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osprey 07/11/15 squirt
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George and Gracie's First Baby
Eggs Over Easy
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First Love
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Hard to Get
Little Brother
Intruder
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Belle’s Journey
Written by Dr. Rob Bierregaard & Illustrated by Kate Garchinsky
Take flight with Belle, an osprey born on Martha’s Vineyard as she learns to fly and migrates for the first time to Brazil and back–a journey of more than 8,000 miles.
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
7:20pm. EST George popping into nest 3 times in the last few minutes. Kids in nest with fish. Good daddy.
CarolIV I have some beautiful pictures I could email you if you want to put your email out there I don’t know if you want to do that.
Also I must mention how nice it was to see both babies eating fish today.
about 6:38pm Sandy finally had enough and took off. Ever thrifty Ronnie feels nothing should be wasted so marched right over to confiscate the rest of S’s fish.
6:54pm seaweed delivery…George almost tripped over kid’s head on the way out. And back within minutes with more!
And three clumps within 5 mins. I haven’t seen Gracie all day or heard her on perch. Did anyone see the airport limo pull up?
Never count Gracie out! She dropped off a fish while I was reading comments and I missed it! about 7:15pmEDT
I think Sandy got that fish. Ronnie had just finished off a fish plus leftovers. But then Ronnie started to show interest in this fish, too, so Sandy moved it out on his perch! Too funny to see R trying to figure out how to make a grab, but she gave up for now. S doesn’t even really want it but holding on tight.
George is on a merry-go-round and cleaning emptying the beach into the nest!
I have been getting an error message all day. Can’t view nest!
I usually either reclick LIVE FEED at top of page or close and reopen whole page. I kept losing video, too.
Beverly this happened to me today as well on Labor Day when this happens the only way you can view it is using a home computer I don’t know why but every once in a while you can’t get it on your iPhone or iPad but I can always get it on my home computer.
Thanks for the comment, I couldn’t get the feed on my iphone. Home computer is being fixed so missed them all day.
Just refresh the page and it will come on.
I’m afraid to say that I’m pretty sure either Gracie has taken off, or is enjoying the last rays of summer on the beach. Have NOT seen her all day….if anyone has, please tell.
Happy to see George arrive with Sandy’s fish just before 5pmEDT.. Eat fast, little buddy, before R gets home! Ronnie always has room for fish!
5:34pm George brings another fish, which is good cause the bottomless pit is back and eying Sandy’s fish.
at 5:03 EST did anyone see one chick bring in a fish and let the other one have it ? From Ronnie to Sandy, with love ??? A new hit song…
The kids have been in the nest 50-55 mins, with one working on that fish in lower rt. corner. Other chick has been watching but now is moving in and chirping quietly, asking for some, I guess. Moving in for possible steal….
So I guess the kid with fish is Ronnie and Sandy is still waiting for charity,,,,,,and waiting and waiting……No one came in with a back-up fish today.
Steal was tried and failed 🙁
About 3:25pmEDT Both kids come in, one carrying fish. Hard to tell who’s who. Must be a fly-over because there is some beautiful wing action as guarding.
Rjoneal…getting a lot of “snapshots” and saving them….now I have something to work on this winter as in figuring out where the heck these shots are and how to view them! I know, hopeless…….With luck, Paul will decide to make photos available of this year’s family!
Carol IV when you have your snapshot it should ask you where u want to save it to your desktop or a folder try to save to your desktop then you can just take all the pictures and put them all in a folder and I’ll be all right there on your front screen this is the easiest way I can explain it maybe you’ll find them. Next time you take a picture look in see it’s probably defaulting to a certain area if you can find the name then you can search it and all your pictures will show up move them to your desktop where you know where they are . I hope this helps
I have noticed a few comments about Gracie and if she is the same Mom who laid the eggs. The confusion may be coming from anyone watching the highlights from last year when they started the nest but did not lay eggs. The female in last years video ( and there may have been 2 fighting for the right ) is not this years Mom ( Gracie ). Last years female had a much heavier and darker necklace. Whether it is the same male , I’m not sure. I highly doubt one female would lay eggs until hatch and then have another female come in to raise them. As happened in the Chesapeake nest whose eggs did not hatch they brought in 2 very young chicks and swapped them for two eggs and the parents excepted them and have done a great job.
I think if Gracie has not left on her migration she will be soon . The chicks from the Boulder nest are about a week older than Ronnie and Sandy and the mom and at least one chick have left. I personally think Sandy will do just fine when she leaves. It is not unusual for and Osprey chick to not catch there own fish before they migrate, but they wont starve themselves . Their instincts will kick in.
When I first found this nest back when the chicks were just bald little things I was not a real fan of these parents. If they had been humans I would have said they were too young for children. So I believe they were probably first timers. Both parents seem to have grown and matured over the season and next year will be even better. It still doesn’t mean that they would do anything different if one chick had to go so the others would have a chance. Nature is hard to understand sometimes.
I hope next year will bring another family of Osprey’s and that we are given the chance to watch and learn .
Gamma I couldn’t agree more with you . I believe that is where the mixup is as well , they are watching highlights of a different female but Gracie is a female who laid the eggs and hatched the eggs like you said unsure if George is the original George or not because it’s hard to tell. I think this is where the confusion is. I think you did an excellent job of summing it all up to those who are still confused read gammas comment.
Rjoneal, Thank You. I just thought I would post a few of my thoughts as the season wraps up and we find ourselves staring at an empty nest. When you watch several different nests at a time it is sometimes hard not to make comparisons between parenting styles. This has been quite the year of drama with many nests so here’s to a great migration and a better next year for all.
I fully agree with you! The ONLY problem, as far as I can see, is the nitrogen effluent being discharged from time to time by the Riverhead Sewage Treatment Plant. They accept cesspool effluent from the entire Town of Southampton and eastward. Every cesspool truck discharges at the Riverhead site. This is the deal breaker for all who depend on the bunker. Mainly our Osprey! If nature was “pure” and there wasn’t horrible pollution from our “wonderful sewage treatment plant” that was supposed to “clean” the water, then finding fish would NOT be a problem for these birds! Sadly there’s no one “championing” this cause! Are people just numb and dumb or don’t they care what is going on right before their eyes! Thousands of bunker were found dead in spring. Was there any Alarm from anyone other than a casual “oh that is horrible>>?”. Human disinterest in putting pressure on our government to FIX this situation which is causing all kinds of environmental problems is the END PROBLEM. While “plastic bags” are annoying and cause untold environmental problems, this treatment plant is the DEVIL for all of Peconic Bay and environs. The plastic is entirely another problem.
What a horrible situation! So sad nothing is being done.
No, several people have pointed out that the female from last year’s highlights is almost certainly a different female. There is only one person who believes that this year’s Gracie died after the chicks hatched and was replaced by multiple other Gracies.
Karen, I had to go way , back in the posts, which I have to admit I don’t always read all of them closely ( I spend to much time watching the nest and the birds ) but I know what you are saying , I understand and will leave it at that.
Thank you – enough said!
Gamma – I respect your “take” on things that are going on in the nest and your knowledge regarding the FAMILY. Looking forward to your future postings!
Lyn, Thank You. I hope you know that is is just my ” take ” on it as I know everyone see’s things just a little different than others, and that is their right. I also was not aware of the pollution problem as I don’t live in the area. I sure see the garbage being brought to the nest ;)) but that could happen anywhere.
Thank you kindly for speaking on the truth regarding these adorable ospreys. I started watching after 2nd baby was born and was amazed at the love and softness of Gracie and George, I might add who also fed the smallest chick. I was captured by her beautiful crown and markings same as my first cat in my 40’s. She was a long haired calico ragamuffin that I still cherish and felt a kindred spirit between the two. Gracie surely put a smile in my heart until she got sick and not taken seriously. Poor George was just too young to be a dad .. can’t wait until next year. When she died it was not my place to say anything and I didn’t until I was attacked for 2 chosen words, or read “Osprey-gate”, to this I say more like “Twilight Zone”, or “as far as I know it is Gracie”, come on … I saw the walkway on the side and much much more, that is none of my business. Being honest and non judgmental to my being is.
Have A Terrific Day ~
PS: I just wish you all had of been more aware of the surroundings inside of nest so you could have seen the love and listened to the lullabys sung so tenderly to these ospreys.
And Tommy if I offended you in anyway I am truly sorry and again, God Bless you for sharing this awesome site.
Doing my 4hr scroll back about 9:30ish a.m.EDT…..Saw what I believe to be ?Sandy get 1/2 fish from George . Took long time to eat but ate in lower right corner. They are not helping us guessers mixing up their habits!
a little after 11:00am George added a lovely new stick to the décor. asked to leave by crabby kid
Rest of time …mostly beautiful blue waters crossed by assorted boats and the inevitable waving plastic. Maybe the snow will pull that down?
Kid or kids in and out; no other activity.
I live here in Greenport, but was told this am that an osprey was spotted yesterday on the lake where I grew up in Louisiana. The first one spotted on the lake this year. My parents neighbor goes out and takes pictures every afternoon.
One of the kids standing on a half-eaten fish, on the right of the screen, head out of view.
Forgot to mention that, as usual, Sandy is contemplating, “Should I eat it now or save it for later?” That’s why I think she’s been out fishing. She would be starving by now if she had not eaten earlier.
So, George delivered a HUGE fish around 8:20 a.m., which was hogged up by Ronnie and then he flew away with it. Sandy finally got a half a fish delivered to her around 9:40 a.m. To CarolV: Yes, I also experience a problem occasionally with the video. One example was the fish delivery to Sandy around 9:40 a.m. Wonder if it has something to do with the wind. Don’t think it’s your computer, but I’m not a geek.
Gooood Mooooorning Eastern Long Island! Happy Labor Day!
As our family is on the cusp of migration, I hope they have angels on their wings to protect them and return them to us in Spring.
I also hope “survival instinct” gives Sandy a kick in the tail feathers and she catches a big fat fish every day.(or better 2-3 fish)
Now, when is the first osprey anonymous meeting??
Ann –
I join in your blessing of our little family every regard.
Yes, if you hear of an Osprey anonymous meeting, please let me know.
Happy Labor day to you as well.
Just after 8amEDT George brings in good sized whole fish, of course captured by, probably, Ronnie who surfed around the nest on the wiggly fish till she took off with it..
LOL I backed it up and watched and thought the same thing. She surfed around the nest on the fish! Sure will miss this osprey family! =’)
Can we suggest that moment as part of a highlight? It was funny!
kids came back around 7:30 or so..Dad drops off fish and of course Ronnie nabs it..then in a bit takes off with it..Sandy flow away around 8:05 (close time) and leaves..I think Ronnie came back and is on perch with breakfast
There must be fireworks tonight. I’m hearing noise and seeing flashes and one bird is going nuts. He flies in and out of the nest and onto the camera. I hope it’s over soon!
Fireworks for Labor Day??????????????
Don’t think it’s appreciated. Someone flew out into darkness and came back to nest, thankfully.
Poor bird keeps flying out and in…..
Feeling so badly for Sandy…..she’s squawked a million times today, had fish delivered, only to be stolen by Ronnie. I don’t think she’s eaten a morsel today, although Ronnie has her stomach quite full with more than 4 fish that I could see, stolen, of course. There has to be a dynamic change here. I hope Sandy takes off when Gracie does, so that poor Sandy will have George’s undivided attention for the remainder of their stay. Otherwise, hmmm…….
Just after 6pm, Ronnie came back to nest and Sandy took off with the fish tail he has been working on, Ronnie checked all around hoping some had been left behind. No go…..
I think Sandy looped around to the upper perch. There has been a lot of vocalizing so may be reacting to fly-bys.
Ronnie has been in and out, just now making her full throttle yelling all the way entrance. She looks a little damp. She was just eyeing upward toward the perch. Wonder if Sandy still has that fish? 6:42pm Ronnie jumped to perch and there was a little scuffle because the camera was shaking.
I think it is Sandy back in the nest. Tried to go back up again and failed at least twice.
Horizon turning pink as a prelude to another beautiful sunset .
Looks like Sandy in the nest…she is so beautiful!!
Looking at the news tonight, I’ve learned that ,ironically, the 7th tropical storm in the Atlantic Ocean is named……….Grace. I hope Grace will not cause problems for Gracie.
So about 5:30pmEDT Ronnie dropped down to nest and tried wheedling the fish away from Sandy…Tried intimidation, tried reasoning, sweettalk….lots of vocalizing. Sandy hanging on to his fish. George dropped in to say hello and got bopped by Ronnie for being empty footed. George took off then Ronnie took off and Sandy wisely started finally eating that fish……..
I saw a shadow pass over when all three were in the nest, and no alarm calls, so I think Gracie went to the perch. Sandy is chirping quietly with her, in between bites.
5:40 EST someone in nest eating a fish. not sure who it is. back to camera!
About 4:45pmEDT Chick flew in ( I think Ronnie) with a small fish and was studying it when she heard the other kid coming in. She took off with the fish as ?Sandy landed. What was interesting was that the second chick looked wet and the first one didn’t. Sibling robbery perhaps???? Kid with fish flew around and up to perch. Shortly after, Gracie came in with a partial fish that was taken by the damp kid so each has dinner. My video keeps cutting out. Does anyone else have this issue? I don’t know if it’s my computer or the feed. Have to reboot “Live Feed” each time.
Chick in nest just holding his fish and enjoying the sunshine, Hope he eats some before sib comes to claim this piece, too.
George just brought in a headless fish for Sandy. She’s not eating just yet, just hovering over it. Today both chicks spent a lot of time in the nest, more than lately. I think that Gracie may have left. I’ve only see George as of late.
One of the kids in the nest eating a fish.
ps A little before 2 Sandy goes off and gets her own fish… She is a good fisherman… I don’t know why she thinks everyone should bring the fish to her…unless that is what she saw all the time with mom……and that’s what she thinks she is supposed to do…if this is the case she will make a good mom if she can learn she has to feed the babies first……..Now a question….. I have seen eagles stealing fish from other eagles….. Is the fighting between Sandy and Ronnie not just a sibling thing….. is it an osprey thing?
.
I believe stealing from other osprey may be an raptor thing…or even predator birds in general. Eagles do it, hawks, crows, blue jays…all steal from each other and other sometimes
other species. All’s fair in love, war and survival.
Rob Bierregarrd talked about this in one of his Q&A videos. He said ospreys are not known to steal from other birds. The siblings in a nest are a different situation. Eagles are particularly notorious for stealing food and are opportunistic. He mentioned the reason Benjamin Franklin didn’t want the bald eagle as the country’s symbol was because it was known for stealing fish from the fish hawks (ospreys).
Somewhere between 11:50 and 12:24 ……. a parent came in with bout 3/4ths of a fish and stood there for about 5 minutes. Then Sandy comes in and takes it and none too gently then of course spreads the wings and squawks doing her ‘ it’s mine! it’s mine! go away! ‘. The parent flies off but veers to the camera..Sandy is holding the fish under her feet but is not eating… The parent then calls and here comes Ronnie who swoops in and takes the fish and starts eating it…….is this revenge for Sandy treating the parent so badly or is the parent trying to teach Sandy to hurry and eat before someone takes it from her?….. I kinda think it’s a little of both…
I’m sorry the times that I posted are incorrect not sure what time it was I’m thinking more around 11 1130 .
Around 1:45 p.m., Ronnie shows up with a big fish he caught! Good job!
Sunday around 1:00-130 Pm Gracie has not left she delivered a fish too baby number two Sandy Who flew in the nest as soon as she saw mama in the nest with the fish
Sandy stood there a while until Gracie left was still covering the fish and of course here comes Ronnie and Ronnie takes the fish from Sandy once again I don’t think Sandy was hungry or she would’ve started eating the fish so we have to assume Sandy is getting food somewhere this is two days in a row that Sandy has gotten fish has hung onto it and Ronnie has stolen it from her so she must be eating.
But definitely Gracie still there she only makes an appearance about once a day.
About 12 p.m. George (smaller head and with less brown on top of his head) brings in a headless fish. Sandy comes in takes it and soon after Ronnie showed up He hovered around the nest but was not attempting to steal it. Sandy moved her fish out to the perch. That is how I know it is Sandy she has been eating out there lately.
Just checked Sandy still out there eating and Ronnie just hanging out. Maybe that huge fish he had earlier has taken the edge of his appetite.
Gracie (yes – she’s still here) brought a headless fish to Ronnie around noon, and Sandy came along and stole it from him! One the other ospreyites said that Ronnie’s “eyebrows” trend upward, like Mr. Spock. That makes me believe that Sandy got the fish. Around 12:40 p.m., foreign ospreys are flying around the nest, up near the camera perch, and the babies are really screaming for it to go away. The babe in the nest actually goes up there to chase it away, which would be Ronnie, because he’s braver.
12:26 p.m. – Another GRACIE sighting! She’s still around and flew into the nest with a headless fish for one of her kids, and no one is home at the moment. Sits and waits with her head off camera to the right.
Sunday – noon
Gracie facing the water – there are damaged feathers on her right side – did anyone else see that? Rodee
Happy to still see Gracie.
11:55am. Gracie brings a small fish to the nest. No one is there. But her.
About 7:15a.m. EST both kids were in the nest. George delivers a huge fish, scuffle insures but of course Ronnie wins and leaves with the fish so no breakfast for Sandy yet. Still it has been reported to us that osprey will not stave as long as there is a food source available and as we have seen fish have been very available and of a good size yet Sandy still prefers to have her food delivered but we do not really know if she isn’t fishing on her own and eating perched somewhere which is what she will be doing her whole life except when she becomes a mother and has to bring fish to her young in a nest. Just scrolled back to see that Sandy did not return so hopefully she went to get here own breakfast. I noticed stating this past week she was taking food out onto that nest perch to eat which was a big step.And I believe Gracie has left on her journey. I have only seen George in the last 2 to 3 days. Hope her journey will be a safe one and she returns in the spring. I miss here but know she had to go.
Ospreys are not geniuses. They build the most dangerous nests and here in Florida sometimes in the most ridiculous places (such as the stoplight on the drawbridge onto Longboat Key where traffic is never-ending right under the so called mess of a nest. The LI osprey had to be rescued because they bring fishing line, rope, plastic bags, and lots of other things that pose great hazard for the chicks as well as the adults. I.M. Pei’s they are NOT! Thankfully, the youngster was saved on Long Island where I grew up but many, I am sure, don’t get rescued from similar situations. It is also interesting to watch how the young birds are not into sharing at all. Today a parent delivered what looked to be a decent sized bluefish snapper (might be something else) which was certainly enough for both to dine on yet the dominant chick would not let its sibling approach and when it insisted just flew off with the whole fish. These are not friendly birds at all. They pecked their runt of the litter to death. I know this is nature’s way and I don’t lose sleep over it but it would be nice if they cared at all for each other which I noticed was the case with the barn owls I watched this summer. They were much nicer to each other so all species are not the same. It has been a pleasure watching this whole summer and actually recognizing where the nest is. Thanks to TRS for their special hit show!
Not sure what your point was but I didn’t get the idea you really find Osprey that enjoyable. Maybe the Barn Owl is where you need to concentrate your attention since you didn’t list one positive thing about the Osprey that we have enjoyed watching this season…. inspite of the down side of nature that we also endured.
Glad you didn’t lose any sleep.
Thanks for your comment. It is well taken but you misunderstand me if you think I am not enthralled by these birds. I watch ospreys live every day where I live and enjoy their company when I fish. The comment on the barn owls was just meant as a comparison between two species of hunting birds. Owls are quite different from raptors such as others I have observed (i.e.. eagles, falcons, many different hawks, etc.). They all have their own ways, for example the barn owls I mentioned are often committing siblicide to further their own prospects. As to listing positives about ospreys the list would be quite long as they are incredible birds in so very many ways. I’m sorry you took my comments as a negative. It was certainly not intended. Also, as an avid fisherman I have spent many hours picking up discarded line from beaches as well as all kinds of dangerous debris. If I did not find osprey enjoyable I would certainly not have watched them religiously from birth to their upcoming migration. I do the same here with bald eagles who nest near me. Watching them hunt is incredible. The osprey only fish whereas the eagles take everything they can manage. They can’t compare to the osprey when it comes to fishing. Neither can I. The only big difference other than that they are better fisher birds than I am a fisherman is that I release most of my fish. They cannot afford to do that. They must eat without benefit of a supermarket.
Hi Bob, you can go to Chesapeake Conservancy and watch Maine and Montana. They are so well behaving and mannered siblings. They never fight, take their turn on fish if there is only one, and do not squawk in vain. Ospreys are different as most animals are.
So very right Elena. Thanks for the comment.
Thank you for your comments Bob! I enjoyed reading and add – the term “bird brain” may be appropriate here. 😉
Very funny Beatrice! They still are incredible birds who I get to hang out with every day as they live all around me. They fish so much better than me,too.
To Paul ,Tommy and all our fellow osprey watchers as this osprey journey nears its end it’s important to say thank youfor giving us the opportunity to witness this sweet and sad story.We would be remiss if we didn’t thank George and Gracie-to witness the cycle of life,love,protection,strength nurturing and teaching and yes also grief in losing a chick.What a grand set of parents they are! By their example we are reminded that life is indeed fragile however we must endure.Wishing them a safe journey no matter where life takes them we will keep this memory in our hearts always❤
Over this summer, I have been watching along with everyone from eggs to today… I have made very few comments but want to thank everyone who has. Reading as well as watching has been great educational viewing and enjoyable reading. I lived all my 70 years on Long Island and despaired with my generation as the Osprey became nearly extinct and rejoiced at their rebound. I admired and marveled at the uniqueness of their large nests, size and being better fishers than I could ever be with rod and reel. During my time, I only saw the outbound and inbound nesting activities and being able to have an eye on the daily growth, habits, instincts and parenting has been a fantastic experience that has solved a life long mystery about all that goes on in the Osprey’s family home. From watching George feed the family, to Gracie’s covering the chicks from rain and hot sun. Sadly even the forces of Mother Nature practicing the survival of the species was a reminder that all that goes on in the wild is much to do about continuing existence. Perhaps we humans can take lesson from this in better caring for our planet and each other to better provide for our existence. I hope everyone will take a look next year to see a return to the nest. In closing, a very sincere thank you to everyone at Osprey Zone, Tax Reduction Services and Paul Henry. Special thank to Jim McDougal and the entire PSEG Osprey Rescue Squad. Hope to see ya next year!
Been following this family since before the eggs. I am sure we are very close to not being with this family for too much longer. Just have to thank all of the humans that made this fabulous experience possible. I am so happy that these beautiful birds are thriving here on our LI and have made such a grand come back from the brink. I a humbled by the strength of survival that this nest displays each and every day. I have certainly gained very much by being involved in this journey. Good Luck – George, Gracie, Sandy and Ronnie!!!
Looks like a beautiful start to yet another beautiful day. Empty nest but someone is on perch as I do hear squawking. I can only assume it’s Sandy calling for a little company and maybe a bite or two to eat. Hope the Osprey 4 have a great day today and that goes for the person reading this too. 🙂
Did my catch up scroll back to see one chick got a fish from George around 5:20ish pmEDT. The kid took his fish out on the nest perch and did an excellent job holding and eating. I’m guessing Sandy. About 6:20 it looked like one chick brought in its own fish. I think this is Ronnie.
Gracie dropped in about 6:35 with 1/2 fish, which Sandy took. As soon as Ronnie finished eating, she started pacing and getting agitated and about 7 went in for the grab, took Sandy’s fish and went flying.off. Sandy hadn’t been eating it yet. I think Ronnie wound up back on the camera perch with fish.
It looked like it took a few tries but Sandy managed to fit on the upstairs perch too.
It’s a bit eerie when a lighted boat goes by, just an orb floating across the dark water…
Chicks got into a bit of a tossel over the last of a fish. I went back to try and figure out what exactly happened. Ronnie came in with a fish and Sandy on the side lines watching. Ronnie finishes and goes to the perch then I see Sandy with part of a fish, but not what Ronnie had, she never moved. She must have been guarding what she had, from him. It wasn’t visible before so don’t know where it came from. Ronnie fights for it and wins, and then takes off with it. Poor Sandy.
Sandy has been in the nest for a while now. She looks hungry! Just want to see her come in with her own fish!!!
It looks to me like the nest is getting more and more full of twigs and grasses and all kinds of wonderful things…. Someone said some time ago that the parents would fill the nest with all kinds of things before they fly for the winter to try to prevent someone else from making themselves at home in their nest….. If this is the case it looks like preparations for flight are almost complete…………..Now for the more interesting bit of observation….. around 6:30 ish PM the chick who had been in the nest squawking as usual swooped off the nest down to the water….. and came back within 4 minutes with a fish….. the chick on the camera came down to watch the other one eat it making no attempt ( yet ) to steal the fish….. then here comes a parent with a fish and the fishless chick took it from the parent quite gently……..then the parent flew off….This proper behavior is not what I am used to seeing with these two………… Now about half an hour later the chick who got it’s own fish and wolfed it down finally stole the fish from the chick who had still not eaten what had been taken from the parent and flew off with it….. that’s the behavior we all know……….. .
I truly think Gracie has migrated. Only have seen George & the kids today.
6:34 p.m. – GRACIE delivers dinner to Sandy. Its the first sighting of her today.
Around 6:25 one kid brought fish in other flew in and watched..I think the watcher is Sandy?
About 2:20 George delivered a tree branch. After spending time earlier this afternoon ripping a tree branch apart and clearing the center of the nest of the branch obstruction that was there he brings in another one. When George delivered a very much alive fish at about 2:50 he had a hard time landing because of that new branch .Sandy was in the nest but he left with the fish. Is he trying to tell her “I’m not feeding you anymore. Get fishing for yourself.” I just looked at the nest and that branch seems to be gone. What happened to it? I have to leave and can’t scroll back so if someone knows please post answer. Thanks.
Isn’t getting late that they should not be squawking for room service. They should be out doing their own fishing.
George just brought in another fish for Sandy. She didn’t take it though. George was having difficulties navigating in the nest. He brought in another stick this morning. Someone needs to do a bit of house cleaning. George left with the fish, since Sandy didn’t take it.
What was that all about att about 2 43 George flying in with a fish and then taking off with it?
Paul – please set the record straight…Which Gracie ? Is the Gracie, in this nest, the same Gracie who laid 3 eggs, hatched the eggs, brooded the babies,
fed the babies, and continues to bring fish to her offspring? Please answer for all of us. Thank you
As far as I know, it’s the same Gracie, No Osprey-gate here.
Starting at about 12:20Gerge began a mission to get rid of that huge branch that has been in the nest a while now. He attempted to move it but couldn’t-it was actually got caught around his neck at one point. But he was determined and started breaking it apart with his beak and picking it up a few times moving it and was finally successful. He moved the last of it over to the right side so I can’t see how much is left but it now out of the middle of the nest. Thanks George.
I’m not a person who gets up at the crack of dawn, so it’s so nice to be able to scroll back and see the sun rising on the water with the (empty) nest. Too bad the plastic takes away the beauty, ha-ha. Anyway, around 6:15 a.m., one of the babes flies in. How beautiful is that view. Chick does some twig rearranging. Some flying in and out of nest, probably waiting for breakfast. George delivers half fish around 8:15 a.m. Looks like he wants to do a quick getaway, but is having difficulty getting around all the twigs; does some rearranging Must be Sandy, because she is much gentler than Ronnie who will bite the parent’s claw to get the fish. Not only that, she takes her time eating. Daddy leaves nest and baby does the same thing around five minutes later with its breakfast. It’s a beautiful day on the island — no humidity and not as windy as yesterday! Absolutely perfect.
George brought Sandy breakfast this morning. She needs to start getting her own by now. I worry about her.
I think Sandy is a bit smarter than we give her credit for. I think she knows more but chooses to maybe reserve her energy for her migration? Just a thought. I like to think of her that way anyway 🙂
Around 9:30..is that Gracie calling from perch?
around 8:20 Dad brings in headless fish for Sandy..did Gracie leave?
why are they leaving the nest to eat?
Paul, this question stays with me so I’m going to ask. To the left of osprey nest fishing boats go and come. If someone asked them to dump
their left over chum into water as they re-entered docks, more fish would be attracted to the shallow waters … to be eaten by the ospreys.
Just a reoccurring thought.
How do you know that those aren’t pleasure craft?
I have lived with ospreys literally in my back yard for many years. There always seems to be one baby who is a “homebody.” But when push comes to shove- or nature takes over- they always seem to get themselves together and fly south. I worry about how they will fare and hold my breath a bit. When April rolls around I hear that familiar cry and look out to see they have once again found their nest, seeing them return means all is right with the world. I am sure “our” homebody chick will find her inner osprey and fish and fly as she is meant to do. All the moms are still around my end of Long Island. Though I am sure next week they will start their migration. How incredibly fortunate we have been to “live” in the nest with this lovely family.
Looks like about 4:40 p.m. a chick flew into the nest with a fish. Must be Sandy, because she is not eating it, just studying it. Shortly thereafter, the other sibling stops by and is eyeing the fish. Luckily, a parent (looks like George) arrived with a delivery, which was scooped up by Ronnie (?). George left, and a few minutes later the second chick also flew the coop with his fish. That left Sandy alone for dinner — but not for long. Around 5:30 p.m., George made another fish delivery, but both chicks were now in the nest, feasting on their dinner. Then they both left. A lot of coming and goings. George brings in another pointy branch around 6:30 p.m., and it sounds as if one of his children is giving him a hard time about the new twig. It’s pointing in all directions. Daddy looks surprised to find his last fish delivery was not touched, so he takes it and flies off with it for his dinner. Good to know both siblings ate tonight, even though they have eaten during the day.
Around 7pmEDT Gracie ( I think) brought In a large whole fish and got out of the way. Of course one kid grabbed it and took off. Other was left staring into sky and complaining.
That must be Sandy in the nest…still complaining and heading out to his perch.
Just flew up and is complaining on the perch. Wonder if sib is up there with that huge fish?
It was nice to see both chicks in the nest at the same time. Better to do some comparison. It’s been more difficult as they have grown, to tell them apart. I’ve been good at spotting Sandy because she was a bit smaller, and is the one who spends the most time in the nest these days. Today both were there for a change. Gracie brought in a fish which Ronnie grabbed and Sandy guarded hers’ for her life.
Looking at the tail feathers of both chicks I would say they are both female. Most female birds have dithering on the underneath tail feathers and they both appear to have that. I’ve always thought Sandy was a female, but now I think Ronnie is also.
oh wow, just went to a web site to see about Ronnie & Sandra Burns. I remember Ronnie vaguely I’m old, but not that old lol, but don’t remember Sandra. It seems that in real life George & Gracie adopted both Ronnnie & Sandra. Sandra being older than Ronnie. Just thought I’d throw that out to anyone who might want to know.
Both chicks in the nest at 6:54 pm. I guess they are waiting for dinner. Gracie, George?
Does anyone know the answer to this question: When George and Gracie go south for the winter, do they have a home there or will they have to build a new nest. Will she lay eggs there and start over?
Hi, Pat…They winter there, on separate vacations. No nests there, just eating and relaxing. They return here, hopefully reconnect with each other and start the courting, mating and nesting again.
Thanks, CarolV. I’ll get rid of the image of them opening the winter home down south and filling it with more new chicks. They’ve earned a vacation. 🙂
When they hit their final destination they do not build a nest..hang out in trees or other perches…go their separate ways..come spring will hopefully meet again at same nest and have offspring…when they go south each one will be solo, even Sandy and Ronnie..
Carol IV when using your home computer do a search for snipping tool it will pull up a bunch of choices but usually it’s the very first one called desktop app Not Internet one. If you have this and you find it let me know you will be able to take the most beautiful pictures with this . I keep it minimize at the bottom my screen
I hope you have this so you can take some excellent pictures before they’re gone .
Thanks for the info. I’ll try. I really should take a computer basics course. Lately my computer is acting up which brings a whole new level of frustration. Wish me luck!
I just found a “Snapmyscreen” toolbar which might be what you mean. I’ll have to try it out tomorrow. If I can’t use this one, there were others to try. Thanks for the advice!
Carol and anyone else interested,
I use Snipping Tool when I think about it and it’s simple. I didn’t realize till just now that it comes installed with Windows: “Snipping tool is only included with Windows Vista, Windows 7 and Windows 8. If you can not find it, you can alternatively download the free tool Capture Screenshot lite which looks the same and works pretty much the same as Snipping Tool. The download link is http://www.gutmannsoft.com/en/screenshot/capture-screenshot-lite.php. (Make sure you click the download link at the bottom of the page to get the free version.)”
This is the link to the page that gives more details: http://www.capture-screenshot.org/snipping-tool/
Good grief, this WIND!! i think mitchell remarked the ospreys would need a north wind to get started on their migration. Certainly looks and sounds like a powerful wind!!
we shall see who goes and when!
About 3:22pmEdt Kid dropped in to cheer arrival of parent with partial fish. Lots of wing action and quick coming and going. I think it was George but….
I saw a smallish fish passed over to who I think is Ronnie but she doesn’t seem interested. Just holding it in one foot. I checked back a few times and I did see a fish.
Looks like the kid(?Ronnie or chick A since I’m not sure) hung around with the fish till about 4pm when she went to top perch as the other kid (chick B) came in then left. It got confusing because around 5:40pm one kid still had her fish, the other kid came in with a partial fish and George dropped off a partial fish and took off. Then one fid took off with its fish and one chick still working on its. Don’t know for sure who’s got what but at least we know they ate and there’s extra! Nope, George came back for his fish. I see he brought in an annoying poky stick some time today’