jumped up to chase it away …

      • Betsy June 2, 2018 at 5:16 pm - Reply

        The other osprey (better term!!) flew off …

      • Betsy June 2, 2018 at 5:17 pm - Reply

        and, Missy jumped down to the nest …

      • Betsy June 2, 2018 at 5:29 pm - Reply

        The white feathers against the slate gray sky and water really makes Missy’s legs pop!!

        🎜She’s got legs … 🎝

      • CarolV June 2, 2018 at 8:37 pm - Reply

        She has certainly learned to guard her nest!

    17. Betsy June 2, 2018 at 4:51 pm - Reply

      Missy’s turn to sit on the eggs during the storm

    18. Laura P June 2, 2018 at 4:26 pm - Reply

      Just had to share this pic someone posted of chick #1 on the Hog Island site. Too cute! Can’t wait till we have the same activity. Hopefully by the last week of June, first week of July!

      • SmokyMtnCreatureFan June 3, 2018 at 9:32 am - Reply

        ~Hi there Laura. That picture was taken and then made even more special by Pennalope2. You can see her tiny logo, lower left of the picture, when you open it full size. She is a wonderful and very creative, loving soul that one! And she’s a regular over there at the Hog Island osprey. I pushed her, lovingly, to create, then place her logo on all of her creations bec every one of them are just awesome! I think it respectful when people add the creator’s name to anything they re-post, if it was not ours. I know, people don’t often think about giving credit to the creator when they post others’ pix, etc. elsewhere. I just think it’s a respectful gesture and the right thing to do. =)♥

        ~Happy Sunday to you and to everyone! *waves* =D

    19. Betsy June 2, 2018 at 4:14 pm - Reply

      Lightning bolt

      • Betsy June 2, 2018 at 4:21 pm - Reply

        Horizontal lightning — I wouldn’t want to be out on the water during the lightning storm!!

      • CarolV June 2, 2018 at 8:38 pm - Reply

        Good shots! That horizontal light is scary!

        • Betsy June 2, 2018 at 11:06 pm - Reply

          CarolV: I never saw horizontal lightning on the camera before!!

      • Laura P June 2, 2018 at 8:45 pm - Reply

        cool!!

    20. Betsy June 2, 2018 at 4:13 pm - Reply

      George got an unhelping hand from the wind as he got up …

    21. Betsy June 2, 2018 at 3:18 pm - Reply

      Poor Missy had been broiling in the hot sun for over 3 hours, with, so far today, nothing to eat. Finally George flew in to relieve her, but with no fish in talon, and as the sky got gray and the wind picked up to cool things off …

    22. Betsy June 2, 2018 at 12:35 pm - Reply

      Another intruder alert, with alarming and wing waving by George as Missy races back to the nest. When things have settled down, George jumps up to the perch and Missy takes her place on the eggs. Phew, all this coming and going I’m getting dizzy!! 😀 😀

      • Betsy June 2, 2018 at 12:40 pm - Reply

        Where she continues to sit …

    23. Laura Pluta June 2, 2018 at 12:19 pm - Reply

      Here is another video (Hog Island Maine) of the chick finally freeing himself from the shell.

      • Betsy June 2, 2018 at 3:26 pm - Reply

        Laura P: Wow, that was awesome to watch! Meanwhile, Rachel was fluffing the nest and moving the eggshell, scooping the poor hatchling back into it!! “No, mama, I just got OUT of the shell!” 😀 😀

    24. Helen June 2, 2018 at 11:41 am - Reply

      Her may not be our beloved Gracie but she is a looker!!! I hope George is becoming attached to her. I remember the many pictures of G & G touching beaks and him feeding her and would like to see that with G & her as well. G is so tender and attentive – hopefully her has picked that up as well. Just musing……….and hoping…………

      • Betsy June 2, 2018 at 11:12 pm - Reply

        Helen: Her is pretty!! George and Gracie seemed to have a strong, really special bond. It will probably take time for that to develop between George and Her, if it ever does reach that point.

    25. Betsy June 2, 2018 at 11:31 am - Reply

      Nope, not a fish!! Missy watches George bring seaweed to the nest …

      • Betsy June 2, 2018 at 11:42 am - Reply

        George takes over egg sitting duty and Missy flies off.

      • Betsy June 2, 2018 at 11:47 am - Reply

        George starts alarming and Missy races back to the nest to help

      • Betsy June 2, 2018 at 12:29 pm - Reply

        George does a little more alarming, a little preening, and then goes back ti incubating

    26. Betsy June 2, 2018 at 11:25 am - Reply

      A sparrow flew to its nest within the ospreys’ nest.

      Numerous birds use Osprey nests for breeding, either nesting within the structure of the nest or taking over the nest itself. In the Great Lakes basin, for example, cavity-nesters such as Common Grackle (Quiscalus quiscula), Tree Swallow (Tachycineta bicolor), European Starling (Sturnus vulgaris), and House Sparrow (Passer domesticus) build nests in cavities within Osprey nests; 13 of 90 nests occupied by Ospreys in this region were so colonized by these smaller birds (Ewins 1997). Ospreys generally ignore such commensals, and vice versa. Ewins and Cousineau 1994summarized records of more than 12 species of birds known to nest within Osprey nests or structures supporting them. (https://birdsna.org/Species-Account/bna/species/osprey/behavior)

      see also https://sites.google.com/a/eckerd.edu/ec-osprey-project/general-osprey-information/other-nest-occupants

    27. Laura Pluta June 2, 2018 at 11:06 am - Reply

      Audubon Osprey Nest, Hog Island, Bremen, Maine, USA

      Rachel and Steve of Hog Island Maine welcomed their first chick to the world this morning. I did my best to capture this on my limited web cam app.

      • Betsy June 2, 2018 at 12:44 pm - Reply

        Laura P: The miracle of hatching!! So amazing!!

      • June c June 2, 2018 at 3:02 pm - Reply

        Laura P..Thank you so much for video…watch here and n there..

    28. Betsy June 2, 2018 at 11:00 am - Reply

      George flying back to the perch

    29. Betsy June 2, 2018 at 10:51 am - Reply

      Almost an hour later, George flew back to the perch. He started alarming and

      • Betsy June 2, 2018 at 10:52 am - Reply

        Missy got up to stand at the back corner and joined in the alarming session …

      • Betsy June 2, 2018 at 10:53 am - Reply

        George took off from the perch and flew away …

      • Betsy June 2, 2018 at 10:53 am - Reply

        And Missy went back to sitting on the eggs

    30. Betsy June 2, 2018 at 10:19 am - Reply

      At 7:55:29 hrs, Missy flew in with another stick (maybe it’s Missy making the nest look masculine!! 😀 )

      • Betsy June 2, 2018 at 10:20 am - Reply

        George continued to sit on the eggs a couple of minutes longer before getting up as Missy stood at the front of the nest.

      • Betsy June 2, 2018 at 10:21 am - Reply

        He then stood at the corner of the nest as Missy fussed with things in the nest and made little cries begging George for a fish.

      • Betsy June 2, 2018 at 10:21 am - Reply

        Missy eventually made her way to the eggs to sit.

      • Betsy June 2, 2018 at 10:22 am - Reply

        George stood in the corner for a little longer before flying off.

    31. Betsy June 2, 2018 at 9:51 am - Reply

      A little after Missy jumped up to the perch, George got up the stretch (1). After standing for a bit and looking around as if deciding what to do next (2), George went back to sitting on the eggs (3 &4).

    32. CarolV June 2, 2018 at 9:48 am - Reply

      And the stream was up this a.m. Scrolled back to about 1am and looked good!
      Rahrahrah! Cheers for our fabulous Aidan!

    33. SmokyMtnCreatureFan June 2, 2018 at 9:24 am - Reply

      Hiya Everybirdy! Happy Saturday! Lovely to see all is well here today… A little bit ago, someone flew too close for comfort again… George was above squawking and the new missus got up and off the eggs, to help with the squawking… Intruder flew off to the lower left of our view… I didn’t snap a pic.

      You know, some speculate if this “intruder” might be Gracie. The only good thing about that possibility is the obvious = this would mean Gracie is alive and well which would be wonderful. But also obvious, how sad that possibility is too bec her mate is “otherwise engaged” now with his new GF, mother of their precious eggs. Goodness, I feel so for Gracie IF that is her… We don’t want anything horrid to happen to any of these beautiful osprey or their eggs. ‘Will be interesting to see how all of this plays out.. And I can’t help but wonder IF that is Gracie, trying to get back to both George and her nest, and IF she does not succeed in do doing – yes I wonder what will happen next season? Will Gracie – IF alive and well – come back to this nest, after the next migration to reclaim “her man” and their nesting place? ‘Odds are, IF she is alive and well – that that is exactly what may happen indeed! Time will tell…. =)

      • Meli June 2, 2018 at 1:35 pm - Reply

        Another scenario could be (or could it be?) that Gracie arrived really early when the cam was off. She was waiting for George, who was really late, after some weeks of waiting she found a new man and resides with him at his nest. She laid her eggs and all is good. Then later on George arrives (someone did point a boo boo on George,s chest – reason for his delay), who was then in a situation where he had to find a new woman. And to get back to Gracie for her betrayal, he got the youngest chick he could find (hence the inexperience of our new lady). Now every once in a while when Gracie gets a break from her eggs she comes by George’s family to say “hi”. They are both happy and in love with their new families and they remain friends maybe until next year. 🙂

        • SmokyMtnCreatureFan June 2, 2018 at 4:29 pm - Reply

          ROFLMBOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO I LOVE this story Meli!!!! LOL. Truly I do! You’re a romantic too I see!!! XD (‘Twas I who pointed out his booboo.) Here’s to hoping that whatever is the story out there in their world, that Gracie IS okay and that all will be well for each of these wonderful osprey this season. Thank you for the HUGE chuckle! =)

        • Betsy June 2, 2018 at 7:59 pm - Reply

          Meli: That’s a good story!! I like it!! 🙂

        • Isabella June 3, 2018 at 2:42 am - Reply

          meli, your story does support the soap opera theme.lol

    34. Betsy June 2, 2018 at 9:19 am - Reply

      Shift change. Missy jumped up to the perch (1) and George flew in to sit (2). About 20 minutes later, Missy flew in with a stick for the nest (3). George wasn’t budging off the eggs, so Missy jumped up to the perch.

    35. Betsy June 2, 2018 at 8:51 am - Reply

      George sat for a little more than an hour (1), then he got up and flapped his wings for a good stretch (2), then flew off. And, Missy jumped down from the perch (3) to do egg duty (4 & 5)

    36. Betsy June 2, 2018 at 8:18 am - Reply

      Missy jumped up to the perch (1). Then George took off from the perch (2) to fly out over the water, coming in (3) to land on the front of the nest (4). His turn now to sit on the eggs (5).

    37. Betsy June 2, 2018 at 7:22 am - Reply

      Someone was determinedly flying around the nest this morning

    38. Betsy June 2, 2018 at 6:24 am - Reply

      Pretty in blue and then pretty in gray!

    39. Betsy June 2, 2018 at 6:22 am - Reply

      First, I want to thank CarolV for posting pictures yesterday so I could see what happened during the day. I was upstate at my uncle’s house all day, by myself, trying to sort out what remains in the house — which is still a lot — and by the time I got home I was too exhausted to watch OZ. We hired College Hunks Hauling Junk and last week they hauled away 5 1/2 truckloads of stuff!! Plus, we filled a 16-foot PODS container, which is being transported back to LI. My uncle makes the people on the show “Hoarders” look like amateurs!! And, we’re still battling the contractor (who had bought the house from my uncle in 2013, giving my uncle the right to live there until he died) who has hindered us practically every step of the way. Well, anyway ….

      When I woke up this morning, I scrolled back and then skimmed forward along the scroll bar. Missy took a spin around the nest at around 1:23 am and then resumed sitting on the eggs.

      1. Getting up and stretching
      2. Taking off
      3. Flying past the nest
      4. Landing back on the nest from the perch
      5. She went to the front of the nest before walking back to sit on the eggs

      • Betsy June 2, 2018 at 6:50 am - Reply

        On second look, it was George who was on the nest at 1:23 am and then flew off!! And, then, Missy took over the egg sitting.

      • CarolV June 2, 2018 at 6:01 pm - Reply

        If I’m home, Betsy. I’m posting. Like you. I appreciate seeing what I’ve missed. Sometimes I think I’ve over-posted, but I figure I’d rather see too much than not enough of what I’ve missed, so I think of others who haven’t been able to watch.

        That’s why I appreciate you and others who post. Hate missing out on the excitement everyday! Today looked like a busy day!

        • CarolV June 2, 2018 at 6:05 pm - Reply

          nd I’m glad you were able to clarify overnight moves. I was able to scrollback to about 1:30am and it looked like Her was on the nest but it was so grainy I wasn’t sure…..

          • Betsy June 2, 2018 at 8:02 pm - Reply

            CarolV: In addition to the video being grainy, my eyes were grainy for my first look!! Then I went back and studied the video and realized that it was George on the nest at 1:23!!

    40. Leslie Theis June 2, 2018 at 6:17 am - Reply

      Is it possible that these 3 eggs are viable? Could we actually have babies hatched in this nest? Thanks all.

      • Admin Shelli June 2, 2018 at 12:07 pm - Reply

        Yes, Leslie it’s very possible we will see some chicks 🤗

      • June c June 2, 2018 at 3:06 pm - Reply

        Hi…egg one will not be viable…she never sat on it….eggs 2 & 3 have a chance ….

    41. Leanne June 2, 2018 at 6:16 am - Reply

      Good Morning!

      • Betsy June 2, 2018 at 12:46 pm - Reply

        Leanne: Back at ya!!

        Love the picture!

    42. CarolV June 2, 2018 at 5:30 am - Reply

      So I checked first thing and there Her is on the eggies. I did the 4hr. scrollback. Of course. it’s hard to tell, but it looked more like a restless osprey changing position than an actual exchange. But it doesn’t matter, I guess, as long as the eggies had coverage. Their system seems to be working.

      So off to get ready for work now that the important thing is out of the way. Had yesterday off, if you couldn’t tell from my many posts……. just love these guys!

      HAGD!

      • CarolV June 2, 2018 at 5:57 am - Reply

        Her got up when this osprey flew right then came back left. Stretched and settled back. Must be George as she didn’t alarm

        Seriously, gotta move. HAGD!

        • CarolV June 2, 2018 at 6:04 am - Reply

          There’s the exchange…………… must get those eggies just right!

    43. CarolV June 1, 2018 at 8:54 pm - Reply

      WAIT1111 What to my wondering eyes should appear??? No, not 8 tiny reindeer…………

      Was just about to shut down when I realized that is Her on the nest! Figured she was done when she left with snack. Dare we hope?

      • CarolV June 1, 2018 at 8:56 pm - Reply

        See George flew out a few minutes before then flew around and up to perch………….

        • CarolV June 1, 2018 at 8:57 pm - Reply

          .and Her came in to settle on eggies.

          • CarolV June 1, 2018 at 9:08 pm - Reply

            Welllllllllllllllllll………She lasted till 20:44. Flew to perch, displacing George.
            Here comes Daddy to his eggies………

    44. Isabella June 1, 2018 at 8:30 pm - Reply

      Before we get rock & rolling here, was wondering what other nest y’all watch? My top five are ospreyzone, hog island, Chesapeake bay on tap, Belwood, & Boulder County.

      • CarolV June 2, 2018 at 5:46 am - Reply

        Hi, Isabella………..I check in on those, except Belwood. Will have to look in there. Also check in to Savannah and Pioneer Lumber, which has an unusual set-up.
        Also, Achievia and Pinkshell. But OZ is my addiction. First I ever watched and a LI nest.

        • Isabella June 3, 2018 at 3:06 am - Reply

          Being on LI,you drive around & see these huge nest.sometimes you could spot an osprey flying or peeking over the nest. Then I saw an article in news day about ospreyzone. How cool was it to be able to view what I couldn’t see from below! Been watching ever since. Was led to watching other nest by people’s post yes,pioneer log is cool with that crane! Checked on it early in the season. Didn’t look promising Belwood is the one that the male was widowed.raised two chicks on his own.only to be taken by GHO.

      • nfc June 2, 2018 at 10:15 am - Reply

        Isabella— this is the first nest I watched on the computer. I have looked at other cams when I heard about them. I do check Hog Island, Chesapeake, Belwood, and Boulder. I also watch the eagles— starting with SWFEC . Whenever someone mentions a new nest, I check it out. I know this is going to be an interesting one. Each year with the new hatches is different in all nests.

    45. CarolV June 1, 2018 at 8:29 pm - Reply

      @19:11, Twinkle Toes went to perch ……………

      • CarolV June 1, 2018 at 8:29 pm - Reply

        .she was back in minutes.

        • CarolV June 1, 2018 at 8:30 pm - Reply

          coming back…

          • CarolV June 1, 2018 at 8:31 pm - Reply

            @19:57—– George, what did you bring me?

            • CarolV June 1, 2018 at 8:33 pm

              Hard to see, but George had fish for Her. She flew out at the right.

            • CarolV June 1, 2018 at 8:35 pm

              George brushes his beak before settling in………..

            • CarolV June 1, 2018 at 8:43 pm

              Temps over night mid 60s; starting to warm about sunrise, to top out mid to high 70s. Possible t-storm late day. Dropping back to mid 50s tomorrow night.

              Wishing everyone a great weekend!

    46. Trinity June 1, 2018 at 6:56 pm - Reply

      I sincerely hope the intruder isn’t Gracie, there’s been enough drama at this nest already. “ Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned. “

    47. CarolV June 1, 2018 at 6:07 pm - Reply

      The fog rolls in again……………….

      The sparrow neighbors at the nest were making a racket. My awning sparrows have been putting on a show. Definitely mating time again, as current brood must be almost ready to fledge. There’s such a pack of them hanging around, it’s hard to tell if the kids are launched! And the female does a little flutter dance to entice her mate, which at first I thought was a young one begging for food…. ok-was way wrong there!
      Today, a big commotion had me checking outside and it appeared 2 males were fighting. It was as if one bird was holding the other by its beak and jerking it around.! Thought it was a food fight but no….. other sparrows stood around them, chittering and chirping! It was quite the to-do!

      • CarolV June 1, 2018 at 6:09 pm - Reply

        Some things stick in your mind– fog always reminds me of this—-

        • KathleenB June 2, 2018 at 6:30 am - Reply

          Always! I thought of it immediately when I saw the first two words in your previous post.I printed a tiny copy (just the words – yours with the background is pretty – time for an upgrade) and taped it on my office bulletin board frame quite a while ago because I’d think of it at the first sight or mention of fog and could never remember…is it “comes” in, “rolls in “creeps” in…? Wine may get better with time, other things, not so much! Talk about fog!

    48. CarolV June 1, 2018 at 4:36 pm - Reply

      @16:24- “WOW! Is that my dinner?????”

      • CarolV June 1, 2018 at 4:40 pm - Reply

        Barely waited for him to touch down and she had the fish and out! Hungry much???

        • CarolV June 1, 2018 at 4:44 pm - Reply

          Carefully positioning himself on eggies

          • CarolV June 1, 2018 at 5:04 pm - Reply

            Back by 16:50.even a bit earlier. I could hear her on the perch.

            • CarolV June 1, 2018 at 5:08 pm

              George must have circled back to the perch, as here he launches out from above her.
              It didn’t seem she had much time to eat that fish. She grabbed and flew so quickly, I hope she didn’t lose it…………………..

    49. CarolV June 1, 2018 at 3:34 pm - Reply

      Can you see? Her has gotten much better at her approach to the eggies……. her toes are curled under and she is gentler about waddling in………..

    50. CarolV June 1, 2018 at 2:20 pm - Reply

      I need a scorecard! Seems like each time I check, they’ve switched!

      Her going…………

      • CarolV June 1, 2018 at 2:22 pm - Reply

        George back…………………

        I haven’t seen a fish yet…weather issues? Or do you think she may catch her own?

        • CarolV June 1, 2018 at 3:09 pm - Reply

          And again, Her’s back………..
          About 3 now and she.s chirping..hungry???

    51. CarolV June 1, 2018 at 1:36 pm - Reply

      @12:43- Her gets up, spotting her man at a distance………….

      • CarolV June 1, 2018 at 1:37 pm - Reply

        Looking soggy, she can use a break…………

        • CarolV June 1, 2018 at 1:38 pm - Reply

          ……..outta here…………….

          • CarolV June 1, 2018 at 1:39 pm - Reply

            Eye on the prize, Daddy G steps in……….

            • CarolV June 1, 2018 at 1:40 pm

              ……and hooks himself in to place

            • CarolV June 1, 2018 at 1:46 pm

              Her wasn’t gone too long…………. I could see her feathers and beak off to the right but could catch a snap..she was there a minute or too before moving in to view. George seemed to be reluctant to leave.

            • CarolV June 1, 2018 at 1:53 pm

              The weather seems to be improving…… rain letting up; sky lighter; and Steve, my forecaster cat, is out from behind the tv………not a fan of rain

            • Isabella June 1, 2018 at 7:59 pm

              Love your caption!

    52. CarolV June 1, 2018 at 12:09 pm - Reply

      George’s turn is over…………

    53. PattyK June 1, 2018 at 11:58 am - Reply

      Returned a few days ago from a cruise to find OZ up and running! Thank you OZ team! Been scrolling and scrolling, trying to catch up with all the news and pics and am so saddened about our Gracie. Hopefully the new Lady will be a good mom and a good partner for stud muffin George. Okay,dear OZ family, wonderful to see you all again, running now for another box of tissues………xoxo

      • CarolV June 1, 2018 at 2:09 pm - Reply

        PattyK- Kleenex stock must have risen with all our tears! We were all shocked and saddened by Gracie’s absence.

        As always, the drama will continue………. late season eggs – each one a surprise! Will they hatch, won’t they hatch……….. obviously first time mother; how will she cope?
        And if any chicks fledge, will they be strong enough to migrate?

        I think she has done a good job, learning as she goes…. George has really stepped up to fill in where she lacks………. This has been a real learning experience!!!!! For us, I mean! Very interesting!

        As you may have read, she has not been named. Suggestions have been made and I believe site owners have been given the choice of naming her. So we will see soon how that will go. In the meantime, many nicknames

        So stay tuned; this season is gonna be a hell of a ride! Good to see you here……….. oh, yeah, camera issues.Admin Shelli and tech wizard Aidan are on the job !

        • PattyK June 2, 2018 at 10:25 am - Reply

          Thanks so much for the reply CarolV, been scrolling back to catch up and it looks like George is really egg sitting alot. Haven’t seen many fish come to the nest, wondering if Her gets her own meals…yes, it will be another interesting OZ adventure this season….thank you, Betsy and the tech team for keeping us in the 2018 OZ groove! xoxo

    54. SmokyMtnCreatureFan June 1, 2018 at 11:55 am - Reply

      Hello Everyone – Happy Friday and Happy 1st day of June. Great eye there Betsy — awesome detective work! You might be on to something, bec it sure LOOKED like Gracie… As others mentioned, it might be just like the Hanover eagles’ story… If it is Gracie, oh my goodness, my heart aches for her, as it does for you regulars here… And, IF that was her – how wonderful to know she is alive and seemingly okay…. And yet, horrifying for her, due the obvious…

      ‘Will be interesting to keep watching and see how this all plays out… When the Hanover eagles suffered a new female’s take over, she destroyed one egg via consuming it, stomped on the other egg – IF memory serves me correctly, and the loyal male kept sitting on the third egg… The last egg turned out to be non-viable – left alone for too long? Not sure… But geez, anything can happen out there – just like in our own lives…

      Hope everyone enjoys a good day today and a wonderful weekend ahead. ‘Hope also that nice weather returns soon for these osprey. =)♥

      • Betsy June 1, 2018 at 6:59 pm - Reply

        SmokyMtnCreatureFan: That’s a sad story!!

        • SmokyMtnCreatureFan June 2, 2018 at 9:10 am - Reply

          Hi Betsy – yes many the regulars over there had a very hard time with all the sad drama that went on. I was sharing about the eggs in response to some here wondering what a female will do if she takes over a nest with another female’s eggs…. Just nature to remove all traces of first female as part of the takeover… The good news over there though is that the original female did return and the original eagle couple reunited. =) Just another reminder that we never, ever know what may happen.

          So no one knows what happened to Gracie out there… she may be gone forever… She may have been slightly injured but is okay…. That may be her who is trying to get back to her nest and her mate… We just don’t know…. It will be interesting to see what goes on here this season AND what will happen next season! Will Gracie come back to this nest, IF she is alive and well – after they return from migrating? We don’t know… And IF Gracie is out there, pining for her nest and mate George, oh how sad is that?

          And now here we are with this new female, they have three precious eggs and so we pine for Gracie, and yet? want the best for this new family too! IF Gracie is out there, trying to get back here – too bad they wouldn’t all live together, lol. We’ve seen this with the bald eagle trio at The Fulton Nest and in researching this – just Google three adult birds in one nest – it can and does happen in all kinds of different birds! Sometimes it is two males and a female, other nests it’s two females and a male. VERY interesting indeed! =)

          All I know is to take it all one moment at a time, hoping for the best for all the creatures, no matter what….

    55. CarolV June 1, 2018 at 10:04 am - Reply

      There’s a plastic loop (looks like ) on the left edge of nest. Hope that gets knocked out. Maybe overly cautious, but possibly dangerous…………….

    56. CarolV June 1, 2018 at 9:52 am - Reply

      See Aidan got right on it!!!! Thank you, Aidan!!!!!

      It’s raining AND foggy! SIGH………………….

      • CarolV June 1, 2018 at 10:10 am - Reply

        10:06- Time for a quick stretch……………….

        Doesn’t look like the rain is there…….it is raining here on the South Fork…….

        • CarolV June 1, 2018 at 10:18 am - Reply

          and the picture…………..

          • CarolV June 1, 2018 at 10:21 am - Reply

            The rain just got there…… might not show in shot..looks like tiny fireflies on live

            • CarolV June 1, 2018 at 11:04 am

              Forgetting pictures seems to be my thing today!

              This is a later shot, with a little pool of water on her lower back. She got up right after this to go………

            • CarolV June 1, 2018 at 11:05 am

              Daddy’s home!

    57. CarolV June 1, 2018 at 7:55 am - Reply

      GM to everyone!!! …………..The stream is on but not up to time . Looks like picture changed from blue screen about 00:15 this morn. All I could tell was someone was up and pacing a couple of times. It’s a fluffed up someone. And it looks foggy. But shows 03:57 so guess we have the 4 hr. rerun going on. Better than that blue screen!

      Hopefully Aidan can work his magic again………… keeping him busy, too, this year! Thank yous going out to Admin Shelli and Aidan for getting us up and running…

      • CarolV June 1, 2018 at 8:15 am - Reply

        At one point it looked like there may have been an exchange but it would be total guess on my part. All fluffed up birds look alike in the dark to me!

    58. Betsy May 31, 2018 at 11:03 pm - Reply

      George landing on nest from earlier today.

    59. Betsy May 31, 2018 at 10:53 pm - Reply

      George’s turn to have something stuck on his beak

      • Betsy May 31, 2018 at 11:03 pm - Reply

        All better!!

        • CarolV June 1, 2018 at 4:38 pm - Reply

          You catch all the fun bits! TY!

          • Betsy June 1, 2018 at 7:01 pm - Reply

            CarolV: 😀 😀

            I need fun today — I was upstate in my ongoing nightmare!!

      • Isabella May 31, 2018 at 11:29 pm - Reply

        Sharing in his mates hobby!

    60. Betsy May 31, 2018 at 10:18 pm - Reply

      Admin Shelli: Unfortunately, whatever Aidan tried didn’t work. Camera went down at 21:09:07 hrs. 🙁 At least it’s at night!!

    61. Marlene May 31, 2018 at 10:10 pm - Reply

      HI, Betsy, love that shot of George fast asleep. So cute! That’s a first. Thanks for posting pictures, everyone. I’ve been checking in now and then, and the pictures and your notes help fill in the gaps.

    62. CarolV May 31, 2018 at 9:33 pm - Reply

      Camera down again……….Blue screen about 21:09…………….. The sun goes down and so does the camera…………..

    63. Betsy May 31, 2018 at 9:27 pm - Reply

      Oh, no!! It happened again!! Like last evening, the tip of Missy’s beak got stuck in something — it took a full 20 seconds for her to get it off!!

      🎜 Oops, I did it again 🎝 …

      • Isabella May 31, 2018 at 11:20 pm - Reply

        Poor thing! Now we have brittney spears(oops I did it again)

      • CarolV June 1, 2018 at 8:10 am - Reply

        There seems to be some complications with George’s modern cabin décor! Not beak-friendly…………

        • Isabella June 1, 2018 at 3:22 pm - Reply

          Yes,his “man cave” has too much wood! Needs more soft stuff. Maybe she would be more willing to stay the night if he put a feminine touch! Lol. P.s. would have loved to see him bring in that huge hunk of wood on the left!

    64. Betsy May 31, 2018 at 8:58 pm - Reply

      I love the look of tail feathers when they get splayed when someone jumps down from the perch right in front of the camera.

      Missy jumping down from perch.

    65. CarolV May 31, 2018 at 8:52 pm - Reply

      One of the best parts of an overcast day is watching the cloud formations!

      And the pretty birdie in front………….

    66. CarolV May 31, 2018 at 8:44 pm - Reply

      Her gets a good dinner. Wonder if she’ll relieve George on the nest as a thank you?????

      • Betsy May 31, 2018 at 10:16 pm - Reply

        CarolV: Not tonight!! I guess this is the pattern now … George gets really the late shift!!

    67. Trinity May 31, 2018 at 8:37 pm - Reply

      George’s interior decorating skills are really evolving, this nest has a decisively masculine look so far.

      • Betsy May 31, 2018 at 9:44 pm - Reply

        Trinity: It does, doesn’t it? 😀

      • CarolV June 1, 2018 at 10:53 am - Reply

        His inner architect is designing a cabin

    68. Betsy May 31, 2018 at 5:40 pm - Reply

      George flies off and Missy takes over.

    69. Betsy May 31, 2018 at 4:54 pm - Reply

      George had been on the nest for almost 1 1/2 hrs at this point, since he brought Missy a fish at 13:12:10 hrs and she flew off to eat it, nodding off off and on; but this time he fell asleep with his head completely back. So cute!

      • RobininMD May 31, 2018 at 8:16 pm - Reply

        Oh that’s too cute! Thanks Betsy

        • Betsy May 31, 2018 at 9:30 pm - Reply

          RobininMD: You’re welcome! No matter what George always seems to be cute!!

      • helen May 31, 2018 at 9:38 pm - Reply

        wonderful picture Betsy – thanks for sharing. Helen

        • Betsy May 31, 2018 at 10:20 pm - Reply

          helen: You’re welcome!

      • ChrisH June 1, 2018 at 9:44 am - Reply

        That’s definitely an “awwww” shot – love it!

      • June c June 2, 2018 at 3:12 pm - Reply

        This is a great picture…agree with ChrisH…”awww” moment…

    70. Betsy May 31, 2018 at 1:45 pm - Reply

      I’m so anxious to read what anyone else thinks (re: my 11:32 am post below) that I have ants in my pants!! So, I’m re-posting it!!

      The top picture is the wing of the intruder who first try to land on the perch today before being chased away by Missy.

      The middle picture is a cropped area taken from the bottom picture (from 2017).

      The bottom picture is from 2017 and in the left lower corner of the picture is Gracie flying from the nest with a fish George had just brought her.

    71. Betsy May 31, 2018 at 1:31 pm - Reply

      I’m so anxious to read what anyone else thinks (re: my 11:32 am post) I almost forgot to post this:

      2018 STATS (Updated)

      Egg #1 laid on 05/23/2018 @ 12:04:41 hrs
      Egg #2 laid on 05/26/2018 @ 07:11:23 hrs
      Egg #3 laid on 05/29/2018 @ time unknown (camera was down between 05/28/2018 at 21:08:24 hrs
      and 05/29/2018 at 09:38:55 hrs – egg first seen 05/29/2018 at around 10:11:38 hrs)

      Gracie:
      Not seen at nest since camera came back online on 05/22/2018; fate unknown

      George:
      First seen 👀 at nest: 05/22/2018 when camera came back online

      Female (name to be determined):
      First seen 👀 at nest: 05/22/2018 when camera came back online

    72. Laura P May 31, 2018 at 12:50 pm - Reply

      “I’ve got my eye on you”!

      • Betsy May 31, 2018 at 1:24 pm - Reply

        Laura P: She looks so peaceful and so pretty!

      • Meli May 31, 2018 at 1:56 pm - Reply

        I love this face!

    73. Betsy May 31, 2018 at 12:36 pm - Reply

      Admin Shelli: Since the camera view is changed back to the original view, would you please ask Aidan if he would be able to put the sponsorship ribbon back on the bottom?

      • Betsy May 31, 2018 at 12:38 pm - Reply

        Admin Shelli: Never mind, I see the view changed back again!!

    74. Betsy May 31, 2018 at 10:57 am - Reply

      I thought it was a quiet day at the nest, but as I skimmed along the scrollbar viewing the thumbnails to see if there was any excitement happening, there was, just before 10:03 am. Missy was sitting on the eggs when an intruder apparently tried to land on the perch.

      Pictures 1 to 3 are Missy leaping up at the intruder.
      Picture 4 is the intruder flying passed.
      Picture 5 is Missy chasing after the intruder.

      • Betsy May 31, 2018 at 11:19 am - Reply

        Then, when all was said and done, the chase was over and Missy had flown back to the nest, George flew in for a rendezvous!!

        • Trinity May 31, 2018 at 8:33 pm - Reply

          George is certainly frisky this year 😀

      • Betsy May 31, 2018 at 11:32 am - Reply

        Now, I don’t want to get anyone’s hopes up and I know there are feather coloration variations among osprey and there’s no 100% way to verify this without the intruder directly landing on the nest, but notice the wing in picture #4 above as the intruder flies by. And the 1st picture below is from 5/27/2018, when Missy chased after an intruder — see the light feathers on the wing of the bottom bird, the intruder in the picture … Remember how Gracie was mottled, her feathers a patchy mix of light and dark and she had very visible white in her wing feathers when she would fly off (2nd picture below, from 5/4/2017, Gracie flying away from nest, L lower corner). Maybe wishful thinking …

        • Meli May 31, 2018 at 1:54 pm - Reply

          I wonder what would happen to the eggs if she (Gracie) showed up now? Which will probably not happen… but if…. curious in a scenario like this, what do ospreys do?

          • Admin Shelli May 31, 2018 at 6:06 pm - Reply

            Well, she would be seen as an intruder at this point and the new female would try and defend her nest/eggs. However, if Gracie won the battle and ran the new female off I’m not sure what would happen to the eggs.

            I Have seen males destroy and kick out the eggs of another male but I don’t think we’ve seen what happens when a female takes over a nest with eggs in it.

            It would would be interesting for sure.

        • RobininMD May 31, 2018 at 8:27 pm - Reply

          Could be Betsy, could be… everyone thought the Hanover female eagle was dead too – but then made a reappearance on the cam this year. I don’t follow that nest but heard about the drama – as the 2 females were fighting over territory. Everyone is learning more about raptor habits by watching these cams. And it is most fascinating.

          • Betsy May 31, 2018 at 9:43 pm - Reply

            RobininMD: Wow, that’s really something!! As much as I love Gracie and want desperately for her to be okay, I couldn’t imagine, now, after we’ve been watching the new female and getting to know her and with 3 eggs in the nest, having to witness something like that. It would certainly be devastating all around.

            • ChrisH June 1, 2018 at 9:47 am

              I agree, but on the other hand I hate to think of Gracie being chased off her own nest if it is her.

            • Betsy June 1, 2018 at 7:07 pm

              ChrisH: I agree. If it is Gracie, there are no winners here.

        • Leesa Downs June 3, 2018 at 3:53 pm - Reply

          Betsy, I sure hope it is Gracie. I can’t get my mind off of her at all. Yes, it would be devastating for her to be run off from her own nest and from George. However I sure would like to know that she is alive and well, as I know we all would. I haven’t been on the site all week as we’ve had out of town guests in for birthday celebrations, so I was very surprised to see what all has been going on! And thrilled at the eggs. Just praying they will be ok. Thank you and all of the others who do such a great job of keeping us posted on the daily events. It really helps when we aren’t able to get on as often as we would like to. I’ve been thinking of writing a poem for our sweet Gracie, but I may hold off awhile and see if we have any new developments.

    75. Admin Shelli May 31, 2018 at 10:36 am - Reply

      The cam is back up! Yay!

      We are testing a new streaming software program to see if this will fix the cam issue.
      Hopefully this will work and we won’t crash every night.

      We are also looking into the comment posting issue.
      Thanks so much for your patience everyone 🤗

      • Betsy May 31, 2018 at 11:17 am - Reply

        Admin Shelli: Thanks for the update!

      • CarolV May 31, 2018 at 11:20 am - Reply

        Ty Shelli. We are a needy group this year!

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