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An Intro to OspreyZone

The Story of DDT

Osprey Rescue

2020 Clips

Bald Eagles Visit Nest

Ospreyzone Highlights: May 21-29, 2020

OspreyZone Highlights: May 15-20, 2020 - The Intruder

OspreyZone Highlights: May 7th-14th, 2020

OspreyZone Highlights: April 15-21, 2020

OspreyZone Yankee

March 18, 2016 Timelapse

The Summer of 2015 by GinaM

Osprey Rescue Extended - July 30, 2015

Osprey Zone Highlights - June 28, 2015

Osprey Zone Highlights - June 19, 2015

osprey 07/11/15 squirt

First Sighting

George and Gracie's First Baby

Eggs Over Easy

Changing of the Guard

Breakfast is Served

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.

Click HERE for more information!

IMPORTANT: Messages from osprey experts

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

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

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

Hello Paul,

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

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

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

Best wishes, and good luck,

John W. Fitzpatrick

Director, Cornell Lab of Ornithology

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

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

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

charles.

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

Paul,

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

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

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

    Leave A Comment

    52,629 Comments

    1. Betsy May 11, 2017 at 5:51 am - Reply

      Terry and other newcomers:

      HOW TO TELL GEORGE AND GRACIE APART:
      Gracie, on the left, is larger than George, as generally all female osprey are versus the male. Gracie looks patchy and is lighter in color than George. George’s body is more tapered. The marking on the front of Gracie’s head is flared (or cone-shaped) while the marking on the front of George’s is more even in width.

      • Betsy May 11, 2017 at 5:55 am - Reply

        Gracie is on the left. Notice their different eyestripes.

        • Betsy May 11, 2017 at 5:57 am - Reply

          Gracie is on the left. Gracie’s marking on the back of her head is more of a fringe and there’s more space between the top and back markings. George’s is kind of shaped like an osprey.

          • Betsy May 11, 2017 at 5:58 am - Reply

            Gracie is on the left. Gracie has a mark on the right side of her chest and George does not. George has a mark in the center halfway up on the inside of each wing and Gracie does not.

            • Betsy May 11, 2017 at 5:59 am

              Gracie (L) and George.

          • June c May 11, 2017 at 11:36 am - Reply

            Good reminder shots of who is who..tops of heads u can really see difference

            • Betsy May 11, 2017 at 5:12 pm

              June c: Thank you! It becomes easy to know who’s who once the differences are pointed out!! 🙂

      • CarolV May 11, 2017 at 11:32 am - Reply

        Would encourage anyone with a printer and difficulty telling these guys apart- print these photos….and the chicks when they get to a stage to differentiate them. Even if you only do a basic print on ordinary paper, it will help.

        • CarolV May 11, 2017 at 11:50 am - Reply

          OK- first attempt failed- rethinking how “easy” that would be—

          • Betsy May 11, 2017 at 5:13 pm - Reply

            CarolV: :D. 😀
            P.S. Right click on picture to open the picture in a new tab and print from there!! 🙂

      • Rjoneal May 11, 2017 at 7:00 pm - Reply

        Good job helping new followers out along with your videos Betsy :).

      • Birdnerd May 16, 2017 at 7:59 am - Reply

        Thanks much!

    2. June c May 10, 2017 at 9:30 pm - Reply

      At 21:02:40 a very large female intruder landed on nest for a couple of seconds…I don’t think Gracie could believe her eyes

      • margaretR May 11, 2017 at 9:45 am - Reply

        JuneC- amazing that you can tell it is a intruder- good job!!

      • CarolV May 11, 2017 at 11:03 am - Reply

        I’m surprised there was one even flying that late!

      • Betsy May 11, 2017 at 5:15 pm - Reply

        June c: Shucks, I missed it!! I shut OZ down for the night just before that time!!

      • Rjoneal May 11, 2017 at 7:03 pm - Reply

        5-11-17 June C I still can not believe you caught that and when I went back and watched it amazed she just flew right in the nest as if it was her home, amazing big female osprey but the closer you are to the camera the bigger the object looks too. Great job noticing and getting pic. Thanks for sharing. HUGS

      • Redkayak May 12, 2017 at 1:22 pm - Reply

        Maybe she came from down the road, from the nest where the two dead ospreys were found below. Someone saw an osprey sitting up there after the sad discovery. Maybe she’s looking for someone.

        • Rjoneal May 12, 2017 at 10:04 pm - Reply

          5-12-17 Reply- Redkayak you were reading my mind when June told me about the night it happened. I thought wow that is close to were the Osprey nest that Redkayak mentioned wonder if it could be one from the nest that survived or one that decided to move in an already established home waiting on a mate to start a family. Maybe She got confused what nest she was at and landed in the wrong one. This could be a good sign for you that she might be your next osprey tenant. Could be bad news for George and Gracie if they do not stay away from the nest G&G will never get to rest.
          Take Care

    3. margaretR May 10, 2017 at 3:15 pm - Reply

      Rjoneal– absolutely beautiful photos… you are very talented!

      • Rjoneal May 10, 2017 at 9:13 pm - Reply

        5-10-17 reply- MargaretR thanks, I am so glad we are all one big family and everyone is having a good Season 3 so far. Babies soon then the drama begins as you know.
        Osprey HUGS

    4. Helen May 10, 2017 at 2:41 pm - Reply

      Woops – Tommy we thank you especially!

      • Rjoneal May 10, 2017 at 2:07 pm - Reply

        5-10-17 Reply- Jessica VanHove too funny I already posted early this am with the picture of Paul Spitzer below. Guess we both love birds, have a good day. 🙂

        • Jessica V May 11, 2017 at 2:18 pm - Reply

          I apologize for that. Yes, I love birds; I watch a lot of bird cams!

          • Rjoneal May 11, 2017 at 3:51 pm - Reply

            Jessica V No no no need for apology. Just now I have completion lol every time I get something I think viewers will like for info on the birds you and I both might post the same thing. That’s ok w me we are getting info out there.
            I belong to almost every bird wildlife that I think I spend more time donating money,re newing yearly subscriptions along w signing petitions then I get to watch the cams.
            Mostly I like to go to Audobons events here in Florida. Plus I have all the birds in my backyard including my osprey family.
            Take care

            • Rjoneal May 11, 2017 at 7:05 pm

              Jessica just so you know I use my cellphone a lot usually outside and use microphone, so sorry for misspelled words my sp check always changes it when I do not want it to. The others are use to it they know my style.

      • Betsy May 10, 2017 at 2:31 pm - Reply

        Jessica VanHove: The osprey made a wonderful rebound!! Too bad the DDT crisis happened in the first place. Interesting article! Thanks for the link!! 🙂

    5. CarolV May 10, 2017 at 12:34 pm - Reply

      Redkayak- I’ve only really watched for 2 summers here(this is 3rd ) and watched some others over the winters and am amazed at the adversities they face! Between flying menaces(owl,eagle,magpie, others) climbing(raccoon) and natural diseases and birth defects,( not to discount sib. rivalry and starvation), it’s a wonder we get the privilege of seeing any fledglings!
      I think-especially as a relatively new couple, possibly both young when they got together,- these two are ahead of the curve! Yay, G&G!

    6. CarolV May 10, 2017 at 11:09 am - Reply

      WOW! Another fish!

      Here’s Gracie-chatting with eggs? No, just futzing-

      • CarolV May 10, 2017 at 11:11 am - Reply

        Incoming……

        • CarolV May 10, 2017 at 11:13 am - Reply

          George checking egg count pre his watch

          • CarolV May 10, 2017 at 11:16 am - Reply

            Gracie getting a good hold before taking off………this was around 10:45am

          • Monica May 10, 2017 at 7:54 pm - Reply

            I wonder if they know if/when one of the eggs is missing?!

    7. terry May 10, 2017 at 9:49 am - Reply

      could you please repost the posting telling you how to tell Gracie and George apart?

      • CarolV May 10, 2017 at 2:27 pm - Reply

        TERRY- in my pictures right above this-posted 11:13 and 11:16- note difference in head markings-Geo on right–Grra on left—also, Gracie slightly larger, has spot on side when right wing is raised and is slightly lighter in color with an appearnce of a slight edge rimming on her feathers. George appears slightly darker and smoother when resting.
        There are other differences, but those are my go to checks –I’m sure others will add to your check list. Why don’t you print out a page where someone carefully outlines these? You can always page back thru the pages as listed under COMMENT box.

        Also. at this point. George is the one bringing in the fish, usually

        • CarolV May 10, 2017 at 2:40 pm - Reply

          Adding this here so you can see them from the back while together- see how Geo looks slightly darker and smoother? He is at top (or left) in this one

    8. Rjoneal May 10, 2017 at 9:49 am - Reply

      5-10-17 Betsy this picture is for you, I know how much you love it when the sun is rising and hits our Osprey birds in the nest just so. Enjoy hope you like.

      • Betsy May 10, 2017 at 2:33 pm - Reply

        Rjoneal: I LOVE it!! Thank you so much!!

        P.S – I love the frame! I guess you found that MIA site!! 🙂

        • Rjoneal May 10, 2017 at 9:18 pm - Reply

          Betsy you better believe I did you knew I was not going to give up, took weeks but I finally found it. Glad you like the frame but what the picture? I picked that one because the sun was hitting George just so. Not the best position or pose for George but the sun hitting his eye and face.

          • Betsy May 12, 2017 at 3:33 am - Reply

            Rjoneal: Yes, I love the picture — that’s what I WROTE!! 😀

        • emily May 11, 2017 at 1:21 am - Reply

          I did this gif with http://www.lunapic.com 🙂

          • Rjoneal May 11, 2017 at 10:52 am - Reply

            Reply-Emily what???
            So you took pic I made for Betsy and then added for Betsy?
            You sure make me laugh.
            Did you see I posted a pic you added to mine withG&G w hearts and said I miss you?
            Anyways glad your back. 😃

            • emily May 11, 2017 at 11:57 pm

              Dear RJ, Obviously, I made the gif, using your pic, to highlight our feeling of gratitude towards Betsy <3

          • Betsy May 12, 2017 at 3:39 am - Reply

            emily: Thanks for posting the site!! I went to the site, looks most awesome!! I gonna have to try some of the effects!! Maybe a Picasso!! 😉 🙂

            • Emily May 12, 2017 at 5:24 pm

              Yw. It’s fun. Enjoy 😀

      • June c May 10, 2017 at 3:17 pm - Reply

        Really nice Ranay..did capture the sunrise beautifully..frame is great

        • Rjoneal May 10, 2017 at 9:19 pm - Reply

          5-10-17 reply- June C thanks for noticing, missing your pictures, time for you to post some. Osprey Hugs

          • Helen May 11, 2017 at 12:10 pm - Reply

            Just beautiful Ranay!!!!!

            • Rjoneal May 11, 2017 at 7:08 pm

              5-11-17 Reply- Helen thank you so glad you have time to watch and look at pics I know you have many jobs and are busy woman I do not know how you do it.
              Glad you like pic.
              Osprey Hug

      • Leanne May 10, 2017 at 6:24 pm - Reply

        My favorite picture so far. Nice job!!

        • Rjoneal May 11, 2017 at 10:55 am - Reply

          5/11-17 reply-Leanne thanks it’s going to be another exciting year with the whole gang and new comers.
          Wonder what George and Gracie will show us this year.
          HUGS!

    9. Helen May 10, 2017 at 9:40 am - Reply

      Aidan and Paul

      I think the revision to the order of the postings is great!!!! Thanks. very much.

    10. CarolV May 10, 2017 at 9:30 am - Reply

      Turned on computer just in time,……Gracie saying hello to George………

      • CarolV May 10, 2017 at 9:31 am - Reply

        Takes her fish

        • CarolV May 10, 2017 at 9:32 am - Reply

          and out- doesn’t look like much of a hold on that fish……………

    11. Rjoneal May 10, 2017 at 9:13 am - Reply

      5-10-17 Aidan and Paul did you change the home page? Love it, all I know is every time I go to post, comment block is right there and you do not have to scroll or did we just go to a new page again? I think this is a new feature you guys have added.
      Thanks if you did this for our Osprey Family and Followers. 🙂

      • CarolV May 10, 2017 at 2:30 pm - Reply

        Thanks.you have the best references!

        • Rjoneal May 10, 2017 at 9:21 pm - Reply

          5-10-17 Reply- CarolV Awww thanks, now we must keep trucking along, take care.

      • Betsy May 10, 2017 at 2:37 pm - Reply

        Rjoneal: Jessica posted the same link on the previous page which I saw before getting to your post. So, I’m posting the same reply to you that I did her — The osprey made a wonderful rebound!! Too bad the DDT crisis happened in the first place. Interesting article! Thanks for the link!! 🙂 😀

        • Rjoneal May 10, 2017 at 9:25 pm - Reply

          5-10-17 yeah yeah yeah Betsy I know I posted first with picture but since she posted latest it was at the previous page. The message is out that is all that matters. I agree, to bad DDT was even invented and used. Who knows what else is out there killing our animals that we just have not found the prof for yet.

      • Rob. Bierregaard May 18, 2017 at 5:32 pm - Reply

        Yes, that was a good story. Those were dismal times when Paul started working the Long Island Sound Ospreys.

    12. Rjoneal May 10, 2017 at 7:16 am - Reply

      5-10-17 Gracie sits on 3 eggs 5-9-17, intruder keeps flying by the nest and George shows us what kind of man osprey he is over protecting his nest,woman osprey and eggs.
      GOOD JOB GEORGE!

      • June c May 10, 2017 at 3:33 pm - Reply

        I really like this one Ranay..

        • Rjoneal May 10, 2017 at 9:26 pm - Reply

          5-10-17 Reply- June I thought it was funny but no one else mentioned it so thanks!

    13. Rjoneal May 10, 2017 at 7:01 am - Reply

      5-10-17 Pictures of yawns from the babies last Season but not as good as Betsy’s video she made. It happens often but so quick if you blink you will miss them yawning.

    14. Rjoneal May 10, 2017 at 6:38 am - Reply

      5-10-17 Here is a picture I did and Emily added the floating heart in between, George and Gracie with family during the winter time.
      Emily I know you got a lot going on but we miss you ! Osprey Hugs

      • emily May 11, 2017 at 1:18 am - Reply

        Don’t forget your sunglasses! 🙂

        • Rjoneal May 11, 2017 at 11:00 am - Reply

          Emily glad your back 😃 I missed you! I got my sun glasses 🕶 living in the sunshine state.

          • emily May 11, 2017 at 11:58 pm - Reply

            See my reply to your comment, dated: April 29, at 9:34 pm

    15. Sheila Falkowski May 10, 2017 at 6:18 am - Reply

      What a lovely morning to waken to-one or two ospreys at the brink of dawn with such a placid ocean gently wafting on the shore. Coupled with early morning sounds of train whistles and birdsong. No TV or blaring reporters, just the natural rising sun and nesting reconfigurations and parents exchange places tending to their soon to be babies. Thank you again for this gentle morning camera view into the Osprey nursery!

    16. Rjoneal May 10, 2017 at 3:35 am - Reply

      5-10-17 Our Gracie Sleeps

      • Suzie Honeycutt May 10, 2017 at 7:06 pm - Reply

        I saw her sleeping last night as well. When I saw her she was sound asleep with her face planted in the nest. She was out like a light; poor girl must have been exhausted.

        • Rjoneal May 11, 2017 at 7:12 pm - Reply

          5-11-17 Reply- Suzie Honeycutt amazing how these birds survive at all with all they have to endure. She is so sweet and just looked so peaceful. At night sometimes I put it on my IPad and fall asleep to it sometimes. Nice sharing, take care and here is hoping the babies will all get along this year.

    17. Rjoneal May 9, 2017 at 8:49 pm - Reply

      Full Moon

    18. Rjoneal May 9, 2017 at 8:41 pm - Reply

      Something gets Georges attention in the nest…

    19. Rjoneal May 9, 2017 at 8:39 pm - Reply

      5-9-17 When it was dark Gracie was in nest on 3 eggs the lights are all around her and they look like Christmas Lights.

    20. Rjoneal May 9, 2017 at 6:41 pm - Reply

      I emailed this to our sweet Rodee it is one of her favorites I did last year of the whole family. Just wanted to let everyone know she is keeping in touch with me and soon I will be posting an update.
      ________________________________________
      rjoneal December 30, 2016 at 5:58 pm – Reply
      12-30-16 for Rodee here is a Picasso art of the family.

      • Redkayak May 11, 2017 at 9:32 am - Reply

        That is just beautiful. So talented

        • Rjoneal May 11, 2017 at 7:15 pm - Reply

          5-11-17 Reply- Redkayak thanks for being so nice, glad you liked it too. Can not wait till I have some babies to take pictures of again and will compare to last years see how different it comes out. I will try and take a family pic around same month July so they will be about the same age. Will have to wait and see which one will be the best.
          Take care and keep your eye to the sky for our birds lol

    21. Rjoneal May 9, 2017 at 5:21 pm - Reply

      Just a side note I like to use the color blue sometimes since it is Osprey Zones Color.

    22. Rjoneal May 9, 2017 at 5:19 pm - Reply

      5-9-17 Reply-Isobell you are sweet, thank you for looking at them all and we are glad you enjoyed them.
      Take care

    23. Betsy May 9, 2017 at 3:01 pm - Reply

      A quiet moment

      • June c May 10, 2017 at 3:23 pm - Reply

        I love pictures like this..our OZ family always takes such nice pictures

      • Helen May 23, 2017 at 9:47 am - Reply

        Beautiful picture! Thanks.

    24. Bre May 9, 2017 at 2:51 pm - Reply

      05-09 Time 14:41:55 watching Gracie sitting on her 3 eggs, after her last breakof the day away from the nest..she just “YAWNED!” LOL just saying i’ve never seen that before funny!

      • Rjoneal May 9, 2017 at 5:27 pm - Reply

        5-9-17 Reply-Bre I am surprised you don’t remember seeing this before. Gracie and George do it quite often and a matter of fact Betsy has a video with Gracie yawning but I’m not sure which video it is in.
        Glad you got to see it though it is a funny site the first time you witness it.
        We all know you’re working hard on a poem for when our babies are hatched. We just can’t wait, anxiously awaiting with anticipation for your next Academy Award poem for Osprey Family.
        Take care

        • Bre May 10, 2017 at 2:37 pm - Reply

          Rjoneal i am working on poem/poems for the family;-) in between working alot of hours..love my Ospreyzone time and Family xoxo

      • Betsy May 9, 2017 at 6:14 pm - Reply

        Bre: Both Gracie and George yawn at times!! 🙂 The first time I ever saw them yawn, I thought (and, still do!), That’s so cute!!
        https://youtu.be/lvS7Vg0noyA

        • Bre May 10, 2017 at 2:32 pm - Reply

          Betsy, thank you for the video of Gracie yawning yes, you and Rjoneal are right they all do yawn at times..i think maybe i just had the sound off thinking they were “calling or tweeting” LOL very cute 😉

    25. Isobel May 9, 2017 at 1:40 pm - Reply

      Love all the pictures but Rjoneal, Betsy and CarolV your latest ones are wonderful. Thanks for sharing. Do we know when the first chick is due to hatch?

      • Betsy May 9, 2017 at 6:05 pm - Reply

        Isobel: Thank you!! 🙂 The incubation period is 38 days, on average, so the 1st chick most likely will hatch on or about June 5th. Last year, the 1st chick hatched after 39 days incubation! and chicks #2 and #3 both hatched after 38 days incubation. 🙂

      • margaretR May 10, 2017 at 8:46 am - Reply

        Isobel, Reply: I totally agree with you

      • CarolV May 10, 2017 at 12:41 pm - Reply

        TY for the comp!
        Eggs laid 4/28-5/1-5/4………………hatching avg.36-42days

      • June c May 10, 2017 at 3:25 pm - Reply

        Gracie last year was 40 days I believe..

      • Rjoneal May 12, 2017 at 10:08 pm - Reply

        5-12-17 Reply- Isobel- thank you for your kindness, glad you enjoy all our pictures and stuff. Take Care

    26. CarolV May 9, 2017 at 12:01 pm - Reply

      Anybody feel a draft? Could we shut a window?

    27. Rjoneal May 9, 2017 at 7:10 am - Reply

      5-9-17 Good morning Osprey Zone Followers

      • Monica May 9, 2017 at 1:35 pm - Reply

        Eggs?! Where did he get eggs?

        • Betsy May 10, 2017 at 8:16 am - Reply

          Monica: No!! George isn’t feeding Gracie eggs!! 😀 That’s just Rjoneal’s caption, that George is feeding Gracie and they have 3 eggs in the nest waiting to hatch!! 🙂

          • Rjoneal May 10, 2017 at 2:14 pm - Reply

            5-10-17 Reply- Betsy thanks for clearing that up I hope he is not feeding her eggs. Just so use to our abbreviations forgot some might not know my style, could have added a few more words to make it more clear. I will try and make it more clear for all. Tks Besty 🙂

    28. Rjoneal May 9, 2017 at 6:58 am - Reply

      5-9-17 While George is feeding Gracie you can see that intruder flying around at left side by water. He/She is just such a pest.

      • Betsy May 9, 2017 at 11:38 am - Reply

        Rjoneal: A real pesky pest!! 😀

    29. Rjoneal May 9, 2017 at 6:52 am - Reply

      5-9-17 My favorite things to watch, when George is feeding Gracie

      • Judy c. May 10, 2017 at 9:36 am - Reply

        Just love the photos that you do..

        • Rjoneal May 10, 2017 at 2:58 pm - Reply

          5-10-17 Reply- Judy C thank you for saying that and posting, I hope at least a few of my pics put a smile on somebody’s face even if it is for only a moment. Our Osprey birds are just so amazing and I love sharing the joy. Soon we will have little osprey babies, now that becomes a challenge since I love to take pics.
          Take care, nice talking to you from Florida to our Osprey Nest in Long Island have a nice day.
          Here is a picture just for you, I hope you like it.
          Osprey Hug

    30. Betsy May 9, 2017 at 1:37 am - Reply

      Gracie art!

      • Helen May 9, 2017 at 3:27 pm - Reply

        Beautiful pic Betsy.

    31. Marlene May 8, 2017 at 8:41 pm - Reply

      Dear Redkayak, that is very sad. Nature is so beautiful, and it is sad when something like that happens. I wonder if there were eggs in the nest. That would be the end of them, too. We have to be glad that George and Gracie are in a pretty safe place.

      • Redkayak May 9, 2017 at 3:36 pm - Reply

        G&G picked a nice spot

    32. CarolV May 8, 2017 at 5:16 pm - Reply

      Guess George didn’t think Gracie was full….back about 4:50 with a snack…..Swedish fish candies? (teehee)

    33. CarolV May 8, 2017 at 4:21 pm - Reply

      3:48pmEDT….Gracie spots George and is all cheers!

      • CarolV May 8, 2017 at 4:24 pm - Reply

        George delivers tea break to Gracie-yummy fish cakes!

        • CarolV May 8, 2017 at 4:25 pm - Reply

          George tucking in the eggberts…

          • CarolV May 8, 2017 at 4:29 pm - Reply

            Gracie was back in a few minutes- when she left, her hold on the fish was a little tenuous, so maybe she was back to get a firmer grip; went off again.

            • Betsy May 9, 2017 at 11:41 am

              CarolV: And, as George was watching her, he was probably thinking, Hold on to the dang thing this time!! 😀

    34. Betsy May 8, 2017 at 3:24 pm - Reply

      Persistent pesky intruder today!!

      • Betsy May 8, 2017 at 3:38 pm - Reply

        Team George and Gracie!!

        • Betsy May 8, 2017 at 3:41 pm - Reply

          Waving intruder away

          • Betsy May 8, 2017 at 3:42 pm - Reply

            ‘Bye intruder!!

            • June c May 9, 2017 at 7:35 am

              Good shot Betsy….

            • Betsy May 9, 2017 at 11:30 am

              June c: Thank you!

      • CarolV May 8, 2017 at 4:32 pm - Reply

        I saw that pest…wing tips dipped in to frame! I love that George is always close by and is right there to back Gracie !!!!
        Good sequence!

        • Betsy May 9, 2017 at 11:32 am - Reply

          CarolV: Thank you. I love watching team G&G, whether it’s fending off an intruder together or sharing a meal!!

      • Elizabeth May 8, 2017 at 8:16 pm - Reply

        Not happy about that intruder but you took great shots of George and Gracie protecting their eggs and nest. Thanks Betsy.

        • Betsy May 9, 2017 at 11:34 am - Reply

          Elizabeth: Thank you. I hope he gets the hint and doesn’t continue bothering G&G for too much longer!!

    35. SUE May 8, 2017 at 2:27 pm - Reply

      So they repurposed a work glove! When did that appear? See, they recycle, too.

      • CarolV May 8, 2017 at 5:04 pm - Reply

        Now that you mention it, that does kind of look like fingers on a glove! I thought it was just Gracie’s usual plastic, folded funny! Interesting!

      • Betsy May 8, 2017 at 7:53 pm - Reply

        Sue: George brought it in on Thursday — to show Gracie some glove!! 😀 😀 Sorry!!

        • CarolV May 9, 2017 at 12:09 pm - Reply

          groannnnnnnnn–I’m glad I’m not the only one raising corn, Betsy!!!! double teehee 4 U!

        • June c May 10, 2017 at 3:29 pm - Reply

          I was wondering where that glove came from…thought it would have been George..Thanks for the solve

    36. Betsy May 8, 2017 at 1:11 pm - Reply

      George warning away intruder

    37. Redkayak May 8, 2017 at 12:50 pm - Reply

      I heard some very sad news about another pair of ospreys in the neighborhood. They would nest near the causeway right on the edge of the road. I have a pic from 2013. A friend posted that they were both killed on the road this weekend. She’s not sure how. They were found just below the nest. First the male was discovered, then later or the next day the female was found. perhaps they swooped down too low and a tall truck hit them. Or maybe the high wind gusts. I will miss them this summer on my walks. What a shame.

      • Margaretr May 8, 2017 at 6:03 pm - Reply

        That is so sad… Sorry

      • Betsy May 8, 2017 at 7:55 pm - Reply

        Redkayak: That is very sad 🙁

      • Elaine May 8, 2017 at 8:05 pm - Reply

        How sad. On a pleasant note, I saw an osprey flying across 41 in Sarasota, FL with fish in talons probably heading toward a nest nearby. It was awesome to watch. I wish I had my camera, but unfortunatly I was driving.

      • CarolV May 8, 2017 at 9:10 pm - Reply

        That’s heart breaking! So sorry to hear about it! It’s hard to believe they would both go at the same time….is lightning a possibility?

        • Redkayak May 9, 2017 at 3:27 pm - Reply

          Perhaps. That didn’t occur to me.

      • Rjoneal May 8, 2017 at 9:48 pm - Reply

        5-8-17 Reply- Redkayak, sooooo sorry about your neighborhood Ospreys, very sad 🙁 I hope it was quick and they did not suffer. It will be lonely but maybe next year a new family will start their Osprey Life in the nest.. Talons crossed

        • Redkayak May 10, 2017 at 9:49 am - Reply

          Rjoneal, Thank you. I hope so too. Maybe one of their own offspring from years past will return. This nest is just down the road, from G&G.

      • June c May 9, 2017 at 6:35 am - Reply

        So sorry to hear that….

      • Bob May 9, 2017 at 9:34 am - Reply

        Sorry to say I’ve seen similar. Never can understand why they more than rarely build nests in some awful places that put them at risk from the get go. Bob

        • Redkayak May 9, 2017 at 3:35 pm - Reply

          It is a great fishing spot, but right on the road. You can see it’s a man-made platform. They really should move it.

      • ChrisH May 9, 2017 at 11:15 am - Reply

        Ugh… so sad to hear…

      • Redkayak May 9, 2017 at 3:33 pm - Reply

        An observer of the nest said there were most likely eggs. But an update. Both confirmed deceased ospreys were gone from the side of the road and the DOT didn’t pick them up. Maybe another animal. Then a report that an Osprey was seen in the nest the next day. I’m not sure if it was just curious or stuck around. These migrating raptors live a hard life and the elements both natural and man made can be quite hazardous. The success of this pair G&G is a miracle.

        • Betsy May 10, 2017 at 8:20 am - Reply

          Redkayak: Thanks for the update!

    38. CarolV May 8, 2017 at 10:56 am - Reply

      9:39am- George coming in with good sized fish………..To see a really FUNNY exchange, check out youtube “Battle Over Squatters’ Rights” video. Don’t know what nestcam it is, but it’s adorable.
      Weather still looking clear for most of week, but rain has been added in for Friday- same as happened last week- started out clear over weekend, then rain gradually took over the week-so we’ll see! Otherwise, cloud/sun mix with temps. mid 50s and mid 40s overnight.

      • CarolV May 8, 2017 at 11:01 am - Reply

        Gracie getting a grip………..

        • CarolV May 8, 2017 at 11:02 am - Reply

          Back before 10

          • CarolV May 8, 2017 at 11:42 am - Reply

            You can see how windy it is by George’s stand up collar!

    39. Rjoneal May 8, 2017 at 7:28 am - Reply

      5-8-17 G&G breakfast time early, good job George !

      • June c May 9, 2017 at 6:38 am - Reply

        Very cute… Bet only time he gets a good nap..

    40. Rjoneal May 8, 2017 at 7:27 am - Reply

      5-8-17 Looks like a much better day at the nest this morning 🙂

    41. Betsy May 8, 2017 at 12:54 am - Reply

      An intruder did a close fly-by

      • Betsy May 8, 2017 at 12:55 am - Reply

        George and Gracie worked together as a well-oiled machine to shoo it away!!

        • June c May 9, 2017 at 6:42 am - Reply

          That was really cool…seems to be quit a few times intruder flying close to nest…not counting the ones who are going fishing…Ha

    42. Betsy May 7, 2017 at 11:11 pm - Reply

      Well, I see Gracie found her favorite nest accessory — a plastic strip!! 😀

      • CarolV May 8, 2017 at 3:15 pm - Reply

        Was wondering when the edging came in and if it was a Gracie touch!

        • Betsy May 8, 2017 at 8:00 pm - Reply

          CarolV: She just love, love, loves those plastic strips!!

    43. Rjoneal May 7, 2017 at 9:25 pm - Reply

      5-7-17 Beautiful Gracie

      • margaretR May 8, 2017 at 10:09 am - Reply

        Rjoneal– Beautiful photo, love the colors!!

        • Rjoneal May 8, 2017 at 9:50 pm - Reply

          5-8-17 Reply- Margaret R thanks 🙂

      • June c May 9, 2017 at 6:44 am - Reply

        Love all the blues…..Gracie is always beautiful…

        • Rjoneal May 9, 2017 at 5:29 pm - Reply

          5-9-17 Reply- Gracie is a beautiful bird and we all love her dearly. Thanks, glad you liked it. Hugs

    44. CarolV May 7, 2017 at 8:29 pm - Reply

      Coming up to the FULL FLOWER MOON on May 10. 5:42pm. aka- Corn Planting Moon and Milk Moon
      Hopefully we’ll have a clear night……..
      For the Verizon nest by my job—they seemingly have eggs, too. I don’t see much of them- sometimes someone sitting on edge or Vic on his post, while hearing loud chirps from Vera in the nest. So good luck to their little household and have to wait and see how they add to the local osprey story this year.

    45. Mickey Martin May 7, 2017 at 5:18 pm - Reply

      5/7/17 5:09pm 3 eggs clearly visible because no one was on them. On a side note. To post a comment I have to scroll through every single comment made. Am I missing a shortcut secret hand shake ???

      • CarolV May 8, 2017 at 10:18 am - Reply

        Click on right side scroll controller and pull down to bottom to COMMENT box- usually gets me there quickly on my computer–

        • CarolV May 8, 2017 at 10:21 am - Reply

          And in case you haven’t seen it, there is a small arrow in right corner outside comment box that shoots you back to top if you don’t want to go back thru posted comments. Good luck…takes some getting used to!

      • Betsy May 8, 2017 at 12:56 pm - Reply

        Mickey Martin: Press the “end” button on the keyboard to quickly jump to the bottom of the webpage to the “leave a comment” section and either the “home” button (on the keyboard) or “return to top” arrow (on the webpage) to go back to the top of the webpage. Please note keyboards are laid out slightly differently from mfgr to mfgr, but it most likely will be somewhere on the right side by the numeric keypad. Hope this helps! 🙂

        • Elizabeth May 9, 2017 at 12:32 pm - Reply

          It helped me Betsy. Thanks for the tips.:-)

    46. Pam May 7, 2017 at 5:09 pm - Reply

      Hello everyone. Watching mum & dad sharing a meal together. Brilliant!! Camera is so clear – can see every feather. Am I right in assuming it’s Gracie on the nest overnight? Is George is perched nearby keeping an eye on his family or in case he’s needed?

      • CarolV May 8, 2017 at 10:28 am - Reply

        Yes- Gracie usually stays overnight. George should be perched nearby. Stops in early a.m. and fishes for them- and takes his turn on eggs throughout the day…wonderful birds to watch!
        Note the warning at top of page if you are not an experienced nature watcher- survival of the fittest can be tough to watch sometimes. Nice to have you here.

        • Pam May 8, 2017 at 2:46 pm - Reply

          Hi CarolV: thanks for your reply and the advice re these are wild birds and anything can happen. Discovered this site late into the season last year, so am new to watching this beautiful pair. Definitely hooked now though. Enjoying all the posts etc. Pam from U.K.

    47. CarolV May 7, 2017 at 3:06 pm - Reply

      About 20 secs. between touch down to take off! Gracie must be hungry! No lingering to chat or reluctance to hand over nest….

    48. CarolV May 7, 2017 at 10:27 am - Reply

      Nice fish. George! Head and all goes to Gracie!!!! She takes off for her picnic…………

      • CarolV May 7, 2017 at 2:42 pm - Reply

        Mid to high 50s all week with mid 40s overnight….a bit cool but dry all week- or so they say for now. Would like a tad more warmth but just happy it’s dry!

    49. Doris May 7, 2017 at 6:12 am - Reply

      How cute. George is feeding Gracie. Beautiful day.

    50. Betsy May 6, 2017 at 10:54 pm - Reply

      George in gray!!

    51. Betsy May 6, 2017 at 10:52 pm - Reply

      Gracie looks like she’s doing the Hokey Pokey!! ♫ … you put your left foot in and you shake it all about … ♫

    52. Betsy May 6, 2017 at 10:36 pm - Reply

      George brought Gracie a nice fish for lunch

      • Betsy May 6, 2017 at 10:38 pm - Reply

        George watches as Gracie flies off with the fish, probably thinking “Don’t lose it!!”

      • CarolV May 8, 2017 at 5:09 pm - Reply

        Nice view of that fish- looked like a good one!

    53. Betsy May 6, 2017 at 10:35 pm - Reply

      George and Gracie … dry!!

    54. Betsy May 6, 2017 at 10:32 pm - Reply

      George on the eggs

    55. CarolV May 6, 2017 at 6:30 pm - Reply

      about 6:20p.m.—I think Gracie is enjoying today bit more than yesterday!!!! The afternoon even had some sunshine and was dry–better than had been predicted a few days ago! Let’s see what tomorrow brings!
      She was keeping an eye on something off to the right……………

    56. June B May 6, 2017 at 5:20 pm - Reply

      Nice to see there are 3 eggs now. I hope it will stay at 3 being that 4 is always a little risky.

    57. Betsy May 6, 2017 at 1:27 pm - Reply

      This was funny! Osprey birth control?
      https://youtu.be/8dIiXXjaetU

      • Monica May 8, 2017 at 11:48 pm - Reply

        That was cute! Maybe he was trying to scratch her back. lol

        Wait! Is George the darker one? (One is grey, the other black). I know there are videos showing the difference, but this would be a quicker way to know the difference between them. 🙂

        • Betsy May 9, 2017 at 11:45 am - Reply

          Monica: I like that, trying to scratch her back!! 😀 Yes, George is the darker one, Gracie is patchy looking!!

    58. Rjoneal May 6, 2017 at 10:19 am - Reply

      5-6-17 I love Gracie’s feathers and she looks like she is giving George a wing hug

    59. Marlene May 5, 2017 at 9:59 pm - Reply

      Poor parents, such a nasty day on LI with torrential rain and strong winds. I scrolled back between 6:00 and 10:00 p.m., but did not see any fish deliveries. Hoping that Gracie and George had some meals today. It must’ve been an awful fishing day. Looks like they could have showers or thunderstorm during the overnight hours. Hoping tomorrow is better.

    60. PattyK May 5, 2017 at 6:59 pm - Reply

      5/5/17, 6:35pm Had to share….felt so humanly sorry watching Gracie and George during the terrible rain and wind storm. How much do you admire the amazing fortitude nature’s wonders show….? xoxoxo

    61. Rjoneal May 5, 2017 at 6:58 pm - Reply

      5-5-17 Gracie still soaking wet George dry, George was on 3 eggs when he sounded alarm intruder in area, Gracie promptly returns to nest, you can see intruder fly-by

    62. Tucker May 5, 2017 at 5:08 pm - Reply

      The Waves: years ago Baymen would refer to them as”Nurses”- the Whitecaps. When was the last time you saw a Nurse wearing a White Cap? BTW could we see #4?

      • Rjoneal May 8, 2017 at 10:43 am - Reply

        5-8-17 Reply- Tucker, Not likely since although it is a lil rare to lay 4 eggs their are some osprey nest that have been laying 4 eggs ever since they have been watching them over the years.
        Gracie has only laid 3 eggs and usually you can count on them laying 2-3 eggs but since from the very beginning she has always laid 3 she will more than likely always lay 3.
        It is not impossible but rather the odds are in favor of her sticking to 3 eggs.
        Love our Osprey Family and Followers

    63. CarolV May 5, 2017 at 4:10 pm - Reply

      7:30am-has been raining off and on. George comes in to take his turn and let Gracie exercise. He whacked that stupid stick but it came right back.

      • CarolV May 5, 2017 at 4:13 pm - Reply

        Gracie taking off for her morning exercise.
        It’s also windy-note the waves……..

        • CarolV May 5, 2017 at 4:16 pm - Reply

          The day just got “better “………

          • CarolV May 5, 2017 at 4:22 pm - Reply

            and “better” !!!!

            BTW- is George laying hardwood flooring? Did he find a shipwreck to re-purpose?????

            about 56 when I took photo..high 50s overnight….50-70% chance of rain, lasting thru tomorrow morning, at least…
            It’s been rolling thru in bands of heavy rain, with lighter showers between

            • CarolV May 5, 2017 at 4:35 pm

              About 4:30pm- George comes in for his shift…Gracie said a few terse chirps before she left- if only we could interpret!

    64. Nancy May 5, 2017 at 3:39 pm - Reply

      Oh, I feel so bad for these birds in the torrential rain ! If they were not incubating any eggs, would they naturally take shelter somewhere out of the rain ?

    65. PugsGoneWild May 5, 2017 at 1:36 pm - Reply

      I think we should start making Osprey memes…

      • Betsy May 5, 2017 at 4:57 pm - Reply

        PugsGoneWild: Love it!!

      • ChrisH May 5, 2017 at 6:18 pm - Reply

        LOL – this is perfect!!! Thanks for my laugh of the day!!

      • June c May 5, 2017 at 7:01 pm - Reply

        This is to funny…

      • Trinity May 6, 2017 at 11:53 am - Reply

        Love it 😆

      • CarolV May 6, 2017 at 6:18 pm - Reply

        Perfect ! Face looks just like that!

      • Monica May 6, 2017 at 9:44 pm - Reply

        LOL!! Cute! It’s going to be cold and rainy for most of this week coming up.

    66. JANET FUNICELLI May 5, 2017 at 12:56 pm - Reply

      Poor Gracie! Its so stormy and windy! I know it doesn’t bother them…but it bothers me! lol

    67. Monica May 5, 2017 at 11:55 am - Reply

      I feel for Gracie. It’s raining really hard here on Long Island….Poor thing must be cold. 🙁

    68. Diane G May 5, 2017 at 6:56 am - Reply

      CHEERS to the three eggs. Hoping for the best.

    69. Betsy May 5, 2017 at 1:24 am - Reply

      Gracie and George were swapping out egg-sitting duties — Gracie almost knocked George over when she spread her wings to catch her balance!

      • Betsy May 5, 2017 at 1:32 am - Reply

        First time I tried this!! Came out blurry (I used Imgflip.com). So I tried another site. Let’s see how this comes out!!

        • Betsy May 5, 2017 at 1:34 am - Reply

          Much better!! This was from http://gifmaker.me/
          😀 😀

          • Betsy May 5, 2017 at 1:45 am - Reply

            Too bad I didn’t know about this last year — I wouldn’t have made Paula dizzy with my sequence boards!!!! 😉 😀 😀

            PS – Aidan, if you could, would you not post the 1st picture that’s all blurry (the one with the “imgflip.com” watermark)?

        • CarolV May 5, 2017 at 7:24 pm - Reply

          Interesting- really shows off their feathers!

    70. Betsy May 5, 2017 at 12:53 am - Reply

      George telling intruder to get lost just before he flew after it to chase it away!

    71. Betsy May 4, 2017 at 8:21 pm - Reply

      I love Gracie in blue!! 😀

      • Maria May 5, 2017 at 1:03 pm - Reply

        I love this pic so much 🙂 Beautiful feathers on the head. Good quality 🙂 I also like Osprey Nest cam in Washington D.C.

        • Betsy May 5, 2017 at 5:09 pm - Reply

          Maria: Thank you! I didn’t know about the osprey cam in DC … JUST what I NEED — another osprey cam to peek at!! 😀 😀

      • Robin May 5, 2017 at 4:19 pm - Reply

        She is a beautiful bird – her feathers are just spectacular!

        • Betsy May 5, 2017 at 5:11 pm - Reply

          Robin: She is!! I don’t see any other osprey on other cams with patchy-colored feathers!!

    72. Nancy May 4, 2017 at 2:38 pm - Reply

      So the eggs are about three days apart (4/28, 5/1, 5/4)…..fingers crossed for a repeat of last year’s outcome !

      • Robin May 4, 2017 at 5:37 pm - Reply

        Me too – with more experienced parents and healthy waters we will have 3 fledglings!!!

    73. Isobel May 4, 2017 at 1:55 pm - Reply

      Well done Gracie. Looks like some nail biting times ahead. Let’s hope for good weather, good fishing and three successful fledges.

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