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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
#3 tried helping herself when the fish first arrived and then was kind of shut out of that 3:00 snack. Good try though
At 3:48 another fish and #3 is fed well.
Be honest, does this fish head make my crop look big?
WOW Gracie is on a mission to keep her #3.
Your darn tootin she is. She was totally devastated last year when she lost her baby. It was heartbreaking to see her suffer.
For Redkayak re July 11, 2016 at 3:16 pm – 15:16:43 Gracie fell asleep while looking up and did the funniest swooning head roll.
https://youtu.be/vAblZxQNbG0
Wasn’t it hilarious?
Redkayak: Yes it was!! … I saw your comment and I hadn’t gotten up to that time yet, so I jumped there and it was funny!! 🙂 Made a great video, I think. Thanks for posting that!!
George was on the perch and getting bombarded by a mocking bird in the morning and early afternoon.
https://youtu.be/Ho5aVl_RQOI
7-13-16 Reply CraolIV and Followers here is pic fr yesterday when Gracie watched her black plastic blow out of the nest fr the wind.
YYAAAYYYYY! But I’m sure she’ll find bigger and better!
7-13-16 Osprey followers here is a pic of Handsome George ! Keep up the good work !
picture taken at about 9:49 am
Stud muffin.
Very handsome – I think baby #3 looks just like him! But he’s the baby daddy!
How nice! Thanks for the image. He sure is handsome
A stunning picture – he really is quite handsome. Thank you.
Paul or Aidan: Can you remove my comments:
Betsy July 12, 2016 at 1:30 am – Reply
Chick #2 is closet to the camera.
– Picture –
Betsy July 12, 2016 at 1:31 am – Reply
Chick #2 is closest to the camera.
I realized after I posted it that the picture did not have copyright notice so I had redone it
Betsy July 12, 2016 at 1:58 am – Reply
Paul and Aidan: I’m doing a test – I think you need to set size recommendations!!
– Picture –
Betsy July 12, 2016 at 1:38 am – Reply
Chick #2 is closest to the camera.
– Picture –
They were duplicates (I asked to scrap one of them immediately after I posted the picture … but I don’t see that comment!!)
And can you remove the comments under the announcement statement at the top of the page (which expressly states not to reply directly to it) before the page becomes a mess again, as has happened numerous times in the past.
Thank you in advance.
At 11:17 am 7/13, one of the bigger chicks sitting on the right side of the nest, hit the camera dead center. Time for a cleaning.
Oh did I mention I was enjoying watching the 3 babies sleep, with mom & dad looking out onto the horizon, until that moment. lol
I was right there with you. And going “no..no..No..NNNOOOOO!” as I saw the wind-up.. I think-emphasis on THINK- it was Uno,
7-13-16 Reply-Cathy
You cannot compare George and Gracie’s nest with Rachel and Steve nest these are two different families and they both do well in their environment.
Steve brings in 2 fish at a time sometimes and always has. George has never brought in 2 fish at one time and probably never will.
Georges average is about 9-10 fish per day.
Last year even with two juvenile baby ospreys in the nest there were times they would only have 1or2 fish in a day during the fish kill if you count George and Gracie there was a total of four birds eating 2 fish per day. They survived and 2 fledged successfully thanks to Gracie rationing out all the food during that time even to George.
It might be frustrating to you watching Steve bring in so many fish and George bring in so little but if they get 9 or 10 fish a day they are doing way better than last year and if 3 survive and fledge they’re doing excellent.
This is George and Gracie’s only second time they have had siblings and become parents.
Gracie and George both are very smart birds. I mean Gracie new to ration the fish last year even though she was a first time mommy and to have 2 fledge successfully you got to give her credit for that instinct that she had.
Please don’t take this wrong I know you love George and Gracie I was just pointing out some facts.
For the newcomers it should be exciting. But we’ve all been there we’ve all had emotions and got upset so like I said not trying to be mean or upset you.
Love our Osprey family and followers!
———
Cathy July 13, 2016 at 11:05 am –
I wish George would step it up on the fish. Steve has already brought in 9 this morning and these babies are bigger & older than at that nest.
Rjoneal: I agree with you. It is one thing to observe, another thing to compare. I personally know little about the environments other nests are located near. I do notice there are differing nesting materials, different types of sticks used, etc. To say one is better than another is senseless. I will say I have seen prettier nests than this but those birds were working with a differing set of variables. It serves its purpose.
As far as fish count: My son has been working on a commercial fishing boat. While not in the bays where George fishes, he has said that fish “patterns” have not followed the norm this year. Certain fish are expected at certain times, and things have been off. Whether this translates to George’s fishing grounds…who knows? He seems to be doing fairly well to me. Let’s cheer him on in stead of being negative.
And Rjoneal..I thought I had commented how funny that coffee cup was! Things have been a little wacky with the comments lately…or my computer…
I want to clarify my statement — this is not meant for Carol but for those people who ask repeatedly about neck feathers,sneezing, amount of fish chick #3 is eating, etc etc. Take the time to scroll back through the comments or use the search feature/find and type in a key word and you will most likely find your answers.
11:17:50 lens target practice
Ok……… #1 is the culprit shooting the lens. Didn’t get the time—sorry. I was too busy watching which ‘rear end’ was doing the shooting this time. Man, these kids have the busiest back ends that I’ve ever seen!
What goes in, must come out {;-}
At least we know they’re well fed!
July 13, 2016, 11:17 am, #1 did it again. He/she decorated the camera lens. Tommy, could you please wash the lens again sometime. Thank you for all you do in keeping this camera up and running, as well as lens washing when needed.
Say good-night Gracie…and George…and kids…
And..
Poops, I did it again !
I wish George would step it up on the fish. Steve has already brought in 9 this morning and these babies are bigger & older than at that nest.
We’re not watching Rachel and Steve’s nest. This is George and Gracie’s nest and they are doing the best that they can.
I agree with Betsy. We’re watching G & G’s nest. Not sure why other nests are being commented on here. IMHO. 🙂
It’s not a competition over whose chicks are bigger. Considering the drama our nest went through last year, viewers should be grateful for the three healthy chicks George & Gracie are providing for. ?
Cathy: Your probably worried about George’s ability to feed the chicks as well as him & Gracie. Compared to last year (when there was a large fish kill), this year is a great year for George. Last year it was so hard to watch, as George hustled to bring in 2, maybe 3 fish a day. I remember some days I did not see one fish, last year. I think it is so much better this year, plenty of food, and even if #3 doesn’t get to the head of the line with the first or second fish of the day, he/she is usually eating alone at a few points every day. Anyway, that’s my observation and my two cents.
7-13-16 Reply to June
Sorry late but Welcome back to watching again!
pic of Geo flying in with 3rd fish for the day it is really big one just looks small and Gracie flies down from the perch.
Love Our Osprey Family
Fabulous shot; thanks for posting!
7-14-16 Eva-Your welcome, love to take pics and share them!
GOOD SHOT !
7-14-16 Thanks CarolV,had to rewind about 100x to get it but I finally got what I wanted,glad you noticed.
You too have been posting nicepics love them!
Beautiful shot!!!
Another first rate photo. Thanks again.
7-14-16 Reply-Helen thanks for the compliment love, love taking pics of our Osprey family and trying to get the right moment!
7-13-16 Reply Ruth thanks for the video you made of fishing that lands in the middle of nest I watched it as it happened it was too funny Geo kept looking at Gracie as if he was saying you want you got to get it I am out of here.
7-13 -16 Reply – Redkayak yes it is getting small in that nest now that they are getting bigger.
From- Rdkayak-Crowded House!
Beautiful capture!!! Love this pic! Thank you
Great pic!!
At 9:38 ish someone is really testing his wings in the wind.
This might me the year of the triplets. I’m pretty sure it was three little heads spying out of an osprey nest about 5 miles west of this one near Port of Egypt.
It also appears that the osprey nest at the causeway in Orient is vacant this year.
Did Lil Bit eat this a.m.-I missed breakfish…which I usually don’t-just asking…Thank you all!
Just to set the record straight: I first suggested Wynken, Blynken and Nod as appropriate names on June 8, 2016 (page 33). When the naming “contest” began I immediately entered Wynken, Blynken and Nod together with detailed references to portions of the classic poem as it relates to the three 2016 osplets as reasons why these names should be accepted..
Trey is getting a good feeding without any problems from ‘you know who’. =) 8:28 AM nest time.
Thank you Janet!
I am watching early this morning, and I see Mommy feeding one hungry baby. She seems devoted. Is that baby Littlebit?
I visit this site only once in a while. How is baby three doing?
Great..sometimes a little too big for her britches..which means a big one gives her a bonking. But (s)he is strong, clever and VOCAL !
This is Trey(my name for #3)getting fed this a.m. Look closely. Bald spot on back head/neck from dominance attacks, usually by #1
7-12-16 FISH TOTAL that I got for the day was 9 fish !
Sorry I dont have time to post all the times but if u need it let me know otherwise 9 fish but Geo left with the 9th fish since Gracie was still eating on the other.
Goodnight Osprey Lovers !
7-12-16 Reply CarolIV ok you didnt say anything so I am betting that you didnt see the cup of coffee picture I sent Betsy 7-11-16 scroll and look at her cup please, this is so she can make videos.
8:09pm….Looked like Uno? got knocked off his feet while he was flapping..wind was strong. In any case, he backed toward the center of nest and made sure he was firmly planted!!!!!
I was very fortunate today on my ride home from work. As I crossed a small overpass that spans a minor backwater by the Peconic River, an osprey rose above the side, carrying a fish, and crossed the road above me. As I got to the red light at the intersection of 105/24, I had a chance to watch the 2 chicks and the female in the nest there. Suddenly, the female started the “Here comes the Fish” song.Welcoming in the male I had just seen? I’d like to think so..
Then, farther in the drive, a hawk flew over, low, and did some amazing turns overhead. I don’t know what he was watching, but I got a great show! Lucky, lucky day!
Paul, I agree with what Betsy said earlier today. I saw it happen and thought it was awfully thick. (What a thing to be describing!) Here’s Betsy’s comment to you:
Betsy July 12, 2016 at 8:49 am – Reply
Paul: If what I think that what you may be thinking is an out of focus branch (on the right of the center of the screen?) … that’s squirt from chick #3 from July 9th at 6:12 am that apparently dried like glue (it was more than just the usual liquidy squirt)!
OK, thanks. In that case the irrigation system seems to be miss-aligned because water is not spraying on the lens like before. It might be blocked by a branch are maybe got dislodged or even bent.
Paul: In your comment yesterday about the problem with the water stream not working properly you asked: “Just curious if anyone saw this develop and was there any discussions concerning it?” Why did I even bother backtracking to find any possibilities I could give you on what may have caused it? Obviously my time was wasted.
Betsy…I think “possession” is all over. I had trouble with double comments, comments on waiting forever, comments showing alone and as part of another post. The misplaced picture I’m sure was all ME!
And once again, I say, it was Starvation that killed Peewee last year, not the pecking. That was natural dominance behavior. I just feel the need to defend the older chicks, who are doing what nature intended. Last night, Trey made the mistake of standing up to Uno. She had been submitting or avoiding his reach. She still got the occasional peck just for good measure.
Last night, you could see her behind Gracie,and she is ERECT..even after evil-eyes stare down and a warning, she was determined to stand her ground. Big mistake…..Uno went for her, pecking and neck-tweaking for 35-40 secs..a looonnngggggg time watching it. And as hard as it was to see, he was doing his job.
If food supplies last(which they did not last year) Trey has a good chance. I love her courage, but she needs to back down for now.
Time was 20:40-7/12
Shorty IS standing tall. Uno attacked after this.
Have no idea why the video arrow is there. Don’t even know how to video. Tis all a mystery !!!!!!
And the attack begins…..
Sorry..I don’t know how to add print to a picture yet. Will be more careful being sure cprt. is in frame.And learn…..cut and paste I guess, is my lesson?
My previous name suggestions will have to be rescinded. I learned that GinaM suggested Marion previously. And I believe Holly W had entered Marion and Gardiner last year. So that’s two of my three. Will have to think. But I guess we can pick and choose, not just take a group of three together. Correct?
Funny those two were my submissions last year as well.
Hey Carol,
I suggested that a few weeks ago. I didn’t enter it in the contest because I thought we had to be more gender neutral because we won’t know their sexes for a while yet.
Go ahead and use it if you want 🙂 I don’t mind! As long as chick#3 is OK and healthy I am a happy camper.
So glad to see mom & dad working in tandem to keep all happy. Much better this year, experience pays off. That nest is really getting crowded, and we have a lot of growth to go!
I picked my names!
P.S. I would beat that #3 is a female, so mimics Gracie. Even rearranging the nest.
Did anyone ever answer Dorothy’s question about #3’s neck feathers? Does anyone know if they will grow back?
No, I have never had any of my questions answered such as, why the camera couldn’t be turned a bit to the right to capture the “dead zone,” is there a picture of the tower and nest on site to get a perspective of where they are, I figure the feathers will grow back in on #3’s neck in time, how is it that he was so much smaller than the other two when there was only a few days separating their hatchings?
I wonder if he feels cool on his neck or if he would get sunburn where the skin is exposed? I hope they will grow back too and fast – but mostly hoping the other 2 will finally accept him / does seem to be improving for him. I am sure “stress” plays a role in development processes – and being chick #3 = lots of stress so maybe that has set him back longer than the few days difference from hatch dates.
Boy am I confused… the two biggies have been letting #3 eat first the last couple feedings – it’s been a great feeding day for Baby 3 today – hooray!
Littliest is getting a private one-on-one feeding from DAD. 6:40 pm. Don’t know what the deal is with the 2 biggies(they must not like the little bites Dad gives). They are just laying around glancing at the feeding.
what are the hatch dates for the chicks?
#1 June 3
#2 June 5
#3 June 8
If the camera is a rockin, don’t bother knockin
Hi All,
I was wondering, when the biggies start feeding themselves, will Gracie still feed Littlebit? She/he is already getting cut out of most feedings. The only time she/ he gets a good feeding is if the other 2 are passed out. I can only imagine how bad it will be if George brings in 1 fish for all three to pick at.
HI,
I submitted the names of the osprey babies 2X and they attributed to someone else? I named them Wynken, Blyken and Nod and Susan” name appears to have been attributed to them. Please correct. Thank you. I love these guys.
Hi Jackie, what you were seeing was a comment left on the page by someone else, not one of the competition entries. I checked to make sure your entry was submitted with your name, and it was.
How do I post a comment on here without having to reply to another comment???Cannot figure it out.
On the bottom of comments section.
Actually Jackie, they were also named that by somebody else early on. But as Aidan said, it was a comment not an entry.
I was incorrect – apparently Wynken,, Blinken and Nod were entered into the competition by someone else along with a significant dissertation on the reasons why. I do not know the timing however between the two of you.
Do we know what the sex of the little ones are? Sorry if the question has already asked and answered. I notice someone referred to #3 as a she. And who is sneezing or coughing in the nest?
No..This , I believe, needs to be determined by bloodwork, or their markings as adults, which can sometimes be confusing, I, for one, call #3-Trey- she-because she is the most vocal and very clever-except for standing up to #1 last night and getting the crap beat out of her. That wasn’t wise.
The only way to tell sex is with a DNA Blood test.
7-12-16 Reply – Betsy awww Thank You for the video I loved ,loved loved it!!
Here is Gracie feeding bb3 and Geo feeding bb1- bb2 in the middle cant decide which way he /she wants to go too many choices
Crowded House!
7-12-16 Reply- Kathy B. I Like to use snipping tool so I can crop pictures and enhance them if needed. If you have windows just search for it and click on it. My screenshots never come out very good so that’s why I use this.
A great tool is Irfanview with far greater editing capabilities and free to download. You capture the picture using the PrtSc-SysRq key and can adjust the field once the crop square is drawn. You can’t do that with the snipping tool. Both have their good points and I use both. When I want to add text I use Irfanview.
Dorothy: Thank you for the information. I will look into it … although I’m more video than pictures!! 😀
The chicks heads went in unison as they were watching something flying around in the afternoon of July 10th.
https://youtu.be/2l4Ogcnk40s
Betsy, I don’t see any head bopping, just the chicks laying down.
Marilyn: watch their heads as they watch something flying around. I’m not up to the “tennis” video — I have to fix the soundtrack … somehow it saved all off!!
I see it now Betsy. I thought it was going to be the “tennis” video, so I wasn’t looking real close.
7-11-16 Reply Betsy-NO Size recommendations Needed please 🙂
Love that you finally posted some pics and ones to help our followers, education and learning is what this is all about.
Glad you think your coffee is about the right size I know CarolIV wont be happy with me lol heeee 🙂
She’s working overtime…..your doing, lady…caffeinated to the max with that cuppa joe!
Peckerhead…and Weebles ..lololol that cracks me up.
Another tandum feeding at 8:04 am. I think george figured it out yesterday when he tried to feed this crowd by himself.
Video for rjoneal re her post:
rjoneal July 9, 2016 at 9:33 pm: “I saw a precious moment. I saw Gracie dig her up a little place in the nest and she lay down with the babies. She has not done this in a while. She was like bonding with them maybe to get them calm and relaxed. Everyone lay 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.”
https://youtu.be/DEL-hOBozWg
7-12-16 Reply- Mike I too think bb3 is so smart and brave and will taking a beating or aggressive pecking and twisting however you want to word it,if thats what it takes to get the food he needs to keep growing or survive over starving to death. I think he is a very smart bird and if he survives fledgling will be an awesome mate someday. Did you see the pic I posted yesterday with his crop full? He is holding strong and using every trick even if he has to eat scraps left in the nest.
Mike July 11, 2016 at 4:42 pm – Reply
Approx 4:35pm 7/11/16: It was interesting to observe how the little guy positioned himself so one of the bigger ones couldn’t get to his neck. He simply put his butt between them. And the larger guys neck isn’t long enough to get to the little guys neck. Smart.
We’ve been trying to clean the lens but the water stream is not hitting the lens like before. We’re thinking that we’re seeing an out of focus branch up against the lens which might even be blocking the water stream. Just curious if anyone saw this develop and was there any discussions concerning it?
7-12-16 Paul I do believe that CarolIV and Betsy mentioned that big branch that kept blowing and getting moved it was pressed up against the lense at one time and down out of view then back again now out of view. This is very possible the branch is in the way. I found pic when the big stick was first brought in on 6-9-16 and have many pics with this big stick pressed up against camera housing. Betsy is the detective in our group she might be able to give more details. Hope this helps some.
Thanks, rjoneal!! I’m not a real detective everyone … I just like to solve problems/issues!! The best I can tell so far is that the washer worked great on July 5th when it was used last before the July 9th 10:32 am cleaning … so between those two dates is when something happened to the lens washer … unless it’s just summertime water pressure (since I don’t know how the washer is designed and set up).
BTW, it wouldn’t have been one of those sticks because the last one came down June 27th (6/27/2016 All It Took Was a Whack) and the washer was working fine after that date. I haven’t seen any upright sticks since then.
I’m thinking it happened July 8th around 2:45 pm when George brought in the garfish or needlefish … because if you watch the video her left wing forcefully swipes down the left side of the camera.
Paul: On July 9th when the lens cleaning was done at 10:32 am the water didn’t seem “whoosh-y” — I even posted that!!
Paul: If what I think that what you may be thinking is an out of focus branch (on the right of the center of the screen?) … that’s squirt from chick #3 from July 9th at 6:12 am that apparently dried like glue (it was more than just the usual liquidy squirt)!
I did see this in fact the stream was so, that I thought it was raining. It wasn’t anything like the other cleaning that look like a car wash. It wasn’t until I looked at the blue sky to see that it wasn’t rain. Something must be blocking it and making it sputter ranter than stream.
7-12-16 Reply- Lyn D. Thank you for sharing and I agree completely interesting way of putting it never herd that one before.
11-12-16 Reply- GinaM
Work gets in the way sometimes! Who brought in the rope?? Gracie did on 7-10-16 see pic
Thanks for that pic!!!! Maybe they are going to start training for a rodeo. 🙂
Tandum feeding at 6:04 am Tues. Now we are talking! Mom and little and Dad and 2 biggies. Way to go Mom & Dad.
How are you guys snapping pics onscreen? I took one of Sandy last year right before she left on her journey but I can’t remember how I did it. I am on safari. Maybe I should switch to firefox and see if I can do it as I’m not finding how to do it thru Safari.
Hi Kathy,
I post pics at another site an I use the snipping tool on my laptop. It is a program and not part of the internet browser. You should have it if you have a PC, not sure what it is on a Mac. Once you save the pic to your computer then you can upload it using the new upload (browse) button. Hope that helps!
On Macs, you can screen cap two ways: Command/Shift/3 all pressed at the same time captures your entire screen. Command/Shift/4 pressed at the same time brings up a target on the screen that moves with the mouse. press the mouse down and you create and move a box around to capture what you want. No extra software needed.
The incident with the fish flopping around in the nest was hilarious and here is a video link if you missed it. https://youtu.be/I8iM5XDvIPg
6:05 am…dad feeding biggies, momma feeding Trey.
Chick #2 is closest to the camera. The marking on the back of its head is wider in the middle area going from from top to bottom.
Paul and Aidan: I’m doing a test — I think you need to set size recommendations!!
Chick #2 is closest to the camera.
You can also tell in the white markings on the eyes. If chick #2 is closet to the camera, then
1) that white marking (eyeliner ☺) does not completely go all the way up to the left eye
2) the line is more thick
3) the end of the white line ends in kind of a square or round tip.
Whereas in chick #2
1) the white line forms a more upsidedown “C” shape up to the corner of the left eye
2) the line is thin
3) the end of the white line ends in slender tip
BirdRJSviewer16: I think when you put “Whereas in chick #2” You meant chick #1 … If so, then that is correct. I noted something about the “eyeliner” somewhere below 😀 I’m still trying to find comparable eye, top of head and back of head pictures … and when they stand more, leg pictures!! But first I’m trying to do the videos that I’m backed up in the wazoo on!! 😀
Hi yes that’s right. I wrote #2 instead of one. I wish I could edit my errors 🙂
Thanks for the videos you posted when the chicks were smaller and the little one #3 was fighting and biting bully #1 or 2. Its great to see how big #3 has grown.
Weebles took a nasty beating from peckerhead, waited a few minutes then, got two thirds of that fish to herself. Way to go weebles, peckerhead wasn’t even hungry .
rjoneal: 😀 😀 That looks to be about the right size!! 😀 😀
Chick #1 is on the left
*Has less dark feathering in the wedge from the side head stripe above the eye (“eyebrow”) to the eye stripe – so it looks more “blonde”
*The dark feathering at the end of the eye stripe – which looks like a tassel – is sparser
Chick #2 is on the right
*Has more streaks of dark feathers in the wedge from the “eyebrow” to the eye stripe
*The dark feathering “tassel” at the end of the eye stripe is thicker
There are other markings, too, that I plan/want to show – such as the dark feathers on the top and on the back of the head that are different, but it’s been hard to get the chicks to “cooperate” and stand in about the same spot or side by side when there’s not smudge on the camera lens!! 😀
I was going to do a video, but then you’d all have to listen to my really grating Long Island accent!! 😀
P.S. Paul and Aidan: That’s not the right time since I did a composite picture.
Yipes!! That came out big!!
Chick #2 is closet to the camera.
Chick #2 is closest to the camera.
7/11 10:40 pm. Just scrolled back about 4 hrs & saw 3 chicks eating who seemed to be really really hungry. Not watching since this morning, were there not enough fish delivered throughout the day?
Looks like Gracie was really hungry too.
8:30pm after #3 getting a couple of hits from bully # 1 or #2, #3 stuck around and got a huge fish feed from Mom all to him/her self. Belly full then went to bed. Then after a few minutes #1 or #2 took his/her head and laid it on top of #3’s head. #3 was like “heck no” and moved out of the way 🙂
FISH INFO FOR TODAY-
Total on my Observations today FISH 9 ( FYI- yesterday total was 😎
1) 5:52.04 am whole
2) 7:30.16 am head off
3) 10:35.46 am ?
4) 11:27.30 am whole
5) 15:18.59 pm whole Geo feeds babies Gracie in nest resting ( Geo feeds almost the whole fish to Bb1)
6) 16:19.25 pm head off
7) 17:26.40 pm Piece of fish small
8) 18:23.16 pm whole
9) 19:51.53 pm whole Grcie not in nest Geo feeds bb3 a couple bites /geo feeds bb1 bb2 / gracie returns eats some herself feeds bb3 Bb2 Bb1 move up – pecking starts shortly after
Times may vary by seconds depending on when you count the fish arriving so like I said it is just what I am using, I like to compare to see if fishing is less and the times.
7-11-16 update pic bb3 after fight he looks ok such a strong guy!!
Hi All,
I was wondering if anyone knows what kind of fish George brought in around 8pm? It looks like the toughest fish on God’s Green Earth. George started out feeding it to the babies while Gracie took a break, but when she came back she waited about 5 minutes then decided he was doing it wrong and took over the feeding but she is really tugging on it and now it is 9 o’clock and she is still tugging on it!
Also, I was wondering if it would be possible to put the comment section at the top of the page. Sometimes there are so many comments to scroll through to get to the comment section I almost forget what I was going to say.
Thanks
How cute. 7:05pm chick #3 waited while chick #1 & 2 had their fill. Poor #3 got in just to get the tail part, but it was so cute trying to see him use his feet to try to tear the skin apart. #1 or 2 tried to come back and steal the tail but chick #3 was able to eat the tail.
Later Gracie sets the table…
LOL Fish Buffet.George feeds babes..
8:30pm little one finally gets a decent feeding. Only got the tail of the last feeding. It tried so hard to get it in its’ mouth but just couldn’t do that yet.
Around 18:23, George delivered a very lively fish. He let go of it and it fell into the nest bowl. George, Gracie, and the chicks kept looking at it, with the parents not knowing what to do about it. Really weird! George flies off, and Gracie goes to grab it and it lands on Gracie’s plastic. It flipped around alot, and then finally Gracie grabbed it. The little one got a few bites, but moved out for the biggies. He came back a the end for the tail. How sad is that. Then at 19:57 George brought in another whole fish and stayed to feed the kids. Peanut was right there, got a few bites, then moved out for #1 and #2. Eventually George and Gracie fed them together — at least it looked like that. The screen was partially blocked by Gracie. I think the little one got a few more bites at the end.
I thought the pecking of #3 had stopped. Just saw Dragon Breath (love that name – whoever gave it to him) pecking at #3 over and over again. I guess he didn’t like George feeding his littlest chick. It’s incredible that #1 doesn’t ‘respect’ his dad. For heaven’s sake, it was his dad feeding #3!! I did get a look at the bald spot on the little guy’s head. Poor little guy; I hope the feathers come in again.
Work gets in the way sometimes! Who brought in the rope??
Gracie brought the rope.
19:51pm..BIG fish in with George. Just what Momma wanted ! Trey is front and center using her big chick voice. How’s it feel, George? Gracie is on perch, yakking. and George looks confused at who is in front of him. Gracie stays where she is, and George starts feeding. The Biggies move in. Trey raised up like she wanted to challenge, then thought better of it.
Trey kept busy finding things to do, even creeping in behind the Biggies, but they kept eating. Gracie finally jumped down @ 8:14 and Trey went to her and told her story. The Biggies go to say HI to Gracie and Trey goes to George. But now Gracie has moved in the way…..one Biggie and Trey are behind Gracie by George and I THINK Trey is getting fed.
I’m pretty sure Trey got fed, but she also got bonked. Even with Gracie in the way, you could see a Biggie going for her.
About 20:40”think it’s Uno..vicious and prolonged.. ;+[
Concerning our lil bit, Poco, Peanut, Rocky, etc. and BB3, I came across this interesting concept regarding enabling and “helping” out the weakest. I’ve saved it in my files, because it could apply to the mother of a child next door, or one of our “kids” here in the nest, or just about anything or anyone we might know, even ourselves. I found it to be the most profound “statement” regarding all kinds of intervention, whether human or animal. Here goes:
It takes a lot of time and effort for a caterpillar to change into a beautiful butterfly. Scientists tried to intervene in the process, with tragic results. Nature is unforgiving and is designed so that only the strong survive.
Before a butterfly can emerge from it’s cocoon, it has to first break a hole in the cocoon and wiggle it’s way out of this small hole. This can take hours and hours. Once fully out, the butterfly hangs to not only dry off but to also regain it’s strength.
To speed this process along, scientist experimented and cut a small incision in the cocoon, allowing the butterfly to emerge faster and with less effort. Sadly, few of these butterflies survived long, since it was the struggle to emerge that gave them the strength to evade predators.
When we step in and “do” for others what they can and should do for themselves we are contributing to keeping them weak. We are sending the message that they aren’t capable of doing for themselves. That they need us to survive. This need of ours to save/rescue/fix/do for others is our side of the dysfunction.
I encourage all to copy and paste into a file to refer to when needed in life. The illustration has helped me and others tremendously in our quest to “help”.
or hick-ups lol
rjoneal, thanks for letting us know about #3 eating. He’s really been getting the short end of the fish lately, from what I could see. Sometimes he jumps to the front of the line, gets chased out, and by the end there is only the end. It’s helpful when people post if they’ve seen the little one eat. I see #1 looking for #3 after eating, and seeking him out to peck. Such sibling rivalry. I’m an only child, so I can’t relate to it!!