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osprey 07/11/15 squirt
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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.
IMPORTANT: Messages from osprey experts
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.
Paul 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.
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
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
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
My daughter in NYC just let me know that there were really severe storms there last night, but that all the chicks are fine. Not sure, but I guess she read some comments that some of you were watching and could see Gracie cover the chicks with her wings to protect them. These magnificent birds never cease to amaze me in how they care for each other and their young. So awesome to get to be a part of their world and watch them. Thanks, Paul and Tommy and everyone that has a part of OZ.
July 2@7:46 A.M. (EST) At 5:58 George brought in a headless fish. Baby #1 ( my Rocky) was near Gracie’s feet close to the fish when Baby #1 (Frasier) made a threatening move toward him and made it clear Rocky had to move away. It was so heartbreaking to watch Rocky out his head down as if to say “okay you get fed first I know.” Thankfully by 6:24 Frasier was full and Rocky and Ali were getting fed. Ali (baby 2) is much less aggressive than Frasier. This behavior will keep him alive as long as the fish keep coming.
At 7:32 George brought in another headless fish and Rocky was getting a private feeding from Gracie, The other 2 seemed disinterested I guess they were full. Then Ali came be fed and Rocky was still getting food but when Frasier came up to get fed you can see how fearful Rocky gets. At 7:39 Frasier attacked Rocky who rolled up in his ball . Neither fish was very large so hopefully Rocky got enough to eat.
At 7:45 Rocky got up and went back to Gracie who again fed him and Ali. He knew enough to stay away till Frasier moved away.
At 7:50 he was again getting a private feeding. I wouldn’t say they are in food coma because I don’t see full bellies on any of them but I guess they get enough.
Chick #3 was eating well at 7:50am. By 8:05 he was done. Not sure when the feeding started, #1 and #2 were satiated and ignoredleft him eat in peace. He looks healthy as do the others. S/He is sweet and seems to have George’s personality. Love this family. Osprey live by their rules, not ours.
At 7:48 am Sat Little one is getting his share of food to make him stronger. He is getting his share everyday and knows when to foldum.
Another good feeding for the little guy!
7:45 am…private feeding for #3…no bonking. other 2 seem content. Whew.
5:57am- George brought back the fish, cleaned. Trey was in front, but all it took was a chest bump. from behind, from Uno for him to fold up….Uno is going to stand over him to eat and keep him in check..at least Trey has feathers now, so when Uno pulls his neck, he doesn’t seem to be pulling skin…Dos is pacing over to the side..can’t stay for the rest of the meal..will catch up tonight. Hope Trey has a better day..
10:57 am … Patient Teeny finally is getting fed.
Jeez, it’s tough to watch the little one take a beating. Last year, PeeWee was SO little we kind of knew it was inevitable. I feel like Uno just bullies him right to the nest edge and pecks away. Even when he submits, he keeps going. And don’t even get me started when #3 cries out in pain. It kills me. Ahhh, nature. Fishing seems good though so I’m keeping my hopes up! Safe and Happy 4th to all!!!
5:34amEDT7/2 The day starts. George brings in a lively fish which he takes back out. Gracie is gonna chirp until he brings it back…Everybirdy survived the horrible night…now let’s hope they survive each other ! Out to work for me..HAGD
Bad storm Fri nite and I caught the tail end of last feeding and littliest got caught out from under Mom and tried to squirm under but the 2 biggest are so scared they cannot move. But of a sudden l or 2 heard littlist and somehow covered little with both wings from the side. It was very touching and I wish all our family fans could have seen this. Just wanted to share.
You see this is the problem with a lot of you. You think these chicks love each other and do these things because they want to protect each other this is all completely false. The chicks do not like each other and in fact if anything they hate each other.
Thank you for sharing.
First time comment, but season-long observer here. Interesting to see the parent cover the chicks here at 9:45 with the thunderstorm raging nearby.
Before it got dark, Baby #3 got a pretty bad whacking by Baby #1. He was pulling the little one’s feathers off the back of his neck. Baby 3 ducked for cover, but #1 still came for him. It wasn’t until #3 completely tucked his head under himself that the older one lost interest. At another point, a bit earlier, when they discovered the rest of the fish that George left, Baby #3 had his back to #1 and #1 postured, poised to attack. Somehow, thankfully, Baby#3 sensed it and ducked down and #1 stood down.
This really looks like rivalry and pecking order. However, these are birds of prey- they are hardwired to kill. I pray this wiring gets redirected to fish and not each other soon.
Baby #3 may be small, but he is smart, crafty, and beloved by his parents. I know there are those who say that birds don’t love and whoever is closest to the beak eats, but I have seen on several occasions, George and Gracie go out of their way to protect or nurture the littlest of their babies.
Gina and all…..It seems the pecking has gotten worse as they get bigger. My opinion is when younger all they needed was a few bites and now they need more food so #1 has started the pecking order so he can eat his share. But I’ve also noticed #1 doesn’t peck at #2 and #2 doesn’t peck at #3…..seems when I see it , it is between 1 and 3. It is 6am Sat and wee one didn’t get a bite from this feeding but there wasn’t much of a fish either. He is most likely going to have to wait till George brings a whole fish and the others get fed first. All we can do is pray George and Gracie can keep him fed and safe enough from the oldest.
#3 got fed last and had a decent feeding. He wasn’t full and could have eaten more but he had enough. He is a smart bird and defends himself well. I’ve seen far worse sibling rivalry and it’s very normal. I can’t hate #1 because she is turning into a gorgeous bird and will do the species proud. As long as George keeps bringing the fish, I think all 3 will fledge.
Kathy B – I too have wondered why #1 only pecks at the little guy. I watch them on a full screen and see when #1 stands above the little guy as if saying, “Come on, runt. Let me peck at you!!” The ‘look’ on his face is threatening. Sometimes the big bully will stop eating just so that he can peck at the little guy. Crazy!! But, I do think that the little guy is smart enough to try and stay away from the big bully. Sometimes he hides under his mom. I think he’s going to make it!!
I think the same GinaM – to me they are loving parents to each other as well as to their chicks.. when I saw her protecting her chicks during the storm, I was really touched. I also don’t have bad feelings about Little One’s future. Hope I am right.
For Betsy: I sure did love the videos you displayed. I laughed so hard at the feeding video in fast forward. That was hilarious. Also the video about the stick was so funny.
Thank you, Elaine. Things are getting a little tough at the nest and sometimes it’s good to watch something humorous to take our minds off it. With the feeding video, if I had done it at normal speed, I think it would have been something like 4 hours altogether!! 😀
It looks stormy right now at the nest. Gracie looks like she is in a wind tunnel with the chicks hovered under her as far as they can get. I see what I think are flashes of lightning.
Just dreaming…wouldn’t it be wonderful if the wild wind SNAPPED that claw/branch holding The Snarl ?????????
The beatings of #3 are getting more brutal. Chick #1 will not let him exist. The feathers are being pulled out of his neck and the neck looks pink -think it is bleeding.
There seems to be plenty of food and #1 is always full so that is not the reason for the brutality. Just every time #1 sees #3 he goes into “beating” mode and can’t stop.
So sad. The nest has turned into a prison for the little one.
This nest is jinxed it seems. Watched the same thing last year. It isn’t this way on the nest in Maine, so why does this aggression take place here I wonder. The chicks all get along fine there. Guess I will have to tune this nest out.
Jeanann: The nest is not jinxed. It just is what it is. That’s too bad that you plan on not watching anymore; in between the jumping and freezing and going offline of the video stream today, I could see the little one getting fed (a lot … and s/he had a big crop) and it didn’t look as if chick #1 was really going after her/him … I really believe things are turning around for the better.
8:19pm…another noisy cell has been going over us. These cells are running north-east, so it may be heading to East Marion. Raining hard.@8:22, they still look OK
8:30- I see it’s starting there. Hope most of this cell passes by them. It’s really pouring…
Just saw recent radar and it looks like majority of cell runs down the bays between forks..fingers and talons crossed everyone !! They may luck out,
To GinaM and Carol and all: Haven’t got up to the times listed in the latest batch of comments, I quickly skimmed through them all so I’m not up to the storm on the video yet. (BTW, Paul or Aidan the scroll-back window is presently only 2 hours.) I’m in Nassau and the storm blew through here and right now there is more. I’m going to try to get a video of the storm at the nest.
s/b: and I’m not up to the storm on the video yet!
I’m in Nassau too, Betsy. That rain and wind last night was brutal.
Gina – You are hysterical!
Hang tough little one!
Dear Lord….Godzilla just pulled the fur off of the back of lil one’s head …he is making the bald spot worse…hope he does not kill that baby…there was no reason for the aggression…it was just because he felt like pecking the heck out him…that was horrible!!!!!!!!!!!
Awww the lil one has a bald spot on the back of his head where he gets pulled and pecked. 🙁
I see no bald spot from pecking.
What a terrible storm..so windy too…dear God keep them all safe 🙁
Hi All,
I hope everyone is watching this. #3 basically got shut out of dinner and then the storm came up and I was worried that he would have to go all night without anything to eat. I came back and George brought back another fish and is fighting the wind to feed him while Gracie protects the brutes from the storm. If 3 doesn’t make it it won’t be because of his parents. That’s for sure
7:20…what a storm came in…wind, choppy waves…the whole platform is shaking and undulating. 7:27 George comes in with a fish…..7:30 6pm begins feeding self.7:32 feeding number 3, or at least trying to. What a storm. E is using 1 & 2 As a wind break. 1bus hunkering under mom at 7:34. George let go of fish and is hanging on. Everyone is hunkering down. At 7:35 :3 let loose a p.s. and George disappeared. Hope he’s ok.
I saw him take off. Probably headed to near by tree.
We are having some pretty rough weather blowing through Long Island right now. All the babies are sheltering under mom. I got a good look at the back of Baby#3 (Rocky’s) head and neck- for all the pecking and bonking, there doesn’t seem to be any marks. I think these older siblings are just making sure that everyone knows their place. I am the third child so I can completely relate to Rocky.
In the middle of the gale winds and rain, George arrives with fish in talon, takes off again to chase away the intruder, and then comes back. He is superman!
I have to mention again, that we all know the early going’s – on in the nest regarding mating included many visits from Gracie’s stalker (the intruder.) Once George handed him his walking (flying) papers the mating became exclusive between the beloved pair. (I don’t believe Gracie knew she was cheating on George, they kind of sneak up on her 😉 )
The point is, the later baby must be the result of successful matings with George. So Rocky MUST be a tough guy. He belongs to George! The other two, well, I will leave that up to Maury Povich. 🙂
I must add that while I was typing that response, Rocky came out from under mom, where the other two remain, sheltered from the storm, and George fed him the fish he brought into the windy nest.
GinaM – LOL!! I had no idea there was a question as to who ‘fathered’ the chicks. Really?! We must all go to the Maury show and get a DNA test done. (I’m wondering if that’s possible with birds). But, is it possible that the older bullies are not George’s?!! Thanks for the laugh!! 🙂
7:32pm…I just went to check..yes. it’s raining but the picture is priceless! George brought in another fish…all the chicks are huddling under Mom…and Trey is sticking out getting fed by George…..I’m tearing up a little……
That nest is pretty solid..it’s swaying! George had a hard time landing and standing..he fed Trey as long as he could before he had to head out. Gracie is doing her best to shield them. The fish is still there for later.
It’s clearing up for now on my side of the Island. Looks a little better at the nest.And their world has stopped shaking.
At 7:51 the sun is peeking out at the nest, while it’s pouring again at my house.on weather report, looked like storm cells are traveling north-east, which of course makes sense. Gracie has taken the break between showers to feed the beasts. Uno once again, asserts dominance.
No one’s eating the fish – just concentrating on keeping everyone safe from the storm.
I love it…Dad is feeding lil one while the other 2 are hiding under Mom from the wind…:)
7:30pm…wind whipping, Gracie trying to hold on and #1 crawling under mom like a scardy cat. In comes dad with a fish and out pops #3 for the food. Don’t blow away lil’ one ! Hang tight
The wind has really picked up.
Mommy trying to protect the three. Dad flies in with a fish. The thunder is very heavy and loud.
#1 being bonked hard by that bully Godzilla…yea I said bully…I am human….I call it as I see it…lil one’s head has to hurt that was awful…sigh….
I meant to say #3 was being bonked hard NOT #1 he was doing the bonking!!!
From 5:38pm to 6:10pm 7/1/16, a little over a half hour feeding, but # 3 was basically shut out. # 1 was having none of #3 getting anything this time, physically hovering over #3 for a good length. Hopefully there will be another feed before dark and # 1 won’t need to eat. #3 was very submissive and, one could assume, in survival mode for this occurrence.
5:31pm….The sparrows in the nest on my porch are fledging..Thee chicks were out of the nest, traveling along a convenient board, hopping back and forth. I kept my dog in today, because unfortunately, he is a bird killer. Harry Shepsky probably thinks they are nice soft balls because he doesn’t eat or mutilate them..just catches them, which. of course, is detrimental to their health. I don’t always get to be here when the nestlings jump.
I hear GRacie! Yup! 5:48pm..George comes thru with a big headless fish !
I got so excited…that was 5:38
The Biggies are gobbling guts while Trey hangs out with Dad…smart chickie!
The reason I started on the sparrow story was because I haven’t hear the tenants under the nest. Do you think that was who was flitting around the other day when we thought the nest was being buzzed by some strange birds?
I see Trey was shuffling and ducking til he came in to Mom @ 5:58. He must have felt “doom” approaching, because he ducked before getting bopped…Uno(?) stayed on him like white on rice but never really got violent, that I saw. Trey crawled under Gracie, but I don’t think he ate. His crop looked pretty full, tho.Did I miss something? Have to wait til comments fill in.
Carol: Pretty much right. After coming out from under George, Trey squeezed passed between Unos and Dos after they had moved away from Gracie, and got next to Gracie, getting in a few bites before Unos realized and came over to literally lean on Trey and giving a few good pecks to boot (and some “nibbles” on her/his back — I don’t know what’s up with that!!). At the beginning of the feeding, when chick #1 and chick #2 were getting fed, chick #1 stopped and went after the little one, giving a few pecks; meanwhile, chick #2 kept right on eating … chick #1 saw this and I’m hoping s/he comes to the realization that when s/he goes after the little one, s/he’s losing out on getting fed while chick #2 keeps on eating!! And, then, maybe chick #1 will back off somewhat on going after the little one!! Today didn’t seem like a good fishing day for George, so maybe chick #1 was really hangry!
6:35pm….We are getting some rain here..had some thunder first….I thought I saw lightning light up sky behind nest….
5:01 Gracie sounds the alarm that everyone is hungry. Even little ones chimes in. She gets right in front of the camera to sound the alarm. George, it’s your turn dad, come we’re waiting! They will have a bit of nasty weather coming up over the weekend.
about 4:48pmEDT..one of the Biggies (Uno?) was moving twigs and seaweed around…and thank you, Trey, for aiming overboard!
I have a feeling when dinner comes, there is gonna be a riot! Or did I miss a fish? I hear major chirping…..is Gracie calling for dinner?
Was the last feeding from 1 to 2? Thankfully, it was a big fish! The chickies are getting restless….
All is quiet and cannily at 4:30pm. Snuggled together. Everyone have a happy and safe 4th.
At 4:29 the food comas abound! Everyone looks comfortable, nestled in together. Hope everyone has a happy and safe 4th!
4:11pm Have been scrolling thru comments that I had previously scanned quickly. It is nice that everyone is paying tribute to Peewee on the anniversary of his passing. My one reservation is that so many still say he was “pecked to death”. I disagree. It may be like the which came first, the chicken or the egg argument, but Peewee STARVED to death. Yes, the sibs kept him away from feedings, but the fish shortage, due mainly to man-made pollution, was what killed him. As long as Trey keeps eating, (s)he should be fine. (S)He has learned to duck and is clever about maneuvering positions to take advantage of the other two. Watch Betsy’s video…in the first section, Trey seems to glide around the Biggies on rollers..really very funny!
Barring unforeseen circumstances, I have confidence in this little bird. Don’t “blame” the sibs for doing what comes naturally.
Funny thought – when the chicks reach their adult size and everyone, G&G included, is in the nest at the same time, there will be 25 to 32 feet of wings, give or take!! 😀
Only YOU Betsy….Love the way your mind works !
I was watching them flap their wings and the thought jumped into my head!! I have a video when it was just George and Gracie (back in May) and as he was folding his wings, she was stretching hers just about to fly off and the end of her wing got caught in his folded wing!! Then she was tugging and tugging to get it free!! And, that was when there was just the two of them … imagine all five!! 😀
I can not imagine how small the nest will be when the babies are almost ready to fly! They are growing so fast.
3:52pm When did our scrollback get shortened to a 2 hr. time frame? Is that a result of the glitch?
Gracie’s left eye looks a bit closed to me at 3:34 pm Fri. Maybe some others noticed it. And George really cleaned the nest up of fish tales a while ago (3 I think, one of the biggies watched all 3 go down)
Dar Dar: I noticed that, too. But, I think it’s just from the wind blowing.
TORNADO watch until 10 PM tonight for the whole tri-state area! I hope our little family will be OK.
2:40pmEDT Gracie has been fuss-chirping. George must be near by with a fish. Or she wants him to get one…Just heard him calling near-by.
We’ve had several quick showers over here on the South Fork..Can’t tell if the nest got rained on.
Gracie was doing some alarm calling a few minutes ago….and starting again @3:22pm,,,I don’t hear George backing her up from near-by, so I guess he’s out hunting an early dinner…hopefully.
Tragedy on Rachel’s Place. RIP Little ones 🙁
what are you talking about? All 3 babies are fine.
14:10 George and Gracie both brought 2 piles of what looks like string or fishing line to the nest. Hope no one gets tangled up like last year.
Chick #1 is 4 weeks old today – halfway to flying!! 🙂 🙁
Little One getting a good feeding beside #2 I think its #2 anyway lol! This is so good to see!
1:01pm- Big fish in ; welcomed by Gracie and chicks…Trey and one Biggie to start
Trey and, I believe Dos, ate till 1:22pm,,Trey was putting down big chunks,just like his sibs. Good feeding, Mom !
Dos walked away as Uno approached. Trey got bonked for having the nerve to stay. Submitted immediately, smart baby. Uno was kept busy by Gracie, but managed to find time for a neck bite to remind Trey who was boss. Uno passed out behind Trey, allowing Dos to move back in for more. George flew in with some seaweed, and Uno woke up to go over to check it out.
The Biggies watched George leave, then Dos went back to eating. Uno resting, and I think Trey is sleeping…he’s partly behind Gracie.
OK-by 1:50, Dos has stepped away and I can see Trey’s butt bobbing as Gracie feeds him again. Happy dance, happy dance…a good lunch with no major bop downs!
Checked in just in time to see the windshield washer like thing get blown onto the camera shield. Hope the wind changes and will either knock it down or away…
Check that, it already fell… LOL anyone interested check out today 12:20pm to 12:23pm…
12:07….BETSY !!!!!!! FISH TALES !!!!!! MASTERPIECE !!!!!! HYSTERICAL !!!!!!
I got tired just watching it!
Someone once mentioned they wondered if Gracie’s beak gets tired from feeding the babies 😀 … I think it’s more likely her neck!! 😀
And BTW, Betsy, the boats in FF were characters in their own right ! Especially one boat w/dinghy pulling out of that inlet on left…doing what looked like 90 mph…LMAO !!!
I’m going to have to go back and look!! 😀 You’re the boat “noticer”!! 😀 😀 …I’ll get back to you after … working on the storm video — OMG what a storm!!
I went back this morning to check out the boats … saw all of them zipping around out on the water and the one pulling the dinghy! You’re right, they were characters in their own right!! (Funny how I didn’t notice when I made the video!! 😀 )
12:06 p.m. Gracie comes in with a big o’ stick and lays it right on top of her 3 sleeping babies!
Baby was just fed fully and peacefully!
11:00am-EDT George brings in a striped bass. He decided to start the feeding and Biggie #1? volunteers.After a while, 2nd Biggie joins in, as Gracie takes over the feeding. Trey gets told it’s not his turn. George does some alarm calling from the perch and the chicks look then flatten…11:26-#2 is eating and Trey feels comfortable creeping in.
He’s sitting, watching every morsel Gracie pops in to #2…And patience is a virtue…11:36-Trey is eating and #2 waddling away…prob to join #1 in coma-time
July 1 @11:00 A.M. (EST) What a difference a day makes!!!!!! Today seems to be going great and let’s hope t stays that way At 9:22 this morning Baby #3(I call Rocky because of his determination to succeed and live in the really dangerous situation he is in) and Baby #1 were “beak kissing” as they were all lying together in the lower right hand corner He has learned when to position himself for food and when attacked to be submissive. It is just how it is. Yesterday was a very upsetting day with a lot of wrong information. I am sure the behavior from yesterday could and will happen again but as Rocky gets bigger the other two will not be so aggressive. That was the information I was asking of Rob b/ yesterday. Does this behavior continue till they fledge?
Reply to Jon(June 30 @ 4:49 You made a reference regarding “asking an expert” being a negative thing. We ask because we don’t know and want to understand more about osprey behavior. As we all ask experts like doctors, lawyers, clergy etc. when we need help and information. Rob’s response this morning told us that even he was going to ask someone else who he obviously considers” an expert” what she thought about what happened yesterday. He also gave us a great article to read and I hope everyone read it. It is very informative.
Happy and safe 4th of July week-end to all.
I call him Rocky too!
Yes seems better today. Just alot of lounging in the sun. Maybe #1 got up on the wrong side of the nest yesterday. Whew ! People worry that chicks won’t survive but did alot of you know that the success rate of fledging and not having something go wrong is like 50 or 60 % ? We all root for the underdog but it isn’t over until they have all learned to fly and return to the nest safely.
How adorable that George is feeding the babes!
11:00 am incoming fish delivery
Thank you to Paul and his team for the camera view, and for the timely lens washings. (Have been watching this nest for the past several weeks and first time commenter). We naturally root for Chick #3 being the smallest and youngest. Its feathers are developing quickly. Grateful that it is growing steadily. Watch out, bigs!
This Osprey link was kindly shared by a reader on the DC Eagle website – where 2 cams had been set up to view the progress – from egg to hatchling to branching to fledging. Two eggs hatched and the sibling rivalry can be hard to watch at times.
When there were storms or when food delivery was scarce, the eaglet cam operators kindly reminded the human helicopter Mamas not to anthropomorphize and that the eaglets (Freedom and Liberty) are progressing as they should-even smaller and submissive Liberty who hatched 2 days later than Freedom. Both fledglings still hang around the nest as Papa and Mama have occasional food drops.
We hope the same will happen to all 3 osprey nestlings – and looking forward to seeing them fledge successfully.
9:51am…George is watching the sleeping gang and doing some nestorations…9:55- Gra back and joins in moving the octopus branch, which arouses the sleeping Bruiser, who takes it out on Trey.(whadid I do??for pete’s sake!)
Gracie and George alarm and the Biggies crane necks checkin’ out the cause…
I’m Shamefully behind in really reading comments and went back several pages. I carefully watched Betsy’s ID video, to take notes(which may or may not help. the way these guys are growing and changing) and you’re right, Betsy. I do notice:paddle boarder out this a.m./ must be morning exercise. There’s still moreto catch up on. Happy to see so many comments! But I have to at least pretend I’m taking care of things and have a life. More enjoyment later…HAGD
I know you do Carol!! I don’t notice the boats, paddle boarders, and kayakers and then I read your post(s) and I go back to look at the video … and think “will you look at that!!”
P.S. Chick #2 has the “gloppy” head center stripe and chick #1 has the nice neat head center stripe!! And the dark feathers on the back of chick #1 is thinner in the middle than chick #2’s. Plus, chick #2 always seems to have an inverted V at the bottom of the back head marking. The eye stripes are pretty much the same as when I made the video. And, chick #1 has less dark feathering extending out from the center stripe toward the sides. All of which makes chick #1 “blonder” and chick #2 “ash blonde.” 😀 I haven’t really been able to see their tails/tail feathers well yet. And, of course chick #3 is the cutie patootie!! 😀 I can’t even make a new video because before I would even be done recording the clip, they’d all be different!! 😀
is it just me or did our lil #3 grow like a weed last night? you go with your fancy new feathers! I personally witnessed 3 very good feedings yesterday and I hardly tuned in! I’m not worried.
Redkayak: Absolutely!! Definitely like a weed!! 😀
It’s kind of like your kids..all of a sudden you REALLY see them and they are different people. These guys change so quickly, a few hours makes a change noticeable. Trey is popping out in feathers so I have to look twice sometimes when he’s not near a Biggie….
I know, right??!!
It’s so good to see comments from Paul and Rob Thank you 😉 i have Faith this family will prevail this year! #3 is getting bigger/stronger-crossing the line of being totally helpless. I have mentioned the pecking is natural: learning to defend & or fight for its life making him/her a great mother or father in the future..Bless our Osprey in their journey 😉
Hi All,
I said I wasn’t going to watch anymore but I’m hooked and hope that my prayers for #3 are reaching GOD’s ears. But I don’t know if it’s wishful thinking or what but it just really seems to me that Gracie and sometimes even George are trying to protect #3. I’ve watched several times while Gracie stopped feeding 3 and went to 1 instead while 3 took shelter under her or to her side. She unfortunately doesn’t directly interfere ,but she does seem to put herself between them as much as possible. I don’t like the attacks during feedings but I do understand them. What I don’t understand is the attacks for no reason, that has me very concerned. I don’t know if I’ll be able to keep watching if the attacks do get worse but every minute of the day my prayers are going to #3 and just maybe all our prayers and Gracie’s good parenting and George’s awesome fishing skills will keep him with us. I will probably check comments before I watch feed just to make sure.
Dominance is a full time job…..they go right back to being sibs in between.
For Ginger G and Osprey Zone followers: Although s/he got pecked yesterday, the little one got fed a lot!!
https://youtu.be/-eJmUroBSGI
For a little humor:
https://youtu.be/6vgUAxX2YX0
And a little more humor. The little one did a squirt on the camera lens and then Tommy did a squirt on the lens!! 😀
https://youtu.be/WXEtgpbUMyU
LOL!! I love your videos, BETSY!! Especially the commentaries. LOL!!
Monica: I’m so glad. I try to have fun with some of them!!
It seems like the majority of the sticks are on the left George.
I noticed that I had misspelled George’s name on one of the feedings… corrected version at (https://youtu.be/zhn8WTWmPKE)
Thanks for that video Betsy. Don’t get to watch too often, didn’t realize just how many fish are brought to the nest. The pecking was still hard to watch even in fast motion. Is it the oldest that does the pecking of the lil one? I notice occasionally the two older ones go at it. Is that instigated by the older one as well? I’m just glad that so far we haven’t had a reply of last year with the smallest one.
Marilyn: I haven’t seen #1 pecking #2 in some time. Chick #1 seems to be concentrating on the little one, maybe because of the size factor, making him/her an easy target since chick #1 and #2 are practically the same size!
around 8:40am..Trey is attempting to eat fish tail by himself..Has anyone seen big guys try this?
YAY..we”re back! Thought I was seeing things! Good work, oh wise ones!
@about 8:11am,Trey took a shot @camera and, happily, missed…
Just watching the video stream after Paul posted the link. I can’t believe my eyes!! They all changed overnight! Maybe we won’t be calling the littlest one the littlest one in the near future!! 😀 Maybe we’ll have to start calling her/him the youngest one!! 😀 Still pecking going on but I think just to say “Respect your elders” 😀
I agree.
7:32am 7/1- Have any of you people raised kids???? How many times have they fought with each other or ganged up on each other? They are little savages until we teach them otherwise. Osprey are more basic and allow events to happen.
We generally wait till we are “adult” to kill under the guise of “religion”,”politics” or simple greed
Any news on the comment system? If you need help, I’ve put comment system’s on wordpress before on my own sites.
Thanks Jon, tell me more, what platform did you use?
So, i first saw disqus a popular comment system that alot of websites use, but recently it’s filled with bugs and comments disappear, images disappear and what not so i got rid of it, now i use http://spot.IM, you go to that site, make an account, you put in the url of this website and follow the instructions they give you and it’s up in a minute, painless and easy and it’s pretty awesome to have, blows this comment system out of the water.
Here’s a demo i set up for you to check out the comment system. http://ospreyoffseason.esy.es/uncategorized/hello-world/#comments
I cannot stay quiet about talks of cruelty. My loval 4 year old class has been observing nests on both the Southwest Florida Eagle Cam and Osprey Zone. Here is what they have to say about cruelty….”Nature is not cruel. Animals and weather do not know how to be cruel. Things happen (weather, hunting for food, sibling rivalry…survival of the fittest). Only people are cruel. They kill for fun or because they are stupid” (uninformed). Examples they cited: teenagers setting fire to the Osprey nest on Jamaica Bay destroying the home and killing the babies (eggs), poisoning eagles, leaving plastic bags and other garbage around which will trap the animal or be eaten by it, putting a rock over a burrowing owl’s nest so the parents cannot feed or get to their owelets and when it rains said babies drown and cannot escape, throwing rocks at an injured eaglet (E8 from SWFEC)….These children have been discussing this all year and understand that we cannot interfere unless it is a problem created by man (fishing line, etc) They respect nature, are learning to care and that their lives are so very difficult that we need to respect their lives and cheer for those that make it and feel sorrow for those that don’t. The species is surviving in their way and will continue to do so.
Thanks
Thank you for a dose of common sense
Thank you Deborah – you make so much sense. Hope you have a safe 4th!
Deborah: I would imagine a lot of what they have/are learning is because of your skill as a teacher. Thank you. I hope they carry what they have learned with them as they grow up.
We are working on technical difficulties and will be back up ASAP. We are having a problem with our streaming connection. The little one is fine and has eaten this morning!
All fixed!
Thank you, Paul, for the information
Yes, Paul, the temporary link works. Thank you!!
Thanks, Paul. Good luck!
Thank you! I see them on the link you provided. Chicks are full and stuporous and Gracie is enjoying her breakfast.
Thanks Paul – it is up and running now. Happy and safe 4th of July!
…Paul, thank you so much for the update…yes, on the technical issue, but most importantly, letting us all know, that our precious lil one, is fine & fed! It was a long night, having not been able to check in on the G’s & the babes (w/ the camera down), last night. Your early morning message, made my heart smile (& I’m certain, the hearts of the rest of our Osprey Zone family!)! Yes, thanks to you (all!), for ALL that you do!!! Betsy & CarolIV, &…(too many to list!) your many factual, compassionate, silly, & sensible posts, help to make this already awesome & awe-inspiring experience, that much fuller & more powerful (for the shared passion & knowledge)! Have a safe & joyful (every) day, EVERYone!!! Blessings to our babes, one & all. Blessings, & strength, & love…
Clap Clap Here Here!!!!!! I absolutely agree with everything you said Judith! =)
You know us all too well Paul! Thank you so much for the updates and getting us back online! You rock!
did one of them PS on the camera
I’ve searched this website for a “Contact Us” link, but there isn’t one. Is there a way I can get in touch with you, Paul, to ask you a question – via email, perhaps – that I don’t want to ask on the blog?
ospreyzone@gmail.com
Thank you for the lens rinse at 1PM ET today!
With the exception of the date on your comment. It jumped to the future. 2017. 🙂
Jon: This is one of the rare occasions I agree with your both of your comments from today (June 30, 2016).
People need to stop feeding into or feeding off of the hysteria of others. They need to step back, breathe 😉 , compose themselves, compose their thoughts, and then compose their comments. And, they need to read the article that Rob Bierregaard mentioned in his June 30, 2016 at 5:36 pm post.
I agree with both you and Jon, Betsy.
Oh no – I also cannot near to watch a repeat of our poor PeeWee from last year. As both Karen & Rjeonal said we know this is nature & happens all the time – but I am also joining the list of us not watching for a while – until the horror & heartbreak is over. Stay well All ; love reading your comments. Hope all have a happy & safe 4th. xoxo LilBit
I know Osprey have a pecking order and it is the survival of the fittest. Chick 3 is submitting and as long as George can keep providing he should be fine. We all root for the underdog, but please, do not wish ill on #1, he is only doing what Osprey do. Each one has a purpose and hopefully will survive, but the attrition rate is very high once they leave the nest. And some other nests have had tragedies strike this year. It is heartbreaking to see, but part of what they endure. We are observers and hopefully we will learn by watching.
Deborah: I couldn’t agree with you more.