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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
8:22amEDT- Gracie magically pulls a whole fish from the right margin of the screen. George is liking the no-see-um corner way too much !!
I’m thinking that is Dos, then Trey eating. Uno facing otherway and sneezing…..
Looks like full bellies all around !
7-10-16 Reply- Betsy, Thanks for keeping the babies Birthdays posted time goes by so fast!
@5:30amEDT…Gracie cheers George in, as he flies across the view and arrives with a good sized whole fish. Gracie grabs it and gets to work. No time for chit-chat. Sorry, honey….
Surprisingly, the Biggies sat back while Trey had a good 10 mins. of eating. Had some big chunks and yummy guts before ?Uno moved in.Trey finished off the fish with Gracie.
6:20- Gracie brings in a slab of tree bark. Aesthetically pleasing… George follows her right in with a headless fish. Shared around. I love when Gracie offers tailfin to a chick, then decides, “Nope–Mine!”
2 medium sized fish brought in before 6:20 Sun morn. Both gone and yes little got his share with no fighting. A good start for this day!
I forgot to mention on July 8th that chick #1 was 5 weeks old … and today chick #2, not to be forgotten, is 5 weeks old!!
Osprey chicks are almost adult size by 5 weeks, their leg bones are fully formed, and they will be ready to fly in 2 to 3 weeks. (http://blogs.scottishwildlifetrust.org.uk/osprey/osprey-faqs/)
Overnight rain for the chicks coming there way soon.
Looks like a whole fish was brought in at 10:30, which was almost totally eaten by #3. (He sure needed that fish. Actually, I think I made this comment earlier but cannot view it yet because it hasn’t been posted yet.) 12:00 – another fish; 16:57 – 1/2 fish, mostly eaten by #1 and then a little to #3. At 17:36, Gracie took plastic with her when she flew away. Yaaah! She returned a minute later with some (oak) leaves, then left again and returned with dirty plastic that is actually worse than the one she left with a few minutes ago. Who knows what’s with her. Maybe these are toys for the chicks — plastic and leaves and twigs. Gracie announces dinner at 18:18, another headless fish. Peanut knows the routine, to let #1 and #2 eat first. Waits his turn. By that time, hardly anything is left. He tries to go there, and #1 starts pecking his little neck. Finally, he goes to cuddle with #2. Gracie makes the last call for dinner and takes off, then returns and tries to cover #3 with the plastic. It’s too funny! She keeps trying, and Peanut keeps saying she doesn’t want to be covered; she wants food! I don’t think any more fish were brought in tonight. Hope #3 is eating enough. Let’s hope tomorrow is more “fishful.”
7-9-16 pm by the time this gets posted it will be to late to rewind but I have to say I saw a precious moment. l saw Gracie dig her up a little place in the nest and she laid down with the babies. She has not done this in awhile. She was like bonding with them maybe to get them calm and relaxed. Everyone laid in the nest peaceful. Gracie gets up and moves then the rain comes and she goes back to cover some of the babies from the rain they all huddled up by mom..
Funny, funny, funny … watching Gracie moving the bed sheets around this afternoon …. then the 3 all lined up in a perfect row.
You ladies are TERRIFIC with your shared videos. The garfish/eel video precious. Must have been a delicacy and # 3 was smart enough to lay low. This little Osprey, I have a feeling, will become a MIGHTY BIRD. As you all say….. it has qualities we have not see before. I know it will not be banded, but would it not be marvelous, to follow it into the future.
Like CarolV I work full time, but each day I catch up with comments (only the shorter ones) and is this my imagination, but the middle window in the scroll bar has become smaller?????
All of you are a wonderful, sharing and pretty smart bunch of “family”. And the CENTRAL COMMAND of Tommy – Paul and Aidan the source of our privilege to experience this all. Thanks. RH
Attention Everyone : In response to Michael’s request to do a Guess on the date of Fledging, I can not do this time, I have way to much going on right now and wont be able to commit to the project. Sorry just not enough time in the day. Thanks but I say we ask Betsy to do this project since she is able to devote the time. So what do you say Betsy would you like to start this project?
Good idea Mike!
Michael G.Martin -Hello Group
Alright, we had a pool going on when the eggs were going to hatch. Now it’s time to start thinking about when all the Wee’uns are going to Fledge.
The experts say that on average the start to Helicopter at around 7 weeks old. They are roughly 4 weeks old.
I believe that RJ O’Neal is the Groups Book-Maker. So let’s start the guessing when everyone has had a chance to evaluate all the Data and then we can let
” The Guessing Begin”
But, before we lay down our bets, we need for someone to Identify with some scientific accuracy which Chick is which.
And with that info, we can identify them and if someone can give the Dates and Times that they hatched
I hope everyone is up for the challenge, and let me know how everyone thinks about the Idea
Mike
Hi All,
It is really getting hard to tell the babies apart now, except for littlebit. I can only tell it’s #1 when he goes after littlebit because he only goes after him/her. I’ve decided that #1 is your consummate bully by any definition. Only pick on someone smaller than you. I don’t see any fighting between #1 and #2 other than a few air pecks and then they both back down. I also don’t see #2 go after littlebit unless it’s defending himself because littlebit had a brain fart and forgot how little he/she still is. I just hope that littlebit can literally keep his/her head down long enough to get big enough to just clean #1’s clock.. I hope that I get to see it happen too!
Betsy..hope you saw Gracie making the bed around 6:45pm..too funny! Preparing for possible showers? And thank you for getting back on the chick pile IDs. I took pictures-looottttssss..which I can hopefully study, based off that info. And your consultant, Rjoneal, for all you have done to help us ID these guys. I somehow missed one of your ID videos, and will have to look for it. Thanks again!
Rjoneal: are you up to a contest on fledging dates? A lot more people logging in..you prob. wouldn’t need to print out the names as often, tho.
SHAR; 24 hr. digital clock in lower right corner beneath video..helps note where you are in the video stream. 4 hr. scrollback, so you have limited time to look things up.
Not a full moon. Coming up July 19th..will be Buck Moon-Thunder Moon-Hay Moon- several different explanations. Got info from Farmer’s Almanac if you want to look it up.
I remember, before that storm last week, aggression went up. My apologies for not remembering who, but it was posted fish populations had been disrupted by changing tidal patterns due to the approaching storm; causing a slow down in deliveries and a build up in dominance aggression. Maybe this weather pattern is doing the same?
I saw a feeding about 6:30pm tonite. It looks like chick #3 did not get anything. Then when s/he had the nerve to stand up straight and look toward Gracie s/he was pecked down by the biggie. Does anyone know, if there were less fish brought into the nest today? Hope the little one gets some food tonite. I will watch the comments and hopefully will learn some good news. Carry on George and Gracie. You are great parents and take good care of your Osprey family!
OK..I agree on the mystery fish of yesterday being a needlefish. My opinion -“sand eel”- refers to a group of fish, who have tails and fins, and aren’t eels..picture looked a lot like that fish..my reservation was size; 6-8″ largest..used as bait. Had not heard of needlefish. Thank you, BILL, for the learning experience! Did a little research and found that the young needlefish have less prominent jaws than the adults Those long snouts,as pictured when I first looked up Atl. Needlefish, were throwing me off..Size for needlefish was around 20-24″ I believe. And my son, the fisherman, says they tend to lie just below the water’s surface.(Never here when I’m trying to identify!) And for all the GAR proponents; these fish are related to gar.
Can grow up to 4 feet
That would really be something to watch if George brought something like that in!! 😀 😀
The little guy seems to have grown overnight!! I see lots more feathers than just yesterday. So happy he’s still with us. He’s all “growEd up.” LOL!! (Hope this comment makes it; I haven’t seen some of my comments being posted here in the last couple of days). Oh well, I’ll still watch ‘my’ ospreys. 🙂
Rjoneal: No, you got it right when you commented thanking Tommy for the lens cleaning and that one of the big chicks got the lens … chick #3 was the first today to get the lens (on the [our] right side) at 6:12 am and then about 45 minutes after the lens was cleaned (at 10:32 am), chick #1 blasted the whole lens!! (Chick #1 had already blasted the pristine lens yesterday at 2:34 pm, but only getting the [our] left edge so there still was a mostly clear little window to see through, like a frame!! … where Gracie usually stands on the sticks 😀 )
I got you a gift: ? 😀
And, the fight yesterday was horrific. I really thought chick #2 was going to fling the little one over the edge!! But, then I cheated during the fight … I was behind on the video stream so I jumped ahead to make sure the little one was okay!!
Observation – Neither Big #1 nor Big #2 will tolerate Baby #3 to stand up tall and stretch neck to make self look bigger – that seems to start the pecking. He/she should know by now and not do that – but he/she does it anyway – very courageous.
7-9-16 Reply Betsy – I meant your observations are correct !
After reading comments I too agree with everything you said.
Reply-yes, your right I got it wrong I don’t know why I was thinking it was One of the big brothers. I went back and looked and sure enough it was our little guy he squirted direct hit
Rjoneal..I’ve always been able to tell Trey-little one. Suddenly, yesterday, she looked like a big bird, at times ! I’ve had so much trouble with first two and now #3 is changing, too ! AAAARRRRGGGGHHHHHHHHHHH ! Sorry..didn’t mean to shout……
Carol…Trey (chickpea) is still smaller and if you notice he still has a whiter head.
The two bigger chicks are beautiful … but Trey is still the cutest!! 🙂
Reply-Betsy you are right I went back I don’t know why I was thinking it was one of the big guys but it was little guy who squirted on the lens sorry about that. I missed him getting pecked at. I did watch last night the fight the battle that you made a video of watching it in real time had me sitting on the edge of my seat just when I thought it was over then another fight would start it was like a fighting frenzy..
I have to wonder if maybe as these birds are getting older if hormones are kicking in and causing them to get aggressive at times since it is the birds instinct.
I’ve read some info on hormones but not much what do you think ?
Sometimes I get so mad at our little guy because he’s the one who starts the fight he forgets what his sizes it’s like he wants to challenge to see if he can take on his bider siblings. He is definitely a survivor a fighter and a very brave Bird sometimes a little hardheaded and takes a while for him to learn a lesson but he will grow up to be a wonderful bird.
5:37pmEDT..Just checking in quick as the cats haunt me for dinner..Just got in from work. Nice to be greeted by a burst of greenery in the nest? Gracie again? Nice change of pace from the plastic.
A new video..looking forward to that…and some comments…yay….Gonna catch some scroll back now. And I think Trey may need to be diapered, as I think I saw she was again responsible for shmutzing the lens!
Saw washing @2:43pm…some stubborn s#*t on there!! Cleared enough to see the sailboats dancing! And more @3:20.
Big whole fish @ 4:38pm…Gracie takes her spot right in front of the camera..THANKS!!! I can see George is roaming around, and the occasional head
Possible showers overnight and again in early a.m. It was cooler today..in 60s overnight. A good break for the birds…Sun is supposed to come out tomorrow and warm us up again.
CarolV: As usual, I didn’t see the earlier sailboats 😀 , but after reading your comment, I did catch them at the 3:20 pm time!! 😀
Even seeing this through the squirt-blurred lens, I thought it was funny. Chick #2 was preening itself and then not realizing they weren’t its own, started preening chick #3’s tail feathers!!
https://youtu.be/LMnbFq1tMZQ
Ok…. Question for anyone who might know. Can birds get allergies? I noticed one just sneezing up a storm. I couldn’t tell which number it was. (1718pm)
Hi Karen, I saw this on the Charlo Montana Osprey site regarding sneezing!
” Lots of preening as those feathers are really developing. Once the feathers have developed they burst through the sheath protecting them. They contain blood vessels that nourish the growing feather, thus the name blood feather, or pin feather. The feather is rolled inside of these tubes to protect it while growing. The protective tubes flake and fall away on their own or while the bird is preening. Through this time you will often hear the Ospreys sneeze as the powdery flakes fall away and become airborne. “!
Maltiegirl: That’s really interesting!!
Wow….. Thanks so much for the info Maltiegirl! Very interesting………
Rjoneal: Yes, after the lens was cleaned (although it didn’t seem whoosh-y enough like other times) it was chick #1 who dead-on blasted the lens and then a few minutes later chick #1 went over and pecked chick #3! 🙁 🙁
Nice effort on the window wash but one more cycle is needed. Thanks! When the chicks are all in a lump now it’s hard to tell who is who. Yay!
Aidan or Paul, thanks for the second cleaning of the day. May even be the third!
HOORAY!!!! Another lens washing. One of the kids is looking, and probably working on another squirt on the camera lens. Looks good Tommy. Thank you very much for the lens washing.
Is there a point in time where #3 will catch up in growth with the other 2?
I wrote a long comment last night, but it never appeared. I had noticed that #3 was getting picked on quite a bit by the others. Once he initiated it, but he should’ve known better because he’s the littlest. Then, at one point it was a three-way free for all. Anyway, he took a bad pecking and now today I notice he has a bald spot on the back of his head. Poor little guy. I was wondering if maybe yesterday there wasn’t enough fish brought to the nest. I did note that George brought in a fish around 16:55 yesterday, and #3 ate well. George also flew in with fish at 18:20 and 19:24, but he did not get too much of those fish. He must’ve been very hungry today.
I read today’s comments and see that George caught some fish this morning, but it was difficult to see who was eating. I can tell you that the fish he brought to the nest at 10:30 was practically eaten only by #3. I was so glad to see that. At the end, #1 came over and started working the tail part himself. He was able to get a bite or two, until Gracie took it from him. There was fish for lunch at noon, but difficult to see who was eating because of the new squirt. However, it looks like they are all passed out, so hopefully everyone is quite full.
‘
I am so proud of George and Gracie. This is my second year watching the ospreys work. Li’l bit is doing much better and Big Siblings aren’t picking on him as much. Keep the ocean clean and runts like Li’l bit won’t die like Pee Wee (last year). Keep it up OSPREYS!!!
need a window wash
7-9-16 Tommy, thank you for cleaning the lens unfortunately as soon as that was done one of the big guys squirted direct shot into the camera lens, What would we do without you? I know we would all be wearing glasses. That water bill must be costing you a lot.
Let us know if we can do anything to pitch in for the cost.
For Rjonea: It looks as if probably Uno was the culprit for the squirting. It looks as if he poised himself to where he wanted to squirt and found his mark. Little Rascal. I would like to name him Bruno instead of Uno, because of his mischief.
Rjoneal..the water isn’t expensive, but tipping the little men who carry up the water buckets is!
At 8:28 am George brought another fish, landing again in the foggy can’t see anything right back corner … After Gracie got the fish from George, first chick #1 followed shortly by chick #2 raced over to get fed … after a minute of being on the outskirts to the left of chick #2, who was to the left of chick #1, the little one made its way over to George who was standing at the back of the nest in camera view busy cleaning off his beak, giving plaintive begging calls, but George went up to the perch at 8:30:23. Chick #3 then went behind the two bigger chicks, lying down for a bit before moving back to the front of the nest to stand on the left of chick #2, and still getting shut out … George hopped down to the left front of the nest at 8:47:17 and chick #3 again made its way over to George, again making plaintive begging calls, but George was busy looking out at the water, so chick #3 moved to the center of the nest to lie down before trying to slide in between chick #1 and chick #2 … At 8:55:18 chick #2 was done and moved away from next to chick #1. Now, desperation calls for desperate measures, and I imagine it’s the same with osprey, so chick #3 moved right next to chick #1 at 08:57:52 and dared to try to snatch some fish before chick #1 was done. But after another couple of minutes, chick #1 was full and moved away and then chick #3 got fed by Gracie for a few minutes and at 9:04:08, could be seen through the foggy lens trying to down the fish tail (for over a full minute!!). Then Gracie continued feeding chick #3 for another few minutes before giving him/her the fish tail to try again but I think Gracie ended up eating it herself.
July 9, 2016, 6:11 am: Trey had his/her turn in squirting the camera lens. I think it is time for a good lens washing. Thank you.
At 6:50:06 Gracie hopped down from the perch to the right back corner and then at 6:50:24 George’s head appeared from the right back can’t see corner through the squirt fog … he’d been alarming since he landed and then a few seconds later he went straight up coming back down a few seconds after that. Gracie seemed to be having trouble getting the fish from him … At 6:52:16 Gracie’s started feeding the little one a few bites first before chick #2 who’d waited a half minute started getting fed, then she fed both; chick #1 meanwhile was winger-sizing and tried to regurgitate a pellet … At 7:01 am chick #1 decided s/he was hungry and went up behind chick #3; after standing there for about a half minute, chick #1 gave chick #3 a few pecks and feather pulling and the poor little chick crumpled, staying there until 7:07:33 when s/he made her/his way to the right front of the nest, doing some winger-sizing along the way. At 7:02:18 chick #2 moved away and lay down, coming back for more fish at 07:13:14 and a few seconds later chick #1 moved away. At 07:30:36 Gracie started alarming and then a little over a minute later she jumped up to the perch to continue alarming and guarding calls. The chicks all flattened when Gracie jumped up to the perch, and she hopped back down to the nest at 7:18, then she flew off at 7:19:27 and came back a minute later, landing in the fog view.
7-9-2016 6:09 am EDT chick 31 was exercising wings, Looks like it won’t be long before there is hovering going on, Nest is really getting crowded now,
Opps, keyboard messed me up again. Meant chick #1.
WOW! Talk about a direct shot from one of the ‘bazooka’s’! Oh lens clearner–where are you??
6:12 am…..#3 is the culprit ! Window washer come please. 🙂
At 6:12 am chick #3 planted a good one on the lens!! 😀 But we can still see through the left half!! 😀
At 6:30:48, George bolted off the perch to go after one of those big white seagulls with the dark wings that must have ventured too close for George’s comfort as it was flying toward the water in front of the nest
https://youtu.be/JQZFRrV_7R4
July 9, 2016, 510 pm.
Betsy, the big gulls with the dark wings are herring gulls. Last year I saw them hanging out in several osprey nests in New Jersey and Delaware after young had fledged.
Thanks for all the information and videos. I posted very little last year (and not at all this year), but am a daily viewer, even in the winter.
Thank you Jeanne!! They look so funny when they go sailing by out over the water … like big white blimps with wings!! 😀
I’m going to change the video title now!! 😀
If we thought the pecking the evening of July 7th was bad, this was worse. The whole thing started when the little one, who was sleeping next to chick #1, had an itchy face and s/he was rubbing her/his head on her/his own wing. Her/his wing was bumping into chick #3 and this apparently really bothered chick #1 who got up and gave a peck to the little one … but it didn’t end there!! There was also one more incident of pecking by chick #1 against chick #3 that I saw, at 4:23 pm, and a couple of standoffs without pecking. This morning (5:18 am) the little one was absolutely terrified of chick #1.
https://youtu.be/MvEr0MgNpXI
Betsy – so glad that you post all your videos. I catch up a lot by viewing them. I seriously thought the pecking had stopped. Yesterday I saw one pecking by #1 on #3 but it was brief; of course, it was at feeding time. And then later on I saw a couple of standoffs; just the little guy standing up to his older sibling. Love that! But, I don’t watch as much as you probably do so I thought now that #3 is all “growed up,” #1 was not pecking him at all. It looks like #3 is catching up to his older siblings. Is that even possible? Will there come a point at which all three will look identical? Again, thanks for your videos, Betsy. 🙂
😀 😀 😀 The video stream has been down since yesterday (9/10 — yes, that’s September!!) and I am finally getting a chance to go back and read the comments in part of July and August since I wasn’t able to really read all of them. Just now seeing that I put “Her/his wing was bumping into chick #3” … that should have been “Her/his wing was bumping into chick #1” 😀 😀 😀
And, you’re welcome Monica, BTW!!
6:06amEDT Lazy morning..Gracie showed briefly as a beak on the right. Kids were up and stretching. It’s a nice cool morning and no one is in a hurry to get started on the day….
Good hunting, George and everyone and everybirdy, HAGD
June 09- 6:06 am- I thought this was cute…little one (3) does some wing flapping this morning but one of the biggies decides to show him up. 3 gives his opinion at the end:
https://youtu.be/y3KgRxs6EEg
Leanne – that was so cute and hysterical. Glad you captured that on the video. lol
Thanks, Leanne. Love that little bird!
I was skimming along the comments when gar, garfish, eel, and sand eel and a couple of what’s that (long skinny) fish caught my eye!! Apparently, by the way he seemed to check it out once Gracie grabbed it, George didn’t know either. And, Gracie either knew or didn’t care just as long as she had something to feed to her chicks!!
P.S. Watch George flying with it over the water. And, watch the chicks as George is bringing his catch to the nest! 😀
P.P.S. Don’t worry about the little one not eating … s/he was solo fed a little less than an hour before to the point where s/he had a really filled crop!!
https://youtu.be/rYQIBTJUBfc
Hi, everyone, didn’t have a chance to check in until 14:47. Saw that long, very thin white fish and comments say it’s either an eel or a garfish. I never saw either one, so that was very interesting. Definitely not a big fish to fill the babies’ tummies. I did see a lot of pecking this evening. Around 16:18, #1 got mad because a bigger sibling stretched its wing and disturbed him while he was napping. The baby started a big fight, and then he turned his anger on the other biggy. When he realized he was in big trouble, #3 took that curled up, reclining position, but #1 went around to the side to continue pecking at him. Not a pretty sight. At 16:27, #1 went after #2. Then, #2 looked like he was going to peck #1. Wonder if there’s a full moon tonight. Actually, I’m wondering if there was a lot of fish brought to the nest today for all of them. I saw George brought a headless fish to the nest at 16:55. The babies ate in their order, and finally at 17:26 it was Peanut’s turn. He ate good. There were also a few confrontations between #1 and #2, but nothing bad. They were all feeling their oats! George delivered two more fish: one at 18:20 and the second at 19:24. I believe all the babes ate. It was hard to tell because of Gracie’s position. Hope they all get a good night’s sleep and wake up on the right side of the nest.
I was watching this afternoon, (I’m not sure how to tell where the mark is in the video) – #1 or #2 (having trouble telling them apart now) bit baby #3 and tore out a clump of feathers. See #3’s neck is bald now in a spot on back of neck from these attacks. Everyday he/she is still getting not just pecked, but pecked with twisting motion like the mother does when she is tearing apart fish!. I’m not sure #3 is out of the woods yet. Whats going to happen when the babies start eating fish by theirselves? How will #3 compete with his huge siblings? And watching all of them try and negotiate that nest! Gracie has to be the bird equivalent of a hoarder! When I look at other osprey cams, like the one on Hog Island, it is nothing like this mess, of black plastic, and random sticks all over. Having said all that, I”m still enjoying this very amazing look into how birds are born and thrive the first few months.
7:25pm- Another fish! Go, superdad ! Whole and feisty. Gracie loses it, grabs plastic as it gets away to hide. The gang wasn’t much help; they were “hugging” right in the way. Gracie finally got it . Trey the Bald is right in line..other kids are full, for now.
Trey had about 10 mins. of eating before Biggie chased her away..LOOMED over her till she rolled up; then, went to eat.While he was occupied, she skooched away, around other Biggie who was going in to eat. Then she made the mistake of sneaking up too close behind them and the first Biggie was starting after her, when he realized he had to poop…The plastic mess slowed him down and worked in Trey’s favor.
6:21pm..George brought in something smallish…was enough to have some for Trey need end.
BETSY..is that #2 in front about 6:30? Then, after all was done and they were laying together….crud…Trey is blending right in..except for the bald spot on her neck.
There are gar, weakfish (a type of sea trout that would be of illegal size if it was a fisher person instead of George), bluefish, summer flounder also called fluke, porgies, menhaden (also called bunker), eels (though not very likely as they usually stay deep), and I could name a few more from the herring family like shad but you all get the idea that when the weather cooperates the dinner table stays full as George is demonstrating each day.Gracie can yell all she likes but George is obviously doing a great job feeding Gracie, himself, and the young ones. If this keeps up a while longer we may actually see all three chicks fledge which would be a super year for these osprey. As we all know, it doesn’t always go perfectly. Also, I don’t mean to infer that these are the only fish that are being caught. I know many more as I grew up a surf fisherman on Long Island. I just don’t want to bore you any further.
Hello Group
Alright, we had a pool going on when the eggs were going to hatch. Now it’s time to start thinking about when all the Wee’uns are going to Fledge.
The experts say that on average the start to Helicopter at around 7 weeks old. They are roughly 4 weeks old.
I believe that RJ O’Neal is the Groups Book-Maker. So let’s start the guessing when everyone has had a chance to evaluate all the Data and then we can let
” The Guessing Begin”
But, before we lay down our bets, we need for someone to Identify with some scientific accuracy which Chick is which.
And with that info, we can identify them and if someone can give the Dates and Times that they hatched
I hope everyone is up for the challenge, and let me know how everyone thinks about the Idea
Mike
Oh my. I have to say this- George, is not only handsome, but he is one heck of a fisherman! Think of how hard it must have been for him to
1. See the eel
2. Dive for it
3. Catch it in his talons!
The look on the babies’ faces as Gracie was trying to take it apart is priceless… “What the heck is that thing, Mom?? Where’s our lunch???”
I hope one of our video specialists caught this moment. You guys do such an awesome job.
Rocky is even bigger and stronger today. It looks like he will “go the distance.” (praying he does!)
I saw the altercation between “Dragon Breath” (I love that name- whoever gave that to Uno!)
Rocky was preening and Dragon Breath woke up and saw the movement. I guess was jealous of how handsome Rocky is so he went after him. Rocky walked away and then turned and went after Uno. They did that beak dance that Uno and Duo used to do and then assumed the submission position. When Uno went to sleep, he got up and took a swipe at Duo and they had their little battle. Duo looked at Uno like “Do you believe this kid??”
It is my conclusion that if Rocky had been born first, he would be the only bird in the nest right now. He would have taken out both his siblings. He is one tough little Osprey.
GinaM: I was thinking the very same thing!! … that if chick #3 had hatched first and been chick #1, there would be no #2 and #3 chick at this point!! 😀
536pm—Baby ate a ton! I swear that kid is a genus……. Just patiently waits and then goes in, putting Mom in between the two biggies. One piece was so big, I wasn’t sure that little one was going to be able to manage it. But he/she just kept chugging it down….. Such a cutie! ?
Who was getting fed at 17:29? Kinda reminded me of Lucy and Ethel at the chocolate factory! Lol.
4:54pmEDT- Plain ole headless fish..No, it’s a good one. Should be enough for all.And Gracie standing in way..I have a guess who I think is eating, but I’ll just say a Biggie…
Now I’m wondering if this fish will last thru 2 biggies..Trey being held back…in lower right corner.
Now I’m wondering if this fish will last thru 2 biggies..Trey being held back…in lower right corner.2nd Biggie eating and Trey slowly creeping in. Took a hopeful snip at Gracie’s tail as it swung over her…About 5:25..Trey’s turn..phew…fish was goin’ fast! Gracie is feeding her so fast I checked the video speed to see if it was on normal!
As Gracie was working on the dregs of the fish@ 5:35, George brought in some weeds and reeds. Gracie explained that there was still room in this baby, so maybe he should look for another fish’ She held out the tailfin to Trey, then thought better of it and swallowed it herself..good Mommy but..we all have our limits!
Simply wanted to say that this is a beautiful web cam. We can see the ocean and some of the skyline. Today especially I appreciate being able to have a distraction from all the darkness and hate that we’ve experienced in the last few days. Thank you!!
July 8, 2016, 4:26 pm Trey started pecking either Dos or Uno, after either Dos or Uno moved a tree branch over near Trey.
4:18, 7/8. Little one rustling its feathers, apparently annoying one of the older siblings, who decided to peck at him/her. Lil one fought back, but is not big enough to fight very long.
At 4:15 pm this after noon, 7/8. The lil one was rustling its feathers, preening & one of the older ones started pecking at him/her. Why? Did the lil one disturb the big ones sleep? So hard to watch.
I looked up gar in LI waters….the article said gar in NYS are found in the Great Lakes, St. Lawrence River and other upstate waterways. Does the fish have another name?
What kind of fish is that at 1447 on 7/8/16. Here in Kansas it looked like a fresh water gar.
4:00pm-Someone been weighting down the plastic? Nice collection of shells on it. It’s kind of good to see some plastic has gone out on some out-lying branches. Now why can’t they wrap around that Snarl?
at 14.48 today, the adults were struggling with an eel..Tough skin, even for them.
Oh, is that what it was? Did they eat it? I had to step away but by the time I came back, it was gone.
Looks like a needle fish. Pretty sure eels are dark in color and don’t have a tail fin.
The fish that George brought in at 2:45PM was an Alantic Needle Fish, not an eel. Good fishing George!
What was that long, skinny fish that George brought at about 2:45pm?? No one knew what to make of it. But, hey, food is food. lol 🙂
think it was a northern pipefish
Ok…. Which little brat christened the lens? And they all look so innocent…. Uh huh. ?
So funny to watch the babies all stretching their wings Hardly enough room in the nest.
I love watching Weebles (#3) walk on her heels. I do think she’s the smartesto f the litter too
Was that a garfish with the long beak?
Yes a gar. Really disappeared fast and our L’l bits Trey did not get a bite. But see a nice fish being fed now. And he (?) is right there munching.
Time correction, the gar came in about 2:50 or so. Disappeared so fast, like a soft easily noodle snack!
14:48pm….what was that fish?
Gar fish (?) for snack at 3:10.
@2:46pm..I believe that is a sand eel that George brought in. Very eclectic variety this week ! I haven.t see any of these yet, but I miss a lot of feedings. Looks like the Biggies are sharing. Not much to it.
Looks like a hit on the left side of lens. I’m guessing it was Uno, but it’s a crap shoot -haha- when I identify…
OK-2:34- direct shot to left side…I’m gonna guess Uno? It’s a crap shoot..in more ways than one.
Alright, sorry for the repeat lame joke……don’t know how I managed that one!
I thought it was a good one!
{;=) TY
July 8, 2016, 2:33 pm, I think it was Uno this time who messed up the camera lens. I guess it is time for another lens washing.
It’s 302 EST…is that an eel?????
14:46 – George delivers a small Gar fish. First one of the season!
July 8 2:45PM CT time WOW this is a first!! Is this an eel that George has brought home??
13:47 p.m. – July 8th – George flies in with a houseplant for the nest to cheer Gracie up!
Correction: Gracie flies in with a houseplant for the nest and to cheer herself up! Had to watch that a few times!
1:09pm- whole fish in…
BETSY: @ i:30ish- is that #1 in front? If you can, hopefully it will help me out…
That’s the sneezer, so yes?
BETSY; Chick pile 1:50-Dos front, Uno middle..Trey right? Couple of examples in case your not able to see one time frame noted..you don’t have to answer all..I’m not trying to be a stalker-pest
CarolV: Yippee yeah coyote!! Dos in front, Unos behind her/him toward the front of the nest (away from us), cutie patootie to the rightish of the biggies!! 😀 Look at the eye stripes directly under the eyes … Unos’ goes evenly under the eyes, Dos’ widens at the end toward the beak. Dos has thicker “eyebrows” over both eyes, and more dark feathers above the eye stripe than Unos. In that same time frame, Dos is right in front of the camera and you can see how Unos (laying down) is “blonder.” Also the marking on the back of their heads … Unos narrows more than Dos’ at the middle (going from top to bottom). And the bottom of Dos eye stripe makes me think mutton-chop sideburns. 😀 Good picture 14:34:41 of tail feathers … Unos is on the right has darker tail feathers; Dos on the left has more variation.
I forgot to mention, CarolV, that the thin strip of feathers just above the beak on chick #2 jogs to the left (toward its right) and that thin strip of feathers on chick #1 is straight.