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March 18, 2016 Timelapse
The Summer of 2015 by GinaM
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Osprey Zone Highlights - June 28, 2015
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osprey 07/11/15 squirt
First Sighting
George and Gracie's First Baby
Eggs Over Easy
Changing of the Guard
Breakfast is Served
Upgrading
Feeding Time
First Love
Let's Hang Out
Hard to Get
Little Brother
Intruder
Dinner is Served
OspreyZone Montage
OspreyZone Highlights: George Returns
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Belle’s Journey
Written by Dr. Rob Bierregaard & Illustrated by Kate Garchinsky
Take flight with Belle, an osprey born on Martha’s Vineyard as she learns to fly and migrates for the first time to Brazil and back–a journey of more than 8,000 miles.
IMPORTANT: Messages from osprey experts
I haven’t seen the little guy yet this morning, but I would be very surprised if he survived the night. That sure was tough to watch yesterday, but that whole process is as much a part of the essence of being an Osprey as is eating a fish. It’s part of the life of Ospreys that was rarely seen before we started putting cameras in nests. As hard as it is, we should not label the behavior as mean or cruel. Being mean or cruel implies that there is intent to do harm just for harm’s sake. Those young were responding to a set of stimuli (very little food being delivered to the nest and the presence of a very small young) in a way that evolution has hard-wired into them. It helps ensure their survival. Nature is not cruel. It is harsh, unforgiving, and often random (had the little guy been born 1st, he would have been just as aggressive as was his sibling), but not cruel or mean.
Paul Henry ospreyzone July 1, 2015 at 8:17 am
Thanks Rob for bringing your knowledge and experience to help us all gain perspective here. We are all saddened by the events that unfolded before our eyes and it’s only natural for all of us to feel and express our emotions appropriately. There have been many issues pertaining to intervention which have been discussed amongst us all. There is no doubt in my mind that the right decision was made, to let nature take it’s course. By the way, that doesn’t equate to heartless, on the contrary, nobody feels worse about this then the apparent decision makers. I say apparent, because when all was said and done, and all the issues were properly weighed, there really weren’t any other options. It was clearly pointed out, by experts, that intervening at this stage could have spooked the whole nest to the point of losing all the young. If the little one was saved, and nursed back to health, what kind of a life would it have had, perhaps caged up in a zoo. I remember when I was younger I saw a golden eagle in captivity, caged behind a wire mesh. I could practically see it’s tears. As far as placing the little one in another nest, such a low probability of success would never have justified the possibility of spooking the nest. There’s a piece of me, however heavy hearted, that believes that perhaps it is better to be born free and die free. We mourn for the little one as we marvel at the wonders of nature.
Hello Paul,
Thanks for your query, and you have my admiration for persevering. We know very well how tough your job is, including dealing with an anxious public.
Our policy with our Bird Cams project is essentially “just say no” to pleas for interference. The behavior you are witnessing – while seemingly cruel and heartless to us – is natural for many kinds of birds, especially those that feed on variable, unpredictable food supplies. The little nestling does have a chance to survive, but if it does not then that result was “meant to be” by the nature of Osprey breeding strategy. The wonderful things about these nest cameras also sometimes yield the difficult things for us to watch. As you might know, we actually post a “siblicide alert” on some of our cams where we suspect the possibility exists.
I’m copying your note to Charles Eldermire, project leader for our Bird Cams. He may have some additional comments, and he would be the one to ask if we might be able to use your stored files for biological analysis.
Best wishes, and good luck,
John W. Fitzpatrick
Director, Cornell Lab of Ornithology
It’s also important to acknowledge that intervening can also cause problems of its own—depending on the ages of the birds in the nest, disturbing them can trigger an early fledge. We have restricted the scenarios in which we would even consider intervening to injuries or dangers that are explicitly human-derived. For example, 3 or 4 years ago we were alerted by viewers that one of the osprey chicks at the Hellgate Osprey nest was entangled in monofilament line. We consulted with our partners there (wildlife biologists, raptor researchers, raptor rehabbers) to determine if the monofilament was an issue, and if intervening was both likely to solve the issue AND not have bad effects on the other nestlings. In the end, a quick trip to the nest was scheduled via a bucket truck, the monofilament was removed, and the nestlings all eventually fledged. In that case, all of the permits were already in hand to be studying the ospreys, and we had already discussed how to approach issues in the nest.
Good luck to the young one—hope it all turns out well.
charles.
*******************
Charles Eldermire
Bird Cams Project Leader
Cornell Lab of Ornithology
I’ve been to your site—great cam! And I noticed the runt in the nest. This is just normal Osprey reproduction. It happens all the time and you should not intervene. It’s tough to watch, but it’s how nature works. Ospreys almost always lay 3 eggs and on average fledge between 1 and 1.5 young each year. They stagger the hatch so there is a spread of ages in the young. That way, if food is short, the first-hatched (and therefore largest) will get enough food to survive while the smaller nest mates do not. If all three young were the same size and there was only enough food for 1 young, none of the young would get enough food and they would all die. If there’s lots of food, the smallest will eventually get fed and can survive. These nest cams can show some gut-wrenching scenes. The most infamous perhaps was one of the very first Osprey cams (on Long Island somewhere), where the smallest young died. One of the adults carried it out of the nest and after several minutes flew back into the nest and fed it to the other young. Waste-not-want-not at its goriest. At Hog Island up in Maine just last week a Bald Eagle came in and took the young out of the nest. Last year at another nest, cameras documented a Great-horned Owl taking young Ospreys out of a nest in NJ or MD. All of these things have been going on for millions of years and Ospreys are doing fine.
Rob Bierregaard
Academy of Natural Sciences
Drexel University
http://www.ospreytrax.com
OH…Thank heavens! Just like a man! WE’re all worried about him…………….
..and he’s off FISHING!!!!!!!!!
Her happily took the fish, George is comfy in the nest……….and I can go to sleep!!!
This was hard to watch …some people may prefer to skip this…………………George and Her were both in nest. Suddenly they both flew out……….
George comes flying back in………….
….kind of air skids across nest…………….
..and lands hard in the corner…………..
Her, I believe, is the one being chased………….
George pancakes as the intruder approaches………….
pic.
George goes up after the intruder…..I hope these are in order………….
George grapples with intruder, with George on bottom…….They fell out of sight.
……………….
………………
…………..
…..
Her came in and called for him…….. she has been in the nest since………………….
Hi CarolV – Re your pix here and narrative – That is not George flying in and onto nest first, etc. What happened in those moments: the intruder (many think it Gracie as do I) flew into nest first in these pictures. Then came George’s new mate, hot in pursuit. So first = intruder. Second = George’s GF. Third = George. I know this bec I watched extensively yesterday, took pix and made videos. I am DLionheart in YouTube (creator of the videos that I post in here) and other places aka SMCF here and in other places as well. =)
CarolV: That wasn’t “George pancakes as the intruder approaches………….” (6th picture). That was GRACIE!!
And, it’s Gracie in the picture before that one (she’s on the nest on the right) and it’s poor Gracie getting the crap beat out of her in the next several pictures. She also has a wound that was bleeding from the fighting that you could see during the battle.
I just got back from upstate. Rjoneal had sent me an email about fight at 16:36 and link to video.
THE “INTRUDER” WAS GRACIE, OUR POOR DARLING SWEET GRACIE.
Wow, it could be I guess. What is she basing her ID on?
Admin Shelli: I’ve been watching OZ for 2 years (2016 and 2017) and did a video on Gracie comparing her with George. I have a ton of pictures. I know her like the back of my hand. THAT WAS GRACIE.
TOTALLY agree with you Betsy. (((((((((((((((((((((Betsy))))))))))))))))))))
Hi Shelli – One of THE best ways to discern Gracie or not = check out the bald spot? or some other reason for the mark? – Gracie has the same EXACT markings under her right wing as this intruder does. I have studied videos and pix of Gracie extensively and looked at the videos that I made (as DLionheart in YouTube) comparing intruder markings to the beloved Gracie. They are the very same markings. If one examines that dark spot as well as some other markings near the top of where feathers meet white, right wing again, then one sees the remarkable similarities, if not exact – which I find to be so.
Hi all i may have jumped the gun….I guess wanting to believe Gracie is still around…but do look at tube video…sorry to all
Disregard my last comment….I see the post now.
Here’s another pic of intruder…
Did something change with posting? I can no longer see what I just posting while it was pending an approval….
A couple others have mentioned this too, so you’re not alone.
I have mentioned this to the cam owners.
Renee: Check the little box to the left of the statement “Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment” which are just below the Name/Email/Website boxes. Then, after you post and the page refreshes, you will see your comment awaiting moderation.
Active day at the nest, kept George and his mate busy keeping intruders away!
Managed to get a pic of one of the intruders that landed in the nest…
6;18pm Lots of crazy action in and out of the nest this afternoon…Thanking Her for rearrangeing the twig screen…..strange to see both parents leaving the eggs to ward off pesky intruder for a few hours this afternoon. Both came back to nest, then took off after pesky….wonder if this insistent one is a family member……..
The intruder looks kind of young what are the chances its one of the babes from last year?
Not a possibility, ospreys remain in South America until the age of two before migrating back up North.
Look on utube ..Osprey zone. Nest invasion by DLionheart…that is where u can intruder who looks or is Gracie
Thanks to Rockymt…..looked really close at video….top pic is Gracie bottom intruder..look at markings on her head…same as Gracie…even spot under her wing…I think it’s Gracie
I’m no expert, just watched George and Gracie last season for the second half of it…but from what I recall of the ‘black spot’ location, seems very likely this Gracie. I saw some postings that ‘there’s no necklace’ but some of those changes can/do happen to wild birds from year to year—coloration/feathers changing. Very confusing right now for all of us, but I’m leaning toward ID’ing this intruder as Gracie….
So the 3rd chick finally hatched on Hog Island Maine this morning and as I watched one of the first feedings that involved all 3 chicks, I noticed the experience of this female as she seemed to remember each chick during the feeding. She reaches over to make sure the chicks in the back are fed and comes back to the chick in the front. The clip is long but if you stick it out you will see the chick, back right, start to choke on a piece of fish that is too large, but mama realizes this and helps little guy get it up. Amazing!
George is in the nest. Her alit behind him. Moments later, another flying, with both birds flying after the intruder.
I feel 10 eyes staring at me. Something says feeding time. The dog is peacefully sleeping, definitely not as demanding as the cats! I need a break anyway.!! TOO much drama!
Is it just me, or are we seeing Gracie in all this battling?
My heart is aching for all the battling that is going on and for sooo long… I am looking at videos in YouTube of Gracie and I am thinking yes, she is here. Am I wrong? I defer to all you regulars here who completely know George and Gracie… Sigh this is just horrid – over here praying for each of these beautiful birds and! that their eggs survive all this.
SmokyMtnCreatureFan: You are not wrong. It’s Gracie. Yes, a horrible situation in that eggs were laid — the 1st being exactly 2 weeks ago — and that it’s our beloved Gracie who’s fighting to come back.
Thank you very much Betsy for the affirmations. This is ALL so heart breaking indeed – for ALL of the osprey involved and the eggs. Hugs to you GF bec I know your heart is hurting along with everyone else here who loves Gracie and cares about all of these beautiful birds. ♥
I liked this! George and Her had a full conversation when she came in @15:57EDT….He seemed to be filling her in on what to watch out for…………
Her was standing on edge, looking around…………..
When someone came through, knocking her sideways………. she chased the pest, but it was just one of several additional attacks.
I just checked at 17:16 as someone flitted over head and Her went after him/her. The sun is back, which may help, since the eggs are being left. I can hear calling in the distance, which is probably George. What a trying afternoon! Everything was happening so fast, my computer was objecting to the rapid fire pictures! So excuse anything I messed up, please!
Sad to say, there is an outright battle going on…. Hopefully all will be well. As the day as wore on, the intruder(s) visits are escalating, even coming right to the nest and chasing George and his girl back to the nest… There has been more battling than eggsitting for some time now…. God willing, George, his girl and their precious eggs will be okay. ♥
At one point, not long ago, sure looked like lots of osprey out there in the sky – definitely more than three, that’s for sure. I don’t think it’s just one intruder…..
SmokyMtnCreatureFan: Yes, there were multiple osprey flying around at one point. Osprey live in loose colonies. I remember reading about it before and here is the explanation:
“Additionally, we noticed over time, that when we worked on a nest, we drew a flying crowd of agitated onlookers. This is a colonial behavior and is effective in warding off intruders. It is
likened to a mob of siblings showing up to protect a wronged sister. …” (https://cumauriceriver.org/reaches/osprey/pdf/Ospr_dialogue.pdf)
5pm intruder is still around George and our girl taking turns chasing intruder and guarding nest when our girl is in the nest intruder flies in and is chasing our girl and has landed in nest several times
At 401 intruder landed in next appeared to try to land on or steal their eggs
447 and still tons of action intruder.keeps landing in nest but only when our girl is there that’s the target
@15:31EDT……Her is on the nest..
Prepares to go- note stick on butt…….
George comes in
Rolls eggs and settles………….
UH-OH!!!!!!!!!!
LOOK OUT!
The intruder appears to touch down on right………
Her comes in for back-up…you can see three osprey- G top right; intruder low.rt.; Her left
I’M HERE!
Her lands again………
George gives her a shoulder tap………..
.and comes in to relieve Her…..
I was thinking how much faster this would be in video when I realized SmokeyMTCreatureFan has posted them and they popped in while I was doing this endless string! Now we have live action and Highlights!
At 432 pm the intruder landed in the nest was there for a second or two you can get a pretty good look it looks familiar and seems to be attacking our new girl rather then George or the nest Action started at about 4 it’s all very interesting
HI all..
I have been watching this nest for a year or so and just loving watching nature.
I have a question…does any one know if these eggs are viable, and if they are ,approximately when should they hatch ?
Thanks.
Catherine
Catherine unfortunately there’s no way to know for sure until 40 plus days have passed.
It is possible that at least two eggs if not all three will hatch. Only time will tell.
Will be watching with great anticipation !
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EBB_wt8QvE4&feature=youtu.be
~So much intruder action here today! Hard to discern if same intruder repeatedly or not…
So glad to see these posted! Couldn’t keep up with the action!
Thank you Carol, I worried a little that people might think I am posting too many videos. But with so much action going on, in addition to we who believe it is Gracie, I wanted to share as much info as possible to help people make up their own minds re the repeat intruder. Praying super hard that all of this will end with NO tragedies and NO loss of the eggs. Gosh, it is all just heart wrenching as I feel for all of the birds involved.
Here are pix of the bold intruder who landed on the nest multiple times during today’s battle. Glad to hear it is finally quiet. Hope George’s new mate is up there on the perch. Poor George, off and on, throughout the entire HOURS long battling – he kept trying to get on those eggs. Bless his heart… And yes, more than once, one could see more than three osprey out there…. Sigh, it has been a total afternoon of battling… I feel sooo much for George and his new mate – they could not catch a break for long today. Bless them and their precious eggs. ♥
Bold intruder pic 2 of 5
Intruder pic 3 of 5
Intruder pic 4 of 5
Ooops, should not have hit refresh, as my posts which await moderation disappeared until released. OOPS.
So I had this last pic of the intruder who keeps landing on the nest… I was thinking how nice it was that all was finally quiet. George was on the eggs, looking okay from all the battling…. I was hoping that his new girl would be back soon or was on the cam pole and I was hoping she was okay too…
No sooner had I typed this, then one could hear action again. Oh no. Sure enough, here comes George’s girl and! the intruder. Intruder lands on nest yet again… I think I saw wounds on the intruder, not sure – going to look back and take pix or make video…
These guys need a break!!! Enough drama now. God bless them and their eggs. ♥
Here is the last pic from earlier….
Intruder pic 5 of 5
14:18…. the sky darkens as those possible passing showers pop up..
It’s 3:05 and we are just getting the darkened sky on my side of the Island. No rain yet, but I can feel the temp dropping. We made it up to the happy 70s today, with lots of lovely sunshine!
About 5 mins. after that post, Steve, my forecaster cat, growled and slinked in to hiding.. And the rain started………..
It’s down to about 62, and dropping thru the night to about 54. Hhmmmmmm…how much do I need heat????
I’m glad our birds are getting these cool temps, seeing the Lady panting in the heat last week made me want to fan her down and provide an umbrella.
Less bugs too!
Mamma Mia.. get ready for more rain!
Here we go again🎼🎼🎼🎼🎼🎼
12:20- Her is back. George doesn’t seem in any hurry to go….
Is this why???
First…………..a good chin scratch…………….
OK, George…..You yell, I’ll chase! What a team!
The coast is clear. George has gone as Her comes back.
With a little rearranging………….
…………… Her settles in for her shift
Was happy to get out of work early. And then I got to scroll back to see lunch was served! Problem is..my cat, Zoe(16), had decided she likes this warm keyboard…… After negotiations, she says it’s my turn.
George coming in with a big, headless fish
“Waddaya think?”
“Pull!”
Pause for a quick chat………..
Lunch delivered and filled in on Her’s morning, George focuses on the important work……… Her makes sure she gets that good grip!
Good morning all and Happy Tuesday to George, his new GF/mate and to everyone here! So I witnessed a slight altercation with an intruder. ‘Made a video of it to share with you all. I can’t help but wonder about Gracie and so yearn for a good view of this regular intruder here….
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qnXqO-VWlZs
~I sure don’t want battle or horrid things to happen to any of these osprey, Gracie included – IF this is her trying to reclaim her nest… Here’s to hoping for the best for all of the osprey here and to those precious eggs!
~Leesa – From one poet to another, that poem is beautiful!!! Bravo!!!
~CarolV – ‘Luv all of your pix and commentaries! Nickname is a-okay, call me Smoky as that is what most people do where I am SMCF. Lol, re your having hard time with computer tech. That’s okay, we all have our strengths, weaknesses and limitations. =)
~Re nests and how different they are and such. The two nests out there that I think are THE most beautiful = One Hog Island’s huge, cushy and colorful osprey nest. Two, The Decorah North nest which is enormous and! I call it “The Heartnest” bec both the outer rails and the inner soft core of the nest are shaped like hearts. =)
~Another nest that is pretty darn cool simply because they get to enjoy a HUGE “patio” is over at “The Tweedles” place. If you don’t yet know that osprey family, they are over at HD on Tap, and the nest is another osprey nest in Chesapeake Bay, MD. They are also sitting on three eggs, due about the same time as these eggs are – somewhere around the middle of the month I believe. With such a patio space, they get all kinds of visitors over there, lol. Crows, gulls and last year, a visiting juvenile osprey. The “porch” is also great for their offspring to be able to explore a bit, prior to fledge. Here is the link to that nest if you would like to meet them: https://hdontap.com/index.php/video/stream/chesapeake-bay-osprey-live-cam
~Just as in YouTube, over at the above mentioned nest, I am DLionheart. =)
~Hope everyone enjoys a lovely day today – and blessings to George, his gf and their eggs – may they enjoy a good and safe day indeed!
There have been a lot of intruders this year compared to past years
Pretty!
……..cue music……Nothin’ can be fina’ than to see the sunny-shina’ in the mmoo-or-or-ning!
May have passing showers in afternoon……..
Like many on the Ospreyzone site, I am still heartbroken at not having our Gracie show up this year. I am trying to stay positive, that she is ok and may show up at another time. However the reality sets in most nights and I grieve for her. I know they are wild animals, but George and Gracie have become special to many of us, and those of us who are “animal lovers” have a harder time dealing with these things sometimes. Poetry is one of my coping mechanisms, and so I decided to give it try to see if this will somehow help me and the many others out there who are still having a tough time dealing with her absence. So I dedicate this to us, who love nature, and love George and Gracie!
The winter had passed, and spring had arrived, the Ospreyzone gang began slowly to arrive.
It seemed like forever, the cameras not live, but all knew the website would soon be by our side.
And sure enough, one day, the cameras came on and the new year began with loud shouts and applause!
Yes, there were 2 perched upon that ole nest, but one was a stranger, we all took a guess.
“Is it one of the babies from years one or two? Or is it a stranger who is just passing through?”
George stood by proudly, handsome as he could be, but where is our Gracie? Where could she be?
We watched as the day passed making comments, asking “why?” Making guesses, asking questions, always wondering “why?”
As night fell on Greenport, our hopes did fall too, for Gracie was missing, yes this time it was true.
A new bird was present her true role not yet known, till day 2 came around and an egg was then found.
We then knew our hero, George yes is his name, had waited for Gracie, but finally took a new dame.
A wee bit of happiness was able to creep in, as our hopes of more chicks seemed to slowly sink in.
The new mom was clueless, a beginner for sure. But George stepped right up and nest duty did secure.
The first egg did not receive the attention it would need, but for eggs 2 and 3 both parents seemed to succeed .
But what of our Gracie, is she gone or ok? Our questions are many, the answers at bay.
So Gracie, to you, we hang on to our hope, that you are still out there, and are able to cope,
with whatever has happened, whatever your path, and that someday your wings will fly you back home, here, at last.
We don’t know what’s next, what each new day may bring, we don’t know the future or much of anything,
except that God’s beauty we gladly behold, and that His love for Gracie beats ours even more!
Leesa Downs: What a beautiful poem! I held it together until the last two stanzas.
Leesa- thank you for this gift………..
Leesa– a beautiful way to say how all of us feel. Loved your poem and I am not a poem writer or even like poetry. When someone writes something I can relate to, I really enjoy the poem. Thanks for writing and sharing your passion with us. I will be sure to copy this poem later today. Definitely brings tears when reading and thinking about the words.
Leesa…..as Betsy….the tears could not be held back….Absolutely a beautiful poem…you said it all……Thank you….This will be printed out and will be read over n over…
Your poem is so beautiful and touching, Leesa. Thank you for it!
A very touching poem. Thank you for sharing it with all of us.
Sentiments we all share. Lovely!
Leesa, thank you so much forthe beautiful poem! xoxo
💕💕💕
Since we’ve turned a page, replying to some things here:
LEORA: Not Her’s inexperience that makes this nest a “mess”. It’s George’s aesthetic. He’s in to cabin chic this year.
BETSY: Don’t even want to think about bees after the whole ordeal at HI last year!
KATHLEEN B: There aren’t many eagle nests reported out here yet. I’ve heard of one on Shelter Island across the bay from East Marion. I have seen them hanging around the Peconic River near Riverhead, about 30-45 mins. west of the nest. But they are building up a presence on LI, so it’s a matter of time. One of the charms of this nest is the lack of predators, cutting down on the drama.
SMOKEYMCF ( nickname okay?) Thanks for your support on learning to video. Betsy and Rjoneal -long time posters- can attest that they have tried to help me in the past, but I’m a slow learner at tech. They’ve both walked me thru-limping-various things in the past.
And yes. I loved George’s stare in to camera, admiring his handiwork!
HAGN everyone! That bothersome job gets me up early!
CarolV: Yes, I’m attesting, I’m attesting!! 😀 😀
HA HA!
Her nesting instincts are really developing, to sit on those eggs all day in chilly temps and rain, I’m so impressed.
She grows on me more each day. She has some personality! And I’m hoping against the odds,that all three eggs will hatch!
Me too!!!!
@ 19:41. Her is back…………..
Must tidy up before settling in……………
yeah.picture
And I worried about Her getting fed! @18:57…Our Hero Rises!
looks yummy!
A little tug o’war……
She made several grabs but got those talons on that fish!!!!!! Lesson learned?
And away she went!
I am so happy she finally figured it out…….
CarolV, Mamma Mia heard you. She’s using her talons! Next you have to teach her to hold out one talon while she sips tea! Oh the rain has rendered me silly!
@14:32—More than ready for her break, Her spots George heading in……….
……BYE!!!!!!………………
.as George comes in……..I love the way his head pops in to frame and he carefully makes his way to the eggies!
@17:22– as best I could tell, Her was out for a nice LLOOoNG break.
..George scoping around and spots the wayward one…I don’t know how long she was in the nest, especially thru that miserable rain this morning. I work fairly close to this nest and it poured!!!!!
I also wonder if she ate. No posts yet for afternoon and I don’t expect G was able to catch anything this a.m.
I’m out!
Her comes in and does some straightening before she settled in.
Enjoying the rays that slipped in beneath that ominous cloud cap as the sun heads for the horizon.
When is the last time this dear sole had something to eat?
I checked back at least twice today and George has not brought her a fish 🙁
I wonder what she is dreaming about, or perhaps trying to keep her mind off this miserable weather.
Poor wet tired osprey. To me this nest is cleaner than last year. As CarolV pointed out,they use what’s available. Maybe due to many storms there are a lot more branches and pieces of wood from downed trees. At least there’s no plastic.. either people are cleaning up more. Or mamma Mia doesn’t have a thing for it. If you want to see a haphazard,almost as square as the box it’s on,look at Chesapeake Bay on tap. If you want to view a pretty nest,look at hog island. Of coarse they are all beautiful to me.watching them never gets old So fascinating to see them adapt to with what comes about & raise their young! P.s. what happened to name contest. Due to all the funny (well maybe not to her) mishaps that Betsy & CarolV have posted. I’m thinking of Lucille (for Lucille Ball).
Hog Island has pretty green moss. Savannah has Southern charm with the draping Spanish moss. We get the occasional broken balloon or swim goggles. And, Isabelle, I see the reference to Lucy! Cute…….
Never been to the south.love the look of Spanish moss.will have to check out that nest.
Hi How about Lucy…
Lucy is good. “ Lucy I’m home!” “ with takeout!” And yes,it’s fish again!
Poor wet baby…
……………..MISERY…………………… Rain is running down lens in rivulets………..gonna be a loooooonnnnnng morning
George and his new mate’s nest may be messy. (“Osprey Nests – Osprey nests typically resemble a flat (not bowl-shaped) disorganized pile of large sticks. These
nests can be as large as eagle nests, but are flatter. Unlike eagle nests, osprey will sometimes use man-made materials, such as bailing twine or plastic bags. If the nest has been active, the nesting material may be covered in whitewash.” ftp://ftp2.dot.state.mn.us/pub/outbound/DesignBuild/TH%20210%20Jay%20Cooke%200916-29/RFP/Book%202/Section%2004-%20Environmental/Exhibits/Exhibit_4-C_Identification_Guide_to_Large_Nests.pdf
But, I’m happy and relieved not to see dangerous man-made material (https://www.audubon.org/news/more-plastic-world-means-more-plastic-osprey-nests; http://fwp.mt.gov/mtoutdoors/HTML/articles/2016/osprey.htm; https://www.capemaywhalewatch.com/blog/?p=582)
Look who’s on the nest tonight!! I’ll give you a hint … it’s not George!! 😀
I thought that was Her!
Missy was sitting on the eggs when an intruder tried to land on the nest. Missy leapt up to chase it away …
What started as a privacy screen became more of a decorative grillwork!!
YES!!! It was Her doing a terrific job! So proud!
Fluffy butt……………
When I saw this bird doing all the right moves- the waddle-chest push and an excellent beak hook pull-in (I’m sure there are probably terms for these moves,,,,,,,,,,somewhere,,,,,,,,,,,, I thought I had the identity wrong. I thought it had to be George
It’s gotten very windy and temp is dropping….53 now and staying low 50s overnight, rising to a rousing 60, with luck, tomorrow. Rain starting before dawn and lasting thru the morning.
Did someone say JUNE???
Did u call.
Funny June c!
Good ☝️ one!
Sorry CarolV, loving this cool weather! Hate heat & humidity!
Not much for anything over 80 but this is a bit much. Don’t want the furnace cranking away in June (not you,June).
This is a very messy nest. I don’t think these eggs are going to hatch it is a little late?
Lol. kathryn, do you always say such things when visiting another’s home? LOL. Yes it is a messy nest – however, we cannot see the whole nest. They are taking good care of each other and of their eggs and this is the most important thing…
Yes these eggs are fine – it’s not too late. We can only hope this new-to-us female lays eggs that are good. Otherwise, my guesstimate is, they are just fine indeed. One may not be, as the first one laid was left unattended, seemingly for too long…. Might be a new mother, we don’t know… So I guess, we will all just wait and see.
I do know of other osprey nests where their eggs too are not due to hatch until the middle of this month. So hang in, give it time and let’s hope for the best! =)
Many questions to wait for answers. It’s said to be possible, if they’re even viable. We are in the land of ifs and we’ll see………. and George uses what’s available. He’s in his wood stage this year.
New young, inexperienced female who is learning quickly and an experienced, dedicated male who is filling in as necessary. A learning experience for us all
Looks like pest…………
………… at work again…….
Flew out but came right back
Oh, Lordy … Here we go again!! 😀
Then, it was George’s turn!!
Young miss has a very sharp beak! And who could resist that enticing dried root thingy!
Some pics from this afternoon…….
Boredom leads to another thing stuck on beak…………..
That “art piece” is just in the way!
” Someone to watch over me..”
That “art piece” vibrating in the wind is a tad annoying in the live shot…………..
Poor Missy!! She was busy tidying around the egg cup. As she bent over to pick up a piece of wood, the wind caught her feathers and over she went!
maybe she is just young and inexperienced but this nest is a big mess!
Beak plant!
Wonky feather fest! Both sides……..
They fluttered in the wind like little bee wings….. so cute!
CarolV: We’ll be seeing those soon enough!! 😀
LOOK at those white caps! Stiff breeze but nice and SUNNY! 61degs.
Just did a long scrollback thru posts…….
KATHLEEN B.- Saw your reply about fog poem….I thought I knew it and found how wrong I was when I looked it up! My version- “The fog crept in on little cat’s feet, Sat for a while …Then silently slipped away” Don’t know where I got that!. So I know what you mean!
My answer to wine adage- wine only ages well when kept sealed in the bottle. I’ve been uncorked for a long time! (;^}}
ISABELLA: I think the same thing about that chunk of lumber! Wish I had seen that! But the small “tree” he lugged in this morning was pretty funny!
Kindred spirits! I thought the same! We are cat people i see..had to be written somewhere…spooky. Anyway, nice to finally connect, long time lurker. Love your posts. Have O’s here increasing year to year…Neighbors likely think I’m nuts, but out with the field glasses I go to see them…and probably the nearby eagles that swing by like today. East side of North Shore Nassau here, have you seen any/many eagles near you? GinaM said they got to the young on a newer nest not far from me last year. As I’ve seen a single O screaming with nothing in its talons high above my home and two birds that may very well have been eagles/eaglets – they appeared darker and didn’t bend their “fingers” upwards in flight as O’s do, I wonder about what’s happening here…and WOW, going forward, what will keep them in check?!! / Wine? Chilean red is go to – happy to hear recs from E end!
Missing Gracie TONS…….. I hope she is OK Sorry folks, but it’s not the same with Gracie being gone…………….
Karen DeLong: I can totally understand. The day the camera came back up I was devastated to see an empty nest. And, then this, what I considered, ugly female landed on the nest. But, then I saw George. I scrolled back looking for Gracie, but there was no Gracie. I was crushed, just crushed. For the next couple of days I wouldn’t watch OZ. But, then, I thought of George and I wanted to see George (if any lesson can be learned from this, it’s that something could also happen to George and this could be the last year we see him). So, at first, I would skim along the scroll bar and watch only when George was on the nest. Little by little, I would watch when the new female was on the nest and I found myself getting drawn back into watching OZ. No, it’s not the same with Gracie being gone. It’s different, not in a positive way, not in a negative way, just different; the new female’s different, not in a positive way, not in a negative way, just different, bringing her own personality and traits and quirks. I’m still sad about Gracie. Knowing that we all have tons of pictures and videos of her, that her life was celebrated and she was beloved by so many, that, even if she didn’t make it, she didn’t live her life in anonymity like so many other osprey has helped. Well, take care and maybe, with time, you’ll be able to watch OZ again.
I know how you feel..We all loved Gracie and her quirks and her relationship with George. But as a long time pet owner, I have had many loving friends, some for 17-18 yrs. As much as I miss each one, that doesn’t mean I won’t love another. The hardest part of this loss for me is the uncertainty of what happened.
Howdy everyone and Happy Sunday to you! So when first I peeked in here this morning, I could not help but laugh at the latest “log” addition! I had to go investigate – so here is what I found! I am posting the link to a video I made from the live feed. =)
~I don’t see a way to add videos here (or to edit after posting anything) so I don’t know what will happen when I post this comment – we will see! =)
P.S. Note the two birds flying out there in the video above. One is probably George’s new GF and someone else who got too close. ‘Same intruder who has been hanging around? No way to be sure.
P.S.S. NOW I know that this site does accept videos – cool! This is only my second video that I’ve made online and uploaded to YouTube in my life! What fun it is!! LUV George’s log siding addition! hehe =D
You did fine! So much funnier in video…..I wish I knew how! Thanks!
Carol – Hi there, you’re very welcome and thank YOU, too sweet! It IS a riot, isn’t it? You CAN do it too – I just studied up on it yesterday and created my first video as well. Go to Bandicam and there you can get free download and all the instructions you will need GF! It truly is super easy! ‘Love all your pix by the way and your kitty in your avatar pic too! =)
heheheheh..watched again……Love at the beginning where George rides that seaweedy stick like Broomhilda at Halloween! Laugh everytime!
OMGosh, me too! My 3 fave parts in that video = the beginning when he seems to float down in, like slow motion or magic! Two when he puts stick conglomeration over the cam, LOL and three – the very end when he looks right into the cam! Love it all! You’re funny – Broomhilda!!! hahahahaha Luv it! Looking forward to your videos soon, hint, hint. =)
BTW I have checked – Bandicam has an excellent rep = good to know!
Woke up to see the new decorations in front of the camera. Here’s how it went down.
I loved watching that this morning……..maybe he’s landscaping now? New tree?
Thank for sharing….I was out this day showing a dog for Little Shelter at a fair……she was adopted………missed the whole stick happening
So she found a “forever” home? How wonderful! Great work you do!
Nice to see some color when the sun is out! It’s been interesting to watch the color changes as the clouds scud by………definitely 50 shades of grey!
The local nests that I watch seem to be doing well. The Verizon nest by my job definitely has chicks. Both parents were in there feeding them. The male had sailed in with a fish tucked under him. As Vic passed over, it glistened like a silver streak across his stomach.
The nest @ corner of 105 and 24 looked busy, too. First time in a while that I got to see both adults on the nest. I was beginning to wonder if it was a working nest this year, but they, too, seemed to be feeding chicks.
I’ve always referenced these two against the OZ nest as to what was going on, but we’re way off this year!
9:31 am……….another switch. Posted this to show those waves rolling in….. stiff breeze at 58degs. which isn’t gonna get much better. High predicted of 61, with a partly cloudy day…….
Her was on perch and had a conversation with George before she came back in to nest.
hmmmmmmmmmmm………..
George brought Missy a partial fish and she flew away with it. Yesterday she carried it this way and then dropped it!!
O–M–G!!!!!! She got the end of her beak wedged in this piece of wood, too!!
Young lady! That is not a beak pick! It’s George’s décor!
George is on a decorating mission…….. Watching G come in…
OH…nice choice, George
What the HEY?????
This time George was fighting the wind and almost landed on Her
.This second addition was more than Her could take! Who likes living in a construction zone???
Does it look good here?
Here?
Surveying his handiwork…………..
Sunday 8:01 am, George is trying to block the camera with sticks…
I guess they may want some privacy…
I thought privacy screen, too.!
George puts up a privacy screen!! 😀
Someone has been persistently trying to land on the perch this morning. This is the when Missy jumped up trying to chase away the other bird on the 3rd invasion.
Every year, there seems to be a persistent pest……….. wonder if the same one hangs around all season or the wandering singles take turns……..
Around 7:43 am, George arrived to give Ms. Thing some respite. As he settled on the eggs, the wind was blowing his little tuchus feathers around, he’s just so cute !
Her is back by 7:22. Hope she got to eat. She did appear to be cleaning her beak.
And the PEST is back……….
…………….GO AWAY!!!!!!!!!………………..
Looks like breakfish coming in…….
delivery on the right again…….
USE YOUR TALONS!!!!
leaving with a beak hold….hope she holds on to it………….
Here’s Papa…………
Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh……. Rest.
CarolV.. use your talons!!!! Funny stuff!