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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

OspreyZone Highlights: May 15-20, 2020 - The Intruder

OspreyZone Highlights: May 7th-14th, 2020

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March 18, 2016 Timelapse

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Osprey Rescue Extended - July 30, 2015

Osprey Zone Highlights - June 28, 2015

Osprey Zone Highlights - June 19, 2015

osprey 07/11/15 squirt

First Sighting

George and Gracie's First Baby

Eggs Over Easy

Changing of the Guard

Breakfast is Served

Upgrading

Feeding Time

First Love

Let's Hang Out

Hard to Get

Little Brother

Intruder

Dinner is Served

OspreyZone Montage

OspreyZone Highlights: George Returns

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Belle’s Journey

Written by Dr. Rob Bierregaard & Illustrated by Kate Garchinsky

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

Click HERE for more information!

IMPORTANT: Messages from osprey experts

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

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

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

Hello Paul,

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

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

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

Best wishes, and good luck,

John W. Fitzpatrick

Director, Cornell Lab of Ornithology

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

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

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

charles.

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

Paul,

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

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

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

    Leave A Comment

    52,585 Comments

    1. Bev September 17, 2015 at 3:22 pm - Reply

      Kids are back!

    2. Freddie September 17, 2015 at 1:59 pm - Reply

      Sandy turned into a wonderful Osprey>darn I’m gonna miss him:)

      • Jan the Archaeologist September 17, 2015 at 7:39 pm - Reply

        I just came across a fb page: HDOnTAP
        They also talked about a self cleaning camera.
        Great site with numerous live cams. Elk site is pretty cool, too.
        Enjoy your fall season!
        Jan

    3. CarolV September 17, 2015 at 12:02 pm - Reply

      Thanks for the heads up, Leanne, got to see the fish arrival and I agree Sandy. That other osprey followed him all the way out and across the view!!!!
      Also noticed the swan family floating by in to channel. Swan kid out in front again…just like a teen, always wants to drive!

      • CarolV September 17, 2015 at 12:05 pm - Reply

        Did I see a kid come in to perch with a fish at some point? I rewind and can’t find it..was so quick that I keep missing it. Wondering if same fish or if other kid got his own.

      • Leanne September 18, 2015 at 7:17 am - Reply

        6:15 CST Off in distance I see 3 swan (?) and yes, smaller one seems to be leading the pack. Love all these new families! 🙂

    4. CarolV September 17, 2015 at 11:34 am - Reply

      Gamma….you weren’t hearing things..we are probably similar age, when we doubt our ears, eyes and brain!!! It went on for a long time, so if it’s not the camera getting tired, it was probably a generator. My neighbor has a workshop in his garage and when he works in there, his generator is cranking with that steady hum, only louder and more annoying…
      And as far as i.d.ing the kids, I’m down to guessing. For me, it’s partly a choice between Spock brows and Groucho Marx brows,,not always an easy choice. Differences are so subtle now that I study the kid on view and throw up my hands and guess. Very scientific!!!!!!!!!

      • Gamma September 17, 2015 at 1:34 pm - Reply

        10:33 am PDT Carol, It is sad when the eyes , ears and brain start to go. You question everything. Anyway, I am still hearing the sound from this nest . It is just a steady hum. Maybe it has always been there and I didn’t hear it before. I am also hearing what sounds like a metal ladder and a chain saw.
        I have tried to put the speed to slow motion hoping to see them better but I think at this point it really doesn’t matter. I think they are both healthy and eating well. Who ever is on the nest now almost sounds like its crying . OH I take that back , it;s back to it’s loud squawk . Quiet again.
        I’m wondering how long this site will stay up. I think our moderator Paul is maybe getting tired of it. It is a lot of work for one person.

        • CarolV September 17, 2015 at 4:35 pm - Reply

          I was gonna mention it sounded like construction below. I thought I heard hammering.
          I’m getting to the point where I’m happy for the parts that still work!

    5. Marlene September 17, 2015 at 10:01 am - Reply

      Around 8:55 a.m., a chick flies in with a fish and hangs around a couple of minutes. Then flies off when he sees the sibling coming along. They fly off together and the one without the fish goes up on the high perch. That’s the only activity I’ve seen between 6:00 and 10:00 a.m.

    6. Leanne September 17, 2015 at 9:24 am - Reply

      8:20 CST Scrolled back about 45 minutes to see Sandy in nest before she flew away. Approximately 25 minutes back she arrives in nest with a nice fish. She stood there for a few and then another Osprey (Ronnie?) tried to fly in but both ended up flying off. Second bird, Ronnie (?) came right back and landed on the high perch. Nice to see both today. Looks beautiful over the water. Hope all have a great day 🙂

    7. CarolV September 17, 2015 at 7:59 am - Reply

      Kid in @ 7:40amEDT …think it’s Ronnie.
      I scrolled back and watched moonset to sunrise to osprey arrival….vey calming, even the strident “good morning”. Took screenshots along the way. Will have time to learn how to open them later! Hopefully someday I’ll know what the heck I’m doing!

      • CarolV September 17, 2015 at 8:15 am - Reply

        Lots of avian traffic in the morning…everyone with somewhere to go…..our kid took off about 8am

    8. Freddie September 17, 2015 at 7:50 am - Reply

      Scream queen on the nest

    9. Cathy H September 16, 2015 at 6:30 pm - Reply

      I think these babies have been crying for their Mama & awaiting her return. It’s so sad that they’ll never meet again.

      • Bob September 17, 2015 at 10:31 am - Reply

        Dear Cathy
        I know how you feel but you need to avoid humanizing these birds which are not humans (not that humans treat each other so well all the time). We tend to anthropomorphize a lot when we become over involved with animals. For example, I have no idea whether or not a chick misses her mother as you suggested or whether or not this is a sad thing. You may be right but I do not know whether they miss each other at all. I would guess that they miss all the free meals (especially Sandy) without having to hunt but it is soon time to prove whether they can survive or not. I truly appreciate your concern for the beautiful osprey but as I said, I do not know if human emotions apply.
        With affection,
        Bob

        • Holly September 17, 2015 at 12:43 pm - Reply

          Amen, and love the Sandy comment. Haha. I call her, McPiggish.

        • Helen September 17, 2015 at 2:20 pm - Reply

          You are so right in your comment to Cathy. I think we all are guilty of the same feelings however. It just is so hard to accept that these chicks who are no more than a couple months old can be self-sufficient. We can only pray for their success in migrating south.

    10. Gamma September 16, 2015 at 6:27 pm - Reply

      3:20 pm PDT Carol, I’m starting a new message as my reply would be beyond the basement never to be found again. I suppose it could be a generator . If it is a lawn mower who ever is mowing has one heck of a big lawn. You see my time now and this sound has gone on since 5:30 am my time. It must be close to the camera and mic because I hear it very clearly but only on this web site ( just so you don’t think I’m hearing this , which is always a possibility ).

      So tell me how you tell these chicks apart. Just from the last fish some think its Sandy and some Ronnie !! :))) And again I say , you have to feel for the poor fish and it;’s very slow death :)))

    11. CarolynV September 16, 2015 at 6:12 pm - Reply

      About 5:50pmEDT …..3 white birds, probably swans, making leisurely journey across bay. I liked how at one point the small one, presumably swan kid, got too far in front and waited while bigger ones caught up and pulled ahead. @about 6:08 I started hearing music and it took a minute to realize there must be an ice cream truck passing below!

    12. CarolV September 16, 2015 at 5:38 pm - Reply

      Just after 5:30pmEDT Two noise landings on upper perch. They seem to have a lot to squawk about, including a fly-by.

    13. Lyn September 16, 2015 at 5:36 pm - Reply

      Yes, our beloved Gracie took off for her journey around the 8th of Sept. No sightings of her since that date.

    14. Bob September 16, 2015 at 5:14 pm - Reply

      Cab anyone tell me which chick just brought back a nice bluefish snapper? I’m hoping it’s Sandy since she has not done well so far and time is fast approaching for exodus. If it’s Ronnie I already know he can catch fish. This is just a last ditch question as they will have to leave pretty soon. I am sorry to say that I am not too good at differentiating the youngsters.

    15. CarolV September 16, 2015 at 4:02 pm - Reply

      I just realized,,,,Mom has been gone about a week and no one has said….GOOD NIGHT, GRACIE……hope she is back to her vacation home with nothing on her mind but eating, sunning and chatting with her compadres….Miss You, Girl!

      • CarolV September 16, 2015 at 5:04 pm - Reply

        Silly me, thinking that trip would take a week. She’s not a 727, crazy person! Checked on North Fork Bob on OSPREYTRAX,Com and even his speedy spring migrations are about 3 weeks….fall returns to S.A. take much longer and involve plenty of stopovers and meandering. More tourist pace. Slow and easy, Gracie girl.

      • Eva September 16, 2015 at 5:06 pm - Reply

        Thanks for the giggle, and you’re right, it needed to be said.

    16. Leanne September 16, 2015 at 3:54 pm - Reply

      Scrolled back about an hr and 10 minutes to see Sandy (?) come in with a very floppy fish. I assume it’s Sandy as she went to the nest perch to eat it and at this time she still has some fish left. 2:54 CST

      • Leanne September 16, 2015 at 3:56 pm - Reply

        She is still eating the same fish.

    17. CarolV September 16, 2015 at 3:48 pm - Reply

      3:40pmEDT…..Just checked-in to see the kid still in same spot, falling asleep holding his security fish… plenty left for dessert! Beautiful guarding posture to probable fly-by.!!!

      • CarolV September 16, 2015 at 4:51 pm - Reply

        Finally finished that fish! about 4:30pm. Then took off for a spot of exercise to work off some calories.

    18. Marlene September 16, 2015 at 3:45 pm - Reply

      Around 2:45 p.m., Sandy (looks like her) caught a big fish! I think it’s her because she’s eating on her patio perch with the beautiful view of the water! I wouldn’t mind having that view. She is going to miss that perch and her nest. And we are going to miss all of them so much.

    19. Ann H. September 16, 2015 at 3:36 pm - Reply

      Seriously, does anyone know of a room on Long Island where we can all get together and bring in some food and “decompress” after this osprey-coaster all summer? Maybe Tommy, Paul and all the others involved would come and we could share osprey memories. Also bring plenty of Kleenex… I feel as if we all know each other by now and it would be nice to talk with other “ospreyites”. Any suggestions?

      • June c September 16, 2015 at 7:35 pm - Reply

        I think that is a great idea…I live on Long Island, not sure how many OA’s are on island

    20. bekindtothelittle September 16, 2015 at 2:48 pm - Reply

      Ok, yeah, after all the screeching, finally a fish! Ronnie or Sandy – gave up trying to call for food and caught a big one.

    21. Freddie September 16, 2015 at 2:46 pm - Reply

      Big catch for Ronnie

    22. Roberta September 16, 2015 at 2:24 pm - Reply

      Surprised & delighted to see one “kid” in the nest carrying on an argumentive conversation with another up at the camera perch.
      So I guess they haven’t all gone yet. Time: 2:20

    23. CarolV September 16, 2015 at 2:21 pm - Reply

      Both kids at home…Sandy in nest, Ronnie on perch…having a squawkfest

      • CarolV September 16, 2015 at 2:40 pm - Reply

        2:37pm One kid flies, other follows

        • CarolV September 16, 2015 at 2:43 pm - Reply

          2:40 Someone back with a fish!!!!!!!!

          • CarolV September 16, 2015 at 3:12 pm - Reply

            Meant to say watch if you can @2:40pmEDT Osprey victory dance I know just having trouble gripping but was too funny to see as anything other than a dance!!!!!

      • CarolV September 16, 2015 at 3:01 pm - Reply

        I’m thinking it’s Sandy. And he’s heading to the nest perch area. That’s a big fish!!! The other kid is up on camera perch. I thought I heard comments from there and then talon taps.

        Gamma…2:50-2:55ish. I hear sound that could be lawn mower or even a generator. ??????? Is that what you heard?

    24. Mimsey September 16, 2015 at 1:59 pm - Reply

      Has the mom, Gracie, left? I haven’t seen her, or mention of her in the comments for a while now.

      • June c September 16, 2015 at 7:29 pm - Reply

        Yes..she left on the 8th..

    25. Freddie September 16, 2015 at 12:13 pm - Reply

      Ronnie scares off some Crows & poor Sandy,looooool

    26. CarolV September 16, 2015 at 12:00 pm - Reply

      just before noon. crows in the nest….nature’s cleaning crew

      • CarolV September 16, 2015 at 12:16 pm - Reply

        Osprey reclaim…one flew over and scared crow then flew back to perch. a possible VF landed in nest and was in turn chased out by possibly Sandy. Reclaimed her perch from the interlopers…

    27. ChrisH September 16, 2015 at 11:41 am - Reply

      Karin and Leesa, love your wonderful poems! You had me laughing and crying at the same time.

      I’m practically sobbing as I write this, knowing this chapter will be over soon and hoping all goes well with “our family.” A huge thank you to all involved — Tommy, Paul, and the rescuers, and Newsday and reporter Ellen Yan for publishing the article in the first place (never would have known about this if not for that item). And I feel as though I personally know my fellow posters, all so caring and compassionate. What an amazing experience this had been! Can’t wait to see what happens next year!

      • CarolV September 16, 2015 at 1:00 pm - Reply

        No crying or you’ll get us all started!!!!!!!!!!!!!! And we will all be waiting with you. I hope Paul (and his helpers) found this time consuming “hobby” rewarding enough to keep up the site!

    28. june c September 16, 2015 at 11:29 am - Reply

      Question…does this crazy warm weather the reason they have not left..or they just go when nature is telling them to do so

    29. CarolV September 16, 2015 at 11:22 am - Reply

      in the words of Yogi Berra…”It ain’t over til it’s over…” I was writing off George (with surprise and disappointment) and there he was this morning, still doing the Dad scene!!!! I think we have a few more days before the last good-byes; at least, I hope so. Guessing that was Sandy this morning who got fed. Ate at top of nest for a while then took off with the rest. You can hear other osprey voices in the distance.
      It’s been fairly quiet at the nest since then. Not enough wind to stir up a Hefty dance…yay. the water is tranquil with the occasional wake wave. One kid dropped in briefly around 11:00 to break the silence.

    30. June c September 16, 2015 at 11:07 am - Reply

      11 am think Sandy popped in on nest perch. Then left

    31. Gamma September 16, 2015 at 10:01 am - Reply

      7:01 am PDT Does anyone else hear what sounds like the whirling of a motor, maybe the camera motor ? ( Do cameras have motors ?:))) ) Iv’e never heard this from the nest before and I don’t hear when I mute the sound from youtube.

      Nest is empty right now but at least Dad and one chick still around and there is the faint sound of a bird in the background.

      • CarolV September 16, 2015 at 12:55 pm - Reply

        I didn’t hear noise this a,m, and too late to check back. But I have heard noises in the past like garbage truck or leaf blower-like noises…maybe that? .

    32. Jara September 16, 2015 at 8:35 am - Reply

      Sandy on perch at dawn. George came in around 7:30 Eastern to deliver fish. Sandy took fish to her perch. What a good dad. Haven’t seen Ronnie yet.

    33. Freddie September 16, 2015 at 8:34 am - Reply

      Nope sorry : it’s Ronnie

    34. Freddie September 16, 2015 at 8:26 am - Reply

      George has a half fish for Sandy:)

    35. CarolV September 16, 2015 at 8:11 am - Reply

      George still on the job! Brought in a 1/2 fish quickly followed by a very happy kid who tripped in to the nest to grab it…..@ about 7:42amEDT

    36. Lyn September 16, 2015 at 8:03 am - Reply

      7:40 a.m. on 9/16. George in the nest with Ronnie eating. Clearly you can hear Sandy crying from someplace nearby. George takes the clue and flies off to fetch breakfast for Sandy. Just a beautiful sight : )

    37. GinaM September 16, 2015 at 7:52 am - Reply

      George flies in with a headless fish at approx 7:45 EDT and a sharp eyed chick follows by flying in and taking it from him. She likes to talk with her mouth full… almost as if she is a food critic letting George know if he caught her favorite fish or not.

    38. Leanne September 16, 2015 at 7:13 am - Reply

      Its 6:11 CST and nest is empty. Scrolled back an hour to see Sandy in nest right before she flew away. I think I just heard some noise so she may be on perch. Looks like a beautiful day. 🙂

    39. Doris September 16, 2015 at 6:54 am - Reply

      Thank you Tom. Karin and Leesa for your beautiful poems. Thank you Paul and Tom for this beautiful experience. Who would have ever thought you could watch birds so close up. It’s an osprey reality show. LOL I have come to love George, Gracie, Ronnie and Sandy and of course Pee Wee. I hope they all have a safe journey and that we get to see George and Gracie next year. Good luck to Ronnie and Sandy and may you have wonderful families of your own. Thanks again for the lovely poems.

    40. Freddie September 16, 2015 at 6:25 am - Reply

      Sandy slept @ the Nest last night

    41. Helen September 16, 2015 at 6:13 am - Reply

      I think George was just in the nest – it was darkish but I think it was him because of his shape.

    42. Gabrielle September 15, 2015 at 10:38 pm - Reply

      9:50EST One chick flies directly to and lands on the perch in the dark, still there 45 minutes later.. Probably Sandy settling in for the night, one of his last nights in his first home.

    43. CarolV September 15, 2015 at 8:15 pm - Reply

      Glad to see both kids perching upstairs tonight. Well, I didn’t see 2nd kid (did anyone see her come in?) there was a chirpy exchange and talon taps on the camera before ?Sandy flew up. I know I’m interjecting human emotions but I’m just glad to know they will have some time together before they depart……

      • CarolV September 15, 2015 at 8:23 pm - Reply

        Rewound and saw fly-in @7:02pm straight to perch.

    44. Roberta September 15, 2015 at 8:10 pm - Reply

      I’ve been checking frequently today, & it seems to me that this little guy has spent most of the day on his/her own. Saw one nice sized fish eaten without anyone to struggle against. I heard the saddest peeps coming from this abandoned babe, but no responses all day. He seems to be left on his own & maybe by tomorrow he/she will move on. By some miracle he/she will find the way. This has been a wonderful experience. My thanks to those who made it possible. I look forward to the return next year.

    45. CarolV September 15, 2015 at 6:42 pm - Reply

      Did not see George today………did anyone? Sandy on his perch yelling…looking toward upper perch…

      • Gamma September 15, 2015 at 11:12 pm - Reply

        Carol, I don’t watch all day but make sure to scroll back the 4 hrs.( That’s about the longest I stay away ) I don’t think I saw Dad at all today. Seems strange he would leave before the chicks but this has been a strange family and not all Osprey do the same thing

    46. karin September 15, 2015 at 5:59 pm - Reply

      Yup. They love to prove me wrong….. Someone just landed on the camera

    47. karin September 15, 2015 at 5:52 pm - Reply

      I had been thinking it now I’m saying it……. I’m thinking they all took off this morning around 7:30 and after going so far Sandy ( our nest sitter ) decided she didn’t want to leave her nest and turned around and came back. That to me is why the nest was empty from about 7:30 till about 4:00…….I am hoping she catches at least one more fish today and gets a good night’s sleep and heads out in the morning…… If George and Ronnie are gone I hope she finds a flying partner to go with. There. Now that I said it George and Ronnie will probably show up……. :).

      • karin September 15, 2015 at 11:49 pm - Reply

        I meant to say the nest was empty from about 7:30 till about 2:00ish… around 4:00ish she left and came back within 10 minutes with a fish.

    48. barbarav September 15, 2015 at 5:03 pm - Reply

      I have noticed that people have a differing view as to which osprey is Sandy and which one is Ronnie. I thought Ronnie was the bigger of the two.

      • CarolV September 16, 2015 at 12:44 pm - Reply

        I know I get them confused! For a while I think I was consistent with my guessing, but that was when they were often together and had reliable habits. Now they have changed so much …..sometimes wet feathers change markings; they are closer in size. I think; they are apart more….Next year, can I suggest name tags? Painted talons? Or is the guessing part of the fun?

    49. Gamma September 15, 2015 at 4:58 pm - Reply

      1:53 pm PDT I am curious to know from anyone still watching which Chick has the most brown or dark feathers on it’s chest. I find it interesting reading through the posts how some will say Chick A brought in a fish and another person will say it was chick B. SO who’s who ?

      Carol, I think it would be wonderful if that little feather would still be around next year and all the black plastic gone :))))))))

      Paul, is there going to be a next year with the camera ?

      • karin September 16, 2015 at 12:04 am - Reply

        I look at the feather as a ‘ George and Gracie’s House ‘ sign.

      • JeanneD September 16, 2015 at 12:01 pm - Reply

        September 16, 2015 at 11:30

        Sandy has a brownish chest. Sandy also has quite well-defined eyebrows that follow the curve of her eye, though they are higher on the outside of eye. She also has dirty-looking lower legs. The large brown spot on the back of her head is sort of diamond shaped, a little higher than wide, looking a lot like George’s. Ronnie’s eyebrows are unruly, the right one pointing upward (think Mr. Spock), and the left one looking very thick and not reaching the outside of the eye. The large brown spot on the back of the head is wider than high and is spikey at the bottom (I think upside-down crown), like his mother’s. I have been identifying them this way since the birds were just #2 and #1. I don’t like using a comparison unless there are two birds present, which is not and wasn’t always the case. Do I always get the bird right? No. Carol has the great idea of using “the kid” when she has trouble telling them apart. Does it really matter? Not unless we are keeping tally of how much a bird is getting to eat. There was never fairness in this nest when it came to feeding the babies–#1 was ALWAYS getting fed first, and I think all of us were rooting for #2. It might have been Gracie’s way of keeping peace since #2 was so aggressive. Ironically, Sandy (#2) is a much better fisher than Ronnie, and has successfully fought off aggression from both Ronnie and her mother.

        Some call Ronnie a he and Sandy a she. To me it doesn’t matter, tho I think of Sandy as a female.

        • JeanneD September 16, 2015 at 12:05 pm - Reply

          Oops. I meant to say that #1 was so aggressive. Can we ever forget the time Ronnie tried to push Sandy out of the nest?

        • Sandy -massapequa September 16, 2015 at 8:21 pm - Reply

          Perfectly worded Jeanne…I’ve been watching and reading comments daily ands my heart aches each time. ………thank you again to Paul & Tommy for providing an intimate view of this osprey family. …looking forward to next year. May God bless them, as they are his creations, on their journeys…and back in 2016. Thank you to George&Gracie’s audience for your detailed comments, updates, thoughts, and information on ospreys, it was helpful to read when hectic and running to work. ..
          Sad to see the nest empty 85% of the time….Night Gracie…miss you.

    50. GinaM September 15, 2015 at 4:58 pm - Reply

      I don’t think their leaving is coming up on us so soon. At least around here, on the North Shore of Eastern Nassau, the Ospreys stay until the end of September one nest stayed into early October. However, a friend in Quogue tells me her Ospreys left two weeks ago!

      • karin September 15, 2015 at 11:54 pm - Reply

        I hope you’re right… Sandy needs more time. I don’t want them to leave without her.

    51. CarolV September 15, 2015 at 4:30 pm - Reply

      about 4:12pmedt Kid arrives with fish and drags to the no-see corner. As a guess, I think it’s Sandy. I think Ronnie was in nest a couple times and had just left about 10-15 mins before this one came in.

      • CarolV September 15, 2015 at 4:36 pm - Reply

        You can’t see this but I’m throwing up my hands. I’m having too much trouble telling them apart!!!!

      • CarolV September 15, 2015 at 4:42 pm - Reply

        Bird that was there at 4 not the same one who brought in fish, that much I know. The kid eating fish has a dot under right wing up where it joins his body. The kid @4pm did not. Other than that, I’m going cross-eyed

      • karin September 16, 2015 at 12:07 am - Reply

        I like the ‘ no-see ‘ corner….. Next year G & G need to make a ‘ time out ‘ corner…It will be interesting to see what if anything G & G do different next year…

    52. isobel September 15, 2015 at 4:29 pm - Reply

      Beautiful scene, Sandy? looking around flew off and came with fish ,by the look of her she wont be hungry tonight. From earlier posts I thought they had gone so delighted to see them.

    53. Jan September 15, 2015 at 4:27 pm - Reply

      Hi Everyone…A chick came in about 4:20 pm with a big fish…..not sure if it was
      Sandy or Ronnie…think it might of bee Sandy…but I have trouble telling them apart…did anyone see?

    54. Roberta September 15, 2015 at 4:21 pm - Reply

      Kid eating fish in the nest, all alone. No squawking sounds from above. I think this one is all alone.

    55. Gabrielle September 15, 2015 at 4:17 pm - Reply

      4:12EST one chick comes back to the nest with a small, still wiggly fish. Goes directly to the area of the nest in the lower right corner of the screen, so I’m assuming it’s Ronnie since (s)he seems to be partial to eating in that particular spot.

    56. Freddie September 15, 2015 at 4:13 pm - Reply

      Sandy with a nice Catch

    57. shredman September 15, 2015 at 3:39 pm - Reply

      might be going out on limb, and think our entertainment leaves tomorrow 930am thanks for the show.

      • CarolV September 15, 2015 at 8:17 pm - Reply

        Was that an intentional bird pun?

    58. Leanne September 15, 2015 at 3:05 pm - Reply

      2:04 CST and Sandy (?) is in nest 🙂

    59. karin September 15, 2015 at 2:48 pm - Reply

      Gina M. …..you might want to start getting your basement ready and stock up on a whole lot of fish…….. Justin Case…

      • GinaM September 15, 2015 at 4:54 pm - Reply

        LOL…
        She is welcome!
        But I was just reading on one of our Osprey expert’s sites, and one said that some young Osprey leave for migration without ever catching a fish… I guess dear old Mother Nature kickstarts their instincts. But if Princess Sandy has a problem- I’ve got lots of branches in the yard she can help me tidy up 🙂

        • Gamma September 16, 2015 at 10:08 am - Reply

          Gina, I watch several different sights ( nests ) and this is the only one where it has been obvious the chicks have actually gone out and caught their own fish. Ospreys are very hard wired for some things and catching their own fish is one of them, which usually happens after they start their migration.

      • Lyn September 15, 2015 at 4:58 pm - Reply

        Hysterical !

    60. Roberta September 15, 2015 at 2:08 pm - Reply

      Just saw one fly into the nest. Can’t tell whether Ronnie or Sandy. No fish. First sighting in many hours. Glad to see her/him still around.

    61. Eva September 15, 2015 at 2:08 pm - Reply

      2:03 PM eastern…one of the kids in the nest; very windy up there, bird having trouble balancing. Now squawking a bit; not a “feed me” call. More like “where are you”?

    62. CarolV September 15, 2015 at 2:08 pm - Reply

      Somebody’s finally at home.@2pmEDT gonna study before guessing.

      • CarolV September 15, 2015 at 4:33 pm - Reply

        I thought this was Sandy. Forgot to post

    63. karin September 15, 2015 at 2:07 pm - Reply

      2:03 A chick just appeared in the nest…… First sign of an osprey since about 7:30 this morning…. I don’t know yet if it is Sandy or a VF.

    64. Gabrielle September 15, 2015 at 2:06 pm - Reply

      2pmEST one chick lands in the nest empty-taloned. Pretty quiet, must be resting up before the big trip.

    65. Freddie September 15, 2015 at 2:05 pm - Reply

      Nope>it’s lovely Sandy:)

    66. Mitchell September 15, 2015 at 2:03 pm - Reply

      Hi, The Osprey are fixing to leave. It was a Pleasure watching with you all this summer. I’m just going to make a few suggestions that would dramatically improve this site for next year. Slightly better camera Positioning, an infrared camera. And color banding for next year’s Brood this would clear up so much confusion . Of course this is all if funds permit. Thanks for the website.

    67. Freddie September 15, 2015 at 2:03 pm - Reply

      There’s Ronnie,lol

    68. Roberta September 15, 2015 at 12:58 pm - Reply

      I did see the 2 “kids” in the nest early this morning 9/15. It was a very beautiful sight with the sun coming up on the water. Ronnie & Sandy beginning to look strong & powerful. No fish in the nest, so no squabbling. I came back at 11:30 a.m. & nest was empty. I’ve scrolled back & forth & haven’t seen any sign of them. Also no sound of them. I’m thinking they might have gone. . . . the black plastic & the feather are there. Happy New Year to all who are celebrating Rosh Hashana. May it be a good, healthy, peaceful year for all.

      • Eva September 15, 2015 at 2:35 pm - Reply

        Thanks for the good and peaceful wishes to all. Not Jewish, but Lord knows the world could use some peace right now.

      • Mike Martin September 15, 2015 at 3:30 pm - Reply

        With close of this amazing Season and the eventuality of saying our last Goodbye to the Family until next Spring
        An Osprey Project in Rutland UK produced a very heartfelt goodbye to their Ospreys
        If anyone is interested in viewing this video which is also se to music Go To Ospreys.UK.org scroll down to osprey team latest and click and follow to the video

        • JeanneD September 15, 2015 at 5:51 pm - Reply

          Thanks. Another to add to a growing list to keep me busy.

    69. karin September 15, 2015 at 10:26 am - Reply

      I won’t swear to it but I am thinking when I scrolled back to around 7:30 this morning and saw Sandy (?) fly in , look around then leave, I believe she was saying goodbye to (her ) nest……….. I have neither seen nor heard any osprey activity since then and it is 10:24 AM…………. I hope I’m wrong……. but I hope I’m right…..

    70. karin September 15, 2015 at 9:47 am - Reply

      Wouldn’t it be amazing to see ( within a decade or so ) these magnificent osprey be so numerous that there are large flocks of them flying south for the winter?

    71. CarolV September 15, 2015 at 9:29 am - Reply

      Saw both kids in nest about6:40-6:45amEDT. Mouthy as usual. Or is that beaky? Having a “quiet” conversation. They’ve been out of view mostly since then but I did hear one on perch. Wind making a racket as usual.

      • CarolV September 15, 2015 at 9:41 am - Reply

        Pshew!!! Thought our feather was gone! But it’s right at the end of the sun’s path over the water! Want to see it there at least as long as the osprey….

    72. karin September 15, 2015 at 9:29 am - Reply

      9:25 AM I did scroll back and one of the chicks flew in and out a few times about 2 and a half hours ago……….I have seen no fish today so far,,,,,,,,,,,,,

    73. karin September 15, 2015 at 9:17 am - Reply

      It’s 9:15 AM….. I looked in on our nest earlier and it was empty… After running some errands, I come back and the nest is still empty….. I hope they are out fishing….. It does look like a beautiful day in ospreyland!

      • Tucker September 15, 2015 at 1:37 pm - Reply

        Leesa love your poem however, no one used WINDEX it’s toxic. Please people don’t use that crap! Think earth friendly I’m beggin ya!

    74. Freddie September 15, 2015 at 7:45 am - Reply

      Both Sandy & Ronnie @ the Nest

    75. Jan September 14, 2015 at 9:56 pm - Reply

      Looks like Sandy’s been in the nest for a while now..she looks lonely…going to miss them when they go..

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