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An Intro to OspreyZone

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Bald Eagles Visit Nest

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Intruder

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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 September 28, 2017 at 1:43 pm - Reply

      Clean-up crew of one … maybe I should put clean-up crow of one!

      • Betsy September 28, 2017 at 1:45 pm - Reply

        This seagull looked really pretty in the afternoon sun as it flew by.

      • PattyK September 28, 2017 at 5:01 pm - Reply

        LOL!

    2. CarolV September 28, 2017 at 11:07 am - Reply

      Guess it’s that time of year when we fold up out computers and move on to other views……….although I check back in to see who has added what as long as the site stays up….and now our sneaky birds are making quick appearances……..
      Also, now is the time to once again thank everyone……from our founders: Tommy and Christina’s WindSong Osprey Nest…..their vision that they shared with us……….
      ……………………………………………………………………………………………………….Paul, who sponsored us and was always there with advice and solutions
      ……………………………………………………………………………………………………….Aidan, who moderated thru some crazy times and did so much to improve this comment section
      ……………………………………………………………………………………………………….everyone who has posted photos. comments, info, videos, poems, graphs, whatever to make us more informed.
      ………………………………………………………………………………………………………and our newest treasure, hiding behind her hat and sunglasses as COMMENT ADMIN………..

      I have learned so much from this site and it has sent me on a journey to other sites; opened my eyes to a more complex world than I ever ascribed to the nature of animals…
      Even the tragedy of PeeWee and the entanglement rescue had their learning points. PeeWee’s death was an indicator of how we are polluting the environment and to be more aware of what we put into our environment…………And the entanglement made us all in to ambassadors to inform others of the importance of keeping fishing line and balloon ribbons out of the ecosystem…..
      Happy Fall to All! Wishing you a good winter, with all the holidays………………And see you here next OSPREY SEASON!

      • Comment Admin September 28, 2017 at 11:11 am - Reply

        Beautifully said Carol, thanks for this! 💗

      • PattyK September 28, 2017 at 5:04 pm - Reply

        Wonderful, wonderful, many thanks to you!

      • June c September 29, 2017 at 8:04 am - Reply

        Nicely said Carol….Learning something new all the time…

    3. Betsy September 28, 2017 at 10:21 am - Reply

      For those of you who commented on my pics from September 25th (9/25) when I first noted that George was still here at the nest — yes, on September 25th!! — and September 26th (9/26) when I first noted that a chick — yes a chick — was still here but didn’t like my pics in the bizarre crazy colors that some adore and actually print out to hang on their walls (imagine!!) I am posting them as the (beautiful) original pictures.

      This is the original picture of George flying from the perch on September 25th, note the date September 25th.

      • Betsy September 28, 2017 at 10:25 am - Reply

        This is a chick, most likely Solar, flying from the perch on September 26th, note that’s the 26th of September

      • Betsy September 28, 2017 at 10:26 am - Reply

        And another view of the chick as it flew from the perch on September 26th

      • Betsy September 28, 2017 at 10:30 am - Reply

        to meet up with most likely George who had just flown just prior from the perch

      • Betsy September 28, 2017 at 10:31 am - Reply

        This is a crow, fascinating-looking as it landed on the nest on September 26th (9/26)

      • Betsy September 28, 2017 at 10:32 am - Reply

        And as it flew from the nest a short time later

      • Betsy September 28, 2017 at 10:34 am - Reply

        Caped crow!!

        • CarolV September 28, 2017 at 3:15 pm - Reply

          Caped crow-sader!

          • Betsy September 28, 2017 at 5:21 pm - Reply

            CarolV: Good one!!

          • June c September 29, 2017 at 8:05 am - Reply

            That captures the picture perfectly..

      • Betsy September 28, 2017 at 10:35 am - Reply

        A starling sticking its face in the camera for a close-up on September 27th

        • CarolV September 28, 2017 at 3:41 pm - Reply

          so that’s who those osprey kids were talking to! HI!!!!!!

      • Betsy September 28, 2017 at 10:37 am - Reply

        And, a chick, I’m guessing Solar, flying from the perch on September 27th late afternoon

      • Betsy September 28, 2017 at 10:54 am - Reply

        Just plain unadulterated pictures!! This is George flying from the perch on September 27th at 14:39:56

      • Betsy September 28, 2017 at 10:56 am - Reply

        And flying from the perch for the last time of the day on September 27th at 16:02:51

      • Betsy September 28, 2017 at 10:56 am - Reply

        Another view of him flying off

        • Betsy September 28, 2017 at 8:39 pm - Reply

          I’m just seeing that I posted the same picture!! Hello! Should have been this one:

    4. CarolV September 28, 2017 at 9:26 am - Reply

      BUG LIGHT in the spot light……………small triangle in the upper left of sun’s path.

      Have been listening to a mockingbird’s serenade at least 10 mins. long…started just before 9 am. spectacular virtuoso! Thought I even heard an osprey imitation in there about 09:07:10

    5. BirdRJSViewer September 28, 2017 at 5:42 am - Reply

      Did any of the chicks ever catch their own fish?

      • Betsy September 28, 2017 at 8:45 pm - Reply

        BirdRJSViewer: Not that I know of. But, I taped like 99.9% of the season, often setting the recorder and leaving it be … I don’t have any idea what’s on those tapes!!

        • BirdRJSViewer September 29, 2017 at 6:37 pm - Reply

          Aww 🙁 I hope they will be okay and learn on the way south 🙂

          • Betsy September 29, 2017 at 9:58 pm - Reply

            BirdRJSViewer: I hope so, too. I’ve read on other sites that even if a chick never caught its own fish before starting migration, it will when it’s migrating because a parent isn’t around to supply it with fish and it has no other choice and that it will do fine.

            In 2015 there was a massive bunker die-off and there were articles in Newsday (http://www.newsday.com/long-island/suffolk/riverhead-eyes-plan-to-prevent-another-large-menhaden-die-off-1.11741424) and Riverhead News Review (http://riverheadnewsreview.timesreview.com/2016/05/73907/riverhead-southampton-to-split-costs-for-bunker-removal/) that the “Town of Riverhead is working with state and federal agencies to prevent another large die-off of Atlantic menhaden in the Peconic River this spring with a plan that would allow fish to be harvested well beyond current limits.” I wonder if that may have affected the chicks ability to catch fish … I’m thinking fewer fish in and of itself and fewer fish breeding leading to even fewer fish!! You know how when you’re new at something it’s already harder to do in the beginning. I find it strange that neither chick caught a fish! Even last year’s little guy caught fish!!

            • Admin Shelli September 29, 2017 at 10:10 pm

              Remember just because we didn’t see a chick catch a fish or they didn’t bring a fish to the nest does not mean the chicks have not caught one…chicks do eat off nest as they mature.
              Hunger is a great motivator.

    6. Rjoneal September 27, 2017 at 9:27 pm - Reply

      VIDEO FROM TODAY GEORGE IS HERE – Thank you LawLin72 for making and sharing with us.

      https://youtu.be/BioeH6DFvxA

      • CarolV September 28, 2017 at 7:21 am - Reply

        Thanks LawLin72 tor sharing video with us. Just the fix we addicts needed! Slow withdrawal so much better than cold osprey………………..pardon the “pun”
        Thanks Rj for posting

      • Admin Nita September 28, 2017 at 7:47 pm - Reply

        ❤︎

        • rodee hansen September 28, 2017 at 9:02 pm - Reply

          Dear Nita ……. your little postage stamp – I don’t know what else to call it – maybe your logo…… of George and Gracie with the One egg holds a thousand love stories.I am blessed to have noticed it – enlarge it and inhaled deeply and got very emotional. These are moments – I think – we humans can translate into our own lives, we feel bonded with/to them. It is a picture of singular beauty and “married life”. I just wish EVEYONE would stop and stare for w while. So it is a good think to linger with the posts every day – there is always something new …… Like our Houdini re-appearing and then also the kid. WHAT A SEASON.!!!!!
          Glad you joined “The Union”.
          I award you FIRST PRIZE for your entry. Rodee H.

          • Admin Nita September 28, 2017 at 10:30 pm - Reply

            Hi Rodee thanks I think you are referring to my avatar or some say gravatar ? This is a photo I took of George and Gracie a few years ago. I love it too. Thank you for my 1st prize too!

    7. CarolV September 27, 2017 at 7:55 pm - Reply

      Making an exit…………………..against a purple sky………………

      Was mid-low 80s today and dropping about 15 degs. tonight.

      • CarolV September 27, 2017 at 8:34 pm - Reply

        photo-cprt2017OZ.com/spons.byTRS.com

      • JanL September 28, 2017 at 8:52 am - Reply

        Love the ‘exit ‘ shots!! Thanks Carol…

    8. CarolV September 27, 2017 at 5:22 pm - Reply

      Geez……for a minute this looked like the view I left this morning! FOG…..but I see something has been added I I heard there have been sightings of George and a plus one. Looking forward to catching up with posts!

      What an odd year at the Gs’ nest! Gracie going off on walk-abouts for days at a time and now George and presumably Solar disappearing for days and showing up again! All too odd! Just goes to show, which has been demonstrated at other nests like Hog Island, too, there is no “business as usual” with our osprey! The more cams come in to play, the more we learn to expect the unexpected!

      • Betsy September 27, 2017 at 8:20 pm - Reply

        CarolV: Yes, George flew from the nest on the 25th and yesterday, and today he was actually on the nest and what was really sweet was a chick flying from the perch last evening after George and the two of them flying off together. Glad I got video!!

      • Rjoneal September 27, 2017 at 9:32 pm - Reply

        CarolV I couldnt agree with you more on this. How wierd both of them pulled a fast one on us. Last year Ali did it to us remember and then Brutus too.

        • Rjoneal September 29, 2017 at 8:09 pm - Reply

          CarolV oops did not mean to say Ali just Brutus left and then re- appeared, Betsy reminded me,thanks Betsy.

    9. Pattie Hoolie September 27, 2017 at 3:56 pm - Reply

      Correction! Got to say Good Bye to George Today! Guess he’s sticking around another day or so

      • Rjoneal September 27, 2017 at 9:22 pm - Reply

        9-27-17 Right Pattie he and possibly it is Solar are still here. First Gracie did it to us and now George did it too. What a weird unpredictable Season this has been. 🙂

        • Rjoneal September 27, 2017 at 9:39 pm - Reply

          possibly Solar

        • Pattie Hoolie September 28, 2017 at 9:13 am - Reply

          This is my third year watching and every season has had it’s differences, So glad I was introduced to Osprey Zone 🙂

    10. Pat Granneman September 27, 2017 at 3:18 pm - Reply

      Awesome!

    11. margaretR September 27, 2017 at 1:11 pm - Reply

      wowowowwwww weeeeeee- amazing to see him again– Great shots Rjoneal and good work JuneC

    12. Rjoneal September 27, 2017 at 12:58 pm - Reply

      ALL OSPREY ZONE FOLLOWERS ATTENTION –
      9-27-17 Our Beautiful George makes an appearance at the nest ! Oh My Oh My George is at the nest he has not left he fooled us!

      • Rjoneal September 27, 2017 at 12:58 pm - Reply

        and …

        • Rjoneal September 27, 2017 at 12:59 pm - Reply

          also …

          • Rjoneal September 27, 2017 at 1:10 pm - Reply

            I want to thank JuneC who notified me that she heard George on perch this am and then he finally made an appearance.

          • June c September 27, 2017 at 1:28 pm - Reply

            I wonder if he ever left…The weather was good down coast…I thought he be 1/2 way down by now

          • CarolV September 27, 2017 at 5:29 pm - Reply

            I wondered that he had just split without making his predeparture nestorations. He usually added a little something before he went…..

    13. June c September 27, 2017 at 12:45 pm - Reply

      George is back…I have recordings with graph picture of voice…it is George…wonder why he came back…have not seen him, but for sure his voice..You can hear another Osprey in background at times but could not tell who..

      • CarolV September 27, 2017 at 8:04 pm - Reply

        That whole voice graphing is an amazing tool!

        • June c September 27, 2017 at 9:26 pm - Reply

          George voice very simple pattern…the other pic is Steve’s hog island

          • June c September 27, 2017 at 9:29 pm - Reply

            I wish I was better at it….hav to get better recorder for next year…

            • CarolV September 28, 2017 at 9:31 am

              Thanks for the demonstration!

    14. June c September 27, 2017 at 10:13 am - Reply

      Another beautiful season with our special family…..Thank you Tommy, Paul and Aidan…for all that you do…..Shelli again welcome
      Hope the camera stays on for a bit..always interesting to watch nest and it goings on…Love to our Osprey followers..

      • Charlie September 27, 2017 at 12:51 pm - Reply

        George in the nest 9/27/17 @ 12:45pm!

        • Charlie September 27, 2017 at 12:54 pm - Reply

          Screen grabs attached.

          • June c September 27, 2017 at 1:25 pm - Reply

            Hi Charlie…I know this is crazy right…saw him moving sticks around also…

          • CarolV September 27, 2017 at 5:26 pm - Reply

            Great to see that handsome head! Hope he shows again tomorrow, when I’m home from work!

        • Rjoneal September 27, 2017 at 1:11 pm - Reply

          Yes Charlie thanks for posting crazy he is back at the nest wonder what is making him stay so long this year.

    15. Pattie Hoolie September 27, 2017 at 10:06 am - Reply

      I’m so sad it’s over already and I missed seeing any of the babies catch their own fish 🙁 Till next year Osprey Zone Peeps! Always a Pleasure 🙂

    16. CarolV September 27, 2017 at 6:08 am - Reply

      Another foggy morning on LI. Yesterday it was so heavy, it seemed like it had rained! Unusually warm temps and high humidity, hopefully dropping to regular fall temps this weekend. Maria staying well off shore, pushing in high surf.

      Hey…..is that George out there? Just kidding–seeing things I wish were there……………at work, I miss the yapping of the young osprey that echoed across the parking lot. The crows do their best to fill the silence.
      Verizon Vic seems to have gone. Haven’t seen him since the 23rd.
      Gotta head out to work. Everyone..hagd!!!!!

      • Betsy September 27, 2017 at 11:13 am - Reply

        CarolV: George and one chick are still here.

        • CarolV September 27, 2017 at 5:24 pm - Reply

          Thanks….checking out the news and pics now….where has the bad boy been!

    17. Betsy September 26, 2017 at 11:19 pm - Reply

      A CHICK, PROBABLY SOLAR, IS STILL HERE. Around 5:15 pm, most likely George landed on the perch (the camera shook). 15 minutes later, there was a noisy landing on the perch. George took off a few seconds prior to that and then the chick immediately followed after him. They then flew together to the left and out of sight.

    18. Betsy September 26, 2017 at 11:15 pm - Reply

      A crow was on the nest this afternoon, staying only a couple of minutes before flying off – I think it saw George flying around on approach to the nest and skedaddled …

      • Betsy September 26, 2017 at 11:16 pm - Reply

        45 seconds later George flew up to the perch.

      • Betsy September 26, 2017 at 11:18 pm - Reply

        This afternoon, an osprey shadow passed over the nest when, I’m assuming George, took off from the perch.

      • Trinity September 27, 2017 at 1:58 pm - Reply

        Your regular pics were much appreciated for their clarity, these filters do take away from the natural beauty of the surroundings.

    19. Marlene September 26, 2017 at 10:39 pm - Reply

      Happy birthday to Bre, and happy belated birthday to Rjoneal. You do so much for us, and your comments make me think that you are a very caring, nurturing person. Also, rodee hansen, so happy to hear your wonderful news!! I do believe in the power of prayer, and I’m glad that your life is getting back on track.
      Have a wonderful autumn and winter, everyone! I’ll check in once in a while over that period, and eagerly await George and Gracie’s return in the spring. Love that couple!

      • Rjoneal September 27, 2017 at 5:33 am - Reply

        9-27-17 Reply- Marlene Thank You for your kind words so sweet. This is our Happy Place right? The Happiest Place in the World for us Osprey bird lovers is not Disney Land but the George & Gracie’s Nest.
        I am a recently retired nurse and at the end I only retired early to take care of my mother in my home since she had a stroke and not long to live. She is in a good place and so am I.

        Osprey Zone Family and Followers and Paul, Tommy and helpers did not know it at the time but it was Paul Henry and his nurturing way with such a diverse group of people,his kindness along with all those who were posting back then . When Osprey Zone 1st started we all were doing everything and witnessing everything for the first time together. Its was such an experience and it is what I turned to to get peace for moments in my life when I was feeling grief.
        Paul answered every question and had discussions with us and even got professional advice thats when Rob. B came into the picture, when we were all going thru the PeeWee thing.
        We all so admired Paul for standing on his beliefs and principals on what to do about the PeeWee thing even though at the time we were upset not understanding the process of Sibling Rivalry which can and did result in death. He calmed us all down, spent many days talking to specialist sending letters on the issue so he could make the best decision. Then he was like a therapist to us he probably never imaged that would happen to him. He stayed calm and did the Right Thing when it comes to learning about nature but not to interfere unless it is caused by human. Even some Live Cams today wont interfere at all under no circumstances not even entanglement from rope, wire,fishing line. Poor Paul had to learn to deal with so many opinionated people like us. Tommy and Paul when they started at the beginning probably just thought, hey lets share this live feed so others can see what we are seeing. They had no idea how much it was going to impact their family life and work life. We are so happy they took the leap of faith.

        Tommy made that wonderful video on how this started and gave us the eye view of the nest that no one had ever seen before. Tommy also would comment and answer our questions.
        Then Tommy and who ever helped him if anyone invented the camera washer, (I want to make sure they get credit to if he had help) Tommy and Paul saw and heard how sad and upset we the emotional human beings got when the camera got dirty from squirts. Oh How we complained and how we wish and prayed for the rains. Tommy solved this problem and gave us once again another advantage to seeing our Osprey Family. No other nest that I know of has this type of invention and boy we have worn it out.

        They had to make the big decisions on if or when and how a rescue should take place right as Paul and Tommy’s project was just getting off the ground still so new and in the early stages. Paul knew he was tossed in the middle of such a controversy on whether to let nature take its course or do human intervention. How hard it had to be for him with all of us being so attached and emotional. The truth is if the camera was not on then we would not have known how often this happens and it is the way the world moves.
        We all learned so much that year. Paul saw how attached we had become and started to upgrade for us, The Followers who could not get enough of George & Gracie.

        Every year more new and exciting things we get from Osprey Zone. So what if Paul and Tommy can not answer questions anymore or as often that is why he gave us our nice, professional, sweet Aidan who is pretty darn good at his job and he has done a good job keeping all of us informed as much as he can. I mean we got the time stamp date and clock added and we can post videos and pictures and sooo much more things we did not have at the beginning.

        If I am right you have been with us for awhile so I know you have experienced some of these things with us. So glad you are part of the Osprey Followers Family.
        Thanks again and keep checking in.
        Osprey Hug
        Love Our Osprey Family & Followers
        Attached is my water reflection of George & Gracie so we can all reflect back and remember our sweet memories we all have given each other together!

        • Rjoneal September 27, 2017 at 8:17 am - Reply

          You have to click on pic in order to see the water move.

        • nfc September 27, 2017 at 10:28 am - Reply

          You have a really good way with words. You have said things that all of us have felt even if we didn’t reply. I only started replying. I have enjoyed reading and looking at everything for the last three years. I have made an album of the pictures I copy. IT is a truly amazing place to enjoy nature. I am a teacher and have even brought the children into watching the different live cameras. Ospreys are out of season most of the school year– so they have seen eagles and then the beginning of the osprey season. Everyone who has worked to make this site a great place are to be commended. Looking forward to next season.

          • Comment Admin September 27, 2017 at 10:50 am - Reply

            Hello nfc…I would love to do an eagle classroom session with u and your class. Education is at the heart of why I do what I do. SWFEC has a great educational platform.
            If you’re interested Email me at: sj22sweet1961@aol.com for more info.

          • Rjoneal September 27, 2017 at 10:04 pm - Reply

            nfc I would love to share this Eagle video with you looking at their reactions to hearing children riding a roller-coaster and other eagles being vocal around them just so cute so many poses they make trying to understand all the noise around them yet not scared at all. Also did you watch the Hawklet that was raised in the Eagles nest with 3 eaglets? If not you really should share this once in a lifetime event with your classmates,the best place to start is islandrambles she has a wonderful story to tell and a remarkable woman. Also SassePhoto Christian is wonderful. Also if you ever need anything on Ospreys or birds let me know my email Rjoako@bellsouth.net
            Take care please be safe and thank you for teaching, what a wonderful person you are for doing that in these times it is a little scary. Teachers never get enough pay or credit for the good things they do.

            https://youtu.be/aqtonfqPHQI

    20. Bobbie September 26, 2017 at 1:30 pm - Reply

      Sorry Betsy, you are so right. Duh!!! Must have been a “blonde thing” or a “senior moment” on my part. I completely forgot that the camera wasn’t operational until after George & Gracie had arrived. Thanks for your reply..

    21. SusanM September 26, 2017 at 7:25 am - Reply

      Happy (belated) Birthday Rjoneal. I am a September “baby” too. I hope you enjoyed many blessings on your special day!

      • Rjoneal September 26, 2017 at 1:59 pm - Reply

        9-26-17 Reply- Susan M Happy Birthday to you then also. Thank you for the blessings and it was a good special day. I will make a note so next year so far we have Bre, you and me for September Birthdays.
        If anyone else wants to post the month their Birthday is I will make a note of it and try remember for next Season.

        • Susan M September 26, 2017 at 7:50 pm - Reply

          Thank you!

    22. Betsy September 26, 2017 at 7:00 am - Reply

      REVISED

      2017 Chick Stats
      Egg #1 laid on April 28th @ 10:36:07 am
      Egg #2 laid on May 1st @ 7:06:24 am
      Egg #3 laid on May 4th @ 7:31:23 (did not hatch)

      Chick #1 (Solar)
      hatched 🐣: 06/05/2017 (38 days incubation)
      fledged 🐦: 08/02/2017 @ 58 days old
      first fish 🐟: no observed self-caught fish
      last seen 👀 at nest: 09/22/2017

      Chick #2 (Eclipse)
      hatched 🐣: 06/07/2017 (37 days incubation)
      fledged 🐦: 07/30/2017 @ 53 days old
      first fish 🐟: no observed self-caught fish
      last seen 👀 at nest: 09/19/2017

      🟍 🟍 🟍 🟍 🟍 🟍 🟍 🟍 🟍 🟍 🟍 🟍 🟍 🟍 🟍 🟍 🟍 🟍 🟍 🟍 🟍 🟍 🟍 🟍 🟍 🟍 🟍 🟍 🟍 🟍 🟍 🟍 🟍 🟍 🟍 🟍 🟍 🟍 🟍 🟍 🟍 🟍 🟍 🟍 🟍 🟍 🟍 🟍 🟍 🟍 🟍 🟍 🟍 🟍 🟍 🟍
      Gracie: last seen 👀 at nest on 09/07/2017
      George: last seen 👀 at nest on 09/25/2017

    23. Betsy September 26, 2017 at 6:50 am - Reply

      George flying from the perch last evening

      • Rjoneal September 26, 2017 at 2:03 pm - Reply

        9-26-17 Betsy were is the original picture I missed it since we were celebrating? JuneC and MargaretR did email me yesterday saying they herd an osprey on perch but did not know if it was one of our birds. Guess it turns out it was George.

        • Betsy September 26, 2017 at 5:07 pm - Reply

          I read that people love, love, love when the pictures are done in artwork, so I’m posting my pictures now as artwork!!

          • Sarah Lynn September 28, 2017 at 8:38 am - Reply

            Betsy, pretty as these are, please continue to post at least some in “regular” photo format. They are invaluably clear and informative.

      • RobininMD September 26, 2017 at 4:45 pm - Reply

        I heard the osprey at 6:10pm but never saw anything- and it was George – what a great Dad! Thanks Betsy!

    24. Betsy September 25, 2017 at 11:50 pm - Reply

      GEORGE IS STILL HERE. At around 15:24 hrs, the camera shook like when an osprey lands on the perch. A few minutes later, he gave a warning call. He stayed on the perch for the next nearly 3 hours, eating a fish (the camera shook as he ripped off pieces of the fish and you could hear the tearing of the fish flesh!), intermittently shook out his feathers and gave the occasional warning call. At 18:18:12 he flew from the perch, his telltale spot on the inside of his wing visible. Here’s a teaser picture of his wing as he flew away. 😀 😀

      • Betsy September 25, 2017 at 11:52 pm - Reply

        Here’s another picture

      • RobininMD September 26, 2017 at 4:46 pm - Reply

        Very Good! I looked and looked and saw Nada!

    25. Rjoneal September 25, 2017 at 10:49 pm - Reply

      9-25-17 pm TO ALL MY OSPREY ZONE FAMILY

      • Rjoneal September 25, 2017 at 10:50 pm - Reply

        AND …

        • Rjoneal September 25, 2017 at 10:53 pm - Reply

          I want to Thank everyone who posted a Happy Birthday to me,it was so nice to see so many of you send out good wishes on this special day of mine.
          Thank you to JuneC who spread the word, it really did make me feel very special.
          Thank you again to all my Osprey Zone Family Followers 🙂

          • Rjoneal September 25, 2017 at 11:32 pm - Reply

            My Thank You picture of the Family in the Picasso look, several last year loved this look so enjoy !

            • ChrisH September 26, 2017 at 10:27 am

              Another beautiful rendering! I’m adding this to the one you did last year that I printed, framed and hung. Now I’ll have the perfect pair (just like George and Gracie)!

              Wishing you a belated Happy Birthday! Sorry for the delay….

            • Rjoneal September 26, 2017 at 1:50 pm

              9-26-17 ChrisH I took last year picture and put in same frame for this years pic in case you wanted the same frames.
              Thank you for your kind words I know Rodee liked it too last year. Take care

            • ChrisH September 26, 2017 at 4:37 pm

              That’s perfect — thank you!!

          • Bob September 29, 2017 at 11:34 am - Reply

            Happy Birthday Rj AND, as we found out today, it ain’t over ’till it’s over as apparently George made an encore appearance. You just never know. Be well. Yours, Bob

            • Rjoneal September 29, 2017 at 8:07 pm

              Bob, Thank you for The Birthday Wish and so glad you are doing well. We are still rebuilding but that is ok we are still lucky we still have a house standing even though we did get some water damage. Sooo many others have no home.
              Yes our George and Gracie this year are just full of surprises. Can not wait to see what they do next year.
              Take care my friend and check in once and awhile especially over Holidays if you can.

    26. Cathycmr September 25, 2017 at 8:28 pm - Reply

      Dear Paul, Tom & Aidan, Thank you for another great year! loved watching the Osprey family & can’t wait until next year!

    27. RobininMD September 25, 2017 at 6:20 pm - Reply

      Here’s wishing RJ a very Happy Birthday!

      Hope you had a great day!

      Cheers! 🥂 🎂🍹

      • Rjoneal September 25, 2017 at 10:54 pm - Reply

        RobinMD thanks it was a great day !

    28. RobininMD September 25, 2017 at 6:17 pm - Reply

      Around 6:10pm tonight I hear an osprey chirping right into the speaker… but I see nothing… any sitings today?

    29. Bre September 25, 2017 at 5:06 pm - Reply

      ” Happy Birthday Rjoneal ” wishing you many more, with Osprey Love..

      • Rjoneal September 25, 2017 at 10:57 pm - Reply

        Bre is it your Birthday too? I remember last year Alzarin sent us this card posted below but not sure what day in September your Birthday is?
        Thank You for remembering me.

        • Bre September 26, 2017 at 4:25 pm - Reply

          Thanks Rjoneal my birthday is today Sept 26…Yes i remember this beautiful card for us from”Alzarin”-I love it!
          Best Wishes my friend ,Big Huggs to my Osprey Family 😉

    30. Helen September 25, 2017 at 4:03 pm - Reply

      A wonderful birthday to very special Ranay!

    31. PattyK September 25, 2017 at 2:17 pm - Reply

      9-25-17 Happy Birthday Rjoneal! Have a wonderful day!

      • Rjoneal September 25, 2017 at 10:59 pm - Reply

        Nice of you to take time out of your day and wish me a Happy Birthday,thanks PattyK

    32. rodee hansen September 25, 2017 at 11:58 am - Reply

      Dear Ranay ………….
      That was a swell written piece of editorial. Much love, time, thought and heart went into that. Maybe you can land a job with NEWS DAY.
      And yes, I am at a good place. Only 2 more sessions to go – then radiology. My hair is growing back and I am able to go to work everyday. I THANK GOD for that. And a long hug to all of you who walked this walk with me.
      Like it says in Ecclesiastes “There is a season for everything under heaven”. Yes, we had a very special and rewarding season – no tragedies, really no fighting between the siblings and plenty of breakfasts, lunch and dinners. That George-man is my MAN-OF-THE-YEAR. And Gracie an example of a caring, nurturing, sweet Mom.
      All of you posting kept the pace up while they were growing all too fast. May all that is kind, gentle, peaceful and worth remembering be yours, until we meet again.
      Tommy, Paul, Aiden and Christina…..thanks for your great gift to all of us and your often needed patience. God’s speed…. Rodee H.

      • Helen September 25, 2017 at 4:01 pm - Reply

        That is wonderful news Rodee!

      • RobininMD September 25, 2017 at 7:26 pm - Reply

        That was beautifully stated Rodee. Your kind words are worth remembering. I hope you have a speed recovery! Your positive attitude is inspiring and contagious!

      • Rjoneal September 25, 2017 at 11:04 pm - Reply

        Sweet Rodee thank you for all your kind words and I should have posted an update on your progress,sorry I did not but so glad you did post to all. I know you will continue to take one day at a time and win this battle. So glad you are slowly getting a normal routine back into your life as normal as you can. Stay in touch as you say God’s-bee.

      • CarolV September 27, 2017 at 5:56 am - Reply

        So good to hear you’re doing well and almost done with treatment! Keep on the good path !!

    33. Shelli September 25, 2017 at 10:37 am - Reply

      💗

      • Rjoneal September 25, 2017 at 11:06 pm - Reply

        Shelli everytime you post and I see your picture it makes me smile, either waving hi or camera shy I just love the pic, too funny. Thank you it was a wonderful day and thanks to all of you it made it even better.

    34. Nita September 25, 2017 at 10:33 am - Reply

      I’m just flying over to wish Rjoneal a Happy Birthday!
      Hope you have a wonderful day filled with blessings❤︎

      • Rjoneal September 25, 2017 at 11:07 pm - Reply

        Nita wow I love it, you can fly over here anytime lady! Thank you it has been a blessed day.

    35. margaretR September 25, 2017 at 10:25 am - Reply

      Wishing you a very Happy Birthday Rjoneal..Thanks for all you do!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

      • Rjoneal September 25, 2017 at 11:09 pm - Reply

        MargaretR so sweet and kind of you, I had a marvelous day and thanks to everyone from OZ and people like you it made it even better. Osprey Hugs

    36. June c September 25, 2017 at 9:26 am - Reply

      Today is a special day..Rjoneal’s birthday

      HAPPY BIRTHDAY RJONEAL!!!!!!!!

      🎈🎈🎈🎈🎂🎉🎉🎉🎉

      • Comment Admin September 25, 2017 at 9:58 am - Reply

        Happy Birthday Rj…thanks for all that u do here!
        Have a great day 💗

      • Rjoneal September 25, 2017 at 11:13 pm - Reply

        My Osprey Sister June should I be mad you spread the word…Hummm…. No,Thank you for letting everyone know, I could not stop smiling all day while I was out celebrating every time I would take a quick look at my phone there would be another Happy Birthday Wish. I could not stop smiling all day. Thank you again for all you do and letting everyone know it really made my day.
        Osprey Hugs

    37. Marlene September 24, 2017 at 11:01 pm - Reply

      Rjoneal, your “composition” about our osprey family and us fans was really beautiful. So many wonderful people on this website, but you, Betsy, and CarolV are the ones who really keep us updated. Happy Fall to everyone. If the weather stayed like this, none of us would have to go to Florida for the winter — maybe even our osprey family would stay up north. Wouldn’t it be amazing if George and Gracie spent their winters (separately, of course) near Bob or Rj. When we go down there for the winter, we have driven by Lake Okechobee and I have seen osprey nests that were erected on platforms. I wonder if they stay in Florida all year ’round. Safe, healthy, and happy winter to everyone. It’s been fun.

    38. Rjoneal September 24, 2017 at 8:54 pm - Reply

      Here is one 4-23-17 George & Gracie were talking to each other and bonding.

    39. Betsy September 24, 2017 at 7:42 pm - Reply

      2017 Chick Stats
      Egg #1 laid on April 28th @ 10:36:07 am
      Egg #2 laid on May 1st @ 7:06:24 am
      Egg #3 laid on May 4th @ 7:31:23 (did not hatch)

      Chick #1 (Solar)
      hatched 🐣: 06/05/2017 (38 days incubation)
      fledged 🐦: 08/02/2017 @ 58 days old
      first fish 🐟: no observed self-caught fish
      last seen 👀 at nest: 09/22/2017

      Chick #2 (Eclipse)
      hatched 🐣: 06/07/2017 (37 days incubation)
      fledged 🐦: 07/30/2017 @ 53 days old
      first fish 🐟: no observed self-caught fish
      last seen 👀 at nest: 09/19/2017

      🟍 🟍 🟍 🟍 🟍 🟍 🟍 🟍 🟍 🟍 🟍 🟍 🟍 🟍 🟍 🟍 🟍 🟍 🟍 🟍 🟍 🟍 🟍 🟍 🟍 🟍 🟍 🟍 🟍 🟍 🟍 🟍 🟍 🟍 🟍 🟍 🟍 🟍 🟍 🟍 🟍 🟍 🟍 🟍 🟍 🟍 🟍 🟍 🟍 🟍 🟍 🟍 🟍 🟍 🟍 🟍
      Gracie: last seen 👀 at nest on 09/07/2017
      George: last seen 👀 at nest on 09/22/2017

      • Bobbie September 25, 2017 at 5:32 pm - Reply

        Thanks, Betsy, for the great in a nutshell recap of the 2017 milestone events for our osprey family. Would it be possible for you to re-post including the arrival dates for both George and Gracie?

        • Betsy September 25, 2017 at 9:57 pm - Reply

          Bobbie: You’re welcome. The video stream did not come up until April 21st this year and George and Gracie were already here. However, at the time, area people had reported seeing an osprey in the nest (although, whether George or Gracie or intruder wasn’t known) as early as March 30th.

    40. Betsy September 24, 2017 at 5:07 pm - Reply

      One of “ours”?

    41. Nita September 24, 2017 at 4:00 pm - Reply

      A funny memory!

    42. Isobel September 24, 2017 at 1:25 pm - Reply

      Beautifully said Rjoneal. Thank you for posting that. Safe journey to this wonderful family and hurry back George and Gracie.We will be waiting for you in the spring. Best wishes and thanks to everyone. Have a safe winter. Roll on spring.

      • Rjoneal September 24, 2017 at 8:29 pm - Reply

        Reply- Isobel thank you for you kind words and we will all be back together next March or April. Mean while check in during the next month or so I know from past that CarolV, Emily,JuneC, and maybe Betsy and I along with other followers we love to have fun and post all the pics that we took over the Season that did not get posted. We love to do crazy pics over the Holidays.
        Take care and be safe,and warm during the winter months.

    43. CarolV September 24, 2017 at 12:16 pm - Reply

      Crow visit…think that’s a kayaker on his head

      • CarolV September 24, 2017 at 12:18 pm - Reply

        Found something—a juicy bug?
        I can hear him; maybe sitting on perch. I’m surprised he’s alone.

    44. Betsy September 24, 2017 at 11:50 am - Reply

      An osprey flew by relatively near the front of the nest with a fish …

      • Betsy September 24, 2017 at 11:53 am - Reply

        and continued across the screen to the left and out of sight. I was wishing it had circled around to land on the nest!!

    45. Trinity September 24, 2017 at 11:28 am - Reply

      The babes have begun their arduous journey, Solar & Eclipse will forever be in our hearts and prayers.
      ” Smell the sea and feel the sky. Let your soul and spirit fly ”
      – Van Morrison

    46. Bob September 24, 2017 at 11:26 am - Reply

      Thanks to all for your contributions to the G&G site. This includes admin, sponsor, and all special gifts from those who work hard at following this family for three years now. Time goes by fast. Wish everyone a safe winter and hope our birdies make it through OK. I also want to thank all of you who responded to my inquiries no matter how ignorant I may have seemed. It was a kindness I will not forget. With affection. Bob from Longboat Key, FL

    47. CarolV September 24, 2017 at 11:22 am - Reply

      And some baby pics from this season-

      5/8/17

      • CarolV September 24, 2017 at 11:23 am - Reply

        6/11/17–

        • CarolV September 24, 2017 at 11:30 am - Reply

          7/7/17

          • CarolV September 24, 2017 at 11:32 am - Reply

            8/21/17- the day of the Solar Eclipse…….

            • CarolV September 24, 2017 at 11:37 am

              9/18/17–it was harder and harder to get two together…….glad I caught this

        • June c September 25, 2017 at 9:10 am - Reply

          Hard to believe they where that small….our beautiful little ones

    48. CarolV September 24, 2017 at 11:16 am - Reply

      If you’re having withdrawal…..

      8/27/16- three winged osprey

      • CarolV September 24, 2017 at 11:19 am - Reply

        One of my favorite poses …… 7/27/17

        The Dracula osprey………

    49. Karen D. September 24, 2017 at 10:16 am - Reply

      I miss our kids already……….. : (

    50. Rjoneal September 24, 2017 at 9:22 am - Reply

      The End of Season 3 but a New Beginning for our Osprey Family especially for Solar & Eclipse as they migrate for the 1st time to their new home.

      • Rjoneal September 24, 2017 at 9:27 am - Reply

        It would not be the George & Gracie’s Nest if we did not mention Thank You to Tommy and Christiania our Landlords, Paul Henry & TRS whom the site is sponsored by and Aidan who has really put up with a lot this year from us. Rob Bierregaard from the Academy of Natural Sciences, Drexel University our Osprey Specialist whom always answered my questions and he always gave me something to report back to the Followers. His work continues through the winter if you want to keep tabs on the Ospreys don’t forget to go to his Ospreytrax to watch them as they are flying to their destinations. For the newcomers our ospreys here at the nest in Long Island are not tagged, banned, and do not have transmitters. However there are so many that are being studied so we can learn. For anyone new followers this is a must to check out Ospreytrax. http://www.ospreytrax.com We welcome our new Admin Moderator Shelli at the end of the Season. THE STARS OF IT ALL, A BIG THANK YOU TO GEORGE & GRACIE for returning home safely to the nest and starting their 3rd batch of young.
        We all know our CarolV who uses her sense of humor being our spokeswoman posting her comments, pictures and news weather reports. Bre who gave us her beautiful poems again this year, all the followers who posted and gave us pictures of ospreys nearby some. Randi who gave us some wonderful videos of our family, WTR97 who has been with us from the start gave us great videos also. Jan L and some others learned how to post pictures this Season and shared wonderful pics of our Osprey Family. We all supported each other during the bad times including our Sweet Rodee who is still fighting but will win. The medical issues, floods, hurricanes, and all the tragedy’s life threw at us we were here for each other. JuneC did post some anatomy pics of Ospreys and more voice recordings along with some pics. Betsy was with us again and posted info and kept us all updated on events along with the babies progress as they were growing she did some videos for us also. Michael G.Martin who is still doing his projects. Bob and his wife was with us again. We had so many followers post for the 1st time this Season to do the Baby Naming Vote and was so good to hear from them. I cannot post everyone’s name and what they contributed but I want to say EVERYONE is what makes this site our HOME. Thank You for being here with us again as one Big Osprey Family as we observe, learn more and new things every year.
        The George & Gracie Nest gave us all a break from all the things we couldn’t control in our life a sweet, peaceful moment of happiness. Memories we will always have deep in our hearts.
        Our Handsome, slender, brave, strong, protector, great fishermen, our one and only Stud Muffin, George made us aww with amazement the way he bonded with Gracie and always did his part. He is an equal partner when it comes to incubating the eggs sometimes he liked it a little too much and Gracie would have to push him off. He loved to feed our sweet Gracie and the babies. Always showing Gracie he will do his part. He made us all laugh at all his wonderful but sometimes crazy behavior especially when he wanted to move Gracie decor around. Now we come to our Precious, Sweet, beautiful, gentle, and very smart Gracie. Such elegance, beautiful posture, wonderfully groomed, good instincts and very protective as well. She sits on her eggs in all kinds of weather and chases off anyone who gets to close. She loved to be pampered and feed by George but when she wanted control of the fish she took control. Gracie did move out of the nest this year which she had never done before. She relocated and gave the nest to the babies who handled it well. Gracie made rare appearances but when she did she brought a fish. Gracie was watching her babies grow from afar. Maybe she was hoping they would mature faster or maybe this will be Gracie routine from now on. We will have to watch next Season so we can learn. She bonds every year more and more with George and together they make a great team raising wonderful baby ospreys. We all love to see and cherish the precious moments when George would be right by her side and together they would make little coo sounds to each other. Our Cutie Pie Baby 2 Eclipse was always proving he/she wanted to be the older bird and be the 1st to do everything. Eclipse wanting to get out of the shadows and not have to wait its turn anymore, to be free and independent as soon as it could fly. How we will miss Eclipse screeching calls and sideways landing in the nest, the selfies, close-ups we got. Together Solar & Eclipse bonded and we got to see the aww precious moments as they laid tucked and curled next to each other. At the closing of Season we had our Nester Baby 1 Solar who just did not want to grow up and took a little longer for her/him to realize it was time to migrate. We will miss Solar’s dives into George or anything that got in the way of fish. How Solar loved to be at the nest and how excited and vocal she/he would get. The beautiful poses she gave us especially how she mastered mantling, and protecting the nest, although at times it seemed to be missing Eclipse. Daddy George took real good care of her/him until she/he was ready to go, and now they are gone. Off to a new land, new trees, and maybe taste different kinds of fish, they will call it home for the next 2-3 years. George and Gracie are in their usual wintering spots which is usually in different areas but we say they have left for Florida. Don’t worry us Floridians keep our eyes to the skies and say a little prayer that George & Gracie are protected in Florida until it is time for them to come back home to Long Island. This is a well-deserved break for them after raising 2 wonderful Ospreys.
        I end this Season 3 with my favorite saying which is on the Family Tree I made ( Love does not claim possession but gives freedom ) by Rabindranath Tagore
        See you next year Season 4
        Love Our Osprey Family and Followers

        • nfc September 24, 2017 at 10:14 am - Reply

          Very well said. Thanks for all of you who do post– some of us are usually just watchers of this amazing family.

          • Rjoneal September 24, 2017 at 8:35 pm - Reply

            reply- nfc thank you for posting and being so kind. I am glad you are one of the watchers, and back with us again, we have such a wonderful Osprey Family and we have been pretty successful with our babies all fledging successfully. We also have a wonderful view of the water and nest it is memorizing. Take care over the winter and stay tuned in .

        • JanL September 24, 2017 at 1:33 pm - Reply

          Thanks Rjoneal…what a nice summary and even though I didn’t discover this nest until very late July, I thoroughly enjoyed it…learned a lot, and am still browsing through older screen shots from other folks. See you next season..

          • Rjoneal September 24, 2017 at 8:38 pm - Reply

            Reply- JanL Thanks, over the winter months and especially at Holidays we love post all the pics that we took and did not get posted so keep checking in. Glad you are part of the family and so glad you found us. Be safe, be kind, be back when next Season starts around March or April.

        • June c September 25, 2017 at 8:31 am - Reply

          Very nice Ranay…

          • Rjoneal September 25, 2017 at 11:15 pm - Reply

            Thanks,sad but happy at the same time.

        • PattyK September 25, 2017 at 10:30 am - Reply

          9/25/17 10:15 am /reply- Rjoneal- Heartfelt thanks for your expert summary of our Osprey Family season ! Last year we were so queaky and teary at Tommy’s heartwarming farewell comments, as our Osprey Family headed south. Well, we are queaky again, as the empty nest is sad to see. But life goes on and dear Gracie and George have shown us the best parenting yet! Sending love and thanks to all of our Osprey Zone Family. I’ll still be watching and am so very grateful for all your efforts. This site has taught us so much about the wonderful wildlife that surrounds us! xoxo

          • Rjoneal September 25, 2017 at 11:22 pm - Reply

            Patty K You are right Tommy had us all just weeping and then we felt the warmth from his story. We knew we would probably never her a story like that again it was a once in a lifetime event for Tommy and we are so glad he shared with us. We all felt we were with him that day.
            Thank you for posting and being here again it is what makes us one big family.
            Missing our family but smiling every time I hear an Osprey here in Florida that familiar sound of our Osprey Family from Long Island. So much more to learn and we all have so much to give can not wait till next Season.
            xxoo Be safe,Be Kind,Stay well
            Love our Osprey Family & Folllowers
            PS dont forget to check in over the Holidays or when you can.

        • ChrisH September 25, 2017 at 11:15 am - Reply

          Very nicely put, rjoneal! They will be sorely missed — as always. I’ve been here since season 1 and can never get enough of watching the nest, reading the comments and checking out the posted pictures. A HUGE thanks to everyone involved!! What a great experience it’s been since I learned about this site back in 2015!

          • Rjoneal September 25, 2017 at 11:29 pm - Reply

            Chris H I know you have been with us since 2015 and I am so glad you have been able to experience everything we have gone thru. So many ups and downs the fish Kill, the RIP Peewee,the rescue,then Rocky had us all on the edge of our seats wondering if he was going to make it. This year we had some touch and go moments with dangerous items brought up to the nest but no injuries and no rescue. Then we had our funny moments with some of the items like our indestructible Egg known as Eggbert.
            then the goggles, you can not forget Gracie’s windshield wipers or long strips of black plastic the babies were always in the middle of. I have one pic it looks like the baby is playing jump rope with it. Sad but happy times but next year we will learn even more and hopefully grow too. Thanks again for posting your comments and adding your thoughts to the conversations. Take care and dont forget to keep checking in when you can.
            Osprey Hugs .

      • CarolV September 24, 2017 at 11:05 am - Reply

        Well expressed. Thanks for putting all our sentiments in print. Love the newspaper, too

        • Rjoneal September 24, 2017 at 8:47 pm - Reply

          Carolv hope you plan posting with me this winter all the pics we did not get a chance to post. Cant wait for the 1st snow again we had so much fun last year with Emily and the other followers.

      • Nita September 24, 2017 at 3:25 pm - Reply

        Thank you Rjoneal. it was a great season! Looking forward to next year! Godspeed to the ospreys heading south❤︎

      • Nita September 24, 2017 at 3:59 pm - Reply

        Thank you Rjoneal. it was a great season! Looking forward to next year! Godspeed to the ospreys heading south❤︎
        This is a memory of one getting a ps dropped on him =)

        • Betsy September 24, 2017 at 7:45 pm - Reply

          Poor Gracie was always getting splattered!! 😀

        • Rjoneal September 24, 2017 at 8:44 pm - Reply

          Nita our poor sweet Gracie she did get aimed at a lot. Even with a squirt she is just so beautiful that face of hers. Thanks for the pic it made me laugh. Check in every once and awhile we love to post all pics we took but did not post. Thanks again for taking on your job with Facebook and all the many other things you do.
          Here is a pic for you…Gracie in the Blue with that sweet lil face…

    51. Rjoneal September 24, 2017 at 9:04 am - Reply

      9-24-17 Birdie at the nest today was hanging out on perch and in nest.

      • Rjoneal September 24, 2017 at 9:05 am - Reply

        then ….

        • Rjoneal September 24, 2017 at 9:06 am - Reply

          and …

          • Rjoneal September 24, 2017 at 9:06 am - Reply

            landing ..

            • Rjoneal September 24, 2017 at 9:08 am

              better pic up close

            • CarolV September 24, 2017 at 10:49 am

              Looks like a starling visitor…

    52. Betsy September 23, 2017 at 8:05 pm - Reply

      Mike: I don’t know if you saw my 2017 family portrait with the total solar eclipse. It kind of got lost in the shuffle of pictures, so I’m posting it again.

      • Michael G. Martin September 24, 2017 at 12:11 pm - Reply

        Betsy
        You’ve outdone yourself. That is what I’ve been looking for. As for my projects I can’t get any of them to stick, except for one
        It has something to do with the Solar Activities of the Sun Now that the Family is gone I can match up when they left with the last two years can anyone give me the exact time when Our Family left on vacation

        Thanks All
        Mike
        Mike

        • Betsy September 24, 2017 at 7:38 pm - Reply

          Mike: Thank you for the compliment.

          It’s impossible to ascertain exactly when G&G&S&E migrated. However, the last sightings at the nest are: Gracie on 09/07/2017; Eclipse on 09/19/2017; Solar on 09/22/2017; and George on 09/22/2017. Hope that helps you some.

    53. RobininMD September 23, 2017 at 5:41 pm - Reply

      And no more hummingbird sitings at my house either, guess it’s migration time now 😞 … till early Spring, huge Thank You to all who spent so much time telling the story through pictures and comments – special thank you to Carol IV, RJ, Betsy and huge thanks to the Cam owners, Tommy & Cristina, Paul and Aiden for bringing this experience to our homes. It was a great Summer – 2 healthy fledglings, George and Gracie were most amazing parents 👏.

      • CarolV September 24, 2017 at 10:54 am - Reply

        Hi….I would love to have hummingbirds but not that lucky! Watch the cams to see how quick they grow and eat themselves right out of the nest! OK- that sounds weird but you get the drift….
        Thinking about those tiny birds migrating is mind boggling!
        And your welcome from me……..

    54. MargaretR September 23, 2017 at 3:10 pm - Reply

      Welcome aboard Shelli.. already looking forward to next season.. I throughly enjoyed this season with Gracie, George and kids. Thanks for all that everyone does for keeping the site up and going

    55. Betsy September 23, 2017 at 3:04 pm - Reply

      No osprey on the nest today, although I saw an osprey fly low in the view over the sand between the house and the beach retaining wall and I heard an osprey doing its warning call. And I saw a wasp fly by carrying a boat!! LOL

      • CarolV September 24, 2017 at 7:33 am - Reply

        Good one!

        • Betsy September 24, 2017 at 10:46 am - Reply

          CarolV: I said to myself this is definitely a CarolV-type picture and caption!! 😀 😀

    56. Marlene September 23, 2017 at 12:14 pm - Reply

      Just want to thank CarolV for her Irish prayer, and also all of the funny comments you always make. They make me smile.

      • CarolV September 23, 2017 at 1:53 pm - Reply

        Thanks, Marlene! Glad I made you smile 😊

    57. Marlene September 23, 2017 at 12:12 pm - Reply

      Thanks, Rjoneal, for answering my question re last sighting of our beloved osprey family. And thanks to Betsy for posting pictures of the last time each was seen. Hope they all have a safe trip south.

      • Betsy September 23, 2017 at 3:45 pm - Reply

        Marlene: You’re welcome.

    58. Betsy September 23, 2017 at 12:28 am - Reply

      As CarolV commented in the morning, Solar polished off the leftover fish from last evening and then off she flew. She did not return to the nest the rest of the day.

      • Betsy September 23, 2017 at 12:28 am - Reply

        George made a brief appearance on the nest at 07:53:18 and I mean brief– he was there for only 26 seconds and if you practically blinked you missed him! 😀

      • Betsy September 23, 2017 at 12:29 am - Reply

        Off he flew and he also did not return to the nest the rest of the day.

      • Betsy September 23, 2017 at 12:29 am - Reply

        Eclipse’s last sighting at the nest was on Tuesday evening.

      • Betsy September 23, 2017 at 12:30 am - Reply

        And, Gracie’s last sighting at the nest was on September 7th.

      • Betsy September 23, 2017 at 2:13 am - Reply

        Welcome Shelli

    59. DarDar September 22, 2017 at 8:52 pm - Reply

      Big welcome to Shelli and Nita. Shelli, were you moderating at SW FL with Harriet and M15? I hope that you were. Is Nita short for Anita? Anyways, wish you both well and thanks.

      • Comment Admin September 22, 2017 at 9:16 pm - Reply

        Hi DarDar…thanks for the welcome! And Yes, I’m a mod for SWFEC.

        • nfc September 23, 2017 at 1:49 pm - Reply

          Welcome Shelli. I have watched this nest for three years and SWFL for two. I have enjoyed reading all the posts and watching and learning. The people here are nice and work to keep each other informed. I don’t post– this is my second— but I watch all the time. Glad to have you aboard our Long Island Osprey land.

          • Comment Admin September 23, 2017 at 7:34 pm - Reply

            Thanks nfc…I appreciate u taking a moment to say hello. I feel fortunate to be here.

      • Rjoneal September 22, 2017 at 10:06 pm - Reply

        DarDar Nita is short for her name on Facebook as Juanitaroper. 🙂

    60. Marlene September 22, 2017 at 8:46 pm - Reply

      Did anyone see George or Solar during the day today? I just looked back from 4:47-8:47, but the only thing moving is Gracie’s plastic.

      • Rjoneal September 22, 2017 at 10:09 pm - Reply

        9-22-17 Marlene you are right Solar last seen early this am eating her leftover piece of fish from George last night. Have not seen George since last night but chances are they left this early morning after Solar ate her fish. Given their eyesight is not great for night vision doubtful George left last night but rather today early morning and same with Solar.

    61. Marlene September 22, 2017 at 8:44 pm - Reply

      Hi, Shelli, glad there is help for Aidan. Sometimes we post so many comments, it must be overwhelming. You are a welcome addition, even though we’re coming to the end of our George and Gracie family saga for this year. We are all experiencing that empty nest syndrome. Thanks, as always, to Tommy for building the osprey nest for George and Gracie, when they were newly married (???!!!). Special thanks to Paul, for providing us with a view into the lives of this wonderful osprey family. And, thanks to Aidan for putting up with us.

    62. CarolV September 22, 2017 at 7:29 pm - Reply

      4/30/17
      LOVELY GRACIE…………

      • CarolV September 22, 2017 at 7:31 pm - Reply

        4/30/17
        GORGEOUS GEORGE……………….

        • CarolV September 22, 2017 at 7:34 pm - Reply

          5/01/17
          LOVELY COUPLE………….

    63. CarolV September 22, 2017 at 6:32 pm - Reply

      Is this too soon?

      • CarolV September 22, 2017 at 6:57 pm - Reply

        for our O’Sprey Family…………………………………………….

        MAY SOFT BREEZES RISE BENEATH YOU……….
        MAY FISH BE PLENTIFUL FOR YOU………………….
        ……..MAY THE SUN SHINE SOFTLY ON YOU………………
        ………..AND UNTIL WE SEE YOU AGAIN…………………………..
        ……………..MAY YOU FLY SAFELY IN GOD’S LOVE…

        • CarolV September 22, 2017 at 7:41 pm - Reply

          I don’t know why but I just glanced at the nest before signing off and the empty nest in the dark is making me teary……………

        • Rjoneal September 22, 2017 at 10:14 pm - Reply

          Your Irish Farewell I can always count on at the end of the Season,thanks for another wonderful Season CarolV.

        • June c September 23, 2017 at 7:16 am - Reply

          As much as I wanted to see them migrate its sad they did…your Irish farewell is beautiful…Gods speed to George and Solar..

        • Helen September 23, 2017 at 8:08 am - Reply

          Amen, amen, Carol.

        • ChrisH September 25, 2017 at 10:37 am - Reply

          Beautiful! Never fails to touch my heart….

      • Rjoneal September 22, 2017 at 10:13 pm - Reply

        No Carol it is sad but true I think they are gone. 🙁 Be Free, Be Safe, Be Brave, & Be Back Next Season George & Gracie!

    64. Helen September 22, 2017 at 6:11 pm - Reply

      Perhaps they have gone….as usual, George is the best father – he is so attentive. If I am right and they have left, Godspeed.

      • RobininMd September 22, 2017 at 7:36 pm - Reply

        Nobody home today? I only get the weekends to see what’s going on and now they are gone. Be safe babies – we love you.

      • CarolV September 22, 2017 at 7:36 pm - Reply

        Feeling sad, too, Helen. Stop worrying about them….they are in good hands.

        • Rjoneal September 22, 2017 at 10:16 pm - Reply

          I Second that CarolV, Helen they are being the Best Osprey They Can Be,Free and Roaming to a warmer climate.

          • Helen September 23, 2017 at 8:14 am - Reply

            Thanks Ranay as well.

        • Helen September 23, 2017 at 8:10 am - Reply

          You are right, Caol. I will try to remember.

    65. Rjoneal September 22, 2017 at 5:14 pm - Reply

      ALL OZ FOLLOWERS- WELCOME OUR NEW MODERATOR SHELLI PLEASE!

      Paul has finally made it happen, thanks to him and Aidan we now have help for Aidan going into the future. Some of you might already know her well she is very good at her job and very well liked in the community of Live Cams. She has many jobs with many live cams but you might know her from the Facebook Page her and Nita Roper have for our Osprey Family.
      It appears her title will show up as Comment Admin when she post and for now she has a pic of herself as her Gravatar.
      Let us all take the time to welcome her since she along with Aidan will have to put up with all of us and review all the comments before they get posted.
      HEADS-UP NO MORE INAPPROPRIATE BEHAVIOR WILL BE TOLERATED.

      Love Our Osprey Family & Followers!

      • Rjoneal September 22, 2017 at 5:17 pm - Reply

        And……
        Thank you Paul and Aidan for adding to our family as we are growing.

      • RobininMD September 22, 2017 at 6:08 pm - Reply

        Welcome Shelli and Nita! I love all the bird cams but this one is on the top of my favorites list! It will be great to have a moderator here – thanks so much for volunteering! Looking forward to the Eagle cams coming soon too!

        • Rjoneal September 22, 2017 at 6:22 pm - Reply

          RobinMD thanks for posting, I hear you eagles in the sky already starting to pair up. 🙂

        • Comment Admin September 22, 2017 at 9:21 pm - Reply

          Thanks Robin

      • Comment Admin September 22, 2017 at 6:09 pm - Reply

        Wow, What a welcome! Thanks Rj…I appreciate your kindness. I’m just here for u all.
        Hopefully I’ll be able to get all your wonderful comments posted quickly, or at least more often during the day.
        I’m looking forward to being a part of this amazing chat group!

        • PattyK September 23, 2017 at 8:26 am - Reply

          Welcome and thank you for coming to aid our wonderful Osprey Zone!

      • CarolV September 22, 2017 at 6:34 pm - Reply

        WELCOME!! Good of you to come over!

      • CarolV September 22, 2017 at 7:37 pm - Reply

        Uh-OH…..Rjoneal, no more naked birdie pictures??????

        • Comment Admin September 22, 2017 at 8:12 pm - Reply

          Lol Carol

        • Rjoneal September 22, 2017 at 10:19 pm - Reply

          I can always count on you to add your sense of humor CarolV thanks for the laugh.

      • Helen September 22, 2017 at 8:09 pm - Reply

        Ditto to everything you wrote. It’s good to have you part of our group!

      • June c September 23, 2017 at 7:05 am - Reply

        Welcome to the site Shelli …It will be great to see posts done couple times a day..Aidan had his hands full..Thank you Aidan for all that you did..So happy for you now you have help..

    66. CarolV September 22, 2017 at 8:55 am - Reply

      GM! The day begins with 1/2 fish still at right.
      Gonna be a perfect first day of Autumn…………..temps in 70s; sunny, but some clouds; still windy from Jose….
      Supposed to have a bit more summery weather this weekend. in to the 80s and sunny.

      • CarolV September 22, 2017 at 8:56 am - Reply

        Solar puts in her appearance………..nice having munchies waiting!

    67. CarolV September 22, 2017 at 8:34 am - Reply

      9/21- Got home last night to see our beautiful Solar on the nest. Did scrollback to see George was keeping up with stuffing her………….

      • CarolV September 22, 2017 at 8:36 am - Reply

        @16:59- George comes in with a fish.

        • CarolV September 22, 2017 at 8:37 am - Reply

          Solar says “Thanks”

          • CarolV September 22, 2017 at 8:38 am - Reply

            17:03–another fish, which Solar switches to.

            • CarolV September 22, 2017 at 8:39 am

              SEE YA!

            • CarolV September 22, 2017 at 8:40 am

              YUM! Dessert’s waiting!

            • CarolV September 22, 2017 at 8:44 am

              Fish pie for dessert.- will she finish?
              Nope, headed to perch with leftovers left behind……..

    68. Marlene September 21, 2017 at 6:21 pm - Reply

      Has any ospreyite seen a baby come in with a fish? How long can this baby feeding go on?

      • CarolV September 22, 2017 at 10:01 am - Reply

        No self caught that I’ve seen yet. As we saw, George keeps up feeding as long as they’re here. He has stayed in previous years till they go. If they catch their own, he would still supplement their diet.

        Vic at the Verizon nest (by my job) is still here, even tho his young have gone. He was on his post yesterday as I left work, leisurely eating. Waiting to see if he stays on sched., staying till the 25th or so.

      • Bob September 22, 2017 at 11:39 am - Reply

        Dear Marlene, I have asked the same question many times and most responses have been in the negative as to the young catching their own fish. Of Course, we can’t see what happens when they are not in the nest so we can only hope. I do know that in the past the young had caught their own fish long before now. Some folks have indicated that they can learn on the migration but I find that difficult to accept although I hope I am wrong. I just wonder that if they can’t successfully fish in their home water especially when we know the food supply has remained adequate all along, how can they be expected to suddenly catch fish over brand new waters? Maybe my fears for S & E are unfounded.Others know much more than me about osprey. I’ll just keep my fingers crossed. Regards, Bob

        • Comment Admin September 22, 2017 at 12:28 pm - Reply

          Hi Bob! There’s nothing to worry about. Osprey have survived for millions of years. We are learning more and more about their behavior each year thanks to cams like ours! This season a cam owner in NC saw two juvenile catch their own fish before leaving for migration. If they don’t however they will learn, as hunger is a great motivator. Trust the osprey ❤️

          • Bob September 23, 2017 at 9:51 am - Reply

            Thanks for the succinct and hopeful reply. You have put me at ease and I will lay off the worrying. Bob

            • Comment Admin September 23, 2017 at 11:50 am

              I’m so glad Bob…thanks for sharing your concerns tho. I appreciate your sensitivity.

    69. Marlene September 21, 2017 at 6:19 pm - Reply

      Around 5:00, Solar was crying for his dinner. George answered the call, and bought two fish to the nest, one after another. Eclipse was not around, and so Solar ate both fish. His belly must be full. When George realized that his other offspring was not coming for the fish, he returned to the nest to eat one of them, but Solar chased him away.

    70. shredman September 21, 2017 at 9:28 am - Reply

      Been a while,have any of the young brought in a fish on there own?

      • Rjoneal September 22, 2017 at 10:23 pm - Reply

        9-22-17 Hi Shredman thanks for posting it has been awhile since you posted glad to see you are still with us. Our babies did do some fishing and practiced their dives down at the beach but we never seen them bring a fish into the nest this year. All the fish was provided by Gracie and George. We did see them practicing and would return to the nest all wet without a fish and immediately start the begging call for fish from mom and dad.

    71. CarolV September 21, 2017 at 7:22 am - Reply

      Morning. Sweetie……..havea beautiful day! Day should be dry and warm………..

    72. Betsy September 20, 2017 at 11:09 pm - Reply

      Eclipse is 15 weeks old today. Eclipse was not at the nest at all today; the picture is from last evening.

      • CarolV September 22, 2017 at 2:03 pm - Reply

        Happy birthday…..wherever you are…………….

    73. CarolV September 20, 2017 at 9:20 pm - Reply

      A stray ray of sunshine breaks thru the clouds to give Solar a rosy glow. She came back to nest about 17:40 and spotted the abandoned fish; she went and stood over it, but wasn’t hungry. She spent a lot of time gazing around.
      She eventually ate the fish before heading up to perch.

      • CarolV September 20, 2017 at 9:24 pm - Reply

        After a short time upstairs, Solar was back in the nest…..too windy or missing E?

        Forecast for tonight is overcast and windy……warm with temps near 70. Tomorrow-still cloudy with temps mid 70s.

    74. CarolV September 20, 2017 at 9:04 pm - Reply

      It’s all about Solar this afternoon. I hear Eclipse has been m.i.a.

      Delivery…….@15:36

      • CarolV September 20, 2017 at 9:06 pm - Reply

        Yoga pose—- fishward-facing-Osprey

        • CarolV September 20, 2017 at 9:08 pm - Reply

          It looks like 2 fish came in together….when Solar flew off, a small fish was still there.

          • CarolV September 20, 2017 at 9:11 pm - Reply

            @15:40—George brings a nice porgy.Solar spits out the fish she is working on to take the fresh one.

            She flew out with it.

            • CarolV September 20, 2017 at 9:14 pm

              George is back. He may have grabbed the fish Solar rejected for the porgy and carried it around in his thrifty way.
              Now there is no one to take his offering,

            • CarolV September 20, 2017 at 9:15 pm

              …so he takes it back…..

            • CarolV September 21, 2017 at 7:35 pm

              The 9:08 post is out of order in timeline….think I saw :56 as :36…..still trying to sort that out., fish -wise.

    75. Rjoneal September 20, 2017 at 4:51 pm - Reply

      9-20-17 Our funny Solar

      • CarolV September 22, 2017 at 9:52 am - Reply

        Gracie brought some tow rope at one point..maybe George can pull her to SA on her skis!

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