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The Summer of 2015 by GinaM
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Osprey Zone Highlights - June 28, 2015
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osprey 07/11/15 squirt
First Sighting
George and Gracie's First Baby
Eggs Over Easy
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Upgrading
Feeding Time
First Love
Let's Hang Out
Hard to Get
Little Brother
Intruder
Dinner is Served
OspreyZone Montage
OspreyZone Highlights: George Returns
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Belle’s Journey
Written by Dr. Rob Bierregaard & Illustrated by Kate Garchinsky
Take flight with Belle, an osprey born on Martha’s Vineyard as she learns to fly and migrates for the first time to Brazil and back–a journey of more than 8,000 miles.
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
Listening earlier to chick #2 screaming “I’m coming, I’m coming” while flying to the nest and then once there still screeching “I’m so hungry … did you save any fish for me? … I’m so hungry … I’m going to take this one and eat it over here … this is so good … this is so good … I’m so hungry… Oh, Hi … Yum … yum … yum … really really good …” reminds me of something I tried to post months ago (ahem ??!!):
“Jizz is a term used by birdwatchers that refers to a bird’s general impression and behaviour, rather than any specific feature, and can be used to identify a bird quickly at a brief glimpse or a great distance. Jizz is difficult to pin down; it amounts to a combination of the observer’s experience with some indefinable but definable quality on the part of the bird – essentially it’s “character”… (Everything You Always Wanted To Know About Birds . . . But Were Afraid To Ask by Stephen Moss)
For Rob B. (if you are out there) or any other researcher – I want to better understand the benefits to be gained of putting the satellite GPS on the osprey? And can you please reassure me that it doesn’t pose any danger to the babies? My concern is what happens if the strap comes loose? Does it get hot in the summer or cold in the winter? What if a prospective mate finds them unfit after seeing/feeling the backpack GPS – is that not a concern? Is it worth it? I am seeking to understand – it’s been on my mind and would be good if I better understood the benefit or why we do this at all. Thanks so much in advance.
Robin: I was wondering myself if it interferes with migration/navigation. Since the exact mechanism of migration isn’t fully known but includes possible sensing the earth’s magnetic field (“The secrets of their amazing navigational skills aren’t fully understood, partly because birds combine several different types of senses when they navigate. Birds can get compass information from the sun, the stars, and by sensing the earth’s magnetic field. They also get information from the position of the setting sun and from landmarks seen during the day. There’s even evidence that sense of smell plays a role, at least for homing pigeons.” https://www.allaboutbirds.org/the-basics-how-why-and-where-of-bird-migration/) and GPS trackers give off signals so they can be tracked, I would think the tracking device would interfere in some way and maybe that’s why there is such a high mortality rate among tracked birds.
Betsy: The migration subject is truly fascinating. I guess I will have to read and educate myself. I saw the backpacks they put on the Alcoa Eaglets and they looked bigger than I thought they would – I don’t fully understand the benefits but I have an open mind and trying to get a better perspective – but until I understand the benefits I tend to frown on it. The other thing is that the battery packs have only a couple of years of life and the bird could live for 20 years. I am waffling but only because I don’t fully get it. http://www.alcoa.com/locations/usa_davenport/en/info_page/eaglecam.asp Thanks for your response Betsy – wish Rob would respond too….
Robin: I wish Dr B would respond, too, and would explain a little more about how they work and how they don’t interfere with the birds!!
Interesting article about migration, Betsy – thank you.
There’s a lot of complaining from the peanut gallery…and the audio out of sync, so I keep thinking someone else chirping….Plus my sparrow nest very vocal, too, as well as the neighbors below the nest. Chirping all around!
Don’t forget Perseid Meteor showers Thursday(best) and Friday nights. weather willing……………
CarolV – Thank you for the reminder. I hope the weather permits.
CarolV: Thank you for the information. I’ll wait for your weather report on Thursday!! 😀
Betsy…after this afternoon, my forecast worth diddly squat! Looking at weather app with 30% chance of rain while watching a monsoon pouring sideways was not confidence building!
What a wonderful year this has been. I have no photographic capabilities at all so you all have just made this so exciting and a joy to watch our dear OZ family. Thank You to everyone!!!
8-10-16 reply Cheryl- ?
It’s a joy having you with us the more the marrier.
Carolv and rjoneal from tony rocco.I really thank you for responding to my observation. I was stunned to see those 4 flights in a row in only a few minutes with a tete-a-tete, I mean beak-a-beak between each one. I think it was on the seventh of augest in the evening and did not find the comment section until about noon on the eughth after trey duplicated the same flight that morning after gracie fed him. I had forgotten to sign in at first so that is the reason. I have been spending all my spare time since trying to identify ‘where and when.
8-10-16 reply Tony Rocco
Just let us know if you need some help navigating the site will be more than happy to help out. Or if you have any questions feel free to ask. Once again I am glad you got to witness such a beautiful site have a nice day.
In case you haven’t seen these features: there are videos, both posted on this page and by clicking on HIGHLIGHTS at top of page. At bottom of page, are page #s so you can go back and check out previous events. There are 49 pages showing(and growing) and if you go to pg.1, there is an additional 35 or so pages, You can go back to last year, if you are interested. Winter reading……….It just takes a little practice to get in the rhythm of reading the postings. Lots of pictures and videos, too,
Chick #1 preening in the sun.
Love those feather pictures! Was just looking at an old one I have, but it’s cropped with no tag line………..we know my limitations…and it might print out HUGE
CarolV: Huge is okay!! Some of my pictures came out poster-size!! 😀 You have Windows, right? You could open (MS) Paint and copy/paste the picture onto the blank canvas and then you’ll have you white around it to make it smaller!!
Will have to try one of these days. Thanks, as usual, oh guru
8-10-16 Betsy never got a chance to say love this pic.
A hungry Dos home with a noisy arrival, taking fish from Gracie.
Gracie just sits around looking relaxed and loving the sun! Very good, Mamma, very good……………….
My AOL feed is wacky now..won’t allow full page enlarge of video feed. seems to work on explorer, but that brings other issues..can’t post photos for some reason thru that venue. And the different pages are opening in odd spots. Don’t I love computers?……………………..but OZ coming in clear and smooth! That’s what counts…all the rest is distraction
8-9-16 Reply- Lorri I am so sorry I just noticed that I never sent you a thank you for noticing my pics, glad you liked them and thanks for commenting. Our family will be leaving soon and maybe I can learn to do something with the pictures that Betsy dont know how to do so I can add to the site for next season. heeee
Love Our Ospreys and Followers !
________________________
Lorri August 7, 2016 at 11:32 am – Reply
Brilliant collage! Thank you for sharing.
You are so welcome, and I want to add how much I appreciate all that you, Betsy, Carol, and many others do to present the details of each day’s events with your pictures and observations. I just love what you all have to share. And I, too, love our osprey family! What a special place this has become.
Thank you Lorri! 🙂
8-10-16 reply Lorri- Your welcome Here’s hoping that our babies will get to fising themselves.
??
TY Lori
Delivery by Gracie…she’s calling- looking for missing kid? @11:29
Yeah!!! Watched someone swimming to the right, then all the way left past the inlet. Wish I could be there to paddle around. Haven’t been swimming or even wading in over 40 years, longer than 45 years even. Sad that, just love the water.
8-9-16 Reply- Aidan
1st thanks for the response and we understand if it can not be done for all the reason you mentioned.
GOT A FAVOR – Do you think its possible to put at the top of the page above the summer of 2015 video a category, maybe named portraits or pictures of our George & Gracie’s Family and if so take Betsy portraits and put them there so all new comers can see who is Gracie, George and past siblings and the present siblings as long as they all fledged?
The portraits pictures Betsy made of G&G and the 3 juv. siblings this year and Sandy and Ronny from last year. This would be such a good addition for the site dont you think?
rjoneal, what a brilliant idea!!! That would be fantastic if that can be done! It would make a great addition. I hope he says “YES”!!
rjoneal – Great idea! BTW How’s your Samoyed?
8-10-16 reply- Kathleen he is home recovering and hopefully this works cause in 2 weeks if not better off to another MRI and Sp Dr. Thanks for asking.
Keep yours eyes open because it’s just a matter of time now in 2 to 3 weeks I think Gracie will leave to migrate enjoy it all and get as much as you can now.
rjoneal: Thank you for the compliment!!
THE GREAT FLEDGE MYSTERY—–next to the 8/8-1:33pm post -Posted a 2nd photo from 8/5. Despite lack of time on photo, these were together..sailboats line up closely. –…..also inconclusive……show my hands up in the air and my shoulders on shrug………….
Can someone tell me which two birds were fighting over a fish at approximately 9:49 am 8/9?
Marilyn: Do you mean 10:49 am? If so, Lady Di sums it up and CarolV illustrates!! 😀 And the loser of the first fish to chick #3 was chick #1!! 😀
WOW, George delivers a fish at 10:49am, and #3 gets that one after a fight. Then at 10:51am, George brings in another!!!
Waiting for sushi take-out delivery…..1/2 hour or it’s free
PHEW- made it! That will be 9.99 plus tip, please!
HAAALLLLOOOOOOOO..did you want one too? Had an extra in the van….
Is this a record breaker for George? Less than 3 minutes for 2?
Technically…not to be picky…he hit the nest @ 10:51:01
CarolV, I love your witty comments that go along with your great screen caps!! They make looking at the pics so much fun and lots of chuckles too!! Keep up the fantastic work and keep them coming!!! Love it!
CarolV: Ditto what Donna W says for me!! They totally crack me up!!
8-9-16 Paul or Aidan-
Several people have commented and requested like June C, Betsy and I to see if possible to put the video on from August 5th at 3:14 p.m. PLEASE, PLEASE, so it will prove that Baby 3 fledge during this time. The video was to choppy for Betsy to make on the actual date he/she fledged and many are not sure what was the correct date and as you know there are alot of us who keeps notes on important events such as this in our family.
If this cant be done could you at least post a comment to let us all know?
Thank you we know we ask alot of you both and you are greatly appreciated as stated in past we would love to donate monetary if it is needing anything we can do to help!
Love our Osprey Family and Followers!
Hi, apologies for not responding previously! We will try to find it as soon as possible, although I’m not sure if we’ll have much better footage. Sometimes, the stuttering happens between us and the camera, before we even send it out to the stream. If we do have good footage, we’ll post it.
WOW! An empty nest @ 929am. Our babies aren’t babies anymore! So happy, but a little sad at the same time. Good job Momma Gracie and Daddy George! Very proud of you two!
Looks like another clear day-temps.high 70s -low 80s. –low 70s overnight.
I haven’t been able to check in on our little family as much as I had in the past but am glad to see them all doing so well. 🙂
8-9-16 Reply – Leanne beautiful pic early morn of bb3 love it thanks for posting
Glad you liked it. I can’t believe how much they’ve grown. 🙂
Nice capture Leanne!
CarolV: Here’s Ronnie and Sandy. rjoneal sent me pics of Ronnie and Sandy … she thought it would be nice to “give” you a picture!!
Thank you! BIG smile on that!
8-9-16 CarolV and Betsy- AWESOME PIC !
CarolV I may sent the pic to Betsy but she did all the work, she had to look through all my pics of them from last year and design the portrait. Glad Betsy made for you, I saw your comment the other day about Ronnie and Sandy- to bad they didn’t have a portrait, now they do !
And I appreciate you BOTH! Love hearing from you, thru all your busy-ness………….
I also see why I had such a hard time telling them apart!
CarolV: Since I didn’t watch last year until just before Ronnie and Sandy fledged, I had no idea (and still don’t) which one was which!! That’s why I didn’t do the individual pictures like this year’s chicks … I probably would have had a different picture of the same chick!!
You know what would be great, if some of these pictures could be available as tshirts, reusable tote bags, keychain, prints etc with the Osprey zone logo. I bet they would sell. zazzle or etsy woul work for this.
8-10-16 reply Deborah – I agree when I order stuff from the Osprey zone store they have ospreys but they don’t have our George and Gracie and family.
Maybe you can start a petition to Paul and see if that can be done I would love to have a T-shirt with my Gracie or George on it instead of just a generic Osprey.
Using the facebook site I found there is interest from others. I used a poll. Got a response from about 25% (13 people) of the folks that saw the post. I figured that was the easiest way to get interest level.
Here’s G&G’s “portrait.” rjoneal sent me a TON of pictures and I think those were only like 1/1000th of what she has!!!
And here’s one in an oval
Looks a little drab!!
Beyond drab…blah….tested and not approved……………………………………………….should I add I hate pink?
CarolV: Pbbllbbllbbllppptt!! 😀 😀 😀
Now, that’s just what I needed!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
8-9-16 Reply – Inside joke. and I knew you were going to throw it back at me Oh No I am on the bad list. 🙂
The pink defiantly brightens it up no doubt.
😀
Thank you for doing portrait picture of Gracie and George. What a beautiful couple!!!!!
june c: I think they are!!
George brought this in; it stayed there till Gracie came back to find it at 6:45.
I see leftovers!
Gracie had to come find them, so Trey could take them from her.
GUYS — I am so excited … August 5th at 3:14 pm (15:14) WAS chick #3’s fledge!!!!!! I’ve been scouring the video (8/5/2016 at 3:14 pm Fledge or Long Hover? Who Knows?) and I found it!!!!! … HOLY COW!! Watch the left upper horizon at 15:14:48 — you can SEE him/her flying across the horizon!!!! (Play the video in a loop in full screen … otherwise the title lingers in the way!! and in speed 0.25 you can track him/her better!!) Yippee!!
S/he did the same loop on August 6th!!
I changed the title to: 8/5/2016 at 3:14 pm Chick #3’s Fledge!!
15:14:38
8-9-16 Betsy great job detective, not really but should be, you never let it go till you can prove your point, just amazes me, you missed your calling should help find missing persons or maybe you can track down all the missing Ospreys? haa
I agree after seeing this, will document 8-5-16 at 3:14 pm was when bb 3 fledged. Maybe Aidan will be able to provide a better video stream, still positive.
Thanks Betsy for all your hard work in trying to prove the correct date for those who say it with you I think there were 4-5 people I know they are glad too.
rjoneal: Thank you! And re: “prove your point” … Gets me in trouble sometimes!! 😀
Since I can’t enlarge right now without playing games with this computer, I’ll have to check later. Have you gotten your eyeballs back in your head yet?!?
CarolV: NO!!
8-8-16 Micheal Martin Did you get this info ??????
August 8, 2016 at 10:27 am – Reply
8-8-16 Reply Micheal Martin 2nd time posting to you—— all the babies and George and Gracie when they left last year!
August 6, 2016 at 3:01 pm – Reply
Reply-Micheal Martin here is what I have for 2015
2015 Osprey zone-Paul Henry
Aidan-comp &camera
Gracie &George 2015
Arrival date April
#1 is Ronnie
#2 is Sandy
#3 Pewee died in nest July 1 2015 2 wks old
Lived 16 days
Sandy and George last seen September 26
9/27/15 confirm 24hrs no birds/left 9/27/15
Ronnie last seen September 12, 2015
Gracie last seen 9/8/15
RJ
Yes and Thank-You I got all replies. I don’t always read the Comments everyday. So when I do read them I have to go through 3 days worth of comments, photos and videos so it takes me awhile to find the reply to my comments.
Thank-You All
Mike
8-8-16 Micheal Martin Did you get this info ??????
August 8, 2016 at 10:27 am – Reply
8-8-16 Reply Micheal Martin 2nd time posting to you—— all the babies and George and Gracie when they left last year!
August 6, 2016 at 3:01 pm – Reply
Reply-Micheal Martin here is what I have for 2015
2015 Osprey zone-Paul Henry
Aidan-comp &camera
Gracie &George 2015
Arrival date April
#1 is Ronnie
#2 is Sandy
#3 Pewee died in nest July 1 2015 2 wks old
Lived 16 days
Sandy and George last seen September 26
9/27/15 confirm 24hrs no birds/left 9/27/15
Ronnie last seen September 12, 2015
Gracie last seen 9/8/15
At approx. 6:18pm George brings in a fish. The kids are all getting ready to eat. And then the fish goes over the side of the nest. lol It’s hysterical watching them all wondering what happened. A few seconds later George flies off again, probably thinking, “Oh well, back to the drawing board.” lol 🙂
Priceless scene at 18:18:39, as all 3 chicks were in the nest when George brought a good size whole fish, and landed next to Dos, I believe. George released the fish rather quickly, and it promptly flopped over the edge before anyone could grab it. George and Dos immediately lowered their wings to their sides, turned toward the edge, and peeked over the edge. After peering over a moment, Dos tiurned to dad and started fussing. Too funny! Tommy, another fish on the lawn!!
I thought that was what happened! I saw that puzzled reaction. But then, the plastic caught his talon on the way out, so I wasn’t sure! Thought that might have flipped it out! The local wildlife must love this time of year, with all the gifts falling from above!
I took video of the episode on my iphone, and tried to attach it with my comment. But it didn’t work. Someone needs to help me with the logistics of posting a picture or video!
To all: I’m glad you liked the video of chick #3’s fledge (but I think the 5th at 3:14 pm was the real one!!) … I kept wondering when s/he was going to fly — s/he should have watched Shia LaBeouf “Just Do It” Motivational Speech!! and just do it already!! 😀 😀 It certainly was a hallelujah moment!! 😀
And I’m glad you liked the chicks’ pictures … boy, was it hard to get them to pose for me!! 😀 As you most likely know I’m not a picture taker; I’m more video!! 😀 So when June asked if I could do them side by side I was all too happy to, but I didn’t have any pictures and I think she was thinking of the three of them just side by side like I do with the sequence pictures!! But thinking about putting them like that all I could think was it would be like they were posing in a lineup!! 😀 And they’re so beautiful and special they needed something to honor that. I like how they look best in the early morning or early afternoon when the rosiness of the sun adds warmth to their feathers … during the day the brightness of the sun is too harsh. Then, yesterday morning chick #3 was standing in the perfect spot and the sun angle was right and a little later chick #2 obliged by stopping by to eat some leftover fish and I had a video from an evening a couple of days ago with chick #1 in the evening sun!
You do go obscure for motivational speeches! No MLK or JFK or founding fathers or religious leaders?
CarolV: I was Googling “Just do it” like the Adidas slogan and the video popped up … so I watched it!! Seemed to work!! 😀 😀
Can we just say—Holy Crap George!- and leave it at that?
Even the kid is aghast!
WOW! Makes you feel sorry for the fish.
Dos got the first half of a huge fish fed by mom. Trey was getting the 2nd half. Uno had its own huge fish in the foreground. Dad popped in briefly about 10 minutes ago while Dos was still eating and must have figured Trey was going to need food. So he went out and came back with this huge one!
8-9-16 Meg food pic a little bloody but a bird has to eat. Thanks for your comments I do read your comments along with others I know I can trust to share the right info. I am not saying people put wrong info we all have different views thats all and I love to hear and read them all but just cant right now. I am busy w hurt pup so I am not able to watch as often and trust me I have the OZ on 24/7 tvs, comps, Iphone just dont have time to sit and watch if I hear something going on I go running to see what it is.
Thanks for replying! I don’t post often and wasn’t sure anyone read my comments. This nest has held me captive for 2 years now. Gracie and George are proving to be awesome parents and producers! And I love the irrigation system! Is it for sale? We could use something like that at our Arboretum osprey cam nest in Minnesota!
8-10-16 Reply – Meg do you live in Minnesota? I was born in Omaha Nebraska stayed there till I was 16 years old but we went camping and my dad still does in Minnesota
I have such good memories. Wouldn’t trade my Florida home for anything though I dont like cold,ice,sleet,and especially the tornado’s I am a survivor of one.
We all said Tommy should patent his invention and sell to all the live cam websites he would at least be able to pocket some money.
7:45pm…Trey feeling left out. One chick self feeding, one getting fed by mom. Trey screeching for attention !
Full of Fish in the Fading Sunlight…………………………….and the guts match!
These are the best fed osprey chicks ever! And I hope the proof comes through that Trey fledged on the 5th. At least 2 of us saw it happen live.
And Gracie gets her own! Standing on both….Dos takes over one Trey had while Uno makes a grab for Gracie’s…HA!
Who’da thunk it? Trey in charge while the other two watch! I’m sure if not already well-fed, there would be a different picture. Gracie comes in about 5 mins. later, checks out Trey’s efforts. and leaves her to it for now.
DEEPER VISIONS… There is nothing new under the sun…
In Osprey’s eye is an original, cosmic world we have yet to understand..
On Osprey time exaltation takes practice…
building there are some enterprises in which
a careful disorderliness is the true method…
the old worlds end is the gate of a world fire new..
of your wild future, wild as a Osprey’s dream..
we do not inherit the earth from our parents we borrow
it from our children.
8-9-16 Bre- are you putting your Osprey poems in a book, you should, maybe you could sell at the Osprey store.
Another good poem by Bre.
thanks
Bre..Thank you for giving us another beautiful poem. I can relate to “a careful disorderliness is the true method”..re-read line by line to compose a movie.
Always my favorite sentiment………….too bad we don’t all practice it! And as always, beautiful. Thank you
Bre,
I agree with everyone. You should self-publish on Amazon and put your book of Osprey poems here, as Rjoneal says.
@18:18–Don’t know what this is, but the kids all looked at it funny. …………..and I don’t know if George left it or not, because plastic stuck to his talon and it may have flipped out…no one went near it, in any case.
Much better received @ 18:31…..
Uno was just mauling that poor fish. Trey stepped in to show her how to do it! Some benefit to staying home and learning her lessons!
5:40ish pm I’m near the nest just left of the screen and someone, I can’t tell which one but someone keeps leaving the nest and flying low and rather haphazardly or playfully very near the nest over both water and land. The manuvers look more like s bird catching insects then they quickly return to the nest. Watched this three times. I wish I could video it.
Redkayak: That was chick #3!!
Redkayak Here’s answer to your post!!: “5:40ish pm I’m near the nest just left of the screen and someone, I can’t tell which one but someone keeps leaving the nest and flying low and rather haphazardly or playfully very near the nest over both water and land. The manuvers look more like s bird catching insects then they quickly return to the nest. Watched this three times. I wish I could video it.”
https://youtu.be/IKv4VtCwnqc
Omg this is great!! I’ve not been able to log in since then so I had no idea you found the moment. Thank you so much. #3’s flying skills are let just say, interesting.
Redkayak: Watching chick #3 flying around the nest even yesterday s/he looked wobbly … of course s/he is small and it was windy but s/he flies more like a swallow than an osprey!!
I am SO happy for the baby – neck feathers are recovering nicely and he/she is now a BIG osprey – no more little guy! What a joy to see this! Thank you ALL so very much!
4:07pm- Trey made a crafty snag of a fishtail and was happy with it….
………….’til Gracie came in with THIS about a minute later. She made a major effort to get this away from Gracie, but fortunately, Gracie hung on. SHE had a hard time handling this one! Trey went back to her fishtail.
Just realized that fishtail was from a delivery by George-1/2 fish- about 3:30. Trey had grabbed it but Uno took it away.
Was happy to see Dos stopped in to eat. Everybody well fed. Nice seeing all 3 in the nest.
13:22 – Gracie all alone in the nest gazing out toward the horizon. Trey lifted off just minutes before Uno. Beware, I’m humanizing, now. Really says it all. Here she and George have brought these three beautiful youngsters into this world to take their chances. I just love that she is sitting there all alone, thinking, “Wow, my babies are out there flying. It’s sink or swim, now. God’s speed, little ones.” It’s like my kids out driving for the first time. I do believe that all animals have souls that we don’t even know a thing about.
Finally, another big thank you to all the wonderful people who share themselves on this site. It feels good to read your posts, laugh out loud at your humor and view your creative photos and videos. Certainly more enriching than the political landscape and television programs. Just sayin’
She may be thinking…did I make a reservation yet? These kids are exhausting me! How many weeks? Wonder if the jetstream will be in my favor? Can’t wait for that first fishtini with the eyeball floating in it!
Or would it be a fish-a-rita?
Margaret – Enjoyed reading your reflections. It’s hard not to attribute human emotions to this cast of characters.
8-9-16 Reply – Kathleen, sorry I would have answered but a little hectic around here glad CarolV finally saw your question.
This character is glad you are here and commenting. Keep it coming. 🙂 HUGS
<3 Thanks…Likewise…
So true Margaret. My thanks also to everyone for comments, videos, pics, and all the staff that help make this viewing possible. It has really helped to relieve the stress at home, work, and loonnggg commuting each day more livable, and look forward to next days ‘bird kids’ activities.
Don’t know if this helps…this photo is from 8/5 @15:19. Judging by shadow angles, there is a shadow that falls between the two visible chicks. It can’t be the shadow of the uppermost chick, as that is not the direction its shadow would fall. Leading me to believe, then and now, that Trey was sitting there the whole time. Closest I have to time in question. Tough call…they were so close together……………………….
Trey left the nest at 15:14 and was back by 15:16. Isn’t that Gracie in the center and Trey in then corner?.
Sadly, this is the only photo I can find around that time. I was watching, too, but same choppy problem. Yes- Gracie big in center. Then Uno lower right.I THOUGHT that was Dos’ tail showing, with Trey out of sight on right.
This is the immediate adjacent shot in my file. Adding to the confusion was the fish delivery. Shows the two biggies but Trey was still off to right—–by my recollection……………………..Hopefully. Aidan can find some relevant video. I see he just acknowledged he would do what he could. But at this point, …………….a matter of hours in a lifetime of a hopefully successful osprey………………………..
I apologize for lack of tags and times on these photos.
My how the three chicks have grown.. I was away last week and didn’t have internet service. I was happy to be home and read all that I had missed. Thanks for all the comments..
I cannot get on the list but I see no comment on the beautiful thing I saw the day before trey fledged. What looked like uno faced trey beak to beak, Took off over trey and flew in a short circle over the water and landed in the nest beak to beak with trey again. This was done exactly 4 times in a row ending beak to beak again. The next morning after being fed, trey made the exact short flight over the water and back on the nest. It was strange to me that no one noticed.
That’s the fun part….everyone sees different moments that strike them and brings it to our attention. Your description works almost as well as seeing it! Thank you….
8-8-16 Reply- Tony Rocco – I have an injured puppy right now but was surprised to read your comment, although others and I might not have commented on events the other day that you mentioned there have been posted pictures and comments through out this season.. I love beak kisses so I have many pics. I will post some pics for you to look at since it seems you might have missed them. I have not been able to watch like I usually do with my situation with puppy but hope you stay positive about this site we are all one big family, we love our osprey family and followers!
I am not sure what you mean about you can not get on the list? There is no list for this site it is open for all to comment it just takes awhile sometimes for comments to get posted as it is not a live chat and moderators are doing their best but as Paul the owner of the site has stated for every comment that comes in to them they get thousands of spam mail also to sort through.
Not sure if if this is what you were meaning by list or not. I do think I have seen your name a time or two before.
If you see something they have added a clock, so if post a comment with the time it usually gets posted for all to see before the 4 hour rewind is up that would be helpful or you can post pics for those who cant watch. This is what we do, post events with the times and there is alot of videos by Betsy, Leanne and many others not to mention we have alot of educational info on this site all under comments.
If I am mistaking and you are new and even if you are not new let me be the one to say you can find a good home here with Osprey Zone if you want to do so and I welcome you.
Thanks for letting us know what you saw but it would be helpful to post the same day so we can all go and view what we missed. I am glad you got to see such a beautiful thing that is exactly the kind of thing that should be noted. I know CarolV would love to have seen it, maybe she did but if she did then she would have commented on it probably so I am thinking she missed it too. CarolV has been making post the last couple of days on how she believes and have been reading a book that animals do have brains,feelings,personalities,moods and so on.
Hope you like the pics
Great peak shot kisses..who cannot love to see this!
Fledge day for Trey…while I would like to think the 5th, cause I was watching, I say go with the 6th when Betsy has the evidence? Trey spent so much time sitting there being counseled by sibs on the 5th, I think they just needed to encourage her. And they stayed with her overnight(all there @5:17am in my photo), which they haven’t both done in a while. Yeah-yeah…just me anthrop..blahblah…but I think it gave her confidence.
As far as chick vs. fledgling…everytime I type fledgling I leave out either g or l and have to correct…sooooooo..I go with chick a lot..hehe
And in a way, we posters are a bit like these chicks..we have our squabbles, occasionally some neck biting and feather pulling..but we are mainly a big family……………………………and work it out
And BETSY- thanks for the technique tips. Will have to explore this computer. I’m sure there is a photo program somewhere. I tend to stay where I’m familiar and take baby steps…or stumble in to something and say”OH! That’s helpful!” And then, that computer breaks and I have to get used to a new one!
CarolV: You’re welcome and 😀 !!
8-8-16 Reply- CarolV ( chick a lot) THANKS FOR THAT MADE ME LAUGH AND I NEEDED A STRESS RELIEVER !
Another word that should be noted for Carolvs dictionary words on Osprey talk. heeee !
Interesting how birds of prey like osprey do not bother to kill their catch before eating it. Must not be fun for the fish (in regard to osprey). Not that I blame them for wanting the freshest sashimi possible. Wolves, bear, coyotes,foxes, etc. tend to first kill their prey. I’m pretty sure it’s not out of a kindness but rather that it’s just easier to eat something that is not fighting back. Of course birds are much more primitive than the aforementioned mammals. An amazing sight is watching a dolphin chase a school of pinfish up onto a beach eating them whole until the survivors are left flopping on the sand while the shore birds feast on them. In the meantime the dolphin backs itself up a good distance to get back in the waters of the Gulf of Mexico. A wild sight just like the wildness of these birds we follow on OZ. Some animals, like alligators, like to let their dead prey ripen a couple of days before eating. I think this tenderizes the meat and also makes it more flavorful. By the way, good steakhouses do this same aging process to provide the most tender quality beef (and other meats). Nature very complex and varied.
You’re making vegetarians of some of us…………………….
Kathleen – Sometimes everyone just assumes someone else will answer a specific question, and it just gets lost in among the other questions, comments. VF is “osprey chatter talk” for Visiting Fledging. Hope this helps.
LynD – Thank you for satisfying my curiosity.I appreciate your gentle reminder that things get lost – but three times??? Anyway, I like your ‘attitude’.
10:45am- Gracie drops off a lively fish to Dos and takes off. George stops in with some grasses and checks out the fish to see how Dos is doing
George must be watching the Olympics…….The judges give 9.9s across the board for that landing……………………
Dos worked on this fish for a long time. Trey watched and watched, complaining. Dos had just cleaned his beak and left, when Gracie dropped down before Trey could get it..Trey said”uh unh, mamma or not, MINE!” and snatched it away! Good teaching moment, Gracie!
KATHLEEN- VF is just shorthand for Visiting Fledgling-………as opposed to Intruder, who earlier in the season was some random adult pest. Very normal for fledglings to try to land in other nests. Some adults allow them to visit. The pair at the CC cam, last year, sort of adopted one. They also raised 2 foster chicks when their eggs proved nonviable. Also an interesting story. The stories on these nests are as interesting and varied as the personalities of these birds.
BTW- Gracie nor George are sharers
AND- BTW-just saw your comment this morning-between working and barely skimming comments, plus the comment delay….so that’s WTH….but it’s all good
CarolV- Thank you for your reply. I was beginning to feel like a red-headed stepchild.
8-8-16 Reply Micheal Martin 2nd time posting to you—— all the babies and George and Gracie when they left last year!
August 6, 2016 at 3:01 pm – Reply
Reply-Micheal Martin here is what I have for 2015
2015 Osprey zone-Paul Henry
Aidan-comp &camera
Gracie &George 2015
Arrival date April
#1 is Ronnie
#2 is Sandy
#3 Pewee died in nest July 1 2015 2 wks old
Lived 16 days
Sandy and George last seen September 26
9/27/15 confirm 24hrs no birds/left 9/27/15
Ronnie last seen September 12, 2015
Gracie last seen 9/8/15
Dear Aidan: Would you be able to retrieve and post a copy of what was most likely chick #3’s actual fledge on August 5th at 3:14 pm. We have watched chick #3 since the day it hatched; we have rooted for him/her from the bottom of our beings and have cried through every struggle and uphill battle that s/he fought, jubilant in its spunk and tenacity to persevere and overcome the terrible odds it was given by being the last to hatch. We were ecstatic that it had come so far and grew into the beautiful chick that it is today. We were elated when chicks #2 and then #1 fledged. But, chick #3, I think s/he was the one we most eagerly looked forward to watching when it fledged, like the icing on the cake, the feather in one’s cap, so to speak, after all of the travails it had endured to reach this monumental achievement. So, please, Aidan could you, would you post the video from that date?
Gracie’s adding to the nest too. Of course, she had to rearrange some of George’s additions.
Forgot picture
8-8-16 Baby 3 flys in but his landing he needs to work on a bit see pics below.
9:08am- Delivery by George…………….
Gracie drops in; Uno shows up………..there is someone near-by chirp-begging
Nice landing by Trey puts her right between Gracie and Uno. but Gracie moves out and around to continue feeding Uno……………after a few minutes, U takes off and Trey gets her turn.
Parents not feeding on nest this AM Maybe teaching a lesson,fishing for yourself. Little may be having breakfast off nest cause little is so excited his 2 landings one at 8:17 and one at 8:19 reminded me of Kramer on Seinfield (had to laugh).
Perfect explanation! Especially the sideways one!!!!!!
About 8:20am- a couple of awkward landings- I think it might be Trey but stands in sun stream..neck looks raggedy. This landing was almost sideways.
Yup…that’s our baby! Had a nice long stay-out..
While Dos and Uno hang out at the nest making food requests, George keeps bringing in new nesting material. Osprey for -we’re redoing your room, time to get a job;i.e.-go fish! ???
Trey has been out over 2 hours, but I did hear calling before while these 2 and Gracie were on nest.
Thank you Gina for the link. Amusing to say the least.
Gracie’s tail feathers as she’s flying in to land on the perch
Aidan..Since MANY of us are note keepers maybe you can go back on video of August 5 at 3:15 PM..A lot of reliable OZ viewers say this was date of 1st. fledge
Thank you so much..
6:26am- George brings a fishtail to Gracie- alone in the nest! Trey has been out about 1/2hr.
Somebody to feed!
6:00amEDT- Trey has been in and out on short trips. Dos was in for a chat – or complaint -directed at the perch.
Trey has been out for several minutes now.
Trey went out about 5:53am, to keep track
8-7-16 pm AIDAN – PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE can you help us clear this up Betsy has done her best with her videos and comments but some are not convinced. We need to see if you can post a copy of the video of chick # 3’s fledge on August 5th at 3:14 p.m. PLEASE, PLEASE, if it is possible. We will all love you forever, you know how attached and emotional some of us are of our Osprey Zone Family G&G.
YAY! 😉 I am so proud of sh/im #3 (Tracy) has been in flight
8-7-16 Gracie flys in w fish for Bb3, Bb1 and her good mommy!
Okay, Dorothy, I’m posting this portion of the video that I didn’t put in “There’s No Stopping Chick #3 Now!!” Like I stated in my reply to you chick #3 stood in the right back corner with just the tip of his/her tail feathers in view for over 30 minutes … and that I’m not posting just so people can keep watch of the very end(s) of his/her tail feathers to make sure it’s chick #3!! Plus, you can tell it’s chick #3’s small body next to Gracie flapping his/her wings just before takeoff. And, where do you think chick #3 came from at 07:29:12 when s/he landed in front of the camera??? … at 07:29:04 you can see the chick flying back to the nest!!!
https://youtu.be/n-vFoCabaGA
Thank you for that video so very very much!
8-7-2016 Osprey Zone Followers- as you all know times are a little sad with puppy but Betsy really knows how to lift up my spirits. She was kind enough to take my feather-duster picture that is my favorite of all times of Gracie and make a portrait in 2 different color frames. Gorgeous! I am so happy I could cry, mostly because Betsy and I have been on a roller-coaster ever since I started talking to her on Osprey Zone and she took time out to do this one thing for me knowing it would make me happy. 🙂
We all know how much I love my Osprey Family G&G Adventures and Followers.
HUGS TO BETSY
Betsy, what a beautiful framed picture of our sweet Gracie!!!! It’s just plain gorgeous!! I love it too!! That was so generous, wonderful and kind of you to do that for rjoneal.
Donna W: Thank you … maybe they should make prints and sell them on the OZ store!! 😀
Thank you. And, it didn’t hurt that it was a beautiful picture of beautiful Gracie!!
Chick #2 had flown to the nest a few minutes before and was looking up at the perch and hollering for a fish. This is George or Gracie’s wingtip as whichever one it was up on the perch was probably preening and ignoring chick #2 (should we be calling them fledglings?? so then chick #2 becomes fledgling #1??!! 😀 )
Careful…Tommy will be putting the washer on!
Had to post this sunset…impossible colors!
Another successful afternoon…wellfed kids, well fed adults. Gracie seems to be stocking up herself; replacing some of that weight she lost over the last few months.
Forecast..more of the perfect same…mid 60s overnight..tomorrow- Monday- high 70-low 80s. sunny..low humidity
6:57pm… Gracie brings in a nice one….no one really hungry, but I’m sure they will work on it . Or Gracie will have the midnight munchies again.
Carol V Thought you might enjoy this . . .
FROM THE BOOK: Animal Wise, By: Virginia Morell
Animals have minds. They have brains and use them as we do: for experiencing the world, for thinking and feeling, and for solving the problems of life every creature faces. Like us, they have personalities, moods, and emotions; they laugh, and they play. Some show grief and empathy and are self-aware and very likely conscious of their actions and intents.
Not so long ago, I would have hedged these statements, because the prevailing notion held that animals are more like zombies or robotic machines, capable of responding with only simple, reflexive behaviors. And indeed there are still researchers who insist that animals move through life like the half-dead, but those scientists have been left behind as a flood of new research from biologists, animal behaviorists, evolutionary and ecological biologists, comparative psychologists, and others sweeps away old ideas that have stymied the exploration of animal minds. The question now is not “Do animals think?” It’s “How and what do they think?”
THANKS! Perfect…………
I have always felt animals feel.. Good to have it backed up.
So, we really don’t know when baby #3 fledged, right? I’ve read some of the comments – some say on 8/5 and others on 8/6. It doesn’t really matter to me. I’m happy that he’s finally flying out of the nest, although I haven’t seen him doing it yet. (I’m not always on here). Just happy that they all made it and are doing well. Love this little family, especially the little guy. 🙂