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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

    52,585 Comments

    1. CarolV August 7, 2015 at 4:40 pm - Reply

      4:37pm “Time for my close up! What freckle?. OOOPPSS..pardon,,,,.fish scale from lunch”

      • Leanne August 7, 2015 at 5:22 pm - Reply

        I saw that too and knew I could use it to tell them a part…until I realized what it was. UGH! 🙂

    2. June c August 7, 2015 at 4:21 pm - Reply

      Dad came to nest short visit…very crowed..4:17

    3. Leanne August 7, 2015 at 4:20 pm - Reply

      Large fish delivery at 3:19 CST and number 1 is right in front of camera giving us a close-up view. Beautiful 🙂

    4. JeanneD August 7, 2015 at 4:12 pm - Reply

      August 7, 2015 at 4:10

      After scrolling through the comments–like reading letters to the editor–and before I rewind the tape, I have to say how beautiful the scene is today. Bucolic. Mother, her two chicks, looking out on an expanse of bay with people in sailboats having a terrific late Friday afternoon.

    5. sue kue August 7, 2015 at 3:47 pm - Reply

      3:44 This is a grand day indeed chick number two just pushed chick number one out of the way so it can eat it share……………..what a little flying does to the spirit………………..go baby go

    6. Jo-Ann August 7, 2015 at 3:40 pm - Reply

      At about 3:20 Gracie came back with a fish and began feeding the chick that was in the nest. It had been alone a long time. Had spent a while trying to fly got exhausted and seemed to be afraid to be alone. Was doing a lot of chirping. The comments had confused me as to which chick took off and left the other alone. But when Gracie came with the fish she was feeding the chick then the other one came and she started feeding that one and the chick that had been I the nest backed off from being fed as it always does. So I think it was chick #1 that had been gone long time and #2 was the one left in the nest. I just looked and se is still feeding the one that just flew in and other one is still waiting. Since chick #2 is a few days younger it will definitely be flying by tomorrow from the way it was practicing today.

      • CarolV August 7, 2015 at 6:25 pm - Reply

        Just agreed with Rjoneal (3:35 post) on this same issue! I had thought #1 was first out but it seemed like others felt differently.

        • Rjoneal August 7, 2015 at 8:51 pm - Reply

          Carol IV you don’t need to defend your comments we are all just viewing this as one big happy family. Not everyone’s going to agree and that’s OK that’s what we’re here for to have discussions with each other and to experience this beautiful Osprey family that Tommy ,the team and Paul have given us to experience through his live cam, we all just try to keep each other updated on what we see and if we see different things that’s OK . Keep posting your experiences we all learn from each other .

    7. Sandy August 7, 2015 at 3:38 pm - Reply

      Whew, chick is back, saw fish Gracie brought home. Chick that was alone didn’t want to eat, worried about brother, and brother is eating no problem. Guess he gets rewarded fore leaving nest first.

    8. Paul S. August 7, 2015 at 3:35 pm - Reply

      Spent much of my vacation watching this wonderful website. Got a great education and appreciation for this wonderful animal. Everyone adopted the chicks and worry about them. They will return to the nest until they can fish for themselves. Thank you for putting this unforgettable experience online for us all to experience.

    9. Rjoneal August 7, 2015 at 3:35 pm - Reply

      Gracie brings in big large fish around 3:28 PM baby number two still down in the Nest and poor baby looks so confused keeps looking up at older brother who is on the perch crying but just hasn’t got brave enough to fly down yet
      Baby number two continues to get a couple bites from Gracie finally yeah baby one gets courage and brave then flys down to the nest to get his dinner first. Our poor patient baby number two looks so confused wasn’t used to being able to eat first and wasn’t quite sure if here she should do that knowing big brother was up above watching . Baby didn’t want to get in a fight by eating first but there was no one else in the nest. So baby 2 started to eat first until baby one finally flew down. A apron good size fish there’s more than enough for everyone

      • CarolV August 7, 2015 at 4:31 pm - Reply

        I got the exact impression! That’s when I knew for sure #1 was the flyer. There seems to be differing opinions of who flew the coop and who isn’t ready. But I felt that interaction settled it for me. Thanks for the post.

        • Karen August 7, 2015 at 5:02 pm - Reply

          Same here! I had no idea which one flew off but the reaction at meal time answered the question for me.

      • Monica August 7, 2015 at 4:45 pm - Reply

        RJOneal – how do you know that one chick was sitting on the perch? I thought he had flown away never to return. I’m glad he came back and will be around for a while before his final departure.

    10. suzanne August 7, 2015 at 3:34 pm - Reply

      3:30.EST..Gracie (I think) brought big fish and then look who turns up? The wayward child #1. I saw shadow then it came in for food. 🙂

      • Monica August 7, 2015 at 3:39 pm - Reply

        I thought he was gone forever. He probably went to practice his hunting; circled around and realized there was food at his house. So, he came back. That was funny! lol

    11. Eva August 7, 2015 at 3:33 pm - Reply

      Anyone know what the “neck wag” is about? Reminds me of a defiant or exasperated teenager! Must be a message of some sort.

      • June c August 7, 2015 at 3:42 pm - Reply

        The neck movement adjusts their vision..

        • Monica August 7, 2015 at 6:03 pm - Reply

          That neck movement is hysterical! My nephew and I like to say, “Oh, no, you didn’t!!” when they do that. lol

      • CarolV August 7, 2015 at 4:27 pm - Reply

        I think it helps them focus and adjust depth perception. Adults do it too.

      • Eva August 8, 2015 at 10:27 am - Reply

        Thank you for the info….don’t believe I would have ever guessed it was a vision thing…..there’s my biology lesson for the day!

    12. CarolV August 7, 2015 at 3:32 pm - Reply

      Just after 3:20pmEDT Mom brings in nice fish. I think chick was as happy to see her as the fish. Been out so gotta catch up ck seems lonely.

      • CarolV August 7, 2015 at 4:19 pm - Reply

        The practice session @2:00pmEDT is hysterical and adorable! It was like the chick wanted to hold on to something so he could do strength training and kept grabbing liftable objects and was flying despite himself.

    13. Madeline Sharrock August 7, 2015 at 3:29 pm - Reply

      Love how our 1st fledgling came back for lunch!

      • sue kue August 7, 2015 at 3:36 pm - Reply

        Yes it did come back for lunch, fish is large all should eat well…………………………………………………………………………………goody

      • sue kue August 7, 2015 at 3:37 pm - Reply

        Yes it did come back, fish is large all should eat well…………………………………………………………………………………goody one needs a good meal after all that flyng

      • suzanne August 7, 2015 at 3:40 pm - Reply

        Bet he worked up appetite! have you noticed that Gracie feeds them right along edge of nest now vs. when they were babies it was more in middle of nest. So happy he made it back!

    14. Leanne August 7, 2015 at 3:25 pm - Reply

      Gracie brings in a fish at 2:22 CST and I definitely think baby chick is on perch. Much squawking going on.
      Chick 1 is currently eating and I think if it was George on perch, Gracie would be guarding the fish but she isn’t.

      • Leanne August 7, 2015 at 3:29 pm - Reply

        She was on perch. She just landed for a few nibbles of fish 🙂

    15. sue kue August 7, 2015 at 3:25 pm - Reply

      3:19 I feel so bad for this BIG CHICK NUMBER ONE she/he is yelling out so loud…….Does not enjoy being alone. It did give it ago early went straight up but short lived……..will improve. Hope they come back to feed her/him……………………………………

    16. suzanne August 7, 2015 at 3:19 pm - Reply

      oh man. looked back at it looks like (if i figured time zone changes right) that baby #1 flew at about 2:15 EST.

      • sue kue August 7, 2015 at 3:30 pm - Reply

        yes big baby flew up short but did it………………

    17. Rjoneal August 7, 2015 at 3:15 pm - Reply

      I posted this earlier but here’s some more info on fledging since so many people asked about whether they will come back to the nest or not .
      Here’s some info on fledging and fishing techniques. Both female and male move sticks around it is part of them learning how to fish and hunt. You cannot determine the sexes by that behavior.
      *********Fledging
      At seven to eight weeks of age the young will take their first flight. They spend their days practicing flying and perching near the male’s feeding perch calling when the male returns with food. Two weeks after fledging the young will start to follow the male on hunting trips. Four to eight weeks after fledging the young Osprey will start to emulate their parents and begin to hunt fish on their own.

      Fishing technique

      Upon spotting a fish near the surface of the water, the Osprey will hover almost directly above and then dive almost vertically towards the fish. At the last moment before impact with the water, the Osprey thrusts its talons forward to snatch the fish. The Osprey is often fully immersed in the water and must struggle to break free of the water and lift the heavy fish into the air. The Osprey’s talons are specially adapted to allow one of its three front toes to bend backwards so that there are two claws pointing forward and two in reverse on each foot. This helps to secure a good grip on a slippery fish. Scrupulous in maintaining its aerodynamic profile, the Osprey adjusts the fish in its grip as soon as it clears the water so that the fish’s head is forward and the tail aft. This fishing technique is quite different from that of the Bald Eagle that swoops almost parallel to the water surface to grip a fish as it passes over. The Eagle does not bother with adjusting the fish to an aerodynamic position.

      • marilyn August 7, 2015 at 6:42 pm - Reply

        Thanks for all the information It answered some of my questions about orpreys.

    18. bean August 7, 2015 at 3:11 pm - Reply

      baby number two is alone for about a half hour baby number one flew the coop

    19. Marilyn August 7, 2015 at 3:10 pm - Reply

      Awww, I feel bad for the one little chick sitting all by itself for I think about an hour.

    20. sallyanne August 7, 2015 at 2:52 pm - Reply

      Just wanted to mention the beautiful markings on the developing chicks. Esp. as they lie next to each other in the nest, I see all the lovely V shapes on their feathers. Great camoflague, but also reminds me of how we as kids would draw birds flying in the sky…….all those v’s……..v v v.v …v
      It is funny how their backs look like those drawings!!

      Want to say to suekue what lovely sentiments you shared. I am teary eyed and proud and happy, too. What a privilege it has been to get this “bird’s eye view” of a family of ospreys!!

      Thank you paul and tom and also our fearless rescuers!!!

      • sue kue August 7, 2015 at 3:10 pm - Reply

        Thank you Sallyanne, we all have made them our family………..I spend so much time watching them , everyday ALL DAY I will miss them so……………………………like all of you. Let us wish the very best for them.

      • sue kue August 7, 2015 at 3:29 pm - Reply

        Thank you Sallyanne

    21. Leanne August 7, 2015 at 2:46 pm - Reply

      It’s been almost an hour with no sign of baby chick. Gracie came in for a few and then landed on perch so I’m not sure if baby is up there too. I’m actually a little worried right now.

      • Leanne August 7, 2015 at 2:53 pm - Reply

        1:50 CST and I think baby may have just done a fly by…off in distance. If it was baby, it was intentional 🙂

      • Coleen August 7, 2015 at 2:56 pm - Reply

        Not to worry. Sometimes in the beginning they land somewhere and have to work up the courage to fly back to the nest. I’ve watched them sit for half a day.

        • suzanne August 7, 2015 at 3:10 pm - Reply

          Will Gracie look for it and call for it? maybe it will find her by her call?

        • Leanne August 7, 2015 at 3:15 pm - Reply

          OK, good. I have never watched a nest before so this is all new to me and what a learning experience I have had and continue to have. It’s such fun yet also nerve wracking. lol

        • sue kue August 7, 2015 at 3:16 pm - Reply

          thank you Coleen I will try not to worry sooooo much.

      • Monica August 7, 2015 at 2:56 pm - Reply

        2:55pm So, I guess that’s it. That chick is not coming back. Awww, makes me sad. I thought they would fly off and come back for a while before they definitively left the nest. Is this the way it works? Once they’re gone for a while they don’t come back at all? 🙁

      • sue kue August 7, 2015 at 2:58 pm - Reply

        I’m worried also…………………………………………….

      • Jan The Archaeologist August 7, 2015 at 3:28 pm - Reply

        3:26 PM Mom/Dad just delivered a big fish. NOT to worry, I HEAR the other baby . . .must be sitting on the tower. All is well.
        Friends, have a wonderful weekend!!

      • David wilcox August 7, 2015 at 3:31 pm - Reply

        3:28 pm est the chick returned and gracie is feeding

      • David Wilcox August 7, 2015 at 4:23 pm - Reply

        4:18 pm est great closeup images of chick looking at reflection in camera

    22. Jara August 7, 2015 at 2:39 pm - Reply

      Around 2:20 Eastern – One of the chicks took off and hasn’t returned. Other chick is not happy about this. Gracie returned to nest: Gracie -“Where is your brother?” Chick – “I don’t know ma. I told him to get back in the nest, but he wouldn’t listen.” Gracie – ” You darn kids.” and off she flew

      • Rjoneal August 7, 2015 at 8:42 pm - Reply

        Jara that’s what I was saying when I commented earlier except I added that big brother was on the perch and said you come up here that views better too funny

    23. R Sanchez August 7, 2015 at 2:33 pm - Reply

      First chick has left. Second chick tried for like 5 minutes but I think is to scared and nervous. Mother came back to stay the chick for a while and left leaving the second chick by itself until the chick gets enough courage to finally leave. 🙂 What a great experience to be able to watch.

    24. Bill August 7, 2015 at 2:27 pm - Reply

      I think our chick is sitting on the camera. Gracie is in the nest with the other chick and I hear noises coming from the camera.

    25. Robertara August 7, 2015 at 2:27 pm - Reply

      The one on “flying status” takes off & leaves the other guy all alone in the nest. So sad. He needs to be pushed out.

      • Dawn August 7, 2015 at 2:48 pm - Reply

        He’ll get there when he’s ready. I think he’s 2 days behind the other one. He was taking flight when he was alone. The old “monkey see, monkey do…” Amazing to watch though!

    26. sue kue August 7, 2015 at 2:26 pm - Reply

      2:19 Chick number one has taken flight my my she /he did it………Was not going to left alone for long. Great day for OUR chicks………………………………………..

      • sue kue August 7, 2015 at 2:32 pm - Reply

        I type very slow and not well that said chick number one take of was very short but grand. That was first time will get better as day moves on.

    27. cheryl August 7, 2015 at 2:26 pm - Reply

      At 2:25 #2 Wow, what a work out, I’m exhausted!!!!!!!

    28. sue kue August 7, 2015 at 2:19 pm - Reply

      2:04et chick number one is singing the blues “all alone am I………..” in her/his empty nest………………………………………………..stop eating so much maybe you will be able…to fly.

    29. Trinity August 7, 2015 at 2:17 pm - Reply

      What a relief that all the hostility and animosity towards the two chicks, resulting from the demise of our little Pip, has faded away. The viewers are nothing but ecstatic today ! ?!

    30. Kristina August 7, 2015 at 2:16 pm - Reply

      At about 2:00 EST #1 took off. He’s been gone about 15 minutes now. So so amazing! I miss the little guy already.

    31. Mike Martin August 7, 2015 at 2:15 pm - Reply

      To Paul and all of our Great Experts and Our Group

      I’ve seen the Term Mantleling used in other Osprey Nests Can anyone explain the term any what it is used for and how do the Ospreys Posture

      • JeanneD August 7, 2015 at 4:04 pm - Reply

        August 7, 2015 at 4:00

        With regard to the ospreys, as well as other raptors, mantling is the action of spreading wings, fanning tail, and arching over the prey to protect it from others. Usually accompanied by loud vocalizations. As an illustration, Gracie does this whenever George brings a fish to the nest. Gracie grabs it and she doesn’t stop mantling until she is sure George has left. A raptor will mantle prey to protect it from its sibs

      • Karen August 7, 2015 at 4:40 pm - Reply

        Mantling is what Gracie does after she takes the fish from George and wants him to leave. They lift their wings slightly and lean in over whatever they are protecting. It’s done to show possession. They will also do it to their nest when an intruder is near. It’s the same as if you lifted your elbows and leaned over a prized object to prevent someone from grabbing it.

    32. Rjoneal August 7, 2015 at 2:14 pm - Reply

      It’s so funny big brother flew up out of the nest onto the perch were George usually sits and at first little brother was calling out like he was telling on him then after a while big brother little brother are having a nice conversation together. Then it was big brother saying come on chicken come up here and little brother says no you come back down here. Big brother tries to tell him the views much better up here but little brother isn’t about to try that yet. Too funny they keep having conversations back-and-forth to each other.

    33. Marlene August 7, 2015 at 2:14 pm - Reply

      Around 1:55 p.m., one of the fledglings took off again. It’s so funny, because at first he/she went backward a couple of times before going forward. They really are so cute. He’s been gone about 15 minutes. Feel bad for the one left behind. That one looked like he wanted to try it, too, but is more cautious.

    34. Pat August 7, 2015 at 2:14 pm - Reply

      Okay, now I have to worry about where the birds go when they leave the nest. The fledgeling’s been gone nearly 15 minutes. I can hear someone on the perch. George, Gracie, C1?….Maybe we should put GoPro on them so we can watch their adventures. 🙂

    35. Isobel Mackenzie August 7, 2015 at 2:09 pm - Reply

      Did both chicks fly today? I saw one and what a wonderful sight put a smile on my face all day.

    36. Leanne August 7, 2015 at 2:08 pm - Reply

      Baby 2 (?) has been gone from nest for a few minutes now and remaining chick looks lonely and is squawking for it to return. When the chick flew off, it took a hunk of nest with it. 🙂
      I think I may hear it on perch?
      Approx. 1:05 CST

    37. Bob August 7, 2015 at 2:03 pm - Reply

      1:55 PM EST. UP, UP, and AWAY. What a sight.

    38. Bill August 7, 2015 at 2:00 pm - Reply

      One of our chicks left the nest at 1:56 EST. Has been gone now for about three minutes. Hope he’s coming back!

    39. Rose August 7, 2015 at 1:55 pm - Reply

      One of the chicks is flying!!! High above the nest. The other one is watching, seeming to say, “How did you do that?”.

    40. Monica August 7, 2015 at 1:50 pm - Reply

      Thanks to those who time stamp their comments. I rewound and saw both chicks practicing their flying skills. It’s so fascinating watching the chicks. They know they have to leave soon. I thought Gracie would be pushing them out but nature and instinct are working internally to get the chicks out of the nest. Love this!! 🙂

    41. Rjoneal August 7, 2015 at 1:46 pm - Reply

      It’s so funny the babies kept that big branch right in the middle of each other as if they’re saying you stay on this side of the nest and I’ll stay on this side. It’s a nice windy day for flying. Both babies are just chilling out in the nest

    42. Bill August 7, 2015 at 1:28 pm - Reply

      The chick in the CC nest is looking very lonely. It’s sibling took off again and has not been back for awhile. Mom dropped in and left a twig and then took off again.

    43. Mitchell August 7, 2015 at 1:26 pm - Reply

      Ill be raising an osprey chick myself next year for experimental purposes and to domesticate it. I suppose teaching it to fish may present an interesting challenge

      • Casey August 7, 2015 at 4:42 pm - Reply

        Good luck Mitchell! Ospreys make fantastic domestic companions when trained properly, I have owned several. Teaching them to fish is just a matter of monkey-see, monkey-do. I just toss our Big Mouth Billy Bass into the deep end of the pool, and go off the diving board after him while the juvie perches on a nearby raft.

        • Mitchell August 7, 2015 at 5:16 pm - Reply

          Ok cool sounds good I can’t wait!!

    44. Rjoneal August 7, 2015 at 1:15 pm - Reply

      Tucke thanks are Osprey family is so interesting and I learned each Osprey family operates just a little bit different. Over the past two years I have learned so much about many kinds of birds. I live in Florida and we have ospreys all year long and I have 2 nest by my house so it’s great to actually watch the live cams to see what’s really happening in the ospreys nest .

      • Bonnie August 8, 2015 at 4:59 am - Reply

        Hi Rjoneal, I live in Pompano Beach, born in Miami when it was and have never seen or known about ospreys. As a kid I would go into the Everglades with my big brother as he caught snakes, but never saw an osprey. Where about in Florida are you? Would drive north next year to see these beauties, maybe even pitch a tent for awhile to watch. Thanks for any help on location.

    45. Bill August 7, 2015 at 12:39 pm - Reply

      Just logged on the CC site in time to see one of the chicks take off. Don’t know if it was his first flight or not, but was gone about five minutes and then came back to the nest.

      • Karin from Rockland August 7, 2015 at 2:30 pm - Reply

        I went to my office, came home and where is our oldest baby!!
        Is he on top? I am not ready to see an empty nest yet, Good grief..?

      • LYN August 7, 2015 at 5:38 pm - Reply

        5:37 ET – George brought a flopping head on fish to the nest. No hungry mouths today!

    46. CarolV August 7, 2015 at 12:33 pm - Reply

      Poor Gracie! So many teens out hotrodding around the neighborhood seems like she’s on constant alarm mode!

    47. Leanne August 7, 2015 at 11:52 am - Reply

      Did George bring in a 4th fish? I get so caught up scrolling back that I actually miss the “live” action.

    48. GinaM August 7, 2015 at 11:41 am - Reply

      Now I see why they named the helicopter the Osprey 🙂

    49. Leanne August 7, 2015 at 11:19 am - Reply

      OMG. Chick has a major flying and landing session right above nest and darn near takes Gracie’s eye out a few times. Very funny to watch. Approx. 10:15 cst

      • Leanne August 7, 2015 at 11:27 am - Reply

        I can’t help but wonder what chick 1 is thinking. Something like “OK, we get it. You flew. Big deal. It’s not like you brought home a fish or something”

      • Marilyn August 7, 2015 at 12:03 pm - Reply

        I was just watching that. I looked like the chick was having trouble landing. The wind kept pulling it back up I think.

      • Rjoneal August 7, 2015 at 1:07 pm - Reply

        Leanne I was wondering if anybody else notices I must admit I kept scrolling back the tape a couple of times just to see it. Also like you I keep going back and scrolling and watching them flying since right now there only sitting in the nest and enjoying the view I think that was the 4 fish of the day but not positive . I knew I wasn’t going to get any housecleaning done today so I did it all yesterday. Now the real competitions on to see who really does bring in the first fish out of the babies. I’m driving my family crazy with birds in every room I have it on the computer the TV my iPad and I’m keeping my iPhone on so if I hear Gracie or George I don’t miss anything.

    50. Rjoneal August 7, 2015 at 11:17 am - Reply

      Let the games begin babies 1and2 both showing off their flying skills to mom while she sits in the nest holding a fish that no one is interested in. Little brother saying watch me big brother I can do it just as good as you ! I wonder who will bring in the first fish ?

    51. kgerette August 7, 2015 at 11:16 am - Reply

      So entertaining! Chick just floating and learning to use his/her wings. Everytime it lets go of a branch, it just floats away till it flaps back down to the nest.

    52. maryann August 7, 2015 at 11:10 am - Reply

      he’s practicing take-offs & landings! Very smart. Like a little helicopter …. straight up & down.

    53. Cathy H. August 7, 2015 at 11:08 am - Reply

      I just love watching & listening to Gracie. She has a personality unlike any other that I’ve seen.

    54. Leanne August 7, 2015 at 11:07 am - Reply

      Wow. 3rd fish of the day 🙂 10:06 cst

      • CarolV August 7, 2015 at 11:23 am - Reply

        Thank you! I was out of room and heard arrival. George was there so briefly I kept missing him on rewind! I thought that was a new fish but he was so barely in the frame I thought my eyes were shot!

    55. CarolV August 7, 2015 at 11:05 am - Reply

      11:00am EDT Chick two getting frisky. Standing on perch at back of nest practicing. At liftoff one foot grabs on to stick to hold on.

      • CarolV August 7, 2015 at 11:06 am - Reply

        short flight

      • CarolV August 7, 2015 at 11:15 am - Reply

        Lots of flying and hovering over nest. Wish I could tell who’s who!

    56. Rjoneal August 7, 2015 at 10:46 am - Reply

      OMG 1045 moms eating fish mom squirts poop right on baby behind her poor baby now that’s true love

      • Leanne August 7, 2015 at 11:12 am - Reply

        OMG. Number 2 on number 2. What a shot!

        • Leanne August 7, 2015 at 11:35 am - Reply

          Actually think it was 2 on 1. So hard to tell.

    57. Leanne August 7, 2015 at 10:24 am - Reply

      Gracie brings in a good sized fish. Number 1 has a few bites but chicks don’t seem very interested so they must still be full. Mom decides to help herself and naturally, as she does, chicks decide that maybe a few bites wouldn’t hurt so Mom decides to share.

    58. Rose Petejan August 7, 2015 at 10:20 am - Reply

      10:05 Supermom Gracie brings in a nice large fish for the gang. Get’s right to work and feeds them.

      I feel sorry for that stray fledgling that showed up this morning. He’s only hungry. There just isn’t enough food to go around on this nest.

    59. Rjoneal August 7, 2015 at 10:18 am - Reply

      Gamma, I forgot to mention your name in my earlier comment but did you notic baby one fledged the nest this morning and there was some intruder invasion .

    60. Rjoneal August 7, 2015 at 10:16 am - Reply

      JanTheArchaeologist,Leanne,JP JB and Trinity Did you see that that baby number one fledged the nest today for the first time and we had some intruder invasion also just checking I didn’t see any comments from any of you .

      • Leanne August 7, 2015 at 10:45 am - Reply

        I had to scroll back but yes, I got to see the first flight and it was amazing. 🙂 🙂
        As for the invasion, man oh man, that was something! Such an exciting day so far 🙂

      • Jan The Archaeologist August 7, 2015 at 11:09 am - Reply

        Good morning all!! I have been watching all morning. YES, I did watch our brave young raptor fledge!! So darn exciting to be able to follow this family and a loner.
        After reading a few posts, this group is very protective of (our) little raptor’ s!! LOL
        I hope everyone realizes our site is so blessed to have sight and sound.
        Thank YOU ALL for sharing your thoughts and knowledge!
        Have a SERENDIPITYLICIOUS weekend!!

      • Trinity August 7, 2015 at 1:50 pm - Reply

        Hey. I’m watching like a hawk and feel like a proud mother ( no kids myself so this is awesome !) yay yay our osprey family is just so fascinating. Thanks again Tommy the landlord for showing us these creatures ?

    61. CarolV August 7, 2015 at 10:12 am - Reply

      10:05amEDT Fish delivery Large whole fish….I think Mom

    62. Joan T August 7, 2015 at 10:07 am - Reply

      Just when you thought it couldn’t get more exciting, it does.

    63. June c August 7, 2015 at 10:07 am - Reply

      10:06 Mom brought small fish..

    64. Leanne August 7, 2015 at 9:59 am - Reply

      About 8:50 CST Chicks keep other osprey away from nest with major, major squawking. At one point I thought number 2 was gonna try to fly off and attack. NOT happy chicks at that time but all is quiet now. 🙂

    65. CarolV August 7, 2015 at 9:53 am - Reply

      9:47am Chicks doing their own nest guarding…..crazy neighbor kid buzzing nest

    66. Leanne August 7, 2015 at 9:41 am - Reply

      Wow. Wow. Wow. Just scrolled back and saw number 2 take first flight and what a flight it was. Gracie and number 1 watched intently and to watch chick off in distance was amazing. I have to admit I applauded and got a little teary. Was like first day of school. 🙂
      And as a reward George delivered a nice sized fish and defended his nest as VF tried to land and score some breakfast. So far, its been a wonderful day for the Osprey family. Weather looks wonderful too 🙂

    67. Marlene August 7, 2015 at 9:37 am - Reply

      Thanks so much for posting when our feathered friend fledged! I scrolled back and it was so wonderful to see, and to be able to see the return to the nest! I wonder what he/she was thinking, and if it will inspire the sibling. That one looks contented right now to take everything at a slower pace.
      I also saw that George brought in a nice sized fish. I think it was somewhere around 7:30 a.m. Looks like another adult came to the nest to steal it, but the parents scared it off. It’s really amazing how the feathered neighbors are after Burns & Allen’s meals.
      Thanks, again, for posting the time “our” little bird flew the coop. Thanks, even more so, to Tommy and Paul for making this all possible.

    68. CarolV August 7, 2015 at 9:09 am - Reply

      Crazy neighbor kids out there flying around! Gracie on perch keeping guard and yelling at them to go home.

      • Tucker August 7, 2015 at 10:09 am - Reply

        Houston-“We have Lift Off”! Like watching your kid take their first bike ride!

    69. Phil August 7, 2015 at 8:57 am - Reply

      What a good morning….A nice little flight to start the day, a little breakfast and a nap. I am jealous. Sign me up for that life!!

    70. Suekue August 7, 2015 at 8:56 am - Reply

      I am so happy that “OUR” chicks will be flying off on their own, finding adventure and freedom, however I am also sad to see them go……………….I wish them well on journey and long and wonderful life. I will always remember this family till the end of my day……………………………God bless them…………………………

      • Vickie August 7, 2015 at 9:31 am - Reply

        “OUR” chicks! I love that!!

    71. Dawn August 7, 2015 at 8:53 am - Reply

      I can’t believe our babies are FLYING! That was simply amazing to see live this morning.

    72. GinaM August 7, 2015 at 8:42 am - Reply

      This has been quite a morning. One chick flew circles around the neighborhood. George arrived with a big fish, a big stick and a big hunk of seaweed. He chased off another adult osprey (not Eddie Haskell from yesterday) Gracie fed the babies and then took off with the rest of the fish and came back with more sea weed. She managed to move the big stick to the side and Flying Chick moved it back to the middle of the nest practicing take offs.
      As these ospreys grow and others grow in surrounding nests- it is turning into a big block party!

    73. CarolV August 7, 2015 at 8:36 am - Reply

      I keep rewatching the first flight. The reactions of chick2 are priceless!

    74. Marilyn August 7, 2015 at 8:18 am - Reply

      Intruder dropped into the nest after George brought in a fish around 7 this morning. Chicks hunkered down, George & Gracie went berserk.

    75. kgerette August 7, 2015 at 8:05 am - Reply

      George just brought in a tree ! Gracie moved to the edge of nest and one of the chicks is helping with the house cleaning.

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