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osprey 07/11/15 squirt
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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
Katherine: Have you seen Kris Rowe’s latest photos? He’s labeled them as osprey gasms…such wonderful images of the birds in flight. And some look like they are ‘surfing’ with fish boards on the water! I don’t know how he gets so up close and personal.
And thank you for sharing that you were a Wildlife Rehabilitator in CT, sounds like a fun and rewarding experience. Your broad knowledge shows in your responses and I enjoy reading them.
Paul I am so excited I’m wearing my ospreys zone shirt today and it is so comfortable. Thank you so much Paul for giving us Osprey zone and for opening up the store.
I remember back at the beginning there was only a few of us blogging and now you have thousands of followers how amazing ! For those of you who haven’t bought anything from the store take it from me the shirts are made of excellent material and are very comfortable. Going to order a mug soon so everyone buy something it goes to our osprey family once again thank you Paul .
Thanks for the feedback. We tried to pick a high quality vendor. There is not a lot of profit for us from our store but we will be using all of the proceeds to benefit Ospreys, somehow or other, to be determined.
Paul
Paul, Does Cafepress work with you on the logo, and then make the orders as they come? I just looked at the site and am amazed at the options! It’s great to hear the feedback about quality, but does it cost you much to make it possible?
Actually, the way it works is that we supply the logo and design each piece. We also get to set the margins, which are small so everyone can get what they want.
Paul, I received my hat & T-shirt this weekend too! thank you for letting us be a part of George & Gracies’ family! I will be sad when the parents do depart for the “south” this year and do hope that they will return to start another family – this was a great experience and I have told many of my family & friends about the site.
http://www.ospreytrax.com/ Neat site.
To all,
I looked up the migration route of Ospreys to South America and not only found that but some other interesting info.
It appears the chicks fly south also. Not sure if its a family trip or not though. And, it seems they stay south for about a year until they are mature enough to come back and find a mate for themselves. The article also said they usually come back and nest within 30 miles of their original nest. Hope I got my info correct. Please read for yourselves.
I guess all of our collective adopted family is about ready to head south. We go in January.
Yes, the chicks also fly south but they all travel on their own. It’s so amazing that these young birds are able to navigate a journey like this! It’s such a dangerous undertaking but all they know is that they NEED to go.
Once they do return they still will not settle down with a mate for another couple of years. They will just “float” around until they are ready to start their own families.
I have a question for our visiting expert, Dr. Rob. I’m sure every new nest cam provides interesting and unexpected information on the osprey families, but did you witness anything particularly unusual or helpful with George and Gracie’s nest?
I am having “empty nest syndrome” today. I have only seen one of the kiddos all morning…. waaahhh!
Hello Jan,
Many nests through the years have been monitored by those in the know and, the simple answere is, yes if both, George and Gracie survive their separate migration journeys they will both return to this very same nest in early Spring 2016 to start this wonderous process once again. If either one of them does not survive the arduous journey the other that does, will return to this very same nest and go through the process of finding another mate and then begin their very own “family”. Ronnie and Sandy will remain in their “summering location” growing stronger and becoming more and more self-confident in their Osprey powers for approximately two years time. They will then start the migration process, back and forth, usually in very close iproximity to their “crib nest” site. After about two more years when they reach sexual maturity, when they are around four years old, they will return to their “birth” area sometimes within miles of their “birth nests”, find a nest site and a mate and begin their very own “families”. This is one of Nature’s most beautiful plans for the continuance of life!
I hope this helps to answer your question!
Katherine
I have not seen both adults together in the next for 2 days. I can’t tell them apart. MY “gut” tells me that Mom (Gracie) has departed and on her way south.
Can anybody confirm or correct?
Thx
I definitely saw Gracie at least once yesterday because the spot under her right wing was visible.
Gracie is still here.
I saw Gracie this morning.
Oops! Breakfast just fell off side of perch… I don’t see them ever going after it, they just fly off. It’s probably too sandy to pick up again.
Each chick got a big fresh fish this morning, and mom came back with one of her own. Full tummies all around!
Happy to see day starting early with whole fish @6:24amEDT. Was all very quick. Parent, I think George, dropped it off. One kid was in nest and hadn’t gotten a hold on it. Second chick flew in, chasing first one out. After having a hard time grabbing fish, this kid took off flying with it. So much for trying to figure this one out! I do hear someone on the camera perch, for what that’s worth.
@6:30am Okay, good, second big whole fish arrives, again hard to see who delivered as they are landing in that right corner and taking off after handover. So I hoping each kid has its own fish now. This one is staying in nest.
Could anyone please answer my question asked for the third time? (I think:) Does George/Gracie, Ronnie/Sandy return to the same nest next spring? Paul, does anyone know this? T/U!
Gracie will return to the same nest next spring. It is possible that George will eventually join her, but that is not in stone. Depending on a number of factors, not the least of which is survival, Gracie could take another mate. Arrival time also plays a part. George could arrive much later than Gracie, after she has taken another mate. One of the earlier posts contains a great deal of information regarding the family dynamic. I’m sure that we are all hopeful that these two personality rich parents will be back together again.
EST:
Morning jan,
Only George and Gracie return to their nest next year but not at same time. If one takes too long to return or something happens, another mate is accepted. Should original mate finally return, new mate has to leave. The kids will return but have to make their own nest and normally have no memory of parents or birthing nest. Also kids won’t have babies until the 3rd year.
Have A Great Day ~
Jan, by instinct and bonding George and Gracie will probably return to this same nest next spring. The chicks ( Ronnie and Sandy ) will not return from their winter home until they are about 18 months old. Then they may return to the same area but not to this nest. They will start looking for mates but probably not mate for another year or so and they will have no other contact with parents once they leave this nest.
The adults usually return to the same nest each Spring, if they successfully migrate back. The chicks will not return from their wintering grounds until the Spring of their second year. They normally return to the same breeding area but not to the same nest.
George and Gracie will return to this nest next April but the chicks will stay in South America for a couple of years before they return. The Chicks will probably return to the area but not to this nest and they will not be recognizable as they will have their adult plumage. Since they are not banded there is not way to track the chicks after they fly south.
The adults will return if they both survive migration (90% likelihood they will). The young will stay down south for 18 months and then come back to the general area, but probably not their nest.
The kids will not return next year at all. They will remain in South America (or wherever they migrate) for another year. When they do return north, it will not be to this nest, although, it will probably be in the same area..
George and Gracie will most likely return to this nest location if they survive their journeys. Even if the nesting material is removed they will rebuild on the same platform. If only one of the pair returns, he or she will claim the nest and choose a new mate.
Osprey have a strong attachment to their successful nests. It’s the nest that they remain loyal to, not their mate. If they have a nest failure and no chicks are born, they might move on to a new nest or find new mates.
George & Gracie will return to the nest, but Sandy & Ronnie may never return.
Such a blessing to be able to watch unfold..
male or female he/she God’s gifts are precious
Sandy, and her nest now…she will be homesick when she leaves..awwl
This was NOT a good supper. Another sibling argument around 7:28 p.m. A parent (George, I believe) flew into the nest with a fish. A fight ensued, and I think originally Sandy wrestled the fish from George and Ronnie. However, as usual, Ronnie won the fight and eventually flew off with the dinner. George left in the middle of the argument. All I could see was wings and more wings. Poor Sandy! When did she eat???? I really worry about her, as many of us do.
Poor kid by himself on the stick perch. I think that’s Sandy. Looked like he tried to go up to camera perch and was turned away.
8:00 p.m. – Sandy is calling and calling for dinner with no response from either Gracie or George as they are no where to be seen. Doubtful if she got anything the whole day! I feel so badly for her – neglected for sure.
About 7:25pmEDT Gracie brought in a fish with both kids in nest. It was a free for all with poor Gracie smothered in wings till she got out of the nest. One kid got the fish and shortly after left the nest. I’m guessing Ronnie.
I hope I am getting this straight. One of parents brings fish-Sandy and Ronnie fight with parent for the fish, and I believe Ronnie won and flew off with the fish. Sandy didn’t get any of it, but parent flew away. Now Sandy is fussing a lot and doesn’t have anything to eat.
Paul, will this nest be taken down after the family heads south or will it stay for them to come back to?
I think that was Ronnie who flew down into the water. I guess he wanted to get away from Sandy who continues to fuss, as if she is hungry. She seems to be chewing on some of the trash in the nest. I hope I got the chicks straight. This is my first year in Osprey watching, and I love it very much.
Both kids squawking for dinner. About 6:15 p.m., one of the parents (Gracie) comes with a very lively whole fish. One of the kids is in the nest, probably Sandy, because this chick was not as aggressive as Ronnie. Parent stays with the fish, does not give it to her fledgling, and takes off with dinner. A lot of teasing going on this evening. Maybe parents want babies to catch their own dinner.
Someone on this website mentioned using a magnifier in order to be able to see the parents catch the fish. I now use my magnifying glass when the ospreys leave the nest, and this afternoon I did see both siblings checking out the water for fish! No catches, though. Let’s hope they get the hang of it soon. George has to step up his game plan.
6:13pmEDT Gracie in with large whole fish
I think it was Ronnie waiting in the nest. The fish was so lively even Gracie had a hard time with it, so when the chick made no move to take the fish, I was thinking maybe it was Sandy. But after the fish was subdued, the chick started making grabs for it and Gracie took off. So I’m back to thinking that is Ronnie, gazing off in the direction the fish went.
Nope. I think Ronnie just dropped in. That may have been a very hungry Sandy trying to get the fish from Mom.
Very confusing behavior today. Around 4:48 PM eastern, an adult flew into the nest where one of the chicks was present. the parent had a huge fish!! BUT instead of feeding it to the chick, the parent took off with the fish.
Earlier, (sorry don’t remember time) the same thing happened. Are the parents forcing the chicks to get their own food, tempting them like this??
Hard to understand what is going on.
About 5:53pm Ronnie ( I think ) steps in for her close-up.
They seem to be chatting with someone. They chirp for a while, then listen. You can hear another bird in the distance. There was a flyover a bit ago that they challenged. Teenagers communicating maybe?
At about 5:30 both babes took off from the nest and flew together around and over the water. Very close to the water like they were looking for fish. They didn’t come back with any but the flying was spectacular to watch!!!
5:24pm Just logged on; I wasn’t able to view our ospreys yesterday. So, what has happened? What did I miss?! It feels like it’s been days without a glimpse of my ospreys. 🙂
At around 5pm Ronnie alone in nest. Parent drops in with fish which Ronnie attacked with extreme ferocity. Parent quickly flew off with fish, leaving Ronnie to screech & display extreme anger. Now pulling at the seaweed & the sticks. Hissy fit!!!!
Parent returns to nest with fish around 4:50 p.m., but takes off again. Maybe because there are two ospreys flying around. Don’t know if they are part of our osprey family. Talk about teasing baby with dinner the second time, then taking off again.
Just after 4:45pmEDT Bit confusing but what I think happened…….Chick flies in to nest ( I think Ronnie) when George brings a piece of fish. Ronnie grabs it and starts to pull away. Just then Sandy flies in and Ronnie takes off with fish and seaweed in claw. Looked like that but George was blocking view. Ronnie came back briefly but Sandy made a grab so she took off again It sounds like she’s on the perch.
Around 3:30 p.m., one of the parents flew in with a good sized fish. One baby was in the nest, squawking for din-din. Parent left the nest with the fish. No dinner at this time for chick.
Just watched a fish delivery to one of the chicks. The adult landed, handed over the fish, and Immediately a larger bird entered the nest, stole the fish, and headed out with the parent on its tail. Any idea what bird made the steal?
Sallyanne: I, too, would like to thank you for putting my feelings into words. You expressed the way I truly feel — got a lump in my throat. I, too, will miss them. They have become part of my day — and life.
I think our Osprey family has started their trip south. Thanks for letting us watch you all season. Hope to see you again in the spring.
I think they are just out of nest a lot. Other nests I’ve watched had bird or birds til about 3rd week of September. One on Verizon tower usually has the last one leaving around the 25th or so.
Thank you CarolV and Chris H.for your supportive posts. I am glad i could express some feelings that are shared by others as well 🙂
About 10:55am Kid comes in with a clawfull of vines. Grabbed the fish that George had left behind. I think it’s Sandy. Didn’t seem too hungry but took the fish and left. Someone was on top perch. I think it’s Gracie
A little after noon, Gracie dropped down to nest. Someone did a flyby but no one came to nest. Then G took off.
I’m curious to learn what impact if any El Nino will have on the Osprey, perhaps one of the experts could fill us in?
Greetings
I have been watching an Osprey Project in Rutland UK One of their Ospreys 03(97) has been returning Forever in my Heart the past 8 years In that time he has fathered 32+ chicks and is a grandfather to more than 50 chicks with Projects like this and many more the Osprey population in will produce healthy adults. And maybe George and Gracie will produce many more Chicks and possibly this site may torn into an Osprey Project Let’s Hope
After a second look, I think that might be Ronnie eating the fish. The mark on the head looks bigger. Hope I’m wrong and hope it’s Sandy. Also, this chick is good at eating quickly and tearing the fish apart. Sandy is a slowpoke.
At 8:00 a.m., George delivers a large fish to Ronnie, who is the only one in the nest. After eating some of it, he takes off with it around 8:35 a.m. Around 9:00 a.m., Gracie also brings a headless fish to the nest, but no one is there. Eventually, one of the babies flies into the nest to get the fish. (Hope it is Sandy, but I cannot tell because its head looks wet.) Talk about being ungrateful — the baby bites Gracie’s talon while trying to grab the fish. Talk about biting the hand that feeds you! Anyway, a few minutes later George delivers another nice size fish. Hopefully, there won’t be any sibling bickering today. Looks like a great start to breakfast for all.
About 9:55amEDT Chick flies in and takes fish from Gracie. No thanks for saving it for me, Mom, just a bite on the toe and squawk. Such gratitude! This looks like Ronnie. Then George flew in with a partial fish. No one to give it to, so ,SCORE, more for me.
This is an extra day off for me…can I get away from this computer?
now Monday Am @ 9:30 Eastern time. Gracie facing the horizon, fish under her talons. No one else around. Just a weak call a few minutes ago.
Talk about a picture of the empty nest syndrome!! Rather poignant.
I and others, i think, project our own human feelings onto this scene and this whole experience with this osprey family; how could we not?? We’re human!.
It is bittersweet to have watched the chicks grow up, survive adversity, fledge and now soon to go out on their own.
it is a bit ironic that Ronnie, who we all think is female, is the chick that was the most aggressive to his siblings. Now, of course, her stamina, determination, and, yes, her aggressiveness in the name of survival, will make her a strong, dependable mom some day. Nature has done her job to insure the survival of this species.
What a privilege to have viewed all this. thank you, Paul, Tom, rescuers, and others who made it possible.
Due to this experience, I am inspired anew to help protect and preserve our environment ..
God speed to our special osprey family. Any time we see ANY osprey, i am sure these individual birds will come to mind!
I’ve been osprey watching for about 6 seasons now and this site has deepened my attachment to these magnificent birds. I agree with all you have eloquently said…
Sallyanne, that was beautifully stated.
Hear, Hear to Sallyanne,
Well said. Nature has done her job and now we must all do ours. I for one always cut plastics, especially the plastic around a six pack of soda into little pieces so no animal could get hurt by it. Yes, congratulations and much thanks to Paul, Tom, the rescue crew and everyone involved with the website and the store.
Congratulations to all of the people who help to keep me updated on what is happening in the nest while I am at work. I just had to take a few minutes of my lunch to say Thank You to all of you.
I hope we are all back to watch again in the Spring.
Sallyanne – thanks much for so eloquently putting into words what we all feel watching our ospreys. Do we really think that Ronnie is female?! Wow!! I have NEVER been able to tell them apart. But, it doesn’t matter. Still love watching these beautiful birds. So much better than reality shows!! Right now I just can barely make out Sandy sitting on that twig (well, perch). She looks so lonely. But, it must be where she prefers to sleep. Good night, all!! (11:06pm)
Just logged in as Gracie brings in a fish…9:03amEDT No kids in sight.
Scrolled back to 5am and heard the pouring rain. Gracie was all hunched over to endure it. By 5:45ish, the bedraggled kids , in nest and on perch, were squawking. So Gracie took off. The lens is looking foggy. Can we get that truck back? haha About 6:45 George came in to rearrange branches. Needless to say, that big branch fits nowhere.
About 7:50amEDT George brought in a whole fish. Chick in nest claimed it. Other chick came and went. The kid with fish took off with it about 8:20.
Noone has been in yet to see Mom has a fish. @9:34am
about 7:10am Just did a second rewind and saw that I missed the spot where George brought a small stick to nest and the two chicks came barreling in. It was one of the kids who gave that bothersome big branch a final shove over to the edge where it’s somewhat out of the way. A good day’s work.
I think that was Sandy who got that fish and left with it. For one thing, the kid was having a hard time starting that fish and ate slowly…more a Sandy thing. I had just taken for granted that it was Ronnie. Waiting to see other opinions.
Gracie’s holding that fish and staring all around. Is she starting to feel unneeded? No rush, Gracie, we still love to see you!
One of the kids in the nest on the right side of the screen, just the back end is visible, eating a fish.
Miss Piggy, not sharing. 8:10 am EST. George brought huge fish. Haven’t seen Gracie this morning yet. Wonder if she’s left. Hope she waves goodbye and smiles for the camera. Safe travels momma whenever you head out.
Paul ..I started taking pics a little late..like some I wish I started earlier..do u think possible u could put a photo book together..like a cvs type..I would be more then happy to buy one and I think our OA friends would too. Just one more thing to do on your very busy schedule Ha
6:00 Am mom on bird made perch..Sandy telling her to go get breakfast..I’m from Greenlawn, now in Orlando to catch ship..I would have taken Gracie but they would have heard her..we will be very close to to where she will be going…Has anyone seen Ronnie or Sandy being a fish back to nest? 6:20 both kids now are waiting..
9:38pm Watching Gracie sitting in the dark in her nest makes me wonder if she feels anticipation or trepidation for her upcoming long journey. Are these kinds of emotions exclusive to our species? Does she think ahead or is it just like a switch that turns on and sends her into travel mode? Either way, she will leave behind a job well done, despite the plastic issues. And hopefully we will see her back here next spring. It just makes me sad that when she goes, she severs relationships with her children, probably never seeing them again or recognizing them if she did. On the other hand, they will never move back home, borrow money or need a baby sitter………….trade offs……..
Paul my merchandise shirt and hat and stuff that I ordered from the store should be coming any day this week I can’t wait. Thank you so much Paul for giving us Osprey zone and of course for the landlords and all the experts that have helped you through this process. Can’t stress enough I surely hope you’re up and running come next year and Gracie George return home. What a great experience that will be to see if they have babies again and if the babies are different from this years versus next years. Also to see how much George and Gracie will have learned over the past year on being parents for the second time would be very exciting.
Trinity and Leanne. Are you still watching the babies should be leaving probably within about 5-7 days or so which means Gracie could be going in a matter of a couple of days who knows whenever she’s ready to Go. I’ve got lots of pictures to look at once they’re gone. Can’t wait till next year and hope that George and Gracie will come back so I can compare the pictures from this year to next year to see how much more mature and grown they will be.
Gracie has been alone in the nest for a little while now. I wonder what she might be thinking as she is looking out over the water. That it is getting close to her leaving the nest? That the long trip to her winter home will be without problems? George should be teaching then to fish for themselves soon which means Gracie will then leave. It will be hard the day we realize that she has gone and we will not see her again till next spring.
Helen you know you can take pictures yourself if it you’re using a computer and some people even use there iPhone and just take a picture from their iPhone and then print it yourself. I’ve been watching the family since before the babies were born and I have lots of still shots videos and printed up pictures myself by using my computer and iPad.
That is a good idea if need be. Thank you.
Both kids in their 2nd story bedroom and Gracie on the stick perch…..peaceful
7:40ishpmEDT Sandy finished snacking on the leftover fish and did the tightrope walk onto his stick perch. Ronnie had been talking from the perch asking for a share, perhaps, so the fish got left and Ronnie came down for his bedtime snack.
Mitchell…I’m not sure that I’ve got the chicks right….could you measure those feathers, please?
I think you got them right its all good.
ok. dumb question time……. Is anyone else waiting to see if Sandy ( chick # 2 ) ever offers mom a bite?
Never
7:30 – 7:45 When i came in one chick ( sandy ) was eating fish… chick # one was on camera… after a bit sandy left the remaining fish and carefully walked out to the training perch. The chick on the camera flew down to nest and started eating the rest of he fish ….. so far no fight has ensued.
I was just reading the news about President Obama returning from his vacation in a White House Osprey. So I googled Osprey aircraft and it is so cool that there is even special Osprey aircraft that the military uses. These aircraft are special because they can hover to land or take off, plus have speed and height comparable to airplanes. It is so fascinating to learn about the uniqueness of these birds. Thank you to all who are responsible for this website and its contents. And many thanks to the comment contributors who share their knowledge. I love it!
Watching Mom feed not sure who…when r they going to learn how to catch themselves? On cruise tomorrow will have to purchase wifi..
Enjoy your trip! Can you give Gracie a lift?
Gracie came in just before 5:30pmEDT with a fish. You can here a chick on the camera but it takes a minute for him to jump down. Despite having eaten a large whole fish already, there seems to be room for more. So Mom is feeding the kid.
George in with a fish @ 6:20pm. Someone squealing on perch. Sounds like both kids are there and too full to move.
One dropped down and George left fish with him. George ate the head. I think it’s Sandy but guessing
7:15pm Sandy in the sunset sitting on his fish….almost poetry
He must have heard me typing…woke up to the fish beneath his feet and said snack!!!!!
Today’s lesson….Feed Yourself a Fish. Mom and dad each bring a whole fish to the nest. Mom supervises as the two feed themselves. Ronnie is having no trouble, but Sandy struggles. An hour later he still hasn’t made much progress. He brings the fish to Gracie as if to ask her to feed him and she ignores him. He continues to work on the fish and eventually is left with just a tail. Good lesson, mom. Ronnie–A+ Sandy B+.
These two should be good for a while. Those were big fish they each had!
Are there plans to band the two young ones?
Ted – there are no plans, besides they are too old for such a thing.
Paul, once the family is gone..how long will the website be up for? will you have live cam on during fall/winter? That would be nice to watch the seasons change on the sound even though it’s just water. If it is turned off, when do you think it will be up again “live”? Just wondering.
Oh good, I’m glad I’m not the only one watching the water and weather. Would love to know if there are other cams on LI for water and weather views.
I would also like to look at the nest during the dead of the winter.
At 2:40 Nest was empty then the chicks flew in one by one. Few mins. later one of the parents brings a fish, Sandy takes immediately. A few mins. later the other parent landed with another fish. Ronnie takes that one. One parent flies away. All is quiet at ospreyzone.
YYYAAAYYY 2:43pmEDT And intruder alert! Chick with fish letting NOONE near it!!!
Gracie brought it in whole and I think Ronnie got it. It’s pretty big so, hopefully, maybe Stingy will share.
I see a couple of new spots on Gracie head. Does it look like she has a few more chests spots?
Happy to see that while I was actually doing something else, George brought in a fish for Sandy. About 2:50ish pm.
Paul –
I would love to purchase some photos of our little family. Is that possible?
we’re thinking about it, maybe soon.
I wonder how long these babes will remain before they make their journey south? Explore.org said about 7 days, but these kids are right at home with room service.
Both kids just flew in. I thought maybe food was arriving. There may be someone on the perch because they are looking that way, As far as I know, Sandy has not eaten. The only fish I saw was commandeered by Ronnie. Sandy has been hanging out in the nest and looking-and sounding-pitiful Poor baby…..
Oh I Have also got a great way to tell the chicks apart The 4th feather on Ronnies left wing is about half a Milllimeter longer than the same on Sandys.
Oh..you noticed that too!?
How come if an Osprey drops a fsih over the nest it will not go pick it up? They never do as far as I can tell.
Maybe they only go after fish in the water? Possibly attracted by the movement?
they may not like road kill but i was watching when the fish flopped over the side…. i was surprised that no one looked out over the edge of he nest but i am sure that if they had they would have seen the seagull flying very low about 40 seconds after the fish went over while i was yelling at the chicks to go get it I think the seagull got it first…
10:46 am Aug 23 WHAT HAPPENED TO THAT NEST!!! Those twigs (more like branches) don’t leave a lot of room.
Oh boy, Sandy sitting so quietly eating the fish that mom brought to the nest. That lasted only a few minutes til Ronnie came in. A fight ensued & Ronnie won, he has the fish now.
Just after 10:30amEDT Food truck arrived…I mean Gracie brought in a partial fish. Sandy, I think, was waiting for it and had it about 1 minute when Ronnie blew in and fought him for it. Guess who won….. Sandy protesting loudly, but no sympathy
Great shot of Ronnie right into the camera squawking his victory
Poor Sandy just made a play for the fish and Ronnie was giving up. She wound up taking off with what was left. @11:05am
That was supposed to say was not giving it up
They’re playing fish tag. In and out of nest and now Ronnie’s on perch, presumably with fish. Frustrated Sandy pushing branches around and protesting.
I just scrolled back and it looks like at 7:30 a.m., one of the fledglings flew in with a headless fish. Don’t know if George had brought it to the nest earlier; wondering if it was Ronnie and he caught it and ate the head!! Did anyone see what happened earlier?
That black plastic on the left has a life of its own when the wind gets in it! Not much else happening. Have heard the chicks more than seen them this a.m. I believe that is a cigarette wrapper waving from right center. Very decorative!
I like that one feather planted like a property marker on upper left rim
today’s NY TIMES SUNDAY REVIEW has an interesting article on ospreys.