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Bald Eagles Visit Nest
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OspreyZone Yankee
March 18, 2016 Timelapse
The Summer of 2015 by GinaM
Osprey Rescue Extended - July 30, 2015
Osprey Zone Highlights - June 28, 2015
Osprey Zone Highlights - June 19, 2015
osprey 07/11/15 squirt
First Sighting
George and Gracie's First Baby
Eggs Over Easy
Changing of the Guard
Breakfast is Served
Upgrading
Feeding Time
First Love
Let's Hang Out
Hard to Get
Little Brother
Intruder
Dinner is Served
OspreyZone Montage
OspreyZone Highlights: George Returns
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Belle’s Journey
Written by Dr. Rob Bierregaard & Illustrated by Kate Garchinsky
Take flight with Belle, an osprey born on Martha’s Vineyard as she learns to fly and migrates for the first time to Brazil and back–a journey of more than 8,000 miles.
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
6:20amEDT George brought in a nice partly eaten fish to Sandy. He had been chewing on an old fishtail earlier. Ronnie isn’t here so Sandy has a chance to eat quietly.
Good morning Monday George brings in the fish with the head off Sandy takes it over she’s the only one in the nest right now. It’s 6:22 AM good way to start the morning
The chicks sound hoarse to me today, or do they always sound that way?
4:14 CST 1 Chick in nest and 1 on perch. A bunch of chattering going on between them. I think they both want breakfast. 🙂
When I get home from work the first thing I do is read all the comments that have been posted. I don’t have time to scroll back and watch 4 hours of what occurred all day. I appreciate those who take the time to watch and keep me informed.so when I can I give back. I spent a lot of time in the room with my computer and I posted 5 comments-3 were one liners.Yet someone posted that it was T M I- too much information. I find that interesting since sometimes there are 15 to 16 comments a day from one person and I appreciate and read every one of them. I didn’t know we had a limit on comments. I felt that we have become so vested in this “osprey family” with all the joy,laughter,anxiety and sadness that we who post comments that are helpful to each other that we have in a way become a “human family” I don’t think that comment was necessary.
Sandy from Massapequa -” Thank you ” for thanking me for my comments.
11:12 pm, poor Sandy all by herself in the nest. Where do Ronnie, Gracie & George spend the night?
The first thing I do when I get home from work or returning from being away a long time is read all the comments that people posted all day. I like many of you don’t have the time to scroll back and watch 4 hours of activity in the nest. I appreciate those who are taking time to keep all of us up on the days activities and that we are all so vested in these 4 wonderful birds who have given us so much joy,laughter, anxiety and sadness.So I give back when I can. I spent a lot of time near my computer yesterday and posted 5 comments-some were one line long. Yet one person felt it necessary to tell me it was T M I- too much information. There are some who are posting 15 and 16 comments a day and I appreciate every one of them.
Thank you Sandy from Massapequa for thanking me for my comments. You just can’t please everyone.
Someone actually wrote that to you? How rude!! You can post as much or as little as you want on here because as far as I can tell there is no limit. I personally appreciate every ones comments because it keeps me up to date on the goings on in the nest. Post as much as you want, I say, and to heck with the ones who dont like it. They dont have to read the comments if they dont want to.
Hello Jo-ann!
I find your comments very enjoyable! But that doesn’t matter! What matters is you are enjoying this little family and when you feel like posting a comment, you go girl! You most certainly cannot please everyone! Why would you even want to try? What matters is that you are enjoying life as you see it! Share! Enjoy! Express yourself in a kind, thoughtful way! As you are doing and smile! Life is much too short to do otherwise!
I look forward to your next comments!?
Katherine
Hi again!
Sorry for the typo Jo-Ann! No one likes to see their name typed incorrectly!
Please accept my heartfelt apology!
Katherine
Jo-Ann, just wanted to let you know I appreciate all your comments. I liked your analogy of LI to a fish shape, it helps in understanding the location of the nest to the rest of the area. Keep on posting, thanks!
For Jo-Ann…I so much appreciate everyone’s updates to get on and see what has gone on throughout the day..thank you all for posting and keeping us all updated….through the times we can not be on and see what is going on with our precious babies!!
For Jo Ann –
My grandkids were here all week visiting from out West and kept me busy and off the computer all dayt. So appreciated your comments.
They kept me up to date with the happenings in the nest..Thank you.
Jo-Ann, Ad hominem attacks are somewhat common on posting sites, it’s the “nature” of the beast. I’m on a sports blog and you can’t believe some of the crap people say,” IGNORE IT”! But misinformation is fair game. Cheers Tucker
Jo-Ann, I love reading everyone’s comments and don’t care how often they comment. Sometimes people see something I miss and I can scroll back and check it out. Keep up the comments.
Jo-Ann ur feed is very helpful ..I think what that person was referring to location of this nest…not ur great posts
Oh don’t worry about them, there’s always grouchy people around. I definitely appreciate all the postings!
Hello Jo-Ann, don’t spend a moment worrying about what that person has to say. That’s so rude and uncalled for!! I also don’t watch all day long so I appreciate the comments posted here, especially when something ‘important’ has taken place. I can then rewind and watch it. 🙂
Someone is a major homebody??!!
Lost my page so I may have said this already. Ronnie flew up to perch a little after 7pm. It took a minute for Sandy to realize that the fish remains were laying there but he took possession just as Gracie flew in with a good sized whole fish. So Sandy and Gracie are both happily eating away Another nice sunset as the horizon turns pink beyond them.
About 7:45pm Sandy finished off his fish then wandered over to beg from Gracie. Being the good mom, she’s feeding him now. Another good day for the osprey family
George just came in. I thought I saw (and heard) crazy girl Ronnie flying in right before him, but she did a fly-by. Sounds like she might be on perch. Yup, she just dropped down and pushed George out of the way. He made the move to the perch
A little after 8, Ronnie flew up to perch, Sandy settled in and Mom took off. Nightie night
6:35pmEDT Fish delivery…not sure who brought it…they landed in that blind corner. Since they gave it right up to a chick, I’m guessing George.
On rewind, I thought I saw the dot under the right wing that means Gracie. But then, Gracie brought a big footful of seaweed about 5 mins. after, so I’m just confused on that on. Sandy had been alone in nest, when Ronnie jumped from perch and landed on his back. Of course, Ronnie got the fish.
Sun. Aug. 16 @6:28 EST
Very nice shot of one of our chicks, surveying the bay, looking strong as it balances on the very farthest end of a branch in the nest.
Hopefully it’s facing its bright happy long successful future!!
EST:
Hi Sallyanne, I was watching the same thing and hoping chick wouldn’t investigate the noise any further. That is where adult sparrows, whatever bird it is, come in and out of their nest just below Osprey nest.
Has anyone noticed how hugh Ronnie’s feet are compared to sibling or adult female?
Hope we can get infared and better camera positioning next year. if funds are avail.
I would donate for that..
5:30 pm EST…Mom feeding Sandy fish. Ronnie comes over and wants fish. Mom tries to feed him, but he wants NO part of it. “I WANT MY OWN AND I WILL DO IT MYSELF” he seems to be saying.
So, is Sandy the slacker?! What do you guys think? I’m assuming the one who stays in the nest most is Sandy. I rewound to earlier this afternoon and she was fighting with her mom over one fish. She quieted it down once Gracie gave her a big piece and then another one. I enjoy these skirmishes; Mom is trying to let Sandy know she better get her butt off to fish for herself. LOL!!!
Yes, Monica she is a slacker, I think Mom is trying her best to encourage Sandy to get fish. But on the other hand will not let her starve either. It is interesting to see this lesson of Osprey. I hope Sandy picks it up a notch very soon.
Hello Karin – so, have any of the ‘kids’ actually caught any fish? I don’t watch all day but do rewind and I have yet to see either Ronnie or Sandy catch any fish. Earlier today Gracie flew in with a whole fish and a few seconds later both ‘kids’ came in to chow down. lol They better start fishing soon!! The end of summer will be here before you know it. 🙂
Long as Gracie feeds Ronnie, they will never learn to fish. He or She will be lazy
EST:
Hi Cindy, I noticed earlier both chicks legs showed some slight scraping so they are trying. Guess fish teeth or gills probably burn somewhat in the beginning. Besides, they are Ospreyzone chicks, they’ll make it because we are all behind them 100%
Cindy they feed the chicks no matter what, they will learn on instinct, no opsrey in the world, won’t try fishing, if they can’t fish, they won’t survive, only time a osprey can’t fish is because of injuries, these chicks will be fine, they are still in the learning to fly stage and improving their flying skills before attempting to fish.
Thanks for the info. 🙂
It looks like Sandy (not sure) was fighting with Gracie for that fish that Gracie brought in at about a little after 5:00pm. Gracie does not want to share, that’s for sure!!
5:02pmEDT Gracie brought in a large whole fish. Sandy has been in nest and Ronnie dropped in from the perch. Ronnie attacked to get that fish! There was a struggle for several minutes. She was going after Gracie’s feet and trying to pull the fish away, but Gracie held on. Of course, now she has to feed Ronnie, but the fish is good sized so hopefully, Sandy will get his share.
At one point, Gracie’s foot was so twisted, if she didn’t have a toe problem before, she might now! Maybe there anatomy allows that kind of twisting but it did not look comfortable!
At 5:08 George brought in a guppie and Sandy grabbed it and swallowed it WHOLE! At least he won’t go hungry!
After that fish swam down his gullet, Sandy started to get impatient and tried butting in but of course that didn’t work. So he moved on to his flanking move and came in on Gracie’s right wing. He seemed to be getting fed but they are in their favorite blind spot.. He flew off and Ronnie wound up with the tail.
For almost 1/2 hour, think Sandy, calling out for food..3:55-4:20. Flew off for a bit calling as she came back.. 4:27 off again
Have been out most of day.. 3:30 babies out of carmera range eating, Most likely Sandy is still having a bit of trouble tearing up fish to eat..Ronnie ate and left.
One of the parents (I think George) brought a whole fish to the nest, and refused to share it with Sandy. I don’t think she ate all day today. That’s not being a good parent! She tried desperately twice to take it from her parent, to no avail. Finally, after crying and begging for some fish, Sandy was fed. Unfortunately, shortly thereafter the hog arrived and grabbed the fish from George. So now Sandy is without food again. Poor baby.
3:00pm and Ronnie is screeching loud enough for us to hear for sure!!!! Step away from the microphone!!! Lol…
3:00 EST Gracie feeding one hungry chick. not sure which one. but guessing #2 Sandy
Parent brings fish to empty nest chick lands almost on top of parent. Tug of war ensues. Parent wins!!!!
2:29pmEDT Gracie in with fish…one chick falls in on her
Poor Gracie is trying to start the fish but the chick…I think Sandy…keeps trying to pull it away. Gracie starts feeding him in self defense! She hands over a big enough piece to keep the kid busy for a few minutes.
Just after 3:00pm Ronnie barreled in and stole the fish from Gracie…at least Sandy had some from Mom.
2:03pm Chick, possibly Sandy, makes his usual screaming arrival and starts calling for company. You can hear osprey calling in the distance and Sandy is listening hard to pinpoint..
For the safety of “our” Osprey Family, I do not think you all should be publicizing the location of their nest. Let it be….We are already intruding; but very kindly.
You needn’t worry about me coming up from Florida to intrude on the nest. Locating on Global Earth would be a static picture taken probably last month or last year anyway. I don’t believe a hoard of people would show up when they can see so much more from the camera mounted atop the nest.
All drama happening out of sight…osprey are out, sparrows in basement apartment…the only movement are distant boats and flies…….boohoo
June C, yes awesome!
Why are there shreds of plastic bags up there ? & who would have put them there ? Also, who do I hear chirping off camera ?
Gracie the bag lady likes to bring plastic bags to the nest. George , her mate, has made his own odd contributions. The chirping is probably the sparrow family that lives in their basement apartment, They are on their 2nd family, which has been popping in to the nest occasionally.
Don’t know if breakfast was ever delivered earlier this morning, but George delivered a headless fish around 11:30 a.m. and Ronnie grabbed it and flew away with it! Poor Sandy! I’m sure she must be hungry, too. As of 12:37 p.m., there was no second delivery for Sandy.
Gracie brings in fish about 11:15amEDT nobody home. You can hear the arrival as chicks come screaming in…first chick asks for fish, second one grabs it!
I’m guessing it was Ronnie with the fish. Gracie had smartly eaten part of it already. After a few minutes, Ronnie fly out with the fish in claw! She sunk a bit when she went over the side but I think she flew back in to the perch. Sandy is protesting loudly….He flies off and after a few minutes, you can hear him screaming toward the nest and appears to have landed on the perch and start his protesting there.
I scrolled back to approximately 8:00 a.m. EST, and two house wrens are checking out their upstairs neighbor’s nest. Wonder what they think of the plastic blanket? The nest must look like a mansion to them!
One chick in briefly about 9:amEDT
About 10:52am chick arrives, to greet George coming in with a stick. Second chick tumbles in to the same disappointment. They remind George what they want and he leaves.
10:58am. One chick moves a stick under camera and steps up for an extreme close up…too funny!
One of the kids just flew off holding a half eaten fish in its talons.
11:00am, is that a sandi? selfie, so cute! (can’t tell them apart)
Haven’t seen any fish this morning. I have been checking since 6 a.m. Hope they get lunch, but i do feel bad for the fish, especially if the bring them in alive. Poor things pecked to death. I guess that is nature.
9:13 AM and still an empty nest… I know someone is and has been on the camera and / or perch… I can hear them here and there……. Watching them sometime around 7 or 8 last night Gracie was watching Sandy ( i think ) eat her fish… I caught myself wondering if Sandy would offer a bite to Gracie…..
A little sparrow has just been having a good nosy round the nest while the family are out and about.
? There is a boat in Huntington Harbor that is on its own dock..the Ospreys made a nest in his Tuna tower. Two weeks ago the nest was there and this week the nest is gone and wires where put up to prevent any bird from landing…how long are you suppose to wait before you remove a nest?
About 8:03am Sparrows checking out nest. Cute….nestlings learning?
Yes..I saw the little Sparrow checking things out..too cute
Gracie came in about 5:54am and no one is home. Sandy had gone out for his morning fly. I don’t think Ronnie was there because when George gave Sandy the piece of fish she didn’t jump down from the perch. So I’m not sure where she spent the night.
The bay was like glass at sunrise. There was a beautiful pink sky reflected across it. Red sky at morning; does that mean rain today?
Gracie has been in and out, calling for the teenagers. I heard someone answer from the distance but no one came in. It’s 7:00am and the nest is empty of osprey. Sparrows chirping away.
Both chicks were in about 7:30. I tried to compare but they won’t pose together, darn them!
Scrolled back and at first light I could see who I assume was Gracie taking in some early breakfast. Considering she was eating it before daybreak, I assume it was leftover from last night and I also assume she shared with Sandy, who was the only chick in the nest but not sure. Hope today is a good day for the family with much sunshine, a cool breeze and loads of fish. 🙂
George spent the night in the nest. He had brought that chunk of fish that no one wanted and was maybe waiting for someone to eat it. He was still there at first light and decided to eat his fish. Guess ospreys don’t sneak snacks at midnight. Sandy was yelling for his share so George left him a piece before he took off about 5:30amEDT
It is still dark(5 am) but I hope I don’t really see plastic caught on both sides of the nest?! Hope I’m just seeing things. If it is I’d say no one has perfect parents and George and Gracie’s weakness would be housekeeping!!
George was sitting on far right corner. Maybe you saw his back in the dark?
Every time I looked today, it seemed there was a fish being devoured in the nest! Taking advantage of the bounty.
OK addicted to much I shut my computer down but as I said in the past I usually have my computer on my iPhone and I have it on my TV Osprey Zone on in every room.
I went to shut it off the TV but couldn’t help but sit there and watch baby 2 in the nest, baby 2 Sandy was standing and I just love the way they just pop right down into the Nest literally just fall down it is the cutest thing ever. This time for sure Shutting down Osprey zone good night osprey family and viewers see you tomorrow.
Thats how I was until this past week when my 2 grandkids decided to take over my computer. I would have OZ on from 4am until 8 or 9 pm. This week, I’ve missed this family very much and have tried to catch up through the comments. Its been a very busy week I see. 🙂
I am just as bad when I am home…On TV and if not in view on iPad..have you checked out Kristofer Rowe’s photography ..unbelievable pictures of Ospreys..
8:06pmEDT George brings in a chunk of fish. Waiting for someone to show interest. Sandy manages to pull his full belly up to a standing position, but doesn’t muster up any begging. Guess George is having dinner alone.
I scrolled back to 4:30 CST to watch a very lively fish delivered to nest and of course Ronnie grabbed it right up. Second fish delivery came minutes later and Sandy and Gracie tugged for it but Sandy finally won. Ronnie and Sandy ate their fish while Gracie stood watch. After Ronnie had finished, Gracie went to the leftover and fed it to Sandy. I think Ronnie may have even had a bite or two. I may have the chicks confused but either way, they both ate.
What a beautiful day at the nest. I love seeing all the boats. Brings back many memories of the area, which I miss very much.
I forgot to include that Gracie also ate a little 🙂
Poor Gracie she spent from mid afternoon tell almost dark feeding both babies often on. But first she had to patiently sit by for hours watching them both try to eat their fish on their own. Then mama to the rescue each fish she feeds to babies. It’s 8 PM and she just finished off the last fish baby number two laying in the nest baby number one off-flying around like always. Now baby 1 on perch.
Everyone’s got full tummies. Sweet dreams little Osprey family see you tomorrow .
I wish we could take mug shots of G & G to compare with couple who takes nest next March ( or April)…..I’m a computer klutz and don’t even know how.
I have taken some great pictures from my TV…stream view to TV and with some patience have your phone or camera ready and click..I have one picture where baby looking right into live feed..any other way pause live feed and take a shot.
CarolV, I have taken videos of chicks on my phone from computer screen. Perhaps you can try to take stills from your screen. Also, if you have a smart TV, you can also watch OZ on TV and take pictures.
August 16, 2015 at 12:40PM
Use your phone or tablet. Put video in full screen mode, make sure setting is as high as it will go, wait for the shot you want, freeze the frame and click. I am sure that there are other ways, but this worked for me very well this morning with my IPad 2 and my 14-year-old flat screen monitor.
Also I would think that next year’s couple–assuming a nest and webcam of course– can be compared using this year’s highlights.
Thanks for mentioning photos. I want to go back and capture photo of Sandy (at least’s that my take) sticking here face in the camera this morning.
Gracie is eating good tonight! So glad to see that..she needs to take care of herself! And of course…she did feed her babies! So cute!
Gracie is feeding Sandy, notice one of her talons in a twist. I wonder how that occurred, the time is 7:50 pm. Sandy just flew off, notice there is a bird chirping close by, very close & that is annoying.. lol
Looking at views on YouTube. 426,350…WOW
OMG about 1 hr & 20 min ago, either George or Gracie brought a fish in & one of the chicks took it for him/herself. Not long after that another fish was brought in & the other chick was fighting either mom or dad for it At one point both the parent & the chick had it in there mouth. lol
two fish delivered around 6:00, came back on at 7:00 and they are still eating (sandy & ronnie) I think that gracie is waiting for the leftovers, but it looks like neither one is giving anything up, has anyone seen sandy or ronnie fishing for food?
See now Ronnie does not need Mom anymore to feed him/ her. I saw earlier Sandy still have trouble tearing fish to eat.
I am really going to miss this family.
Very funny goings on with fish deliveries between 5:30 and 6 tonight EST. More “feasting tonight.
About 5:45 PM Sunday George brings in fish baby 2 attempts to take it but baby 1 takes it over George stays in the nest for a few minutes and then finally leaves. Yeah Gracie arrives shortly after with Whole Fish and baby 2 fights Gracie goodness gracious boy does baby2 fight Gracie for that fish . Gracie finally releases the fish to baby number two . Baby1 going to town eating his or her fish but baby2 is just flopping all-around the nest and having a hard time trying to even eat the fish this is how I know it’s baby 2 Gracie still in the nest maybe baby2 will finally give up and Gracie will feed baby2 meanwhile baby2 is still trying to get something off that full fish.
Marlene tks for saying it I didn’t mean to call anyone out. Meanwhile excellent fishing day. Not to mention good scenery with all the sailboats in the water what a beautiful site .
At about 5:40 parent came in with large fish, head intact & in a flash it was snatched away by one of the chicks. There was such screeching going on, but neither of the 2 “losers” came near the chick with fish. Then about ten minutes later along came a huge fish & the other chick grabbed it away from parent, fish still with head & looked alive. The 2 chicks have learned to snatch fish from parent in a very aggressive way. Not pleasant to watch, but nature displayed for us. Too bad they feed over to the side so I can’t tell if the second chick is actually feeding him/herself, parent is still right there. The first chick seems to be in control of that first fish.
5:51pm – Oh no!! Is that fish stuck in the chick’s talon?! (I still can’t tell which is which).
5:36pmEDT George took the hint and brought home whole fish…the dance begins
WOW!!!!! 5:43pm Gracie brings another big fish! ! FOOD!!!!!! And quiet kids…..
?Sandy made a grab for George’s fish but George kind of stumbled and it landed in front of ?Ronnie. The fish was still lively and gave ?Ronnie a hard time ( no surprise, poor fish ) I’m not sure I have this right. Will be glad to read other opinions. When Gracie brought in her fish, the other chick put up such a fight I felt sorry for Gracie; she really wanted some! Then the chick decided it was to hard and dragged it toward Gracie squawking as if to ask for help. That’s why I thought this was Sandy. Gracie took off after a while and both chicks seem to be doing fine. Gracie’s back and probably hoping for leftovers.
7:07 Gracie finally got a small tail piece from ?Sandy. ?Ronnie forgets her fish and has the nerve to come over to beg from Mom. Gracie fortunately spotted the bigger piece laying across the nest and went for it. I’m happy to see she’s getting a share.
Gracie moved on to the fish that was left from earlier. She’ll be well fed.
And I’m thinking I have the chicks reversed for this feeding.
Gracie wound up feeding bottomless pits..I mean, chicks. I don’t know how much she actually got for herself. Hopefully, the kids are done and Mom can have that last piece.
Oh, crumbs, the other brat is back.
About 5:15pm…..the kids were lounging around, one was hugging the other, when they cheered in George with a big fistful of…seaweed…..” No bueno, Poppie..” (learning Spanish for the trip South ) ” We need food to grow big and strong so you can kick us out!”
Lots of yelling from the chicks and Gracie. I wonder if George is in nearby tree and they are “encouraging” him to go fishing? All of today’s fish must have worked its’ way thru!
It is 4:30 and all of the “feast” has been eaten. Ronnie and Sandy are in the nest waiting for more deliveries.
For those wondering why sometimes they come back to the nest wet… It is not always for fishing. Today I saw a female osprey fly from the nest, leaving her babies, to stand at the edge of the bay, feet in the water, with her wings slightly open as the gentle waves were cooling her off. She looked very content. 🙂
That’s interesting! Thanks for the info. Nice visual of a harried mom with a moment to herself…..
Got home from work and found ” comments” for the day have a delayed post. Can’t wait to see what the gang has been up to today. Sandy is in the nest, Ronnie made his usual screaming all the way entrance and I heard Gracie(probably) on the perch. I guess they are waiting for take-out to arrive….
They posted some while I was typing, of course…..
TO JO-ANN…TMI…TOO MUCH INFORMATION…
Watched a beautiful scene about an hour ago. Gracie and Sandy? in nest. Gracie was feeding Sandy and it was like I’m still mummy’s girl. Sandy flew off and Gracie sat there thinking this will be over soon. Ronnie must be off doing his own thing.
About 1 p.m. Gracie was in the nest eating one of the three fish then flew off taking off it with her. Came back quickly and began to eat from another fish. Ronnie came home and began on the second fish and repositioned it to the right hand side of the nest, Hard to see there but she seems to be eating. So the “feast” is dwindling but they are all well fed so far today. I wonder why Gracie has been taking fish away with her? For those of you not familiar with the shape of Long Island-it is shaped like a fish. The nest is on the North Fork of the tail shape as we call it overlooking the Great Peconic Bay. The Hamptons are on the South Fork of the tail shape. I am sure you can find it online.
Sorry to be a bore, The Great Peconic Bay is west of Robbins Island, east of Robbins is Little Peconic Bay.Heading east next comes Noyack Bay then Gardiners Bay. The nest I think( having never been there) overlooks Gardiners Bay. I’ve fished these bays for over 40 yrs. for food, that is why I said way back when ” no one says anything about the fish”. We seem to forget these birds are Raptors. I could care less about being PC correct.
I have been looking on Google Earth for days trying to find the nest location and you have given the best information so far, but I still can’t find it. Could you give me more specifics like nearby towns or landmarks. I’d really appreciate it.
You wont see it on Google Earth. I’ve tried and I know the general area.
Is that object in the middle front of the nest the un-eaten fish that sat in the sun for the better part of the day? If so, I wonder what is up with it? Why hasn’t one of them taken it away. Just imagine the smell of that carcass tomorrow! Happy to see each of the babes with their own dinner and full tummies. A good day in OspreyLand.
I asked too soon. Gracie just grabbed that nasty fish and is eating it. I believe Sandy is par-taking.
Gracie is teaching them that she won’t always be there to feed them and that it is time they start looking for their food.
Silly question but If the fish are left in the nest too long and then they eat it, will they get sick?
Sandy – this is what I’m wondering….do the fish spoil? But we already know they don’t have a good sense of smell but how is their sense of taste? Right now, at 2:15, someone is being fed but it looks like the older fish might still be on the nest.
What’s up with the fish just laying on the nest? Getting particular? Not the right kind, no longer fresh? They used to attack each and every fish.
From what I can see there are at least 2 fish here and one is under the foot of a baby.
6pm and more fish today than I’ve ever seen before. Wow! This is crazy since they were so sparse on some other days. Great news!
Rjoneal, sorry for referring to you as a male. I read everyone’s post, but I must’ve forgotten. I’m sure you are as addicted as I am to this website. Also, Carol V, thanks for VF explanation.
Sure a lot of leftovers in the nest today!
Will they eat fish that has been “cooked” per say? Depending on how long the fish lay in the hot sun, just curious to see when they come back if they will eat them?
Good morning everyone. Gracie looks tired and cannot keep her eyes open. Lot of fish and no one else to eat it.