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Bald Eagles Visit Nest

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Intruder

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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. Sheila Falkowski June 1, 2017 at 4:05 pm - Reply

      Having quite a struggle with that hideous manmade black plastic! Are they trying to keep it or have it fly away? Oh how nice it would be to be done with the plastics, fish lines and numerous other plastic items and gloves and strings! Why does everyone scream recycle all this when it should be stopped from being produced in the first place! And then this doesn’t even address the humanity that elects to just toss any plastic detritus in any form out a window or in a ditch and then our wildlife both in the air and in the seas suffer!

      • Sheila Falkowski June 2, 2017 at 6:44 pm - Reply

        My comment took awhile to be approved! I entered this remark early on this morning-not sure how this site works, however, I do love these ospreys and patiently await pips!

      • Betsy June 3, 2017 at 4:35 am - Reply

        Sheila Falkowski: I so agree!!

    2. Betsy June 1, 2017 at 3:22 pm - Reply

      Gracie coming in to land

      • Trinity June 2, 2017 at 10:01 am - Reply

        😃

    3. Isobel June 1, 2017 at 2:13 pm - Reply

      My guess for first egg is June 5th am, second egg June 7th pm and third egg June 9th am. Can’t wait to see the new family.

    4. Betsy June 1, 2017 at 1:22 pm - Reply

      Gracie looks like a flower 😀

      • Betsy June 2, 2017 at 3:25 am - Reply

        For some reason I think of peonies!! 🙂

      • Rjoneal June 4, 2017 at 7:33 am - Reply

        6-4-17 Reply- Betsy, Good comparison she sure does, and she is just as beautiful as the flowers!

    5. Dorothy June 1, 2017 at 12:45 pm - Reply

      When were the eggs laid and what is the estimated hatch date?

      • Pattie Hoolie June 1, 2017 at 3:22 pm - Reply

        1st Egg 4/28/17
        2nd Egg 5/1/17
        3rd Egg 5/4/17
        Eggs hatch anywhere from 35 to 42 days 🙂

        • Rjoneal June 4, 2017 at 7:34 am - Reply

          6-4-17 Reply- Pattie Hoolie thanks for playing the Guess Hatch,good luck 🙂

    6. Tucker June 1, 2017 at 9:59 am - Reply

      Rjoneal thanks for the info on the egg tooth, soon we’ll see it in action. The snarly stuff we see in the nest- my guess, some variety of dried seagrass. I don’t believe it is anything to be concerned with, not the dreaded fishing line. The balloon ribbon seems to have balled up, I wish it were history.The man made trash is what becomes problematic. The nest appears to be to be better constructed than in the past. George and Gracie are becoming seasoned vets, good stock!

    7. Rjoneal June 1, 2017 at 8:30 am - Reply

      6-1-17 precious,tired Gracie early morning

    8. Rjoneal June 1, 2017 at 8:05 am - Reply

      Update for EggHatch
      Margaret R
      June 2 AM

    9. Rjoneal June 1, 2017 at 7:17 am - Reply

      Good Morning June 1, 2017 UPDATED LIST
      Betsy
      #1- June 4
      #2- June 6
      #3- June 9

      CarolV
      #1- June 6 at 11:00 AM
      #2- June 7 at 7:00 PM
      #3- June 10 at 6:31 AM

      Elaine
      #1- June 3 at 2:00PM

      June C
      #1- June 6
      #2- June 9
      #3- June 11

      Patty K
      #1- June 4 AM
      #2- June 6 PM
      #3- June 8 AM

      Rjoneal
      #1- June 5 at 12 noon on PM
      #2- June 8 early AM
      #3- June 10 early AM

      Terry
      #1- June 5 at 4:00 PM
      #2- June 7 at 5:00 PM
      #3- June 10 at 3:00 PM

      Trinity
      #1- June 7 at 7:00 AM- 11:30 AM
      #2- June 9 at 8:00 AM – 11:45 AM
      #3- June 11 at 7:00AM- 11:30 AM

      • Pattie Hoolie June 1, 2017 at 3:26 pm - Reply

        1st Egg June 6th
        2nd Egg June 8th
        3rd Egg June 10th

      • Michael G. Martin June 2, 2017 at 3:00 am - Reply

        RJ
        My guesses on the Egg Hatch

        No1 June 3 at 0300hrs
        No 2 June 5 at 0700hrs
        No 3 June 6 at 1300hrs

        To All You Ospreyphiles
        If I’m right on any of my guesses, I will personally come to Everyone’s home and do all of your Household Chores
        ( No Windows )

        Mike

        • Rjoneal June 4, 2017 at 7:36 am - Reply

          6-4-17 Reply- Micheal G Martin your name has been added to the list, good luck.

      • Laura June 4, 2017 at 9:34 pm - Reply

        I would like June 6th between 6 and 11 AM.

    10. Betsy June 1, 2017 at 2:13 am - Reply

      There was a variety of birds that visited the nest today:

      First there was the intruder

    11. CarolV May 31, 2017 at 9:52 pm - Reply

      Hey, Ranay—Diana Ross- “Upside Down”- and a few other people recorded too…googled to remind myself of lyrics. I posted sideways so it didn’t take up so much of the page,,,,especially since it wasn’t OZ picture. Lost some of the impact of how pretty the nest is. Went passed tonight and could see the top of a head- prob mom…will have to stop for Chinese more often to keep tabs on nest, (only reason for me togo to that shop. center) The sacrifices I’m willing to make!!!
      Was a gloomy day with rain mid-morning; later than had been predicted. But by late afternoon, was clearing and sun was out briefly. Calling for sun tomorrow…hope so…need vitamin D!

      • Rjoneal June 1, 2017 at 10:19 pm - Reply

        6-1-17 Reply- Carol of course the Dianna Ross version you know the disco days!

    12. Pattie Hoolie May 31, 2017 at 1:55 pm - Reply

      I’m getting Excited for the hatching of the Eggs! My bet is First Egg June 6th in the AM 🙂

      • Rjoneal June 1, 2017 at 10:18 pm - Reply

        6-1-17 Reply- Pattie H. thanks for playing we are going to be sitting on pins and needles just waiting for that first pip then wait again and more then finally that lil Osprey will break free and we will have a baby. I cant wait either so many other nest have babies already but George and Gracie are running right on time. They should all fledge before we get all the hurricanes here down south. Good Luck! 🙂

    13. Jessica V May 31, 2017 at 10:37 am - Reply

      I don’t know if this link was already posted, but here is more info about Ospreys from The Raptor Research Project. http://www.raptorresource.org/birdcams/marshy-point-ospreys/

      • Rjoneal June 1, 2017 at 1:33 pm - Reply

        6-1-17 Reply -Jessica V Hi you should play our 1st Egg Hatch Guess. Pick a date and poster or email take care.

      • Michael G. Martin June 2, 2017 at 3:12 am - Reply

        Jessica
        Thank-You so much for the Link. Does Marshy Point have an active blog. And does the site entertain any Q and A from the public

        Mike

      • Betsy June 3, 2017 at 4:41 am - Reply

        Jessica V: Thanks for the link! Just went there … they have IR camera– Mama was preening!! The nest looks so clean … no plastic or ribbon that I could tell!! 🙂

    14. Betsy May 31, 2017 at 9:29 am - Reply

      I love when George takes a nap while sitting on eggs

    15. Paula May 31, 2017 at 9:28 am - Reply

      Hi All,

      I have a question, 2 of the Columbus Osprey eggs have hatched within 12 hours of each other, here’s the question, isn’t that really rare? In all the reading I’ve done there is almost always 2 or 3 days between hatchings! The first egg was laid on April 21, the 2nd on the 26th or 27th and totally unknown for the 3rd. The camera isn’t always on and the nest is blocking a lot of the view. I have high hopes for these 2 babies but if the 3rd egg doesn’t hatch today I’ll be very concerned for that baby.
      The Columbus Osprey aren’t such a great couple like George and Gracie. I especially love watching George feed Gracie. I think that is so special. I am just really hoping for a better outcome than last year here in Columbus.

      • Betsy June 3, 2017 at 4:42 am - Reply

        Paula: Hi Paula!! I think it’s rare, but not as rare as we think!!

        • Paula June 5, 2017 at 10:36 am - Reply

          Thanks Betsy for the feedback! Just to let you know the 3rd egg hatched June 2nd. Everything seems to be going well so far. The momma tries to make sure all get fed but she doesn’t feed them until they go into food coma’s the way Gracie does. The father is not paternal at all. He hasn’t laid on the babies or fed them. He just looks at them like they’re aliens. Hopefully this couple will improve with age to be close to the couple George and Gracie are!

    16. Rjoneal May 31, 2017 at 8:17 am - Reply

      Some good info for All-

      The Egg Tooth
      Learn about the egg tooth and how it assists baby birds in the hatching process.

      Whereas most mammals maintain a protected internal environment for the growing fetus, birds use an external protective covering consisting of calcium called a “shell.” This protective shell provides an isolated environment to allow the developing chick to thrive but once the chick is ready to survive in the outside world, this secure vault needs to be opened. The chick needs to break open the shell without help, in its own time frame and only the chick’s internal clock knows when it is time to emerge. Therefore, the chick needs a device to break through this hard, protective covering. The beak and claws of the chick are not yet strong enough or sharp enough to break the shell. The “egg tooth” is the unusual structure, only found in emerging chicks and lost soon after hatching that penetrates the hard shell that was once the protector of the embryo.
      The egg tooth is an essential component to the hatching process in almost all species of birds. This specialized structure develops for the sole purpose of “pipping” (initial breaking of the shell) and cutting the chick out of the egg. The egg tooth firsts breaks through the internal shell membrane. This happens at least a few hours before hatching. At this point, the chick starts breathing by using the internal air cell in the egg. In some species, the chicks all might start chirping at around the same time as a method of communication. This may be an effort to coordinate the timing of hatching in the nest. In another few hours or more, the egg tooth is used to break the external shell. In parrots, the range of time between internal and external pipping can be from 3 to 72 hours. From this point on, it may take up to 24 hours for the chick to entirely break through the shell and emerge into the world.
      The egg tooth is sharp as it needs to break the shell and cut the chick out of this strong, protective, calcified shell. The egg tooth develops from the edge of the material of the top beak or rhinotheca. The chick first uses the egg tooth to cause a crack in the eggshell. Once this crack has appeared the chick back-stretches the neck and uses the sharp, long edge of the egg tooth to cut through more of the shell. The egg tooth, in most species, falls away or is worn down in the first 2 to 4 weeks of life as the beak material continues to grow and the egg tooth is not replaced. The breaking of the shell by the egg tooth is aided by the enlarged “pipping muscle” in the neck region. This helps by cushioning the head and bracing the neck to allow the strong movements needed by the body of the chick to push the egg tooth through the shell.
      The process from the internal pipping to breaking through the external shell and emerging into the outside world is gradual in most birds. This allows the physiology of the chick to gradually, without shocking the system, begin to adjust to breathing air and the new found unlimited mobility of its limbs. Both the respiratory and circulatory systems must adjust to this new atmosphere and success depends on a gradual changeover rather than an abrupt ending of the protected shell environment. The yolk sac, which will no longer be necessary once the chick escapes the egg, starts to retract and is absorbed by the newly emerged hatchling. In weaker chicks, this whole process will take longer and there is always the temptation for people to “help” the process along. This is usually a mistake as the respiratory and circulatory systems are not yet developed enough to support the chick in the outside world and the yolk sac might still be largely visible. More dangerously, the vessels attached to the yolk sac may still be functioning and, if disrupted prematurely, can cause a fatal bleed out.
      There is some variation on the egg tooth in the avian world. As usual, we find the kiwi does this process differently. The kiwi is almost always the exception that proves the rule in the bird world. Kiwis do not have an egg tooth but instead will use their legs along with their beak to break through the relatively thinner eggshell of this species. Many species of woodpecker (including the flicker) have two egg teeth, one each on the tip of the upper and lower beak. In fact, some speculate there is more of a purpose to the egg tooth in woodpeckers and other species than just to pip the shell for hatching. The egg teeth are visible to parent woodpeckers in very low light allowing the parent to more easily find the oral cavity of the nestlings, improving feeding efficiency to the chicks. Flickers and some burrow-nesting seabirds retain their egg teeth until fledging, which is useful when trying to feed nestlings in the dark.
      https://www.petcha.com/the-egg-tooth/

      • Trinit May 31, 2017 at 11:51 am - Reply

        Very informative ! It’s always nice to learn more about these birds.

        • Rjoneal June 1, 2017 at 9:44 pm - Reply

          6-1-17 Trinity glad you read it and found it useful, take care hugs

      • Betsy June 3, 2017 at 4:44 am - Reply

        Rjoneal: Thanks for posting!! Another link for me to bookmark!!

      • Helen June 4, 2017 at 9:21 am - Reply

        Ranay – Thank you for this very, very interesting article. Am going to try to locate it and keep it. Hope you are well. Helen

    17. June c May 31, 2017 at 7:53 am - Reply

      Intruder very close to bowl..George on eggs. 7:23:59

      • June c May 31, 2017 at 7:54 am - Reply

        Gone

        • CarolV May 31, 2017 at 10:05 pm - Reply

          Love this shot! Making himself big and scary to shoo off Pesky!

          Watched at Verizon nest as I was getting off work- the male, Vic, was on his post while an intruder circled in several times. The female was squawking from the nest in support, I guess. The intruder came around closer each turn, getting within feet of the perched bird. I thought it was gonna knock him off his post in an attempt to grab his fish. But Vic was doing this same maneuver- stretching himself to look bigger. It’s really fascinating, watching the interaction. And it helps to see the up-close-and-personal view watching George react after having seen a similar interaction from the ground.

    18. Rjoneal May 31, 2017 at 7:49 am - Reply

      Good Morning Happy Wednesday! Pick A Date and Guess at the Egg Hatch in the Nest of George & Gracie,good luck.

    19. Betsy May 31, 2017 at 7:41 am - Reply

      Gracie had returned from her late dinner last evening with leftover fish. George retrieved the fish this morning

      • Betsy May 31, 2017 at 7:43 am - Reply

        And, then, when he flew away, his talon was snagged on that stuff that Gracie had had such a hard time with last evening and it went with him.

    20. Betsy May 31, 2017 at 3:33 am - Reply

      George this evening

      • Betsy May 31, 2017 at 3:34 am - Reply

        And, Gracie this evening

        • Kathy B May 31, 2017 at 8:27 pm - Reply

          LOVE……..so beautiful & peaceful.

    21. Betsy May 31, 2017 at 3:26 am - Reply

      Gracie’s foot got snagged in that tangled mess of whatever that is …

      • Betsy May 31, 2017 at 3:27 am - Reply

        A couple of minutes later, after it snagged on her foot again when she was doing some housekeeping, getting dragged to the right side of the nest, she picked it up to move it to another spot…

        • Betsy May 31, 2017 at 3:27 am - Reply

          She placed it but when she picked up a stick to move, the stick got tangled up in the stuff …

          • Betsy May 31, 2017 at 3:28 am - Reply

            When she went to move the stick to another spot …

            • Betsy May 31, 2017 at 3:29 am

              the stick got untangled …

            • Betsy May 31, 2017 at 3:29 am

              and now it’s on the left … and I hope it blows away!! And that someone finds it and PUTS IT IN THE GARBAGE!!

    22. Betsy May 31, 2017 at 3:25 am - Reply

      Gracie racing back to the nest from a break

    23. Betsy May 31, 2017 at 3:24 am - Reply

      George landing in front of camera with fish he brought for Gracie …

      • Betsy May 31, 2017 at 3:24 am - Reply

        I think he was having trouble landing because his legs were swaying in the air

        • Betsy May 31, 2017 at 3:25 am - Reply

          And, then he flew off with the fish. About a minute later he came back with it and Gracie flew off to eat.

    24. Betsy May 31, 2017 at 3:23 am - Reply

      Gracie moving the plastic out of the way (which was brought to the nest when the camera was down … I would have loved to have seen which one brought it!!)

    25. Betsy May 31, 2017 at 3:21 am - Reply

      Pic of Gracie … Just because I like the feathers!!! 😀

      • Betsy May 31, 2017 at 3:22 am - Reply

        And another pic just because … Gracie’s tail feathers

    26. Betsy May 31, 2017 at 3:18 am - Reply

      Gracie returned from a break with a stick … look at George’s face!!

      • Betsy May 31, 2017 at 3:19 am - Reply

        Gracie a little after landing ….

    27. CarolV May 30, 2017 at 9:29 pm - Reply

      @8:25 I heard the commotion of Gracie’s welcome song….George came in on right corner…here’s Gracie doing her “Gimmee-I want that” dance

      • CarolV May 30, 2017 at 9:32 pm - Reply

        Bottom right- the fish shows briefly before Gracie exited right and George settled on eggs…

        • CarolV May 30, 2017 at 9:36 pm - Reply

          Gracie was back @8:42pm

          The nest in Flanders, corner of 105/24—-appears there may be a hatch…. this nest is usually a little ahead of the Gs. There seemed to be chick feeding happening, but I am observing from the road while waiting for red light to change…so just speculating…

    28. CarolV May 30, 2017 at 7:52 pm - Reply

      Was happy to see a live feed when I got home. Had time to watch a little bit …..saw Gracie come in and shoo George out—

      • CarolV May 30, 2017 at 7:54 pm - Reply

        She rearranged that tumbleweed that was tripping her up………

        • CarolV May 30, 2017 at 8:01 pm - Reply

          then fluffed and folded herself on to the eggs…………

          It was a gloomy but calm day- occasional almost sun………..Forecast overnight is for possible t-storm and 30-50% chance for showers thru till morning…temps mid 50s…
          Tomorrow- cloudy; mid to high 60s

          Big THANK YOU to admin for fixing the cam…you guys are great!

      • CarolV May 30, 2017 at 10:06 pm - Reply

        Just one of several odd poses Gracie got in as she kept getting her toes stuck in that tumbleweed—looked like an awkward ballerina……………

    29. Betsy May 30, 2017 at 6:09 pm - Reply

      Gracie “playing” peek-a boo!! 😀 😀

      • Betsy May 30, 2017 at 6:22 pm - Reply

        😀 😀

      • Rjoneal May 31, 2017 at 12:25 pm - Reply

        5-31-17 Reply- Betsy, now you know I love the PEEK -A- Boo poses I always post some but this one is wonderful. Thanks will add to my collection. I am not able to watch as much as I use to.

        • Betsy June 1, 2017 at 1:25 pm - Reply

          Rjoneal: Thanks!! If you want the full original let me know and I’ll post it!! 🙂

    30. Betsy May 30, 2017 at 4:43 pm - Reply

      Gracie stretching her wings

    31. Pam May 30, 2017 at 4:22 pm - Reply

      Hello everyone. I’ve noticed that both mum and dad are continually looking down (in the direction of the egg bowl) – when incubating, could they be listening to chirping coming from inside of the eggs? Has anyone else noticed this or is it just wishful thinking on my part? Pam from U.K.

      • Betsy May 30, 2017 at 5:18 pm - Reply

        Pam from U.K.: I’ve noticed that, too. But, I don’t believe they are able to make chirping noises until a few days or so before they hatch when they pip internally — when the beak pierces through the embryonic membranes into the air space — and they start breathing. I think George and Gracie may be watching the multitude of bugs crawling around the nest.

        Rjoneal last year posted a great article on the hatching process — the article is specifically in reference to bald eagles, but osprey hatching is a very similar process:

        Bald Eagle Egg Hatching Facts
        Eagle eggs hatch one to several days apart depending on when they were laid.

        Eggs hatch consistently after 35 days of incubation.

        About 4 days before hatching the chick develops an egg tooth at the top of its bill. From inside the egg the chick pokes a hole in the membrane separating it from the air bubble at the top of the egg shell. Still inside the egg, the chick takes its first breath into the air bubble. and draws in its first breath. This bit of air will provide energy to scratch a hole through the egg shell to the outside.

        The hole poked through the membrane is called the internal pip. The hole pecked through the egg shell is called the external pip.

        After breaking the membrane with its egg tooth the chick can breathe the air that filters through the porous egg shell and vigorously starts the final process of hatching.

        The chicks hatch from the eggs without any help from the parents.

        The chick uses its egg tooth to scratch around the inside of the shell in a circular path. The scratches weaken the shell in a pattern all around the egg. This is called pipping, and it can take from one to two days. When pipping is completed the chick gives a few expansive bursts and the shell opens up. The chick is hatched!

        During hatching, a chick must undergo several physiological adaptations. Before it hatches, a chick absorbs oxygen through the shell by way of the mat of membranes under the shell. During the hatching process, the chick must cut the blood supply to these membranes and trap the blood within its body. The chick must also absorb the yolk sack into its body and inflate its lungs for survival outside the egg.

        Once the chicks hatch, the parents don’t get rid of the shells. The broken shells sit at the bottom of the nest sometimes for a long time before getting crushed into tiny pieces.

        If eggs don’t hatch, adults will initially continue incubating, then start spending longer periods off the eggs and eventually give up.
        https://www.learner.org/jnorth/tm/eagle/annual/facts_hatching.html

        • Rjoneal May 31, 2017 at 12:28 pm - Reply

          5-31-17 Reply- Betsy thanks for passing on info and helping out just cant get to all the comments anymore. 🙂 Too funny since I posted the Egg Guess Hatch I wanted to post something about hatching and then you posted this from last year that I posted guess we are both in the same frame of mind. Can not wait for those babies.

        • Pam May 31, 2017 at 3:27 pm - Reply

          Hi Betsy: Thanks so much to you (and to the other ‘Zoners’) for your comprehensive replies to my posting. Isn’t it amazing that all that happens inside the egg without anyone seeing it and out pops a beautiful chick – and soon! Pam in U.K. 🐣

      • CarolV May 30, 2017 at 10:00 pm - Reply

        Pam- Hey to the U.K.! I don’t know but always suspected they hear chirps or feel the movement. I don’t see why not, as the chicks are close to hatching……hopefully the more informed posters will chime in on this…..

      • Rjoneal May 30, 2017 at 11:50 pm - Reply

        5-30-17 Reply-Pam it is to early still so No do not think so. However everything else you said are tell-tell signs one might be pipping real soon so good info. Keep your eyes on those eggs. Please pick a date for our Egg Guess Hatch, below is all info. Take care

    32. Betsy May 30, 2017 at 4:12 pm - Reply

      Gracie watched a big ol’ sea gull sail by

      BTW, does anyone know if that’s a wad of fishing line in the front or just a clump of dried roots??

      • Pam May 30, 2017 at 5:01 pm - Reply

        Hi Betsy – think it’s dried roots (thank goodness).

      • CarolV May 30, 2017 at 9:41 pm - Reply

        Was wondering that too, Betsy. Hoping for grasses. When I got to watch this evening, Gracie kept getting tripped up by that wad til she moved it more to left. We can only hope…

    33. Betsy May 30, 2017 at 3:03 pm - Reply

      Gracie’s wing framing George

    34. Betsy May 30, 2017 at 11:21 am - Reply

      George positioning the stick he just brought

    35. Betsy May 30, 2017 at 9:42 am - Reply

      Gracie flying off after George landed.

      Thanks for bringing the camera back up!!

    36. Rjoneal May 30, 2017 at 8:41 am - Reply

      5-30-2017 ALL OSPREY ZONE FOLLOWERS, HERE IS THE EGG GUESS HATCH FOR 2017 THE GEORGE & GRACIE NEST !
      No Prizes just for fun as we do every year. Good Luck and enjoy our Osprey Family.

      • June c May 31, 2017 at 8:15 am - Reply

        My Guess…June 6th 1st. June 9th 2nd…June 11th 3rd. All before 12PM…

    37. Rjoneal May 29, 2017 at 7:31 pm - Reply

      5-29-17 Patty K sorry just saw your comment thanking me for the video on birds. Thank you for watching love seeing and learning new things,take care.

      • PattyK May 30, 2017 at 12:29 pm - Reply

        5-30-17 Rjoneal Thank you for the thank you, lol, and thanking all the photo experts for the wonderful pics and info, especially when the cam is down.My predictions for hatch: #1 June 4th, am, #2 June 6th, pm, #3, June 8th, am. Good luck to all! xoxo

        • Rjoneal May 30, 2017 at 11:55 pm - Reply

          5-30-17 Reply-Patty K got it check to make sure dates and times are right and I promise to make sure your name does not disappear from list. 🙂

    38. CarolV May 29, 2017 at 5:24 pm - Reply

      Monday, 5:00pm—Hope everyone had a safe and happy Memorial Day weekend and took time to thank a vet or active service member for our freedom….

      Cam still down showing yesterday’s last 4 hr.rewind. Weather has been icky and there is a slight drizzle right now. There were heavy rains overnight, then it held off most of the afternoon…overcast and a little chilly….Temps mid to low 50s overnight; barely 60 predicted for tomorrow. but slowly rising the next few days.
      Looks like we’re having a cool wet start to June.

      Found a little sunrise sunshine from a few days ago—–

      • CarolV May 29, 2017 at 6:21 pm - Reply

        btw- my hatch predictions-……#1–June 6-11:11am
        ………………………………………….#2–June 7-7pm
        ………………………………………….#3–June 10-6:31am

    39. Rjoneal May 29, 2017 at 9:34 am - Reply

      5-29-17 On Memorial Day,

      • Betsy May 30, 2017 at 9:46 am - Reply

        Rjoneal: Very cool!!

      • CarolV May 30, 2017 at 9:44 pm - Reply

        NICE!!!!!

        • Rjoneal May 31, 2017 at 12:31 pm - Reply

          Thank you Carol you do not comment on my pics to often so I know you must like. 🙂

      • Helen May 31, 2017 at 9:23 am - Reply

        Rjoneal – Thank you.

    40. Michael Pickering May 29, 2017 at 8:45 am - Reply

      Dear Folks,
      My wife and I are viewing the ospreys at about 8:41 a.m. (New York time) on Monday, May 29. Are we watching a recording or a live feed? The stamped date on the bottom reads “2017-05-28…11:52:58” Also, the words “Live Feed” is shown below the video.

      • CarolV May 30, 2017 at 9:50 pm - Reply

        As you may have seen from other comments, the cam was down. Since the volunteer moderator, Aidan, usually takes off for Sunday and holidays, we sometimes get the re-runs from last four hours cam was live. As you noted, you can tell by date/time stamp. Fortunately, was corrected Tues. a.m. and doesn’t happen too often.

      • Rjoneal May 30, 2017 at 11:58 pm - Reply

        5-30-17 Reply- Micheal Pickering the video was caught in a loop so it kept just playing the same footage over and over until Aidan was able to fix. It is live cam 24/7 but sometimes with any technology it goes a lil haywire. So you were not going crazy it was live but old live in a way. 🙂

    41. CarolV May 28, 2017 at 4:44 pm - Reply

      Had to work on a Sunday- that should be illegal!! JK- lots of people do it every week- I’m lucky I don’t have to except some holidays…..

      Met another OZ watcher,,,shout out to SANDY….and HELEN was in shortly after….becoming a social center for OZ -ites.at KK Cutchogue…and we all check in on the doings of local osprey like Verizon Vic and Vera by my store and the Mattituck couple about 5 mins. west. Hope it’s okay that I’m posting the unique and upscale nest for these osprey…it can’t be more than 16′-20′ above a parking lot!

      • CarolV May 28, 2017 at 5:09 pm - Reply

        Looks like the video is circling the drain- stuck at 15:19.
        Did ake some screenshots from the rewind earlier-

        About 11:ooam- Gracie doing tai chi- Crane Hunting Goldfish pose

        • CarolV May 28, 2017 at 5:11 pm - Reply

          Tap the Egg pose

          • CarolV May 28, 2017 at 5:21 pm - Reply

            Worked up an appetite; just in time, @11:20, George brought some fish–here she is thanking him………..

            • CarolV May 28, 2017 at 5:25 pm

              She had a good 1/2 hr break—returned on the dot…
              The bay looked beautiful and busy–people taking advantage of the Sunday sunshine we weren’t supposed to get- it was somewhat overcast off-n-on, but who cared? It wasn’t the rain that had been predicted!

      • Rjoneal May 31, 2017 at 12:01 am - Reply

        5-30-17 Reply- CarolV Upside down boy you turn me, inside out and round and round something like that….. Do you remember that song Carol? That was the 1st thing that popped into my head when I saw up sideways pic made me laugh. HUGS 🙂

    42. Betsy May 28, 2017 at 8:34 am - Reply

      George in rosy am

      • Pam May 30, 2017 at 4:59 pm - Reply

        Hi Betsy – love your photo of George with the early morning sun on his cheeks. Gorgeous. Thanks Pam

      • Rjoneal May 31, 2017 at 12:32 pm - Reply

        5-31-17 Reply- Betsy this one is a keeper.

    43. Betsy May 28, 2017 at 7:15 am - Reply

      Throwback 2016 😀 😀 😀

      • CarolV May 29, 2017 at 3:57 pm - Reply

        Looks like George has been working out!

        • Betsy May 30, 2017 at 9:44 am - Reply

          CarolV: Middle-aged spread maybe!! 😀 😀

      • Monica May 30, 2017 at 12:11 am - Reply

        Hi Betsy!

        Love your pics!! They’re always so very creative and funny at times.

        (Thursday is TBT on Facebook – we should have a page there) 🙂

    44. Leanne May 28, 2017 at 6:19 am - Reply

      I just wanted to stop by and wish everyone here a very happy memorial day weekend and to those of you who have served our country, thank you!! Have a safe one, everybody 🙂

    45. Betsy May 27, 2017 at 10:43 am - Reply

      Gracie in am

    46. Betsy May 27, 2017 at 9:20 am - Reply

      Fly-by starting early!!

      • Betsy May 27, 2017 at 9:21 am - Reply

        Intruder looped around for another pass!!

        • CarolV May 29, 2017 at 3:59 pm - Reply

          I thought I heard Pesky say something like “nanny-nanny pppbbbllttt”.

          • Betsy May 30, 2017 at 9:46 am - Reply

            CarolV: I thought I heard that, too! 😀

    47. Rjoneal May 27, 2017 at 7:42 am - Reply

      5-27-17 On Friday Gracie was on the perch George in nest sitting on the 3 eggs and Gracie leaps into the nest as she was flying into nest 1 of her feathers went floating down from perch and swirled all around until finally out of view. It was kinda funny to watch as it was happening.

    48. Rjoneal May 27, 2017 at 7:19 am - Reply

      HAPPY MEMORIAL DAY! Let us all reflect on who we love,who we have lost,and who we can learn,love,and grow with while we are still on this earth.
      Picture of George and Gracie with 3 eggs in the nest,a true reflection of their bond.

      • Helen May 27, 2017 at 1:06 pm - Reply

        Amen Ranay, Thoughtful and reflective Memorial Day to all of us.

      • June c May 27, 2017 at 4:26 pm - Reply

        This is really beautiful………..

      • CarolV May 29, 2017 at 4:02 pm - Reply

        Thanks for the Memorial Day sentiments and a work of art!

    49. Betsy May 27, 2017 at 1:29 am - Reply

      Pic 5/26 Gracie stretching her wings

      • Betsy May 27, 2017 at 1:47 am - Reply

        Or, if you prefer this way

    50. CarolV May 26, 2017 at 9:21 pm - Reply

      Posted a morning in misery shot this a.m……………..Here’s a good-night, Gracie, and your little eggberts, too!
      Weather was much improved as the day went on, with even some sun during the afternoon.. Current forecast is for a good day on Saturday and now even Sunday- which had been calling for rain—here’s hoping!

      • CarolV May 26, 2017 at 9:22 pm - Reply

        AND forgot the photo–duh……………

    51. Helen May 26, 2017 at 5:28 pm - Reply

      George is so loving – feeding fish to Gracie – I dunno – maybe that happens in all the nests. I am curious about that. Have a good and thoughtful Memorial Day Weekend.

      • sera May 27, 2017 at 7:07 pm - Reply

        Yes it does.

      • Rjoneal May 29, 2017 at 9:41 am - Reply

        5-29-17 Reply- Helen yes, it does happens at most nest, the male osprey feeding the female is a sign of bonding together as mates. You can see on all other sites usually more so when the female has eggs the male will feed while she is laying on the eggs. There are plenty of You Tube videos you can look at.
        Take care

    52. June c May 26, 2017 at 3:33 pm - Reply

      Love all the pictures!!!! Whoever is doing the egg guess you know mine June 6th..again to all great pictures

    53. dave May 26, 2017 at 2:40 pm - Reply

      oh no! 3 Eggs again. I can’t take it. I dont want to watch these little guys fight again! 🙁

      • Rjoneal May 29, 2017 at 10:03 am - Reply

        5-29-17 Reply- Dave no matter what nest of the ospreys you look at there will be bonking,fighting,sibling rivalry and if food source is scarce or for unknown reasons sometimes Cannibalism. There is info on this but we are going to stay positive and therefore I do not want to post all that info. Bonking and fighting is part of the baby ospreys growing up.
        Be prepared, but stay positive George is a good provider and as long fish is good and the last one to hatch learns to sneak food when it can and stay in line so he wont get pecked to death we will be ok. Lets just hope they are not to far apart when they all 3 hatch.
        Take Care
        Love our Osprey Family & Followers.

    54. Betsy May 26, 2017 at 2:13 pm - Reply

      Gracie was flapping her wings dry

      • CarolV May 29, 2017 at 4:51 pm - Reply

        And she better be flappin’ again! Rainy Monday- not singing this time- and a little chilly now.
        Missing the cam….why always on weekends?
        BTW- love the shot!

    55. Rjoneal May 26, 2017 at 8:14 am - Reply

      5-27-17 Reply- Dawn are still watching with us? The babies will be hatching in about 2 weeks or so I hope you are still with us.

    56. Rjoneal May 26, 2017 at 8:09 am - Reply

      5-26-17 Reply- Micheal G Martin in order for me to send you the pics that I have of Sandy & Ronnie you will have to email me privately so I can email to you. I will send you what I have and you can study the pics. My email is under my pic Gravatar but here it is rjoako@bellsouth.net. There are to many to post on site.

    57. Rjoneal May 26, 2017 at 7:55 am - Reply

      Sweet Gracie

    58. Rjoneal May 26, 2017 at 7:44 am - Reply

      Happy Friday,Osprey Zone,looks like another rainy day there,hang in there George and Gracie it has to stop sometime.

    59. Carol C May 26, 2017 at 7:00 am - Reply

      That balloon ribbon is a hazard on the nest. We better keep an eye on it.

      • June c May 26, 2017 at 3:30 pm - Reply

        Hate that ribbon…and its hard to break..have to watch that loop hope it does not wrap around a talon..lets just hope for a strong wind or like last year the fishing line works it way to edge.

      • Suzanne Diehm May 26, 2017 at 3:42 pm - Reply

        I hope that the green ribbon blows off. It’s a real danger once the chicks arrive.

    60. Sheila Falkowski May 26, 2017 at 6:56 am - Reply

      I have never seen such a bedraggled, soaked nest and attending sitters as this one this morning. I do hope the sun comes out and a gentle warm breeze wafts over this nest and parents to dry out this nursery campground! Well, the good Lord fashioned osprey feathers to stay warm and dry throughout these rains and storms. It ain’t easy being an osprey-lots of miles those wings put on flying up and down the coast and then making a big old round nest with a partner whose taste in furnishings and flooring don;t meet mom”s standards!

      May the sun rise to meet you two this fine day!

      • Elaine May 26, 2017 at 9:43 am - Reply

        Amen to that statement Sheila. Well said. Those green ribbons look dangerous-good way for feet to get tangled up in. Also bad for the chicks. This is my third year at this site, and first osprey nest to watch. I love it! Hope we have the screen washer this year.

    61. CarolV May 26, 2017 at 5:09 am - Reply

      No shine for my rise this morning………grumpf……………..just think of sunshine and keep the eyes closed……………

    62. CarolV May 25, 2017 at 9:04 pm - Reply

      There is SO much to catch up on and I will enjoy every bit of it when I have time….Quick scan thru and I’m happy to see Rodee sending messages and enjoying the G’s antics!
      Glad to see you are getting a kick out of my comments, Betsy,,,,,as always, enjoying your work and EVERYONE else’s….saw a Bree original is gonna be there to savor when I have a I can keep my eyes open!

      6:52pm Is this the original ribbon that was almost buried into the nest an now resurrected by George’s futzing or a new one?..

      • CarolV May 25, 2017 at 9:07 pm - Reply

        7:16pm….HHEEEE’SSSSS BBAAACCCKK! George pesters til Gracie stands up and floats off in the wind……….

        • CarolV May 25, 2017 at 9:19 pm - Reply

          If you hear someone muttering (prob. obscenities) they’ve changed my picture program again……..hate these people!

          Anyhow- seagull blows by ….Weather hasn’t been great-bands of rain ran thru all day, with wind blowing it every which way………….More of same tonight and into tomorrow-at least everything will be nice and green! Temps in 50s overnight s and mid-to high 60’s next couple of days with hopefully sun for Saturday…….

          Hope everyone has a good MEMORIAL DAY weekend……find some time to pay respects to those we’ve lost as well as our heroes who are with us……….

          • CarolV May 25, 2017 at 10:20 pm - Reply

            I think that was a seagull and not Gracie??? Tail looks white and head blocky-

      • Kathy B May 26, 2017 at 1:34 pm - Reply

        New one. Orig was white. Wish they would not bring them to the nest. Such a hazard.

        • CarolV May 26, 2017 at 9:07 pm - Reply

          I’m with you on that!!!!! I take every opportunity to remind people of the hazards of releasing them! Someone I know was talking about ordering balloons for her wedding ceremony at a beach and I butted in to say- not releasing, I hope? She said no, so I hope she wasn’t just saying that while thinking MYOB !!!
          And I thought this was a different color…TY

    63. Betsy May 25, 2017 at 7:18 pm - Reply

      Gracie and George

    64. Betsy May 25, 2017 at 5:49 pm - Reply

      George brought in green ribbon with a delivery of seaweed

    65. Betsy May 25, 2017 at 5:42 pm - Reply

      Gracie flying off with fish

    66. Betsy May 25, 2017 at 5:34 pm - Reply

      Gracie’s exposes chicks-to-be to fish!! 😀 😀

      • Betsy May 25, 2017 at 5:38 pm - Reply

        Supposed to be this picture!! That’s what happens when I’m distracted watching the news!!

        • CarolV May 29, 2017 at 4:59 pm - Reply

          I cry a lot and mutter when watching the news—posting is more therapeutic!

      • CarolV May 29, 2017 at 4:57 pm - Reply

        Was wondering how fish down-the-hatch was exposing chicks to fish—they’re already out of Gracie!!!!! Not making fun- I’m right up there on the mis-post list myself!!! Need a retraction button—-

        • Betsy May 31, 2017 at 3:49 am - Reply

          CarolV: Not down the hatch!! Over them — osmosis through the shell!! 😀 😀

    67. Betsy May 25, 2017 at 2:28 pm - Reply

      George brought a partial fish to the nest. He finished it all, not sharing any of it with Gracie!! And, then, he left!! Poor Gracie!

    68. Isobel May 25, 2017 at 1:37 pm - Reply

      What a beautiful painting Rodee. My very best wishes to you. Thank you for sharing Rjoneal.

    69. Betsy May 25, 2017 at 12:06 pm - Reply

      Gracie was getting buffeted by the wind when she came back from her break

    70. Betsy May 25, 2017 at 11:42 am - Reply

      George watched as these geese flew by

      • Betsy May 25, 2017 at 1:28 pm - Reply

        And Gracie watched a sea gull

    71. Betsy May 25, 2017 at 10:24 am - Reply

      Poor Gracie in the rain!!

      Thanks for bringing the camera back up!!

    72. Rjoneal May 25, 2017 at 8:17 am - Reply

      5-25-17 Good Morning Osprey Zone

      • CarolV May 25, 2017 at 9:57 pm - Reply

        Interesting effect! Looking back in time!

    73. Carol C May 25, 2017 at 8:13 am - Reply

      Cam won’t load this morning. 🙁

    74. Betsy May 25, 2017 at 8:02 am - Reply

      George watches something below as Gracie watches George.

    75. Betsy May 25, 2017 at 7:58 am - Reply

      From 5/24

      George came to the nest at 17:24 with a fish …

      • Betsy May 25, 2017 at 7:58 am - Reply

        but for some reason he flew away with it …

        • Betsy May 25, 2017 at 7:59 am - Reply

          He was back at 17:44 with a fish … I wonder if he was flying around with the fish for 20 minutes or if this was another fish for Gracie!!

          • Betsy May 25, 2017 at 8:00 am - Reply

            Gracie didn’t even stand up to come around to get the fish from George … she just stretched out her neck to grab to fish. Here they are eye to eye and beak to mouth 😀 😀 Then she flew away to eat the fish

            • Betsy May 25, 2017 at 8:01 am

              About 25 minutes later, Gracie and her shadow came back from dinner. 😀

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