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An Intro to OspreyZone

The Story of DDT

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Bald Eagles Visit Nest

Ospreyzone Highlights: May 21-29, 2020

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First Sighting

George and Gracie's First Baby

Eggs Over Easy

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Breakfast is Served

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Intruder

Dinner is Served

OspreyZone Montage

OspreyZone Highlights: George Returns

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Belle’s Journey

Written by Dr. Rob Bierregaard & Illustrated by Kate Garchinsky

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

Click HERE for more information!

IMPORTANT: Messages from osprey experts

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

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

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

Hello Paul,

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

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

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

Best wishes, and good luck,

John W. Fitzpatrick

Director, Cornell Lab of Ornithology

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

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

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

charles.

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

Paul,

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

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

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

    Leave A Comment

    52,629 Comments

    1. june c April 12, 2016 at 2:04 pm - Reply

      around 10:30 this morning George had a grip around Gracie’s, leg..she was trying to pull away but could not..He flew out of nest still holding on to Gracie’s leg. He released in flight

    2. Gamma Carolyn April 12, 2016 at 12:38 pm - Reply

      I try to check in at least once every 4 hrs so I can scroll back and see what I missed. So far what I have seen is three Osprey who could be working on the nest. Both males , who ever they are 🙂 bring things in every once in a while , but I have yet to see the female do much to it. I do agree with the person who made the comment that that middle branch should not have been placed there but it is too late now. The Sandpoint Osprey have just been back since the 2nd of April and had to start from scratch also, and already have a very impressive nest started. So these 3 or 2 had best get working.

      ERaftery , I will post a reply later today or just send a new post ( so it doesn’t get lost !!

      Once again I will ask our moderator if the notify me boxes are working ? Who is the moderator ?

    3. Leesa April 12, 2016 at 12:14 pm - Reply

      About 10:35 am Gracie was in the nest when the other male joined her. At first I thought he had brought a part of a fish but after scrolling back I don’t see one. However after sitting for a brief time he started to fly off but their talons seemed to be either holding onto the same thing or were entangled, as he seemed to drag her off the nest. They separated afterwards and flew off. Didn’t see George throughout that time.

    4. Cathy Haas April 12, 2016 at 10:24 am - Reply

      I think that big stick in the middle of the nest needs to be moved but it is too large for the osprey to move it.

      • Jara April 12, 2016 at 2:23 pm - Reply

        2:21 Eastern Cathy, The big stick is tied to another stick below it.

      • Susan G April 12, 2016 at 5:25 pm - Reply

        I agree, Cathy. It’s right across the middle. I hope she doesn’t end up laying eggs on each side

    5. GinaM April 12, 2016 at 8:56 am - Reply

      The “Other Man” was hanging out in the nest this morning and at one point Gracie joined him. Then he flew away soon followed by Gracie.
      The birds usually sleep in sturdy, protected trees at night. At least, around here they do. When I don’t see the ospreys in their nests, I see them nestled in protected branches.
      When the babies are born, George (or whomever wins this battle) will perch in a tree nearby.

      • MaryY April 12, 2016 at 1:45 pm - Reply

        Thanks.

    6. MaryY April 11, 2016 at 11:19 pm - Reply

      Where do George and Gracie sleep at night? I never see them in the nest at night.

      • Margaret April 12, 2016 at 6:06 am - Reply

        I was wondering the same thing,

      • Elizabeth April 12, 2016 at 10:40 am - Reply

        I’m guessing if there’s a tree in the area…they could be sleeping there.

    7. Rjoneal April 11, 2016 at 8:55 pm - Reply

      Jim B. Thanks for sharing I enjoyed the video.

    8. Leesa April 11, 2016 at 7:25 pm - Reply

      At approx 7:08pm Gracie received a half fish from whom I believe is the intruder male. Just didn’t look like George. Haven’t seen him around this afternoon. Has anyone else spotted George after noon time? I don’t like this intruder hanging around so consistently. Hoping George and Gracie can shoo him away for good!,

    9. JP(K) April 11, 2016 at 5:16 pm - Reply

      Super strong and unrelenting wind 5:15pm… Gracie is hanging on for dear life….

    10. RonS April 11, 2016 at 4:58 pm - Reply

      04/11 about 4:55 One of the quickest “Fly in, Mate, Leave” sequences ever!! Gracie didn’t even have time to chirp.

    11. Jim B. April 11, 2016 at 4:39 pm - Reply

      An outstanding video of Eagles soaring over the Susquehanna River below the Conowingo Dam as they compete for fish swimming in the water at

      • ChrisH April 11, 2016 at 6:20 pm - Reply

        Wow!! That is an awesome video! Thanks for posting.

    12. Jara April 11, 2016 at 4:11 pm - Reply

      4:10 pm Eastern time. Don’t know about anyone else but I hope they find some softer material for that nest. It doesn’t look very comfortable.

    13. Cathy Haas April 11, 2016 at 2:22 pm - Reply

      These two seriously need to get busy on making a cozy nest.

    14. Rjoneal April 11, 2016 at 11:44 am - Reply

      ERaftery I appreciate you investigating the past about the first female dying of pneumonia.
      I guess what people put out there you can’t always believe. However I think you missed my point that was Gracie now was not the same female osprey in the highlight before the babies and I was just trying to let the person know that the female osprey wasn’t the one that stayed in the nest with George and had 3babies. That’s all she was confused on why the pictures were different. I guess I shouldn’t have passed on the story that was being told at the time. Should have just stayed the facts that I could prove. Now can we move on. I have Ospreys right here in my backyard like Bob living Florida they are everywhere but OspreyZone has always been my family. I do read books on Ospreys and watch other osprey and Eagles live cams along with being a member to a lot of bird associations so I get a lot of info from there too You can never learn enough. I just want to enjoy our osprey family.

      • Tucker April 11, 2016 at 12:39 pm - Reply

        I’m no expert, I believe our pals stand facing the wind, easier to land, takeoff and keep warmer ( feathers don’t get ruffled). Sailors use seagulls standing on pilings to tell wind direction. Lake sailors by farms use cows, they stand with their butts into the wind, helps to keep the flies away, good luck! Calm days our pals will stand in any direction. I don’t think they care about the vista like humans.

    15. Rjoneal April 11, 2016 at 11:31 am - Reply

      Mickey Martin thanks for info.

    16. Rjoneal April 11, 2016 at 11:29 am - Reply

      Gina M thanks for your update going back and seeing all the pics of the events it matches up. So much drama with Mr intruder or intruders. Seems like last year Gracie and George never really let any intruders kinda join the nest seems like they worked as a team last year scared off intruders. Must be a shortage for nests and females there. Anyways thank you

    17. Marlene April 11, 2016 at 11:13 am - Reply

      Hi Mickey, yes, the first thing I also do is read the comments to see what I missed. It’s also helpful to know that other fans have witnessed what I witnessed and are trying to make sense out of everything. Thanks for the info re the other website. Will check it out. I also like GinaM’s comments re “other man.” Gracie sure is popular — and well fed!!

    18. GinaM April 11, 2016 at 10:32 am - Reply

      I saw a couple of times on Sunday the “Other Man” coming to the nest. He even brought sticks at one point. He attempts to mate with Gracie, sometimes successfully. I can tell them apart because George has his healing wound on his right breast and the “OM” has a healing wound on his left breast – presumably left there by George.
      Hopefully all three of the them can either learn to live together in a Three’s Company scenario, but if that happens we will have to start calling Tommy “Mr. Roper.” 🙂

      PS- I hope George doesn’t want paternity tests on the babies!

    19. Deborah April 11, 2016 at 6:39 am - Reply

      6:35 am George & Gracie returned to the nest, mated and George flew off. Gracie is squawking, as usual, as soon as George leaves.

    20. Mickey Martin April 10, 2016 at 9:23 pm - Reply

      Hi Marlene, Rjoneal and GammaCarolyn. If you read our 4 observation posts, we all saw the same things early evening Sunday night. Its very cool when that happens 🙂 I can see by reading peoples posts to this blog that its for saying what you!ve seen in this nest, updates on other nests and the social aspect. For me,I like it when I return from being out and the first thing I do is read here. I`m learning who to read and who not to read. I like reading what I missed that day 🙂 I hope with time you guys can trust my obs and get a clear picture of what you might have missed while you were gone. I hope the mod doesnt mind but if you visit here http://puleston.osprey.bnl.org/index.php and on the left click any years msg board. Then scroll to the bottom and click on the last number to go back to when that nest started that year. That msg board was strictly observations for that nest. You`ll see that what happened to us here today, happened to many people there at the same time too 🙂 The nests there are active but the cam is not. That was the Dennis Puleston nest in Brookhaven L.I. Theres alot of good reading there and archived videos too. Im sorry for being long winded. Good night 🙂

    21. ERaftery April 10, 2016 at 8:23 pm - Reply

      Did anyone else see this: at around 5:15 PM today (Sunday, April 10th), Gracie was on the nest hollering when an osprey flew in with a partial fish, which Gracie promptly grabbed. The unknown bird then sat on the railing for a few seconds before flying off when George arrived, also with a partial fish!! Then Gracie flew away with the stranger’s fish. And George ate his own fish. Can anyone explain what’s going on??

      • Mickey Martin April 11, 2016 at 9:41 am - Reply

        With the fighting that was going on last week and the 2 fish delivery late yesterday afternoon, George has a competitor for Gracies attention.

    22. Gamma Carolyn April 10, 2016 at 7:29 pm - Reply

      4:22 PM PDT At roughly 5:16 NY time, I watched a male bring half a fish onto the nest which the female took and while male # 1 was still there another male flew in with a half fish and #1 male flew off. I believe the second was one that has frequented the nest often and was bringing sticks to the nest last weekend.

      Also to our moderator, do the notifications for posting work ? I always click both but have received nothing.

      • ERaftery April 11, 2016 at 8:02 am - Reply

        Re your reply April 7th: I agree with you – your WHOLE assessment (including that if I reply to you there, it will be so far down it will be lost!). I would also say the two on the nest this year are the George and Gracie of 2015. I watched the video “Highlights – 2014” and, to me, it looks like two different females were vying for George in that video: the really speckled one and a not so speckled one. I tried to find out on the internet, but couldn’t find anything, so, yeah, I don’t know where people got info that the speckled female died from pneumonia!

        As for yesterday (April 10th), I got a screenshot of the first fish-bringer and it is not George, but the second one is.

    23. Rjoneal April 10, 2016 at 6:18 pm - Reply

      Did everyone see that oh my Sunday 4/10/16 around 5:30 ish Gracie calling for dinner not 1 but George and intruder both showed up with big size fish. Got confusing for awhile there Gracie took the 1 st fish which I think was George flew off then it looks like she took fish from intruder and someone try to mate with her don’t know for sure if it was George I hope so.
      Gina M.if u or anyone else saw all this going on maybe u can let us know what and who was doing what. It looked like in the end Gracie took both fish could I have missed something ? Ok the drama continues in the nest with intruders and I hope they are gone by the time the babies come.

    24. Marlene April 10, 2016 at 5:35 pm - Reply

      Around 5:30 p.m., an osprey flew on top of Gracie. I assumed it was George. However, the bird flew away and about ten seconds letter another flew in with a fish. Could both ospreys have been George? I’m very doubtful. He had to be pretty fast to mate and bring the fish. I’m very confused. Did anyone else see that?

    25. Mickey Martin April 10, 2016 at 5:26 pm - Reply

      4/10/16 5:16pm Gracie was chirping loudly and a Osprey appeared with a half a fish. She took it and the fish deliverer flew off. RIGHT after that bird flew away ANOTHER Osprey appeared with a half a fish. I am leaving out male id because neither fish deliverer could be identified. (facing wrong way) Bottom line is Gracie got fed ! I usually dont speculate in my obs, but its safe to say Gracie probably has 2 males wanting her attention.

    26. kathy B April 10, 2016 at 3:52 pm - Reply

      Sun 3:51pm. George and Gracie both facing camera. George adjusting sticks. I see no red or pink or anything of a wound. I am wondering if it was blood from a fish and it was also near the black spot under his wing. He seems fine.

    27. Marlene April 10, 2016 at 12:45 pm - Reply

      Gracie stopped an intruder from landing on the nest again today at 12:45 p.m. Great going, Gracie!

    28. Mickey Martin April 10, 2016 at 11:48 am - Reply

      11:44am 4/10/16 George flew onto platform and stood next to Gracie. Both were facing the cam. There appears to just be a stain or discolorazation on his breast where the “wound” was. He left after adjusting some sea grass and returned to mate. Then he left again.He then returned again moments later. Gracie has been chirping all the while.

    29. Marilyn J April 10, 2016 at 10:23 am - Reply

      Just wish their nest looked a bit more comfy. Maybe in a few days with a bit more sea moss.

      • Elaine April 10, 2016 at 6:31 pm - Reply

        4/10/2016, 6:30 pm, I agree with you about the appearance of the nest. Looks like a lot of work to be done yet. Gracie looks cold. It is probably too cold and windy to do anything with the nest right now.

    30. GinaM April 10, 2016 at 10:19 am - Reply

      I got a good look at George’s wound and it is healing really well. Thank heavens.
      I find it interesting that we humans go to the beach and look at the water…. Ospreys face the land and look there. I love the “FaceTime” George and Gracie are giving us!

    31. Heather April 10, 2016 at 10:01 am - Reply

      Ok, so last year I watched Gracie and family on the iPad. This year, I cannot get it to work on my iPad. It gives me an error message more than half the time. Anyone had this happen? Any suggestions?

      • Leesa April 11, 2016 at 10:43 am - Reply

        I’m having the same issue. I’m in NYC visiting my daughter so I brought the iPad instead of laptop. I’m missing out on so much!! I’m even getting error messages on my iPhone. It worked the first couple of days after I got here but hasn’t worked at all since yesterday morning. And I’m going crazy not getting to check in on our family!!

        • Aidan April 11, 2016 at 11:45 am - Reply

          Hi Heather and Leesa, thanks for letting us know. We’re not sure what is causing the issue, but we’ll try to get it fixed.

    32. NJD April 10, 2016 at 8:50 am - Reply

      George is favoring his right foot. He puts it down then picks it up right away and stands on the left foot. Poor George. Does it look like the nest building has slowed down?

    33. CarolV April 10, 2016 at 8:47 am - Reply

      8:35amEDT 4/10/16 A beautiful SUNday morning in ospreyland..still chilly but sunshine flickering brilliantly across the water..
      about 7:30. George was rearranging..looked like he was trying to put branches more around the sides….about 8:15 he brought in a fish chunk which Gracie “graciously” grabbed and took off…The video feed is choppy ….does the wind ever stop?

    34. Rjoneal April 10, 2016 at 8:06 am - Reply

      Carol and Leanne glad u learned to take screenshot but last year I taught someone to use what’s called a snipping tool you can put it on your desk top slow down the speed and take wonderful pictures don’t know if you have it or not.
      On this site you cannot post pictures does not allow you to do so at this time we all tried last year and as far as I know nothing has changed there’s no way to post an actual picture on the site. That would have to be done on Paul’s end. My email is Rjoako@bellsouth.net if you’d like me to send you some good pictures.
      George’s wound does look like it’s healing well from the salt water which is good. As Gina M pointed out Rob the Osprey expert said we were lucky another Osprey got injured in a fight and died thank goodness our George didn’t.

    35. Leesa April 9, 2016 at 7:41 pm - Reply

      Just tuned in at approx 5:07 just to see the intruder fly by and Gracie chase it off. Did not see George at that time. He showed up a bit later with a fish and I got a good look at his chest, which looks good. No signs of blood on it. I didn’t notice any other wounds on him, so just praying he is ok.

    36. Mickey Martin April 9, 2016 at 7:14 pm - Reply

      7:12pm 4/9/16 Both George & Gracie in nest facing Cam. No visible would present on George

    37. Helen April 9, 2016 at 6:32 pm - Reply

      Gracie just grabbed the half of fish from George’s mouth while he was trying to eat – I don’t remember seeing that before!

    38. Mickey Martin April 9, 2016 at 5:08 pm - Reply

      5:07pm 4/9/16 Gracie fended off an attacker Osprey.

    39. Mickey Martin April 9, 2016 at 4:55 pm - Reply

      4:46 4/9/16 Gracie is chirping for fish.Shes paying special attn to the North/West. Is there a favorite perch tree that George likes over there?

    40. CarolV April 9, 2016 at 2:34 pm - Reply

      2:30pmEDT 4/9/16 Just learned how to do a screenshot on this new computer!! So proud of me!!! So much easier than what I was doing on the last one…now if I could get last year’s shots from the gone-wacky computer, I would be a happy camper!! Baby-steps…….

      • Leanne April 9, 2016 at 6:42 pm - Reply

        Me too, Carol. I have some lovely shots of the nest and also a recording of the “attack” in the nest from earlier this morning. My only problem is that I don’t know how to post them anywhere. Like you said, “baby steps” 🙂

      • june c April 10, 2016 at 7:11 am - Reply

        i know that feeling, its great. i have a Mac pro and leant this season myself. with the help of our friends on this site.

    41. Beverly April 9, 2016 at 1:54 pm - Reply

      April 9. 2:00 PM. Has anyone seen George today? I’m
      Hoping his ‘injury’ is ok

    42. Donna April 9, 2016 at 1:27 pm - Reply

      I tuned in at the perfect time, they are back and have been busy! Can’t wait for the little ones to arrive and hoping that we don’t have a repeat of last year in loosing one.

    43. june c April 9, 2016 at 1:11 pm - Reply

      is there another battle wound on George’s left side..upper part? can anyone confirm

      • June c April 9, 2016 at 7:05 pm - Reply

        See now redness gone 7PM..as Rojneal suggested must have been fish blood..Thank goodness

    44. NJD April 9, 2016 at 10:19 am - Reply

      Around 10:08 Am Saturday George & Gracie were in the next, George was working on moving a stick when an Osprey flew over the water, then George & Gracie looked up toward the camera and flew off. This Osprey got in the nest and stayed there for a few minutes, then flew off. 10:18 am – the nest is still empty but I can hear ‘talking’ in the background.

      • Margaret April 9, 2016 at 5:36 pm - Reply

        Perhaps that is why Gracie isn’t leaving the nest I have been watching for a while now and she is chirping very aggressively. Hope nothing is wrong .

    45. CarolV April 9, 2016 at 9:44 am - Reply

      4/9/16 9:41 am Happy to see Gracie got her fish( 1/2) about 8:30am so George on the job. Couldn’t see his chest.

      • CarolV April 9, 2016 at 10:06 am - Reply

        9:57am Checked in with Ches.Con ospreycam and it looks like sleet or snow hitting there already. DC eagles look a little damp but parent snuggling the chicks and keeping one from eating nesting material..they must be great providers because there is always fish just lying around.
        10:00am heard crow calling then G & G stopped in to mate. Geo. took off on a victory lap and came back to rearrange furniture. Haven’t seen his chest yet…

        • CarolV April 9, 2016 at 10:09 am - Reply

          10:06am Intruder close overhead followed by Geo in pursuit

    46. Leanne April 9, 2016 at 6:55 am - Reply

      April 09-6:50 E- About an hour ago Gracie ? arrived at nest or at least I thought it was her.
      About 10 minutes ago I saw another bird come and chase Gracie? off of nest except the bird that landed has Gracie’s black spot.
      Also, there was a male osprey who came and sat on perch a few times during this first hour and I assumed it was George but now I’m not so sure. This new bird is squawking away just like Gracie but so was the bird before her.
      I am so confused right now.
      Maybe someone can clear it up for me?? Thank you!

      • Leanne April 9, 2016 at 8:01 pm - Reply

        I went back and re-watched the video I made and it was Gracie who got attacked defending the nest. Both birds kind of flew out of frame and when I watched the video again I could see it was her the whole time. Poor Gracie!! That bird swooped in behind her and basically tried to push her off the nest. She defended her territory like a trooper and the other bird flew away.

    47. Leanne April 8, 2016 at 9:41 pm - Reply

      I have some excellent screenshots of George’s wound and I’d love to share them but I don’t know how. Can someone explain how to share them, please? TY 🙂

      April 08- I keep forgetting to date/time my posts. I’ll do better in the future!

    48. Marlene April 8, 2016 at 9:01 pm - Reply

      Gina, I, too, thank you for consulting Rob. It makes me feel better. He’s such an expert on ospreys. Poor George! So much drama so early in the season. Let’s hope that this intruder flies away and leaves our feather family alone.

    49. Mimes April 8, 2016 at 7:14 pm - Reply

      Earlier this afternoon (Friday) I think I saw the wound on George. It appears to be on his right side, under the wing, and on our left as he faces the camera and we view the image. Is that right?

    50. Kathy B April 8, 2016 at 5:54 pm - Reply

      Everytime I see George his wing underneath is pin, not bleeding. also it looks like it’s hurt right where a spot/marking is and wondering if that’s what’s making it look like a puncture wound? It doesn’t look that bad when I see it. He seems to be doing ok and still bringing stuff to the nest. Be well George…….

    51. CarolV April 8, 2016 at 5:18 pm - Reply

      5:11pmEDT The other day, George had a bloody thigh, which did appear to come from a fish he had caught. I’ve seen the area on his breast and think it has to be a wound, unless he has taken to tucking his fish in his armpit and walking home. My main concern would be infection….He seems to be moving freely right now. We can only think good thoughts and hope for the best. 2016 is off to a rough start…..

      • CarolV April 8, 2016 at 5:29 pm - Reply

        5:25pmEDT4/8/16 On the 4hr rewind, I didn’t see any deliveries except some seaweed…I don’t know reproduction requirements for birds, but would lack of food compromise any embryos and shell formation? Or am I worrying too soon?

    52. GinaM April 8, 2016 at 4:19 pm - Reply

      Rob told me that sadly another male osprey had a much worse fighting wound from an intruder and he didn’t survive his injuries. George seems to be doing ok. In fact, at the Pink Shell nest in Ft. Myers, one of the babies had a pretty good sized wound from a catfish. The feathers were scraped off like George’s. That baby is fine now. George’s wound looks like it was definitely caused by the beak of the intruder. But it is not bright red, so there is most likely no fresh bleeding. I haven’t seen any fish caught in a while, I think Gracie is hungry and that is why she is nagging him so much. Did she forget she spent the past 6 months fishing for herself down south? I also haven’t seen the intruder since the big fight this morning. I hope he found a new nest and leaves our little family alone.

    53. gracey April 8, 2016 at 4:17 pm - Reply

      Will Gracie accept any male to mate with ? I’ve read they mate for life…..but can another male Osprey fertilize her ? Or does she just accept George ?

      • Leanne April 9, 2016 at 6:38 pm - Reply

        I was wondering the same thing.

    54. Leanne April 8, 2016 at 2:16 pm - Reply

      That’s our Gracie. Just as vocal as she’s always been 🙂
      (Poor George)

    55. redkayak April 8, 2016 at 12:38 pm - Reply

      After along winter of no activity I really have to remind myself, while at the office, to turn down the volume BEFORE I open the site. At 12:39 both were in the nest and they had a lot to say

      • Leanne April 8, 2016 at 9:43 pm - Reply

        Reminds me of the many mornings, last year, that I’d wake my husband up with Gracie’s squawking. 🙂

    56. Mickey Martin April 8, 2016 at 12:37 pm - Reply

      12:32 4/8/16 George flew in from South and landed on Gracie. He flapped his wings several times giving a good view of the “puncture wound” before climbing off Gracie.

    57. Mickey Martin April 8, 2016 at 12:26 pm - Reply

      12:22pm 4/8/16 Its good to post time and date in case the moderator cant clear the post quickly. Someone posted the wound was on Georges left and someone posted it was on his right. What I have seen is a dot in the center of Georges right wing. (the under side) I think this is the dot you all have used to ID George right? The wound is on the right side of Georges breast. Again the right side of his breast.

    58. Rjoneal April 8, 2016 at 11:45 am - Reply

      Gina M thanks for showing the photo to Rob it makes me feel better to know what kind of wound it most likely is. Sad to know he got injured so badly by an intruder..I too have noticed the intruders that people have commented on coming to the nest and I saw the one today when George dropped off a branch. Gracie was ducking her head as if they were fighting right above her I could only get a shot of the intruders wing and George flying backwards. Hopefully since he still mated with Gracie caught a fish and has been tending to the nest this means he’s not injured to seriously. We love you George.

      • Helen April 8, 2016 at 5:58 pm - Reply

        Yes we do!

    59. Marlene April 8, 2016 at 11:29 am - Reply

      I rewound that incident one more time, and I didn’t see the injury under the wing of the bird who brought in the twigs. I wonder if that was George?? I would think the wound be noticeable when he landed. Very confused.

    60. Marlene April 8, 2016 at 11:23 am - Reply

      I scrolled back, and around 3:41 hours ago (it’s now 11:22 a.m.), there was another osprey in the nest with Gracie. George came back with some twigs, and the other bird left about five seconds before George landed. I, too, see the injury under his right breast, and am concerned. He is doing such a great job in building the nest.

      • Jon Powers April 8, 2016 at 1:51 pm - Reply

        I don’t think it’s an injury, could be just blood from a fish.

        • Mickey Martin April 8, 2016 at 4:52 pm - Reply

          I like how you think Jon !

        • Elizabeth April 9, 2016 at 10:59 am - Reply

          I thought that also.

          • june c April 10, 2016 at 7:16 am - Reply

            it was an injury..if u need a picture of when it first happened will send to you..

            • Elizabeth April 10, 2016 at 10:30 am

              No injury? It was fish blood?

            • june c April 10, 2016 at 2:29 pm

              the injury on right side under wing was a wound..(April 8th)…the spot on left side was fish blood on top of his black markings under wing.April 9th.

    61. GinaM April 8, 2016 at 11:09 am - Reply

      I showed the photos of George’s wound to our osprey expert Rob, and he believes that it is most likely a result of a fight with the rival bird who keeps trying to take over the nest. About 3 hours ago George could be seen fending him off of Gracie and the nest. Let us pray he heals quickly and it doesn’t get any worse.

      • Tucker April 8, 2016 at 12:53 pm - Reply

        We males are so dumb!! Fighting over a female sheesh!!!

      • Gamma Carolyn April 8, 2016 at 1:03 pm - Reply

        GinaM, I agree 100%. The same male that came to the nest several times last weekend was on it this morning as you said. I’m sure this happens all the time. This is nature. And Thank You for consulting with an expert . Much better than guesses :))))))

    62. June c April 8, 2016 at 8:16 am - Reply

      Viewing around 6:30 am noticed blood on George’s right side breast..looking closer it is a puncture wound..he is bleeding..

      • Tucker April 8, 2016 at 10:53 am - Reply

        George’s injury may be the result of fishing? Perhaps he was stuck by the spiny dorsal fin of a baby blue fish. Bunker do not have spiny fins. I think the saltwater will clean and heal the wound and he’ll be fine.

    63. Tora April 8, 2016 at 8:02 am - Reply

      George has what looks like a puncture wound on his right side. It could be a smear of blood, but it looks like it might be an injury. Good news is that he isn’t favoring it at all, so it must not be bugging him too much.

    64. Rjoneal April 8, 2016 at 7:50 am - Reply

      Oh no looks like George’s wound is still bleeding it got cleaned off with the water when he caught the fish but now he’s full of blood on his chest again. Hang in there George we need you .

    65. Rjoneal April 8, 2016 at 7:47 am - Reply

      Not sure of the time but on 4-8 2016 Friday when George brought in the fish you can’t see his bleeding wound it kind a look like a pellet or possibly even a bullet wound if you rewind to the earlier morning hours very concerned about our George !!! See wounded and all George is a good husband and father he still mated and provided food for Gracie.

    66. GinaM April 8, 2016 at 7:45 am - Reply

      ANYONE NOTICE THE BLOOD ON GEORGE?? Under his right wing- he was wounded somehow- I hope it heals and he is OK!

      • GinaM April 8, 2016 at 7:55 am - Reply

        It must have been a fight- that other male is being very aggressive!

      • Leesa April 8, 2016 at 12:55 pm - Reply

        I thought I noticed a wound. Hope it heals quickly. That other male needs to move on.

    67. Rjoneal April 8, 2016 at 7:12 am - Reply

      Every time I rewind and look at George’s injury looks like it could be a little bullet hole when you look at it in slow motion. I sure hope someone wouldn’t try to shoot our George. We’re here for you George stay healthy stay safe get well

    68. Rjoneal April 8, 2016 at 7:04 am - Reply

      Oh No George flew in early morning Friday, April 8, 2016 and it looks like blood on his upper left chest. When daylight came around 7 AM you could tell looks like puncture wound on his chest definitely an injury of some sort I am so worried for him looks like it bleed a lot. At around 7 AM while he’s mating with Gracie definitely got some good pics and it looks like a puncture wound anyone else out there seeing this ??

    69. kathy B April 8, 2016 at 6:39 am - Reply

      What’s with the pink/bare spot under George’s wing. Looks aweful? Is that moulting people are talking about?

    70. Leanne April 7, 2016 at 6:15 pm - Reply

      April 07 at approximately 6pm EDT- Gracie arrived at nest and way in the background you can see 2 other osprey. Neither of the 2 were George as he arrives just as the other 2 fly under the nest.

    71. CarolV April 7, 2016 at 6:14 pm - Reply

      6:11pmEDT Another rainy. windy day on LI..Poor George gets blown off every time he lands on Gracie!

    72. Rjoneal April 7, 2016 at 5:45 pm - Reply

      Gamma thank you for the info there is so much out there and it is always welcoming to learn more.

    73. Jo-Ann April 7, 2016 at 5:26 pm - Reply

      It is 4:45 EST and George is in the nest being windblown. We are having some really awful weather here for the beginning of April. The temps are well below normal and the winds just keep blowing the cold air in. It snowed a little last week-end and maybe we will get some again this week-end. I feel so sorry for George and Gracie and for that matter all the wildlife that has returned from the warm climates. They must be thinking that they misread their internal calendar is messed up. As for the lack of sufficient fish being delivered by George which caused so much conflict between the babies and the death of Pee-Wee I do not think it was the fact that George was young and inexperienced in his role as the provider. I believe it was the lack of fish in the waters he was fishing in. There were 2 maybe 3 fish kills here due to nitrogen in the water as I re-call.
      Carol V. I am sure will know more about these events.. I know I read about it in the paper. This had happened before and hopefully will not happen ever again.

    74. Leanne April 7, 2016 at 5:21 pm - Reply

      It’s so windy and nasty at the nest. Reminds me of some of the storms Gracie went through when she was guarding her eggs/babies.
      From what I have read it looks like the possibility of some snow for the weekend. I just hope the G’s stay warm and dont end up getting sick.
      Poor things!

    75. Nancy April 7, 2016 at 5:08 pm - Reply

      Is it possible that any of the “extra” birds are last year’s offspring ?

      • CarolV April 8, 2016 at 12:50 pm - Reply

        From what I’ve read, osprey young generally spend a year or more in their wintering ground, often South America or some Caribbean Islands. Then they return to the general area of their birth. Since last season was the first year for successful fledglings from this nest, it’s not likely to be relatives.

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