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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

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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

    52,629 Comments

    1. Jo-Ann December 19, 2015 at 5:36 pm - Reply

      Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all of you!!! It looks to me like the nest has been lowered and cleaned out except for some large branches. We have been having very strong winds here but I didn’t think the wind would blow away all that nesting material . I thought the nest was going to be lowered but left intact. Anyone know what happened?

      Kathy B. Ironically I went to the library yesterday to get the book Soaring with Fidel but it isn’t in my library so they are getting it for me from another library. I will have it by Tuesday and Thanks for your offer. That was very nice of you to think of us and offer to mail it.

      Hopefully after the holidays those of us that are local can start to plan that beach clean-up and lunch event. Hopefully the weather for this winter will continue to be mild. Who thought we would have such a warm December-it may be 65 degrees on Thursday and in the high 50’s Christmas Day. No snow in the forecast for the holiday which is wonderful especially to anyone traveling.

    2. gracey December 19, 2015 at 3:38 pm - Reply

      2 things: if Man cleared out the Nest, I hope they buried it for Pee-Wee’s sake…we loved that baby very much…Also perhaps someone near this Nest could build a platform that Sandy

      and Ronnie could find in a couple years. Build it similar to George and Gracie’s platform and as close as feasible…Now it really is “an empty nest.”

    3. Patty K December 19, 2015 at 3:29 pm - Reply

      Just wondering, who cleaned out the nest? Will it be lowered? Merry Christmas !!

      • Patty K December 19, 2015 at 3:32 pm - Reply

        So sorry for the repeat. I didn’t see that my previous post was awaiting moderation.

    4. Mitchell December 19, 2015 at 1:48 pm - Reply

      HI this is a must read for all probably more so for new comers

      https://www.audubon.org/news/nature-cant-exist-without-suffering-and-we-cant-change

    5. Eva December 19, 2015 at 11:40 am - Reply

      The view is so changed; more than I thought it would be once the tower and nest was lowered. Did anyone take photos of the process?
      Wishing everyone a peaceful Christmas and New Year. (with no snow!)

    6. Ann H. December 19, 2015 at 11:22 am - Reply

      Happy Holidays everyone!!!
      I see the nest was lowered -still with a great view of the ocean. Also was cleaned out – RIP pee wee.
      I wonder if there will be a different camera next year?
      Have been watching eagles – Harriet and M15 – Romeo and Juliet. Quite entertaining -chatrooms and video replays -seem to have a whole organization working.
      Miss our birds – hope they are well.

    7. Jan December 19, 2015 at 7:31 am - Reply

      Merry Christmas…Happy New Year to everyone!! Hope you all have a great holiday. Miss our family so much! Counting down the months till they return. Hope their journey has been a safe one for them! Looks like the nest has been cleaned out!! ONLY A COUPLE MORE MONTHS TO GO!

    8. Patty K December 18, 2015 at 8:37 pm - Reply

      Please, what happened to the family nest? Cleaned? OMG! Paul & fabulous family, maybe lowering or changing camera, or anything? I usually check in almost every day couldn’t for a spell, please let us know, thank you, Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays…..From learning from your site, thought that George and Gracie would come back to their own “shack nest””, would love to hear from you, Tommy, all the followers here………..

    9. Pam December 18, 2015 at 6:19 pm - Reply

      Tuned in to check the weather today and saw the entire nest is gone! What happened?

    10. karin December 18, 2015 at 6:07 pm - Reply

      I’ve been out sick for quite a while and have only peeked in on our nest a couple times….. I just tuned in and wow! What a difference. 🙂
      I wanted to wish everyone in Ospreyland a Happy Christmas and a wonderful New Year and beautiful weather and temps too! 🙂 The countdown for G&G to come home continues…..

      • CarolV December 24, 2015 at 7:24 am - Reply

        Hope you’re doing much better! Happy healthy Holidays to you!

    11. gracey December 18, 2015 at 4:08 pm - Reply

      OMG WHAT HAPPENED ???? The nest is “emptier” The wind ??? I thought one left it alone so next year it will be bigger….This looks like human intervention….but I hope not…

      Does anyone know the answer ??? Happy Holidays to All, from Gracey

    12. Isobel December 18, 2015 at 12:02 pm - Reply

      One week till Christmas.Just want to wish everyone a happy and peaceful time and best wishes for the New Year. XX

    13. Kathy B December 18, 2015 at 9:01 am - Reply

      To all our Osprey fans, a Blessed Christmas and Happy New Year. May our George, Gracie, Ronnie and Sandy be happy and healthy whereever you have landed. Can’t wait till spring !
      I’m currently reading “Soaring with Fidel”. When I am done, if anyone wants to read it, I will mail it to you.

      Peace……..

    14. gracey December 17, 2015 at 7:00 pm - Reply

      Hello everyone, I just ordered the 2016 Osprey Calendar from the UK. I can’t wait to receive it.

      I am wishing all of you a very Happy Holiday and a Wonderful New Year.

    15. helen December 16, 2015 at 9:08 pm - Reply

      Just watched Gina M’s video again – it was really wonderful. Thank you Gina.

      To everyone a peaceful and Blessed Christmas and a Happy and Healthy New Year filled with love and good thoughts.

      To our little family, we think of you every day and pray for your good health and happiness.

      All the best.

    16. Richard Russo December 15, 2015 at 10:53 am - Reply

      Happy Holidays to the Osprey group. Just finished Soaring with Fidel. Between that and watching Southwest Florida Eagle Cam, I am looking forward to the return of Gracie and George. May they fly high and safely with a friendly wind beneath their wings.

    17. CATOLINA December 14, 2015 at 8:07 pm - Reply

      To all Osprey fans.. Have a wonderful Holliday. Wishing for a Peaceful World. Love Cat…

    18. GinaM December 14, 2015 at 11:57 am - Reply

      December 14th…. only 3 more months ’til our family comes home!

    19. gracey December 12, 2015 at 1:43 pm - Reply

      Has the camera been turned off till March? HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO ALL…

    20. CarolV December 11, 2015 at 1:05 pm - Reply

      Happy day to all out there in Qspreyland. The video stream has been suspended again. Does Santa have a present in store for us? Can only speculate.
      I haven’t checked in lately, so I don’t know how long the video has been off. Just wanted to post greetings early enough to get them out for the season.
      MERRY CHRISTMAS…HAPPY CHANNAKAH…HAPPY KWANSA…HAPPY NEW YEAR …AND TO ALL A GOOD HOLIDAY SEASON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
      Mother Nature…THANK YOU for the 50’s in December……

    21. Rodee Hansen December 7, 2015 at 1:31 pm - Reply

      To: Tommy/Christina and Paul/spouse and to all the great osprey family near and far :

      Wishing you blessings of calm and serenity, a time to look forward to December 25th and in anticipation of a joyous and peaceful Christmas.
      How about commissioning one of the crows to collect some nice greens and a red ribbon to deposit on the nest. I can just see it ….
      Only 15 more days and at the gong of Winter Solstice our days will be getting longer and what a good thought that is.
      I am still hoping to meet the LOCAL FAMILY – a strange thing, is it not, how we are connected and have the desire to see actually the faces behind the comments. MAY IT HAPPEN.!!!!!
      Best wishes to all of you and again a special note of THANKS TO PAUL AND TOMMY. Rodee H. Ronkonkoma, NY

      • ChrisH December 8, 2015 at 12:13 pm - Reply

        That was very nice, Rodee, and I second it!!

        (P.S. We’re practically neighbors — me, Oakdale)

      • Patty K December 9, 2015 at 12:26 am - Reply

        I still check the nest everyday also, thanks to Tommy & Paul for keeping it open! My life and so many others have been changed because of this site.Bless you, all, for enriching our lives with this very special place!

      • KarenH December 10, 2015 at 10:05 am - Reply

        I too check the nest almost every day. And, I agree with Rodee 100%. Thank you!!

    22. Jan December 6, 2015 at 8:02 pm - Reply

      Hi Everyone: Just wanted to check in and say hello to everyone! I still check the nest At Least once a day! So glad that the camera is still on. Can’t wait till our Ospreys return. Just hope they are all safe!!!

    23. karin December 5, 2015 at 11:33 am - Reply

      It looks like a beautiful morning at our nest. The sun is out, hardly any wind and i can hear machinery running……Now that I said that I can hear the wind gusting….. The rails of the platform are definitely visible now……. I have not seen any snow in the nest yet…. we have had 2 snows so far……. neither of them too bad and the second one melted fairly quickly. 🙂 It’s supposed to get up to the low 50s almost every day this week. 🙂 Carol, the only snow I like is about an inch on the grass and trees but melted on streets, driveways and sidewalks and only on Christmas day….. then it all has to go away. I would love to be able to fly south for the winter but that won’t be happening 🙂

    24. CarolV December 3, 2015 at 8:15 am - Reply

      7:13amEST Good Morning! our view is obscured by fog or rain on the lens..reminds me of chick-squirt days!! :+} have a fun day!

    25. Leanne December 2, 2015 at 1:09 pm - Reply

      Windy and raining at the nest right now. Looks down right miserable.

    26. Eva November 27, 2015 at 8:55 pm - Reply

      Serene view of the moon shining across the water tonight; doesn’t seem so lonely and abandoned, even tho I know otherwise.

    27. CarolV November 26, 2015 at 10:06 am - Reply

      8;45amEST Peaceful Thanksgiving morn…sun shining on a quiet bay
      There are starlings visiting the nest..they must be sitting next to microphone,,,their shrill chirps are waking up my 18yr. old cat, Mishka, who was sleeping across my chest and now has
      jumped down to find them…he’ll have to settle for turkey later!
      For Karin…no snow here…sympathy to you from a snow hater…weather was unusually warm until a few days ago..my roses were still growing and blooming..it’s a crazy bush in any case. We’ve had a couple nights of hard freeze then back into high50s-low 60s.
      The full moon has been outstanding! Clear crisp skies full of stars and that big old shiny moon…gorgeous!

    28. Eva November 25, 2015 at 6:27 pm - Reply

      Happy Thanksgiving all! Hope it is a memorable happy day for you. Filling my Osprey wishes with eagles and bison, but missing Osprey.

      Did the snow melt Karin?

    29. Dawn November 25, 2015 at 2:15 pm - Reply

      Happy Thanksgiving to all!

    30. Leanne November 25, 2015 at 7:13 am - Reply

      Just dropping by to wish everyone a very Happy Thanksgiving 🙂

    31. Bre November 24, 2015 at 4:32 pm - Reply

      Happy Thanksgiving to everyone!!!..I’ve been enjoying the Ospreys here on the water where i live in Florida,i’m watching a family of them daily
      that live in a nice big nest on the highest telephone tower above two huge ponds and Turkey creek canal. I get my binoculars and watch them,
      they are fishing very hard today lots of dives it is exciting! That is something i wish i could have seen George and family do up close but still
      enjoyed every minute and antisapating their return next year!

    32. Jo-Ann November 23, 2015 at 1:31 pm - Reply

      Happy Thanksgiving to everyone!! We have been having some really bad winds here and I am amazed that the nest is still there. I read that the weather forecast for the north east has been changed to a milder less snowy winter than first predicted. Let’s pray that is true and spring weather will come early. Maybe George and Gracie will also arrive before mid-March as we were told to expect them. Have not had any feedback on beach clean-up and lunch event I want to plan. I guess everyone is just busy at this time. Maybe after the holidays we can address this.

    33. GinaM November 23, 2015 at 11:14 am - Reply

      Hello everyone,
      I have a happy thought for you. If my calculations are correct, and the first of the Ospreys return to the Northeast around St. Paddy’s day, then we only have 18 weeks to see George and Gracie again.
      Happy Thanksgiving!!

    34. Jan November 22, 2015 at 8:28 pm - Reply

      Hi Everyone…. Still checking in.. Just wanted to wish everyone a very Happy Thanksgiving!! Counting down the months until our Ospreys return!! Hope they are staying safe…MISS THEM SO MUCH!!

    35. CarolV November 22, 2015 at 4:56 pm - Reply

      3:53pmEST…Just stopped in on this dreary Sunday to visit. I’m surprised how quiet it is! Barely any movement in the bay, no real waves…even the Plasticmonsters are resting!!!!!!!!!!!
      Wishing everyone Happy Turkey Day…good health and good times to all……

    36. karin November 22, 2015 at 9:06 am - Reply

      Sunday 8:02 am we have several visitors this morning… 4 speckled birds in the nest and more on the camera…… The nest doesn’t even look frosty……. wind chill is 11 degrees here in Indianapolis and we have snow….. I have not seen any snow in our nest yet…. it looks like a beautiful sunny Sunday in the nest today….. 🙂

    37. Leanne November 21, 2015 at 10:18 pm - Reply

      Just checking in… 🙂

    38. Helen November 20, 2015 at 6:38 pm - Reply

      I purchased a calendar from Dyfi Osprey Project thanks to someone who posts here – just can’t find the post. Anyone interested should go to http://www.montwt.co.uk or http://www.dyfiospreyproject.com. The calendar is beautiful so I thank the person who posted about it.

      Have a good Thanksgiving everyone! And a special Thanksgiving wish to our little family.

      • Kathy November 24, 2015 at 10:27 am - Reply

        Helen, I posted the calendar. Glad you got one.

        • helen December 16, 2015 at 9:11 pm - Reply

          I really love it – thank you for letting me know it was you. It makes me feel closer to our little family. Thanks again.

    39. karin November 20, 2015 at 1:28 pm - Reply

      The sun and clouds are casting shadows and making the colors quite beautiful…
      my husband discovered facebook free gamblibg slots so I can’t get on here as much as I had before…….
      it looks like the wind has done some more rearranging of nest items….. I wonder what Grace will take out of the nest when she comes back…….
      ps
      Hi everybody! Happy Almost Thanksgiving!

    40. KarenH November 19, 2015 at 11:35 am - Reply

      Gina, I just watched your Summer 2015 Highlight. I guess I didn’t notice it was there. I know I saw some of it in the past . But, watching it is great. Amazing. So touching. Loved it!! Makes you smile and brings tears to your eyes. What an experience. And we lived it!! Right??? Thank You!!!

      • GinaM November 23, 2015 at 11:14 am - Reply

        Thank you!

    41. karin November 14, 2015 at 5:37 pm - Reply

      Thank you Carol! I did just that and got my full screen view again……. 🙂
      It’s very windy and cloudy and waves are wicked…..No sign of life right now, everyone probably blew away…….some of our stick furniture might fly out of our nest soon. It’s still amazing to me how our nest is holding together…..

      • CarolV November 17, 2015 at 9:47 am - Reply

        Hey..glad to help…and I already see a difference in the nest. Some spots are down to the original rails. While the banners still wave!!!!!!

    42. Eva November 14, 2015 at 5:11 pm - Reply

      Popping in the say hi to all…..that is some wind! Seems like it wants to keep the tide off the beach and blow the nest apart.

    43. Kathy November 14, 2015 at 5:30 am - Reply

      CarolIV, Jan, Karin and all….I’m still checking in every day as well. Sometimes I wonder why. For the comments I guess. I wonder about the nest operations also. Wish Paul or Tommy would let us know.
      Have a wonderful Thanksgiving to everyone next week. Peace.

    44. Jo-Ann November 13, 2015 at 10:40 pm - Reply

      To those still checking in– Please go back to page 23. I posted on Nov.10th but it was not posted till today Nov.13th.I really don’t want to re-write it and I think some of you may be interested in what I wrote. Other comments were posted so when mine got posted it was behind many others from the 10, 11, 12 and 13th. So those of you still reading may not go back to the 10th because you already read the others.I don’t know why it took so long to post. I addressed the beach clean-up and lunch event in that posting and I need to get some feedback.

      To whoever is doing the moderating–Please post this as soon as possible. Thank you.

    45. CarolV November 13, 2015 at 10:17 am - Reply

      Checking in at 9:10amEST to find video stream interrupted. Between sounds heard below recently and lack of video, is it possible the tower reduction is happening? Duhn, duhn, duhn, DUHN……The suspense is too much!

      • CarolV November 13, 2015 at 10:25 am - Reply

        I’ve tried to visualize how this will be done. Sounds monumental in scope; hope there will be video or pictures with an explanation. We don’t ask much, do we? Do a difficult job and show us how you did it….o.k….that’s a lot…..Good luck …

    46. KarenH November 12, 2015 at 10:15 am - Reply

      Hi. I am just checking in also. Just saying hi and that I am still an active nest watcher and comment reader. Thanks to all.

    47. CarolV November 12, 2015 at 9:04 am - Reply

      Checked in about 7:45am to a foggy view Not sure if fog or just a foggy lens..Scrolled back to about 7amEST and saw visiting starlings pecking around and chatting. Also heard crows, jays and other birds in background.And a generator. Very busy in Ospreyzone area!!!!!!!!!
      I left a message for Karin on pg.23 and noticed time different from posting. May still be posting at EDT times, if it makes a difference. Now 8:04amEST as I post

    48. Jan November 11, 2015 at 9:02 pm - Reply

      Hi All! Still checking in….so happy the live feed is still on…even though our family is gone for now…it’s good to be able to see the nest!! Miss them everyday!!!

    49. CarolV November 11, 2015 at 11:55 am - Reply

      Just checked in and happy to hear some life sounds. Lots of bird chatter! Probably a resting flock and sounds pretty big…calls near and far…some probably on nest perch. Then there’s the wind,,,,,,,

    50. karin November 11, 2015 at 11:47 am - Reply

      Hmmm…… The ‘ click here to view at a larger size ‘ option is not working right now…… I tried 3 times and got an error message each time….. 🙁

      • CarolV November 12, 2015 at 8:45 am - Reply

        Hi, Karin….if you go to the bottom right corner of the picture itself, click on the little icon to enlarge. Big and blue as the “Click here” instruction is, I don’t think I’ve ever used it until you mentioned it: when I did I just got the endless circling symbol.
        Not much to see this a.m. Fog is in.

    51. karin November 11, 2015 at 11:41 am - Reply

      Hello everyone!……… Just saying Hi. Nothing interesting here going on….. We did have a young hawk on our deck railing 3 or 4 days ago…….that’s about it….. I wish Bob would write in and tell us how his osprey are doing…… I have heard a lot of chirping at our nest but have not seen the owners of that chirping……. I do still see the seagulls flying by……and i like to watch the sun shine on the water and the moon too on clear nights…. someone is chirping now so i am going to go look.

    52. Jo-Ann November 10, 2015 at 6:57 pm - Reply

      Hello to anyone still looking in to this site. I am still involved in that renovation I mentioned so I have not posted since 10/3, but I look in daily but not many comments. It is a busy time now for all with leaf raking, getting ready for winter and the holidays approaching.

      Thank you Gina M for that beautiful video. You are very talented. I did get teary eyed because I miss them very much and I was sad to see the pictures of Pee Wee yet happy also because he was and is a part of this story.

      Thank you Karen from Indiana for offering to organize the group to come help me finish my renovation so I could join all that were going on the outing you suggested. It sounded like we would have had a great time.

      RodeeH. I posted that suggestion about the beach clean-up and lunch on 10/3. Do you know of a beach we would be allowed to do that clean up on? I think a lot of the beaches out east are private or you have to be a resident of the town that beach is located in. It occurred to me that Tommy’s house must be on the beach we see below the nest so maybe that would be able to access that beach. There are a lot of restaurants in that area for lunch. I think George and Gracie arrive around mid-March so we could do this after that so we could see them. I guess this is how we will have to communicate and hope this site stays up and running so this event can be arranged.

      To Carol V and anyone else who lives locally the same message is for all of you. RodeeH. was the only one who has addressed the clean-up and lunch posting I did but of course any one of you can interject ideas as to how and where to do this event.

      Let’s all keep in touch and make that event happen. And Thank you to all who are still commenting and making suggestion on other sites to watch.

    53. Lisa Scheffenacker November 10, 2015 at 5:48 pm - Reply

      I’ve been keeping tabs from Baltimore, MD on this precious family. A friend had forwarded the link to me earlier this summer. Now that the family is gone for the winter, it’s amazing how much I miss watching them, but am really hopeful that all goes well for George, Gracie, Ronnie and Sandy. I’ll be tuning in again in 2016. So glad this link exists!

    54. Isobel November 10, 2015 at 5:04 pm - Reply

      Can’t resist sharing this. 8.30pm here in the UK and have just been watching a nature program on TV. about two ospreys Catherine and Drunkey who have a nest in Loch Lomond Scotland. Have been coming back to the same nest for ten years and have had 16 chicks and now another 2 eggs. They fly to Africa each year a total of 60,000 miles over the years.They are not as handsome as George and Gracie but it was a wonderful taste of what we will see in the spring all being well. Best wishes to all.

      • karin November 14, 2015 at 5:44 pm - Reply

        You’re right, George and Gracie are the best looking couple in our viewing area… 🙂

    55. cheryl November 9, 2015 at 4:29 pm - Reply

      Haven’t checked in, in a few days, but there does seem to be somethin’ going on below the nest. Just like to read the messages once in awhile. Thanks for all who continue to keep an eye out and messages still coming.

    56. Kathy November 9, 2015 at 11:02 am - Reply

      Monday morning, 10am, lots of noise and banging at the nest site. Wondering if they are working on lowering pole?

      • Leanne November 9, 2015 at 2:25 pm - Reply

        It’s now 1:23 EST and the banging continues. Wonder what’s going on?

      • Leanne November 9, 2015 at 4:27 pm - Reply

        3:26 and that noise is still happening. Maybe someone is getting a new roof??

      • CarolV November 9, 2015 at 10:12 pm - Reply

        Darn!!! I’ve gotten in the habit of watching with the sound muted because the wind is always so sorrowful! I just mentioned to Rodee today in a previous post that I thought they would take advantage of the weather to set things up for spring! Will have to turn that sound back on…thanks for the heads up!

    57. rodeehansen November 7, 2015 at 5:09 pm - Reply

      To Carol and GinaM and all who are still checking in.
      The book by Alan F. Poole “Ospreys – A Natural and Unnatural History” is very informative, maybe a wee bit too analytical for me, so I skip most charts, but here is something I just read: “Using band recoveries Henny & Wight (1969) estimated that only about 50% of all Osprey fledgelings survive their first year of life. …. with adults survival running 85% per year.Pg 142
      But hear this: In three instances, an Osprey 24-25 years old has been found breeding (Spitzer 1980) , the greatest longevity recorded for the species and truly remarkable survival ……..

      Don’t forget me when clean up time comes around. I am ready with boots and gloves. I can be there in half an hour.
      Also: Can someone arrange for a meeting/lunch on a week-end. Even if we should only be a handful of this fine Osprey family. And would Tommy and Paul come? THAT WOULD BE SUPER!!!! Enjoy this unusual warm weather. Rodee H.

      • Kathy November 9, 2015 at 10:59 am - Reply

        Rodee,
        I’m still checking in from Michigan. Oh how I wish I lived near by and could have a meeting with some. I’d really like to come there this summer and watch our family. I put it out there once, if anyone knows of a cottage or places to rent, please LMK. I’m hoping Ronnie and Sandy are in the 50% !

        Kathy

      • CarolV November 9, 2015 at 1:00 pm - Reply

        Thanks, Rodee…I always enjoy the osprey facts OWA members share…and I’m still checking in to see the view and see who’s checking in. I wonder when the nest is moving down….thought they would do it this fall while the weather is good but I’m sure there are many factors controlling their schedules….

    58. GinaM November 4, 2015 at 7:29 pm - Reply

      Just a hello to everyone checking in. We have had such balmy weather I keep expecting to see “our” family when I log on.
      I have another great shot I took of Ronnie that I am attempting to upload. Hopefully, I will have something for everyone in a day or so.
      On a funny note, while walking with a friend today, I saw a pile of leaves and in it was a lone windshield wiper. Before thinking I said, “Wow, George would LOVE that.”
      You can only imagine the look I got as I tried to explain who George was and why he would love a windshield wiper… some people just don’t get it! 🙂

      • CarolV November 6, 2015 at 5:10 pm - Reply

        Thank heavens you have us! Very funny !!

      • karin November 8, 2015 at 5:07 pm - Reply

        Gina, We know George would love it…..I can’t wait to see your picture of Ronnie! 🙂 It looks like our ForceFlex Nest wrap is holding strong…..

    59. Leanne November 3, 2015 at 3:58 pm - Reply

      I still check the nest a few times a day. Don’t know what I expect to see. Guess I’m just hoping our osprey miss us as much as we miss them and that they all decided to return a little ( or a lot) early. Just wishful thinking.

      • karin November 4, 2015 at 7:03 pm - Reply

        Leanne, I suspect they are down south having a grand times….. I am betting Sandy has quit longing for her Long Island nest…….sad for us, but it’s a good thing for them….. 🙂 Someone said Grace and George might come back around March…… ….. Just five months away!

      • Jan November 4, 2015 at 8:53 pm - Reply

        Leanne…I check the nest at least once a day too!!! Miss them….can’t wait for Spring!! Hope our family is safe and sound!

      • CarolV November 5, 2015 at 9:05 am - Reply

        Maybe gather for a Holiday dinner ( not turkey)? Or a ski vacation, tho ski design would be problematic…..

    60. CarolV November 3, 2015 at 8:22 am - Reply

      Another beautiful sunrise in East Marion…..love checking in just for that view !!!!!!!!!

    61. LadyDi November 1, 2015 at 8:48 am - Reply

      Maybe this has been posted here before, but anyone who may be going through Osprey withdrawal, you can enjoy the Eagles on this website http://harrisonbayeaglecam.org/
      I’ve been watching for about 10 days. Some days they are no where to be seen, but then other days, there are numerous sightings. Anyway, enjoy it f you would like.

      • Kathy November 2, 2015 at 10:56 am - Reply

        LadyDi, There is an eagle cam in Fort Meyers FL as well. I’ve sent the link. It’s underwritten by Dick Pritchett Real Estate. It was Ozzie and Harriet but Ozzie passed away and she has a new Beau M15. It’s been very nice to see.

        http://www.dickpritchettrealestate.com/eagle-feed.html

        • LadyDi November 5, 2015 at 1:51 pm - Reply

          Thanks Kathy…I’ll be able to enjoy some Eagle viewing until George & Gracie return to LI next year!

    62. Leanne November 1, 2015 at 8:33 am - Reply

      6:33 am CST Don’t see any birds at the nest right now but I sure do hear a lot of them.

    63. barbara October 31, 2015 at 6:39 pm - Reply

      Happy Halloween !! Wonder if there will be any trick or treaters at the nest ?? I know we had wonderful treats all season long !!

    64. karin October 31, 2015 at 9:59 am - Reply

      Happy Halloween everyone!!!! 🙂

    65. Kathy October 30, 2015 at 8:07 am - Reply

      Beautiful Friday morning at the nest. Has anyone seen any visitors there? Don’t remember seeing that big white stick in the front.

      • CarolV November 1, 2015 at 9:08 am - Reply

        Just watched farewell video and got teary eyed again…but I think the stick you mention is there.

    66. Eva October 29, 2015 at 3:09 pm - Reply

      Amazing; with all that wind last night the nest is not in tatters. One has to admire an Osprey for his ability to build a nest and have it stay intact for so long. Makes me wonder however, if George and Gracie will clean out some of the material so there is a bowl shape again or if they will simply build another story on top of what is there.

    67. Karen October 29, 2015 at 2:04 pm - Reply

      Here’s an interesting blog post from the Dyfi Osprey Project in Wales explaining how and why they do a cleanup of the nest at the end of each season. Of course their nest is much older and larger than this nest.

      http://www.dyfiospreyproject.com/blog/2015/10/nestorations-eight-things-recovered-from-the-nest

      • Kathy October 30, 2015 at 7:25 pm - Reply

        Karen, Did you see they have calendars on sale next week and they ship WORLDWIDE ! They look awesome!

        • Karen November 2, 2015 at 11:51 am - Reply

          Yes – I ordered one yesterday and had a notice it shipped today! Can’t wait to receive it.

        • helen November 7, 2015 at 4:51 pm - Reply

          I just ordered mine as well. Thanks so much for letting us know about it. It looks wonderful!!!!

      • CarolV November 1, 2015 at 9:12 am - Reply

        Added this to my favorites list for watching next spring. Panned out on the location map to get a sense of position on nest site….you gotta love Wales for the names of towns!!!!!!!

    68. Leanne October 28, 2015 at 5:54 am - Reply

      4:52 am CST and the weather looks nasty. I feel some what comforted in the fact that Sandy’s perch is still there. Warms me just to see it!!

    69. karin October 28, 2015 at 12:06 am - Reply

      Here it is just a couple minutes past midnight….. I can see our nest and the rippling water perfectly…….. Nest needs a little Fall cleaning……. I could hear our basement renters earlier….. They were getting a little noisy…..they probably threw an early Halloween party. 🙂

    70. Rjoneal October 27, 2015 at 6:59 pm - Reply

      RC I live in Jacksonville Florida and have commented several times about the ospreys right here on my yard and I to live about 5 miles from Atlantic Beach and then we have the St. Johns River and I have a lake in my backyard that ospreys lay a nest on the old cell phone tower and we have lots of hawks and owls. In the past I commented how the Publix shopping center there’s always an osprey nest on the light post in the parking lot they are all gone now but every year they have babies and I even got pictures of dad bring in a fish while I was at the grocery store. If you lived in Jacksonville Florida for any amount of time I’m shocked if this is your first time seeing ospreys but now that you noticed them I guarantee you will see them everywhere you go. The familiar screams and sounds that they make are really cool to compare to the hawks. Like you my family and friends think I’m crazy I’ve been watching ospreys for a couple years but had Osprey zone on 24 hours a day and they think I’m a little bird crazy now but I’ve got a lot of them interested on the birds. Of course not as much as me but at least now they know what an Osprey is before they didn’t Also by the way we have a lot of egrets all over the place and Falcons and pelicans . If you have a boat and you go to put your boat in the water there’s pelicans on every post . Nice to know there’s somebody nearby that appreciates the ospreys. I wished I lived in New York because I would sure like to meet with everyone as they are talking about maybe getting together but little too far for me and a little too cold weather .

    71. Leanne October 27, 2015 at 8:10 am - Reply

      I have to agree with Karin on the tracking issue. I would much rather think of our Osprey living happy and healthy lives than possibly finding out otherwise. I dont think I could take any bad news when it comes to these birds. I just love them too much!

      • Helen October 30, 2015 at 8:33 am - Reply

        I agree Leanne – after what happened to North Fork Bob, I would rather that I did not know.

    72. Kathy October 27, 2015 at 8:10 am - Reply

      If anyone from the area/island knows of any cottages, cabins or somewhere to rent please LMK. I am really thinking of coming to the area next summer to watch the ospreys, especially our George and Gracie. It’s on my bucket list.

      RC from Jacksonville FL……wish I could join you on that next trip. How cool !

      • Eva October 27, 2015 at 5:08 pm - Reply

        Don’t know of any but look early and expect to pay plenty. North Fork is not quite like the Hamptons but it is quite busy in the summer season.

      • Lisa October 28, 2015 at 10:01 am - Reply

        I had family who rented a house right near the nest…They even sent me pictures of them kayaking and you could see them in the camera. LOL. Of course, I went to visit them to see it with my own two eyes. I’m almost cried when I finally saw it, and to hear the sounds of the babies. It was simply amazing. I could see Gracie feeding her babies. I’ve have been so touched by this Osprey family. There’s a beautiful Lavender farm in the area, which is my favorite place to go. It’s a great place to take a summer vacation. I will find out more details on the rentals and let you know.

      • Diane S October 28, 2015 at 1:36 pm - Reply

        Kathy-As a local, I agree with Eva…even though it’s the North Fork, you’ll pay close to Hamptons prices (South Fork). I’d look in the Greenport area, just because there may be more available there, and a short hop to East Marion. Good luck.

    73. RC October 26, 2015 at 2:39 pm - Reply

      I live in Jacksonville Fl. On Sat. I went for a drive down A1A which goes along the Atlantic coast and I about wrecked several times cause I kept seeing Ospreys!! They were sitting on poles, highway barriers and flying around everywhere. I saw more than one with a fish in its talons. I went to Huguenot State park and the tide was out so a very large pool of seawater was trapped. I could not believe what I was seeing…..Pelicans flying right above the water and then diving in fishing. I could then see them lift up their heads and I could see the fish moving around in the gullet of the bird. Then I saw a Osprey sitting on a pole and he too took to the air and was dive bombing those fish. I sat for almost a hour watching this spectacle. Ospreys, Pelicans and seagulls were all taking part in this fish feast. Finally this man came walking up and he had a cast net, he waded out into the water and threw his net and came back with it full of big fish. Later I asked him what kind of fish and he told me they were all Mullet.
      Nobody went home hungry that day.

      Yes, I could not help but think….Umm guys do any of ya’ll know a Osprey called Sandy?? HA
      At the park this one Osprey was sitting on a sign and I had to drive right past it, I went as slow as I could and got right in front of it. I got a really good picture and wish I could post it here and then it took off and I got a picture of that. Before it left it did that side to side head waggle we saw so much of….just about brought me to tears. But it was soooo GOOD to see all that I saw!!!
      I had a friend with me that has been needling me about my new found hobby with the Ospreys, but after our ride she said “those are really cool birds”

      The Ospreys were cool, but what was fantastic was the Pelicans. They are so huge and they would dive and sit/eat for a few minutes only before they would go airborne again only slightly above the water and would throw their bodies back into the water again and again. It was mesmerizing. I don’t know how they didn’t break their wings off. I will have to do that again but I guess I will have to luck up on it like I did this time cause the tide had to be just right for all of that activity.

      • ChrisH October 27, 2015 at 11:11 am - Reply

        Wow, that is so cool, RC!! What an amazing sight that must have been — you were so fortunate to have come upon it! It’s great to hear about the observations of our Southern friends, which will keep us going while we in the NE endure the winter osprey-less. P.S. Love your Sandy comment! 🙂

      • CarolV October 27, 2015 at 1:20 pm - Reply

        You were SSSOOOOO lucky to catch that moment!!!!! Thank you for sharing…And I agree that pelicans would be fascinating to watch in action. I’ve really only seen them on nature programs and was mesmerized by them.

      • catolina October 27, 2015 at 8:22 pm - Reply

        Wow, RC that must have been a site. Thank you for sharing this story.I much enjoyed it…

      • karin October 28, 2015 at 12:13 am - Reply

        Wow. That is a really neat story. You are so lucky to have seen all that……. It sounds wonderful!

      • Alizarin October 30, 2015 at 7:03 am - Reply

        Great story, thanks for sharing!

      • Helen November 21, 2015 at 1:27 pm - Reply

        How wonderful that you saw them. I purchased an Osprey Calendar from England – reasonable in cost and got here quickly. If anyone is interested – here are the websites – http://www.montwt.co.uk or http://www.dyfiospreyproject.com. I tried to post it yesterday but I think I did something wrong.

    74. Rodee Hansen October 26, 2015 at 11:56 am - Reply

      Reply to CarolV, Eva, Karin and the other locals on on Island.
      Thank you for being faithful in continuing our exchanges.
      Last night, I woke up abruptly with Ospreys on my mind…… and I had a thought. I mentioned before the books I am reading on the subject (Karin, glad you are reading David Gessner) and inspired by HAWKS ALOFT – the story of Hawk Mountain – by Maurice Broun – written 1949 but a MUST read, (the book is on loan to me from New York State Library, Albany thru the interloan system of our local libraries)well…. I thought, come next migration time, why don’t we, the Long Islanders, drive to Hawk Mountain in PA together!!!!! Once you read the story of the mountain, YOU WANT TO GO. That would be really a “family-affair”.
      And yes, a clean-up day would also be possible. Yes, yes, yes !!!
      And thanks for leading me step by step to the read of NF Bob’s story. How strangely wonderful to fall in love with such a mighty birds. Giving the birds actual names, makes you “own” them – makes them personal, familiar and then the pain becomes REAL.
      Looking forward to actually meeting some of you and putting faces to the writings, is something I look forward to. Rejoice in God’s creation every day. Rodee

      • karin October 27, 2015 at 11:53 pm - Reply

        Rodee, Thank you but I am not a local…. I have been to New York once ( about 1983 ). I live in about the middle of Indiana ( a very boring place )….You may be thinking of one of the other Karens who have been commenting….I do know 2 really terrific people who live in New York whom I would love to visit again some day but I am grounded here for the next several years…..I wish I could go on a migration route watch trip or even a Florida osprey and wildlife observation trip… It would be wildly wonderful if everyone could stay in a bunch of cabins at the water’s edge and all sit in a row in our lawn chairs and just hang out and enjoy ‘ bird watching ‘ ( water clean up days would be included too ) of course we would have to stop at Jo-Ann’s and help get her renovation finished so she could go too, but for now I read in these comments all the wonderful ( and heartbreaking ) stories and adventures and observations you and Carol and Gina and RC and Nancy and Helen and Tommy and everyone share with all of us. 🙂

      • Alizarin October 30, 2015 at 7:02 am - Reply

        I live in northern NJ and I would be interested in a meet up if the LIRR stops close to you. I am not familiar with the area so I am not sure how close you are to a train station. Hawk Mountain is a place I always wanted to go to as well.

    75. Eva October 23, 2015 at 11:18 pm - Reply

      To Rodee and others,

      On Ospreytrax click on OSPREYS, then choose INTERACTIVE MAPS then choose 2015. Then click on NEW ENGLAND FALL, and scroll down to updates.

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