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An Intro to OspreyZone

The Story of DDT

Osprey Rescue

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Bald Eagles Visit Nest

Ospreyzone Highlights: May 21-29, 2020

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First Sighting

George and Gracie's First Baby

Eggs Over Easy

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Breakfast is Served

Upgrading

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First Love

Let's Hang Out

Hard to Get

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Intruder

Dinner is Served

OspreyZone Montage

OspreyZone Highlights: George Returns

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Belle’s Journey

Written by Dr. Rob Bierregaard & Illustrated by Kate Garchinsky

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

Click HERE for more information!

IMPORTANT: Messages from osprey experts

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

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

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

Hello Paul,

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

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

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

Best wishes, and good luck,

John W. Fitzpatrick

Director, Cornell Lab of Ornithology

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

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

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

charles.

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

Paul,

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

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

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

    Leave A Comment

    52,587 Comments

    1. Chloe July 18, 2015 at 6:22 pm - Reply

      WOW! That nest looks as if it needs a little clean up to it!

    2. Leanne July 18, 2015 at 6:00 pm - Reply

      I’m so proud to have been able to get to know these great birds. Especially Gracie. The way she has taken such great care of these 2 babies is admirable for sure. I know a few humans who could learn from her and from George too.

    3. Carol July 18, 2015 at 5:53 pm - Reply

      I just watched the video about releasing the Conservancy chick from fishline and it was interesting. My one observation is the difference in the height of the nests. The height of the radio tower is the biggest deterrent to intervention, I would think, no matter what decisions are made about these nestlings.

      • Karen July 18, 2015 at 6:31 pm - Reply

        Very definitely! Much easier when you can just pull out your ladder and climb right up.
        By the way, the expert from the Chesapeake Conservancy went up the ladder yesterday to collect the 2 foster chicks, Montana and Maine, and bring them down to be banded. All went well and they were returned quickly to the nest.

    4. Mitchell July 18, 2015 at 5:41 pm - Reply

      Is the fishing better early?

      • Carol July 18, 2015 at 7:12 pm - Reply

        I think in general George has been most consistent in bringing home fish early in the morning. Then everyday has been a different story. Seems today has been a winner!

    5. Carol July 18, 2015 at 5:39 pm - Reply

      Got home and did a scroll back…saw that about 2:00pm EDT there was about 1/2 fish there in the nest. When Gracie flew in and started picking at it the chicks were mildly interested.
      When George flew in about 2:00 with 1/2 fish, he seemed to be saying “Where’s the love?”” because they barely acknowledged him, Gracie took each opportunity; through the afternoon, to feed whoever happened to wake up with the two partial fish that were there.
      Yes, I’m also addicted to this site. It has also gotten me checking out other sites, but I like the way this is set up the best. George outdid himself today and it was fantastic to see everyone well fed and no fighting between the chicks. I’m sorry I missed the big tug of war or whatever that was today. Hopefully it will be considered for a highlight video!
      I too would like to thank everyone associated with making this site so great, from those who set up the nest to everyone who moderates comments, sets up the highlights, shares information and posts their messages.

      • KarenH July 18, 2015 at 7:21 pm - Reply

        I too check other sites when mentioned by others but, just like you I am addicted, loyal and love this site the most.

      • Bobbie July 19, 2015 at 12:02 am - Reply

        Well said, Carol. It is the best osprey website that I have seen. Much appreciated, Paul & Tom

    6. ja July 18, 2015 at 4:47 pm - Reply

      awwwwwe poor gracie …the kids r growin up lol alittle spray tan in the face lol

    7. gamma July 18, 2015 at 4:11 pm - Reply

      I want to thank everyone who answered yesterday and who have been posting today giving the time zone wherever you are. It makes going back to catch an event easier. Today looks like a better day for this family. They even have fish left over for snacking. 1:11 PDT

    8. Leanne July 18, 2015 at 3:13 pm - Reply

      I’m glad George was able to provide so many fish for the nest earlier because there seems to be a lot of boats in the area right now.

    9. Gamma July 18, 2015 at 2:48 pm - Reply

      Looks like the male is becoming a better fisherbird. We can only hope the female becomes a better nestkeeper :))

    10. megan July 18, 2015 at 2:33 pm - Reply

      ha. Gracie still has a fish, George comes in with another. I’ve lost count of fish today. It’s like a Oprah Give-Away Day. YOU GET A FISH, AND YOU GET A FISH. AND YOU GET A FISH. FISH FOR EVERYONE!

      http://i.minus.com/icNYfg.gif

    11. Trinity July 18, 2015 at 2:28 pm - Reply

      It’s another George Appreciation Day ! Way to go ! Gracie is a feisty little lady, chick #1 takes after her ?

    12. JB July 18, 2015 at 2:21 pm - Reply

      Yet another fish. 1:20 PM CST, 2:20 PM EST

    13. JB July 18, 2015 at 2:06 pm - Reply

      Real-Housewives? As opposed to fake? America’s next top model? Spoiled waste. The bachelor? How to help a man become even more arrogant?

      Whatever your reality TV show of affection may be, there is little doubt that the living families of wildlife are the next great TV show. Even after they become rich, the papparazi has a hard time following them, and what does a new boob or nose job look like on an Osprey anyway?

    14. MarilynJ July 18, 2015 at 2:00 pm - Reply

      Regarding the materials in the nest, I remember, from watching other osprey nests, that larger branches and wood are usually brought to the nest, at this time, to encourage the chicks to practice standing on branches and balancing. Just a small bit of info. Looks like a happy tummy filled day.

    15. JB July 18, 2015 at 1:57 pm - Reply

      Grace has become an Osprey Jewish mother. “Eat foist, then talk.”

    16. JB July 18, 2015 at 1:01 pm - Reply

      11:59 CST, 12:59 EST, check out the chick chomping down on the fish and actually biting off a piece while Grace holds it down.

      • Coleen July 18, 2015 at 1:47 pm - Reply

        I have never seen a nest with so much variety in it. It is a mess. The windshield wiper blade takes the cake.

    17. JB July 18, 2015 at 12:55 pm - Reply

      This is unbelievable. Yet another fish delivered at approximately 11:50 CST, 12:50 EST.

    18. Rjoneal July 18, 2015 at 11:51 am - Reply

      11:30 Saturday George brings in a fish with the head on and is insisting he is going to get his part Gracie and George fight of the fish several times Gracie trying to hold back finally after he get several packs and he decides to feed her a couple bites hoping he’ll back off no such luck he is determined I was on the edge of my seat thinking George was going to knock one of them babies right out of the nest they were fighting so over that fish Gracie trying to tell George go get more this one fish is not enough but he just don’t get the hint He obviously is very hungry and didn’t get his fill his morning because he will not leave till he gets the head off that fish . One of the babies kept packing at the fish to help himself

    19. Karen July 18, 2015 at 11:51 am - Reply

      Gracie rules that nest! 11:45 and the battle over the latest fish continues. This must be number 5, George wants it for himself but Gracie isn’t letting go. The kids are full so she’s agreed to feed some to George.
      Hold onto that fish! Let George go catch another.

    20. GinaM July 18, 2015 at 11:41 am - Reply

      ANOTHER one at 11:20. Way to go George!!

    21. Patty July 18, 2015 at 11:38 am - Reply

      George brought home a nice size headless, Gracie grabbed it and just hovered over it. Kiddies already had their fill from last feeding, not going near it. George does some housekeeping for a while, then approaches Gracie and the coveted fish.. No sirreeee says Gracie and they had a tug of war! Hysterical! Gracie won! Saving it for the kiddies for later- Gotta love this site!

      • Patty July 18, 2015 at 11:45 am - Reply

        George must be hungry; he’s trying again to take the fish or at least tear off some food, wow, Gracie will Not let go….now she is feeding him! 11;43 EDT

    22. Bonnie July 18, 2015 at 11:35 am - Reply

      OH NO ! Looks like Gracie and George are starting to get those “critters” on them again. Some on the floor also. Sure hope the babies don’t get them.

    23. Diane S July 18, 2015 at 11:27 am - Reply

      I’ve lost count, maybe 5 or 6 fish before noon. Kid’s are essentially ignoring the last catch, they’re full!

    24. gigi July 18, 2015 at 11:23 am - Reply

      another big fish at 11:23, way to go George, plenty to eat today

    25. JB July 18, 2015 at 11:23 am - Reply

      Yet another fish!! 10:22 AM CST

    26. JB July 18, 2015 at 10:36 am - Reply

      Finally a little rain. Hopefully some of that crusty poop will get washed off the camera window.

    27. GinaM July 18, 2015 at 10:25 am - Reply

      Gigantic, flapping fish provided by George about 10:00. Stuck on his talons, he and Gracie had a little tug-of-war to get the thing off of him. Last I looked, Gracie was feeding both babies AND George.

    28. gigi July 18, 2015 at 10:25 am - Reply

      nice big fish at 10;00, all enjoying before rain comes through

    29. sallyanne July 18, 2015 at 10:23 am - Reply

      I do not have the exact time; @ 10AM sat. July 18th
      What a dramatic moment when George swooped in with a HUGE fish, still flopping!! At one point, he and Gracie struggled to transfer/hold on to it.Gracie even had her beak into it, I believe. Then, both George and Gracie rose into the air for the transfer. WOW

      For a minute after, it appeared to me that George was tangled in the nest. Very scary to think if that turned out to be the case. Later he flew off majestically, leaving everyone with a big mid morning feast.
      So happy and relieved to see that the chicks are getting a good supply of food today.
      Good work, George

    30. JB July 18, 2015 at 10:21 am - Reply

      George is working to make a couple of obese kids today. How many fish so far? Five? Six? That’s the most I’ve seen him bring in a day. How much is Osprey kid going for on the open market by gram?

    31. Leanne July 18, 2015 at 10:12 am - Reply

      George delivered a very fresh, good sized fish a few minutes ago. It was very much alive when he delivered it and I think Gracie was having a bit of an issue holding it down. George hung back and helped her hold it is what I initially thought. Now, I think he may be caught on something in the nest because it has appeared to me, a few times, that he has tried to fly away and cant. Lets hope he’s ok

      • Leanne July 18, 2015 at 10:15 am - Reply

        He’s ok 🙂

    32. Diane S July 18, 2015 at 9:52 am - Reply

      A line of storms coming through, maybe the lens will finally get cleaned off!!!

      • Renee July 18, 2015 at 11:57 am - Reply

        I have never thanked you Paul for bringing this site to me and all who are a part of it. I was unable to deal with the ” drama ” in the nest; however, I continually check your site and hope all thrive and eventually set off for their winter homes. Because of this site, I started to explore others and have learned so much about these incredible creatures. I am now a member of a wildlife and research organization and this is because of this site. Thank you again for all of your efforts. I can’t imagine all the time and dedication involved !

    33. Leanne July 18, 2015 at 9:34 am - Reply

      A very small fish approximately 8 minutes ago.

      • Leanne July 18, 2015 at 9:36 am - Reply

        more like 15 mins. ago

    34. Rjoneal July 18, 2015 at 9:34 am - Reply

      Everyone JB mentioned it was #1 babies 5 wk B-Day the other day. Here’s a little info on the ospreys. Noticed the # of fish , if the fish is accessible.
      The male is the sole provider for the family during the month of incubation and the subsequent month, when the growing chicks demand more than six fish per day. If food is abundant, two out of three chicks are usually able to fly after seven to nine weeks of constant parental care. Predation on eggs and young birds by crows, ravens, owls, gulls, and raccoons does not usually happen unless human activity has disturbed the parents.
      According to the most recent estimates, about half of young Ospreys die in the first year; the mortality rate in subsequent years is between 16 and 19 percent. Available banding data (20 000 individuals have been banded in the last 60 years), indicates that Ospreys can live for 15 to 20 years; however, some individuals have lived much longer. The longevity record for the species is held by a banded bird that died, probably from a bullet, at age 35. Unfortunately, we don’t know whether this individual had bred every year up to its death.
      Here’s hoping that Grace and George’s babies will return and survive how exciting that will be to watch next year if we see them .

      • Karen July 18, 2015 at 10:46 am - Reply

        There was one day that George delivered 7 fish which I’m sure was the record. That was certainly the only day they weren’t all starving.

    35. Susann Gillaspy July 18, 2015 at 8:44 am - Reply

      I was wondering if you will be banding george and gracie’s baby’s?

      • ospreyzone July 18, 2015 at 10:01 am - Reply

        Don’t know, there seems to be some mixed feelings about that.

        • JB July 18, 2015 at 11:06 am - Reply

          Do you mean the mixed feelings belong to those posting here, a radical left-wing animal group, or just the feelings of you and your family?

          • ospreyzone July 18, 2015 at 6:29 pm - Reply

            I mean that I’ve read somewhere that some believe banding might have certain negative aspects. It is tempting to consider tracking transmitters, don’t really know much about them, I’ll have to do some digging and get back to you.

    36. June B July 18, 2015 at 8:37 am - Reply

      Wow. I was watching the nest and in the background I see George swoop down into the water and sure enough just came to the nest with a fish. Beautiful to watch.

    37. Jessica July 18, 2015 at 7:50 am - Reply

      Just wondering if the osplets have been named yet?

    38. ray July 18, 2015 at 7:14 am - Reply

      A fairly good size fish was delivered at 7amEST.

    39. Rose Petejan July 18, 2015 at 7:12 am - Reply

      Looks like George may have brought in a 3rd fish this morning. Looked like headless and larger than the first 2. Maybe there will be some left over for Gracie.

    40. Rose Petejan July 18, 2015 at 5:56 am - Reply

      Looks like 2 partially eaten fish were delivered this morning before 6 a.m. Not big enough for 3, but at least it was something.

      • Marj July 18, 2015 at 7:10 am - Reply

        Another fish being consumed at 7:07

    41. janine July 18, 2015 at 5:51 am - Reply

      early morning wing stretches by esp the big boy and a decent size catch for breakfast

    42. Carol July 18, 2015 at 5:26 am - Reply

      George made delivery at 5:21amEDT. Both chicks eating. So far so good.

      • Carol July 18, 2015 at 5:36 am - Reply

        Couldn’t have been too big. Was gone in 10 mins. One chick got the last tailfin.

        • Carol July 18, 2015 at 5:50 am - Reply

          Another delivery at 5:50. This looks big! At least we’re off to a good start!

          • Carol July 18, 2015 at 5:51 am - Reply

            That’s 5:40

            • Carol July 18, 2015 at 5:57 am

              Someone check me but I think a third one came in at5:53! I’m trying to get out to work but I keep hearing the commotion and run to computer. At least they will have a good feed to start the day!

            • Karen H July 18, 2015 at 10:00 am

              Isn’t it amazing how attached we have gotten to this family. You made me laugh.

            • Kathy July 18, 2015 at 12:26 pm

              Karen…Carol…the attachment can become addicting.

      • JB July 18, 2015 at 7:14 am - Reply

        Yes Carol, at least three fish and now possibly four at this moment. Lately, George has been devouring more of the fish before he brings it to the nest. As you know, during the early days, he brought the entire fish still flopping about, with head and all to the nest. Gracie then did the honers of feeding it to the kids. But, the last few days, George is eating most of the fish before bringing to the nest. But, this morning he’s been really busy fishing and even brought what appear to have been two whole fish, head and all, and two fish mostly eaten to the nest. That’s so far today.

    43. Rjoneal July 18, 2015 at 12:30 am - Reply

      Everyone I found this information below you’ll see about holding back on food. Maybe George is doing this to encourage the oldest to leave the nest. Also notice items that they found in the ospreys nest. Guess our Winchell wiper should make the list!

      Other interesting osprey facts from Alan Poole’s “Ospreys: A Natural and Unnatural History” (Cambridge University Press, 1989):

      ospreys generally pair for life, but if mating is unsuccessful, will sometimes “divorce”
      a female osprey will choose her mating partner based on the quality and location of the male’s nest
      osprey nests have been known to contain hula hoops, rag dolls, and toy boats
      osprey parents will sometimes hold back food in order to encourage fledglings to leave the nest
      osprey fledglings will sometimes move to nearby nests where they are fed by other parents

      • Carol C July 18, 2015 at 7:25 am - Reply

        These chicks are nowhere near fledge age yet. They are only 5 weeks old. Fledge watch doesn’t start until 7 weeks.

      • Jan the archaeologist July 18, 2015 at 8:23 am - Reply

        Thanks for this educational post!! We are all learning more about these beautiful birds every day.

      • Karen July 18, 2015 at 9:51 am - Reply

        They will only try to encourage them to leave the nest once they are capable of flying. These chicks aren’t anywhere near that stage yet.

      • Karen H July 18, 2015 at 9:59 am - Reply

        Thanks for the great info.!!

    44. Rjoneal July 17, 2015 at 11:50 pm - Reply

      This is an osprey nest that is nice neat and clean and there are three babies little bit bigger than our Gracie and George’s babies and they are getting plenty of food just take a look and see the difference between location and environment
      Also any time I watch at night all three babies know which order they can get their food they take turns in line. They do have some info about ospreys on this website as well check it out it is
      Sandpoint Osprey Cam. Located at the Sandpoint, Idaho, War Memorial Field on Lake Pend Oreille, the osprey nest here was moved in Autumn 2011 to a nesting platform atop a new lighting standard, as part of major renovation to the field facilities.

    45. Patty July 17, 2015 at 10:28 pm - Reply

      10;17pm edt, very difficult to see now, but ohm y goodness, there is Gracie, still standing tall over her brood, her nest.I am in awe, still wondering when she can sleep a bit Hopefully George will bring a biggie to the nest early tomorrow…feels like they need a super breakfast..

    46. Mitchell July 17, 2015 at 10:21 pm - Reply

      Infrared would be the icing…. Perhaps we could all chip in for it next year. I used to watch Rachel and Steve’s Nest and there was often interesting Goings on in the middle of the night. Too bad the eagle put a stop to that. However I am still impressed with the quality of this camera considering Tom Is just some Guy with ospreys in his yard and not one of these big conservation groups. I mean a lot of these other sites you can’t run the stream back or anything. How boring. Once again I appreciate this site very much.

    47. Dawn July 17, 2015 at 8:53 pm - Reply

      I was on vacation for a bit and missed these guys. The babies have grown SO much. Happy to say when I returned from vacation, I was standing in my driveway and my son and I recognized the Osprey call immediately! We saw two flying overhead! All thanks to this site! Thanks Paul!!!

    48. GinaM July 17, 2015 at 8:50 pm - Reply

      It looks like just a fish tail was brought around 6-ish. Gracie fed it to #1. Both she and #2 have not had enough to eat today. Tomorrow is Saturday, boat traffic will be heavy, I am worried about how many fish George can catch- that is if he flies over the water instead of playing over the farms.

    49. Karen July 17, 2015 at 8:10 pm - Reply

      This was a bad food day which leaves me really concerned for the weekend since they are always lean. When will Gracie’s need to eat override her instinct to protect the nest?

    50. marilyn July 17, 2015 at 8:04 pm - Reply

      Watching a feeding from about an hr ago (7:00pm) why s only 1 of the kids eating?

      • marilyn July 17, 2015 at 8:06 pm - Reply

        May have the timing off, did everyone get to eat dinner?

    51. Leanne July 17, 2015 at 7:47 pm - Reply

      I’ve been away and unable to check in for the past few days. Glad to see the babies and Gracie are doing fine. I havent seen George yet but I know he’s probably very busy, fishing and all. 🙂
      I’m glad to be back home where I can check in regularly. I sure have missed it!!

    52. nancy July 17, 2015 at 7:28 pm - Reply

      George is up to no good I’m afraid. He’s really slacking off and hanging around with guys that are a bad influence. He needs to get back to fathering and bring home the bacon to his family. And maybe hire a housekeeper for his wife…….

    53. will July 17, 2015 at 6:52 pm - Reply

      Do mother Ospreys fish for their offspring?

    54. Jara July 17, 2015 at 6:44 pm - Reply

      6:40 pm in MA. A few minutes ago George brought in another small fish. Chick #1 right there to be fed with #2 holding back. Finally #2 couldn’t wait and snatched a good sized piece. #1 went right after her. But she’s finally figured out that if she can keep her back to him and stays on the edge of the nest, she can protect her head. George has got to get his act together.

    55. Carol July 17, 2015 at 6:31 pm - Reply

      Another small fish at 6:20pmEDT. One chick getting it all and herding other chick away. My concern is the past weekends have been very low on catches. And it;s supposed to be very hot.
      George got right up in the camera and we got a frame full of feathers!

    56. Debbie July 17, 2015 at 6:31 pm - Reply

      Well it looks like #1 took his Nasty pill today. Not nice trying to push your sibling out of the nest…!

    57. JB July 17, 2015 at 6:30 pm - Reply

      This newly emerging aggression from chick 1 toward chick 2 has reached a serious fever pitch. He is big enough now, and aggressive enough to force number two out of the nest. I think there should be a fallen chick watch over the next several days.

    58. kgerette July 17, 2015 at 6:29 pm - Reply

      6:28pm EST…lots of pushing and shoving after feeding. Someone’s gonna get hurt. Apparently not enough to eat and Gracie is screaching!

    59. Judy July 17, 2015 at 5:59 pm - Reply

      Doesn’t the female fish for meals at all, or only the male?

    60. JB July 17, 2015 at 5:30 pm - Reply

      Some of the folks here have been watching the Chesapeake nest also. I just looked at that site a few minutes ago and continue to learn more about this wonderful breed of bird we call the Osprey. There has been a lot of talk here about whether or not to intervene in the lives of these wonderful birds. Personally, I think if it’s possible to save a bird by intervening that it’s a no brainer to make it happen. I’m not one of those hand’s off stay out of the lives of wild animals type folks. There’s way too much intervention among humans that crosses boundaries every day. But, indeed several children, spouses, and family members have been saved because someone spoke up.

      This is a nice video from the Chesapeake nest where they intervened to remove a mono-filament line entanglement. Way to go guys!

      • Jan the archaeologist July 18, 2015 at 8:25 am - Reply

        This is a very educational site, too. THANK YOU.

    61. sallyanne July 17, 2015 at 4:22 pm - Reply

      Friday, July 17th around 4:18PM
      Have to say I’m glad I missed the earlier drama. But now, when I’ve tuned in, check out the two siblings. Couldn’t be more adorable cuddling together. One has its hind leg all stretched out behind him.
      I do think we should not attribute human characteristics (mean, for ex) to more aggressive chick. Just survival.
      More often than not, lately, I have seen an equal distribution of food (obviously, not this afternoon)

      C’mon, George and bring more food for these teenagers!!

      • Jan Klinedinst July 17, 2015 at 5:09 pm - Reply

        The word, aggressive was exactly how some raptors have been responding to not enough food being offered to them. Even the female over in the Wood Hole was being aggressively attacking her chick, who was responsible for shoving #1 chick out of the nest.
        Teenager is a human characteristic, not a raptor.

      • Lyn July 17, 2015 at 5:59 pm - Reply

        Been looking into the nest from time to time all day, and even back tracked the footage. Haven’t seen George bring a darn thing all day. Gracie is almost horse from screeching at him, as are the chicks. They are all starving and from what I’ve read, George is playing in a field. What is going on? Gracie should get out there before dark and at least try to find something!
        I feel so bad for this family. They are all suffering.

        • Lyn July 17, 2015 at 6:02 pm - Reply

          6:00 p.m.EDT – poop squirt

          • Lyn July 17, 2015 at 6:05 pm - Reply

            6:03 EDT – Gracie left the nest, hopefully trying to find some food!

            • Lyn July 17, 2015 at 6:11 pm

              6:10 p.m. EDT – Gracie returns, empty footed. babies are crying for food.

      • Patty July 17, 2015 at 6:35 pm - Reply

        Well, they are not so adorable right now, Sallyanne. George brought back a small appetizer. Of course, Gracie quickly fed almost all to # 1, # 2 got a few morsels. # 1 trying to push sibling out of nest- making it all too clear that lack of food primes the survival instinct. EDT 6:10pm

      • Lyn July 17, 2015 at 8:42 pm - Reply

        8:45 – Nuttin and more Nuttin. No fish for anyone! This nest is in trouble.

    62. Mitchell July 17, 2015 at 3:59 pm - Reply

      LOL number 1 almost threw himself out of the nest while trying to eliminate number 2

    63. GinaM July 17, 2015 at 3:56 pm - Reply

      I have been a staunch defender of George and his fishing abilities… I even provided that video that shows how difficult it is to catch a fish for an Osprey. HOWEVER, today I was out East on business very near the nest… now I am not accusing him, mind you… HOWEVER there were two male Ospreys, one who looked very much like, ahem, GEORGE, making lazy circles in the sky above a field. A FIELD. Not many fish in that field. I know, because I checked. The one who looked like George then flew in the direction of the nest to the screeching of Gracie.
      The other guy flew to the nest right near the beach on the way to the ferry, where his wife was none to happy with him, either.
      Now, George he has all winter to fly and play with the boys in South America or Sanibel or wherever they have their timeshare. Right now, he really should be flying over WATER. He will be a much more successful fisherman if he does. 😉

      • GinaM July 17, 2015 at 3:59 pm - Reply

        I also must add that I see he was successful in finding a windshield wiper blade on the road to add to the nest… so he did have some luck in the field.

        • Naturelvr017 July 17, 2015 at 8:30 pm - Reply

          Now if only he knew how to use that wiper on the camera lens, we’d be all set!

        • Trinity July 17, 2015 at 9:07 pm - Reply

          GinaM both of your comments cracked me up ! Maybe this is the first set of chicks for George, hence the atypical behavior. Let’s hope all the water activity this weekend doesn’t cause even more difficulty for our boy George ?

      • Karin July 17, 2015 at 7:48 pm - Reply

        I love your story…. You made me laugh… I needed that… Thanks! 🙂

    64. Cindy July 17, 2015 at 3:51 pm - Reply

      Does anyone know why they took the chicks out of the Chesapeake nest?

      • Becky July 17, 2015 at 4:05 pm - Reply

        They are being banded….

      • Carol July 17, 2015 at 4:06 pm - Reply

        I just checked out that site. It said they were banding the chicks and would return them. That’s a gorgeous nest! Probably many years of work

        • Karen July 17, 2015 at 5:26 pm - Reply

          Actually, Crazy Osprey Man whose property the nest is on, removes the nest at the end of each season and the osprey rebuild every year.

      • Cindy July 17, 2015 at 4:07 pm - Reply

        I know know why they were removed. They are getting banded. Their names are Maine & Montana

    65. Jan Klinedinst July 17, 2015 at 3:43 pm - Reply

      3:20-ish. George brought a very, very small fish to the nest.#2 stole it from mom and tried to eat it whole!! Mom took it back and #1 attacked #2 and almost pushed him over the edge of the nest Mom just watched. #1 finally gave up so he got to eat all of the tiny fish!! Not looking good if George does not bring enough food for these growing birds.
      I watched the Wood Hole nest over the last week, too. Not enough food either. Baby 1 managed to push #2 out of that nest. Strange, Mom attacked #1 chick, too!! Very aggressive behavior!!

    66. Carol July 17, 2015 at 3:41 pm - Reply

      George brought in a tiny piece of fish at 3:25pmEDT. Gracie took it then one chick stole it. General jostling till Gracie got it back. A minute later, all out war began with the chicks! Really scary pushing and shoving towards the edge! I really thought one was going over! Finally one submitted, putting head down. I’m still nauseous!
      As quickly as it started, it’s over and they are sitting side by side….No food to fight over..Gracie got it.

      • JB July 17, 2015 at 4:54 pm - Reply

        Thanks for putting in the time of the event 🙂 I just rolled back to have a look at that feeding, and truly that little osprey-pecker is a bully! Really wish Mom, or Dad, or number two would give him a good what for.

        But, as for most of us who have been watching this nest since the beginning and saw all three chicks hatch, it just goes with this particular nest for sure. George isn’t all that focused on bringing food for the kids. I know there are some folks defending him, but for sure if he was focused on catching then he would be bringing more fish.

    67. Diane S July 17, 2015 at 3:33 pm - Reply

      A very small “killie”, barely a few bites at 5:15pm. Not much food today.

    68. pwg July 17, 2015 at 3:32 pm - Reply

      That aggressive one is a selfish brat. Just witnessed an almost push off the nest moment…

    69. Samantha` July 17, 2015 at 3:30 pm - Reply

      About 3:25p EST George brought the tail of a fish. One of the little ones grabbed it from Gracie and wouldn’t give it back! She eventually got it, but poor George really has to find a better fishing spot if he’s going to keep up with the demand of his family.

    70. Jennifer July 17, 2015 at 2:38 pm - Reply

      Somebody is flying a kite and the babies are so cute watching it. They are like what the heck is that lol!!

      • Carol July 17, 2015 at 3:44 pm - Reply

        I saw that! I thought it was a weird bug at first! That one chick definitely was watching while keeping his head down!

    71. Carol July 17, 2015 at 2:34 pm - Reply

      Around 2:20pmEDT the chicks practiced some serious flapping! They were leaning into the wind and learning some control. Beautiful!

    72. Nancy July 17, 2015 at 2:25 pm - Reply

      Wow! One of the chicks just put on an amazing show stretching out his wings then flapping them like he was getting ready for takeoff. The other chick walked over next to him and did the same. They look so majestic. Mom is on the side of the nest yelling at george.

    73. barbara July 17, 2015 at 1:03 pm - Reply

      Any time estimate on when the babes will try their wings? reply

      • Carol July 17, 2015 at 4:03 pm - Reply

        I read 50 days after hatching.
        Just heard commotion…George brought in what looked like another tiny fish. One chick getting some and the other is holding back. I’m almost afraid to watch after last feeding

    74. Carol July 17, 2015 at 12:58 pm - Reply

      A momma’s work is never done….bring in more junk, straighten up the nest and, oh yeah, nag at George even as she nods off! It was funny to watch that she wasn;t quitting the chirping awake or asleep….

    75. barbara July 17, 2015 at 12:45 pm - Reply

      Some “catty” comments! Remember this site is about the ospreys.

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