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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
I guess not so specific about where the nest is really indicated? altho getting ready to leave………..
It’s really amazing how that homemade perch in the nest has stood the test of storms, etc. I guess we have “George the Builder.” That nest is so saturated. Hopefully, the wind will help to dry it out. Don’t know who got that fish this morning. It’s getting harder and harder to tell them apart. Their feather growth characteristics keep changing. I would venture to say that Ronnie took the fish from George, but yet it looks like Sandy.
9:50am This looks like Ronnie in the nest, yelling. Are those Spock brows or wet feathers? Sandy is usually the nest sitter….sounds like he’s on perch.
Other kid dropped in. Wethead look making i.d. harder……
Those are Ronnie’s Spock brows you saw, since you asked. Both juvies have been in and out all morning, and both have had wet-looking heads.
Yesterday was a really rough day of storms on LI. I work in Cutchogue which is not far from East Marion, where this nest is. Wicked storms came through on and off throughout the day. When I was driving home last night, (to the South Fork) it was raining so hard and visibility was so bad I almost cried I was so happy to be home! So we know just how rough these birds(and all animals) must have had it. Till watching this site, I admittedly haven’t given much thought to how animals cope. Out of sight, out of mind concept. What amazing coping strategies must have evolved to make them so successful!
For Marlene….I used to have sparrows that nested in my patio awning. Once the chicks fledge, they move out. The parents feed the fledges on the ground as they show them how and where to find food. They usually have at least two broods per summer, which is why we heard their presence later in August, too. That’s where the osprey neighbors have gone, to join the general flocks that hang out in bushes and trees.
That nest is so saturated even the plastic banner looks depressed!!!!!!!!!!
Saw and heard kids this a.m. but no feeding yet.
I don’t know for sure but would imagine a fierce weather system has to affect the fishing.
9/11 – Always Remember
Fri 8:20 a.a. empty nest. Can’t say I blame them, it’s a sodden mess. Hope they come back when it dries out a bit.
Thanks for the remembrance reminder…Was thinking about it…..
About 7am CST Sandy arrives in nest and George delivers some fish for breakfast. Moments later Ronnie shows up but just as he does Sandy flies off with fish. Ronnie goes after George and nips at him which makes George fly off. Ronnie is currently in nest and doesn’t look happy. (hope I got every one right)
Thanks…I missed that! I agree on the players
Thank God! I was hoping I got them right 🙂
coming up to 7PM sept. 10th
Wow i can hear the wind and see one of the osprey’s feather being ruffled. Waves rippling.
can’t help but admire nature for giving this bird such long and powerful talons. Look how they curve around the branch for a tight, secure grip!!
Impressive!!
Would love to know who’s squawking to whom!
at 5:45 EDT, Sandy has spent the entire afternoon in the nest calling for food, with no response from George. She’s soaking wet from the torrential rain we had. Gracie obviously has begun her journey, as I haven’t seen her in 2 days. George NEEDS to give Sandy some fishing lessons or somehow clue her in that deliveries of food are going to be scarce and she needs to put on her big girl pants.
(This was a little after 12 nooon today) – Hello!! Not sure what I saw. Sandy (assuming) was in the nest and an osprey landed in the nest. She pecked at the ‘adult’ who flew away. But, the adult osprey came back a couple more times. Finally with a fish for Sandy (or Ronnie) to eat. But, what I’m wondering is – would a baby peck his Mom when he (or she) is starving? I had not seen that happen before today. Hmmmmm….
Monica, yes, seen them pack at mom/dad before. Not alot, but they have.
Kathy – that was hysterical!! I thought that perhaps it was a random osprey who happened to land in there. LOL!! Can you imagine ‘poking’ your Mom when you were a child for her to get you some food?! So funny.
Why do you feel the chick is starving? They look pretty healthy to me.
I feel that Sandy is starving because once a fish is brought to the nest, Ronnie steals it and she’s left with nothing…….perhaps all day……I have no idea what happens once they are outside of the camera view, but I’ve witnessed her miss many many meals. I do think she’s becoming more militant and will give Ronnie a harder time in the future in winning the fish toss.
I don’t think starving is the right word but there is little question that fishing becomes more difficult in the weather they are experiencing at present.
I have seen the ungrateful brats peck both parents and bite their feet if they don’t let go of fish fast enough. Must be the osprey equivalent of human teenagers and the eye-rolling, back-talking and generally unattractive behavior……..
One of the satellite tracked ospreys from Rutland Water in England has already reached her winter home in Senegal, Western Africa. It’s an amazing trip since they have to cross the Sahara.
This is their most recent blog post detailing the last leg of her journey.
http://www.ospreys.org.uk/almost-home-2/
Thank you Karen.
Ronnie’s a Female (just look at her “Lady” like behavior,Sandy’s a smart Male:))
George makes another fish delivery around 12:55 p.m. I’m pretty sure that it’s Ronnie in the nest, and he gets the prize. Wonder what happened to the house wrens who used to nest nearby. Haven’t heard them in a long time. They don’t fly south.
Looks like Ronnie back in the nest around 12:05 p.m., waiting for food. I’m sure he had the small fish delivery earlier this morning, and I did not see Sandy with any today. Maybe the weather makes fishing difficult. Anyway, George flew in the nest with seaweed and seemed shocked when Ronnie went to peck at him. Guess George thought his son would be happy to see him and he was going to get a kiss instead of a peck. George flew off and returned again with at least two more seaweed deliveries. This did not brighten up Ronnie’s day.
One of the kids in the nest just now, screaming for food… parent comes in with seaweed for nest and lunges at their head… ungrateful kid, LOL. Bird better learn to be more self sufficient soon….
i’m surprised it’s not pouring rain out by nest, pouring rain here.
Scrolling back again, I’m not sure if it was George who brought in the fish. Maybe it was Gracie. Can’t tell, with the rain and their feathers all soaked. Poor birdies.
George flew into the nest with a little fish around 8:00 a.m. Didn’t even look like him — so wet — looked so much smaller than usual. Eventually, one of the chicks flew in. after flying by a couple of times. Maybe having trouble landing in the rain!! I think Ronnie is the one who took the fish from George. A few minutes later, Sandy flew in and tried to steal it, but Ronnie flew off with it. There are flash flood alerts on the south shore of LI, where I live. I’m sure it’s going to be bad weather on the north shore, also.
Message to Bobbie: The babies’ names were selected from the contest, and I know that Ronnie and Sandy were the adopted children of George Burns and Gracie Allen. Ronnie was the male and Sandy was the female. (I don’t remember ever seeing her, but I’m almost certain that Sandy was a girl.) That’s why I refer to the birds as that sex — by their names. But, no one knows for sure what they really are; I would think the parents know. Wonder if that matters to George and Gracie?
It’s 11:08am – both chicks in the nest. Squawkfest!!!! mmmmmmm
Is there a way we can post and share screenshots? I’m not able to check in as much as I’d like to and came to the nest after the hatching. Thanks.
Something wrong with the posting of comments. I’ve gotten nothing since 1:57pm 9/9/15.
Watched a bit this morning & was nice to see the 2 youngsters together in the nest for a little while. Parent came in with a little fish, which was quickly snatched up by “you know who”.
Rain & thunder overnight. Looks like they did alright.
Comments are only updated and posted occasionally. Paul reviews the content before he lets them go through. Sometimes that may only be two times a day.
I cannot seem to get comments no matter what I do. Nothing since yesterday.
Paul, or someone, has to read and moderate every message before it is posted so it all depends on how much time he has to devote to the job.
If you subscribe to the messages and have them sent to your email account, you’ll always know when they appear.
Comments are only updated and posted occasionally. Paul reviews the content before he lets them go through. Sometimes that may only be two times a day.
One very wet kid picking around in the nest. Someone else on the perch chirping. Really hard rain and thunder earlier. Sounded like someone was hosing the house with a fire hose
Wonder if George knew storm was coming because he was organizing the nest and adding things the day before. Sort of like when animals act strange before earthquake etc…
George with Breakfish>Sandy gets it>Ronnie comes by>Sandy leaves with Fish,lol:))
Unbelievable, one baby brought in a fish and the other baby flew in and took it. Not even a fight. The other baby with no spots on chest just flew back in but,the other baby took off with fish. Someone is hungry. Poor baby.
Baby is in the nest now. Squawking, where’s my food. Good to see and hear the baby.
No birdies in the nest this morning.. Amazing how we have been able to see their lives close up. I hope Sandy’s starts to fish more and builds up his or her’s strength for the long journey ahead. I will miss them and pray they have a safe journey. Thank you Tom and Paul for this beautiful experience.
Did Gracie head south..have only seen George..
I looked in on our fine feathered family several times today…the last 4 or 5 times something was wrong with either my computer or the camera…..
I’ve been following this website since shortly after the eggs hatched, but I must admit I’m still not clear about who’s who between the siblings. Are we using Ronnie as a male’s name as in Ronald or a female’s name as in. Veronica? Likewise is Sandy a female as in Sandra, or a male Sandy. Do we think that one of the chicks is a male and the other a female or are they both the same sex? Is there a consensus of opinion out there in the Osprey Zone?
Both names are being used as gender neutral. No one knows what sex they are.
Since females are larger, I’ve always believed Ronnie to be female, but it would take an expert to make a truly educated guess. .
I’ve never been able to tell which is which. But, I agree with you, Karen. I believe males tend to be lighter, per what Rob Bierregaard states in one of his videos. But, at this point, it doesn’t really matter to me which is which. It’d be nice to know for sure if the more aggressive (or assertive) one is Sandy, a female, hopefully. lol
Was able to check back to about 4pmEDT to see both kids eating. Saw that Ronnie finished , flew out and then came back to try to steal Sandy’s last bit. Sandy did a fine fly-hop to keep her fish and move over to other side of nest….You Go, Kiddo!!!!
Just before 6pm and a little after 6 each kid came in with a fish. My video is not showing for about an hour before that…just black..so I don’t know if anyone dropped these off or if caught, Just happy to see both eating.
Looks like both kids sleeping upstairs. Sandy has no midnight snack to protect tonight!
at about 3:15 EST i think I saw Ronnie in nest. (thicker legs).
now at 7:20 EST it looks like maybe Sandy at nest…sitting on perch how she likes.
About 7pm, both babes in the nest. Looking like stormy weather coming in.
The feed was down for a little bit. There are storms coming tonight but hopefully they shouldn’t be too bad. The last two fish “catches” I saw by the chicks were interesting to me. The chick arriving with the fish was not wet. This leads me to believe he/she may have stolen it or was given the fish by George or Gracie elsewhere.
Just hoping Sandy (if you believe in naming) has its (he or her?) act together for migration. Just haven’t seen that bird catch many fish and if you know LI in the fall then you know the migration of many species begins at this time of the year. If you are not a lifetime fisherman or woman from the area please don’t contradict me on this because I know what I’m talking about and if you live in Michigan you don’t. Whoops, I realize I started being a wise guy New Yorker. I apologize. But for a rare moment, this is something I do know about. I don’t know how much the osprey have to feed on their way south and I also don’t know how far south these birds go. If some one who does know could help me with this I would appreciate it. As I’ve mentioned in previous comments, I now live in Florida where the osprey hang out year round. I don’t know if NY birds go this far south. If you know please tell me.It is always a pleasure to read everyone’s comments and also a joy to realize how many people follow these fantastic bird sites including unforgettable rescues by humans who care. Iv’e practically given up movies to watch birds!
These NE ospreys generally go all the way to South America, but a few might stop in the southern US or Cuba.
2 great sources of information on migration are both from Rob Bierregaard. One of them is his site which tracks all of his satellite tagged birds. One of them, Edwin, has already reached Columbia and Venezuela.
http://www.ospreytrax.com/2015%20New%20England%20Fall.html
The other is a video Q&A that he did last year on migration:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kJYMVaOJo68
He was asked about the Florida ospreys and he said Florida actually has both migratory and non-migratory ones. The non-migratory ospreys breed earlier than the ones that migrate.
Bob – definitely watch the Q&A video that Karen suggested. I watched and found it very informative.
Karen – it’s Colombia, not Columbia. I know, because I was born in Colombia. 🙂
Opps, sorry for the typo. My husband was just there on business so I should have caught that.
Thanks very much for the info. It is appreciated.
Thank you too for the info. I will follow up to learn more. Everyone has been quite kind except Jai who feels I don’t like ospreys. My comment was misinterpreted.
4:30 Sandy watching Ronnie eat the fish, almost to the tail, got so frustrated he head-butted Ronnie in his butt, almost throwing Ronnie out of the nest. Ronnie held on tight, not to surrender even so much as a bite of the fish, and readjusted herself and remained to eat.
3:43 p.m. Wed. Sandy eating away. Ronnie standing by. Must be full.
3:40 – After losing the steal of fish from Ronnie, poor Sandy greets George bringing what?!?!?!?!?!?!? an ugly stick ! ! ! You could just see the disappointment.
Well I don’t care what anyone says, I think Sandy is going to be alright. Around 3:20 Eastern, Ronnie was hanging out in the nest when Sandy came in with a big fish. Ronnie immediately grabbed it, but Sandy didn’t let go. She hung on for dear life. Ronnie finally let go and she took the fish to her private perch. Ronnie walked around her for a bit looking for a way to grab the fish, but Sandy calmly started to chow down. Ronnie walked to edge of nest pouting.
What is the temperature at the nest? The wind certainly does blow strong up there, does anyone have an idea of the velocity? These two chicks do seem well able to fend for themselves.
Another big catch for Sandy,this time Ronnie lost the fishfight>you go Sandy:)
Wow!! No comments and it’s already 2pm! I’m surprised. Nest is empty at the moment. 🙂
Sandy brought a big Fish,ate some till Ronnie steals it…
Ronnie caught a nice size fish around 11:00 a.m., but would not share it with his sibling (naturally). After waiting patiently for about an hour, Sandy finally went for the fish. Ronnie must’ve been full, because he did not put up a fight. All of this was in between seaweed deliveries from George. Sandy left with the leftover fish around 12:15 p.m. In the meantime, George is doing some major redecorating. I guess he is not happy with the floor and wants to change it.
The website is not working???
George is fussing……..12:17pm EST
Thank you TRS for this live feed. I love watching birds and this has been a delight. I have tuned in several times a day since the beginning and am soooooo going to miss them when they leave. Appreciate all the posts. It is almost like being there.
Around 11:00 am. EDT Sandy flew into the nest with his own fish that I’m assuming he caught himself. Sandy follows and continues to beg to the camera perch for her brunch. Sandy just isn’t getting it yet as to what she needs to do to eat. She’s not progressing.
About 5:55amEDT George stopped in and left a fish tail. Sandy came over casually and took it. Then flew out.
I scrolled back to around 5am CST to see Ronnie (?) in nest. He had discovered the remainders of a fish left over from last night. There was squawking going on in background and I can only assume it was Sandy (?) and after squawking back Ronnie picked fish remains up and flew off. Sharing breakfast with sister? Hope so 🙂
@Gamma : I don’t know the time,but when S & R where on the nest,Dad leaves after Fishdrop and Mum flew by:)
4am CST and it is windy as all get out. I can see Sandy on her perch but I can’t really see anything else. It’s still very dark out. Hope the wind dies down!
This is a first for me….Around 9:47PM Eastern time Sept. 8 I saw, even in the darkness, one of our ospreys in the upper right hand corner, . Sandy’s favorite spot\ so maybe that is the identity of the bird.
Also appeared to be eating a fish!! I guess we all like to have a night time snack!!
Looks like George delivered a big fish around 6:30 p.m., which was grabbed by Ronnie. Around 6:45 p.m., Gracie (looked like her from the side) delivered a whole fish for Sandy. What a beautiful family.
8;23pm Seeing Sandy perched on his stick in the dark reminds me of how recently we despaired that he would ever get out of that nest!!!! Way to go, big guy!!!! Slow but steady…..
Osprey dad George’s viewpoint: Give a bird a fish and you feed them for a day; teach a bird to fish and you feed them for a lifetime.
About 6:50 Gracie (and yes it was Gracie who I was sure had left but I saw the spot under her wing as she landed) delivered a huge fish to Sandy who was in the nest screaming for a long time. Ronnie came in a few minutes later with a fish he caught so both have their own dinner. Has anyone else noticed that Sandy is screaming so much that her voice is strained. She actually opened her beak last night to scream and no sound came out. Thankfully Gracie came to her aid tonight. I don’t understand why Sandy isn’t doing more fishing for herself. It would take less energy to go fishing than to stay in the nest and scream. Poor Gracie she was probably half way to Florida on her journey and had to come back here because she heard Sandy screaming.
Sandy..Thanks for link to Clyde..Hope our family has the same success Both Sandy and Ronnie had din din around 7 Not sure but it looked like Sandy nabbed fish from Ronnie?
6:50 and great to see both kids eating their own fish! George delivered one about 25 minutes ago which was grabbed by one chick who promptly flew off with it. Gracie just delivered another to the remaining chick who was then joined on the nest by it’s sibling carrying the first fish.
Nice to see confirmation that Gracie is still with us.
Gamma….I saw Gracie about 7:30pm last night (7th). Positive it was her (spot under wing). I’ve been at work today.
Rjoneal…I got a great shot of Gracie and the spot under her wing…I’m sure that I will figure this photo business out. I can see that I have more than a dozen snapshots already and it’s just a matter of time till I get an idea what I’m doing. I appreciate your offer and your patience!!!!
And there was Gracie @ about 6:45pm, bringing in another fish for the other kid,,,,,,I was typing and missed it at first. Both kids happily eating and chatting. Happy times in Ospreyland.
After Gracie handed over fish, she went on the perch, The kid up there with the first fish came down and is eating over by the nest perch, which is usually Sandy’s spot; so maybe Sandy did beat out Ronnie for a change and, if so, hooray for her! I’ll be happy to see other opinions on this.
About 7:40pm Gracie dropped in to nest and had a little visit with Sandy. After she left, the kid made his way out to his stick perch.
After the 4 hr. scroll back….only saw one fish since 2pm. George brought it in and I believe Ronnie got it. Hope there was more action this morning. Ronnie was right back in the nest looking for more so Sandy will be lucky to get anything George may bring in.
Just before 6:30pmEDT George brought in a big fish. The two kids were so busy fighting that the fish was flopping freely and I thought it was gonna be a jumper. But one kid grabbed it and was still trying to get a grip when he went out of the nest. You could see him trying to get a better grip as it sunk down toward the water. He flew around and seems to be on the perch. I thought at first that Sandy got it but I’m not at all sure. May be wishful thinking!
At about 7:00 pm they both were in the nest with a fish each.
Gracie brought in a fish a bit later, then the more assertive youngster brought in his own; the kids dined together for a bit.
Love the single beautiful feather tucked into the top of the nest. It’s like a farewell note.
It reminds me of the flag planted at the summit of a mountain, or on the moon. “We were here!” It’s amazing how long it’s been there…as windy as it gets…
Thank you Sandy for the info, now I can picture our family going south and the route they could take God speed and keep safe and good fishing.
Wow,saw all four!
3:17 PDT What time did you see them ? Were they all on the nest at the same time ? I scrolled back four hrs and only saw to chicks with a quick drop off of half fish by Dad. I was sure maybe Mom had left. Maybe not. When was the last time anyone saw her ?
Will George leave for migration even though Sandy or Ronnie don’t know how to fish does anyone know.
Kathryn, according to previous feedback George will not leave until the kids know how to fend for themselves
I don’t think there’s really a way to know. Some males stay as long as it takes but others leave when they feel they need to.
I have heard that the male will stay until all the chicks have left. It has nothing to do with them knowing how to fish. Many migrate before ever catching their first fish. They won’t starve themselves.
Both kids in the nest, one standing on a half-eaten fish.
Only saw it while scrolling back, but around the 12:00 mark, there was a black crow in the nest checking out the stick perch and grazing for bits of leftovers. Cute.
Link attached shows maps of migration for tagged opsrey in the east coast. I found interesting.
http://www.ospreytrax.com/html_files/Clyde.html
Thanks for posting Clyde’s migration route. I found it interesting, too. It gives me some idea of where our family here will be going soon.
Very interesting – thank you.
That is great. I think that is Rob’s site.
It makes me think that maybe we all should fly to South America and wait for them 🙂
Wouldn’t that be great! I’d love to see what they do there.
I followed the recommendations of a couple of people here and read Return of the Osprey by David Gessner. I enjoyed it and was able to relate to so much that he felt and described. I then read his follow up book, Soaring with Fidel, in which the author follows the ospreys on their migration. I found it even more interesting because it helped explain the whole crazy migration process. Our friend Rob Bierregaard is mentioned quite frequently throughout.
One note, both of these books were written quite a while back: the first was in the late 90’s and the second was about 2004. I’m sure there’s been a great deal learned since then but that doesn’t take anything away from the enjoyment.
http://www.ospreytrax.com/2015%20New%20England%20Fall.html#update
This is the link to the current migration. It is updated daily with the information on all of their tracked ospreys. There is a ton of information on the site and it can be difficult to find the most recent stats.
Sandy, thanks for the link to Clyde, 9 days pretty amazing. Sorry to hear that my namesake was hit and killed by a bus. Many moons ago as a kid, I was hit by a car in Brooklyn while playing of all things- Tag, it was the only time in my life where I flew. Must be a Tucker thing with tagging. Godspeed to our feathered friends. Cheers and good luck to all!
The thought of this family flying south and leaving sollon is very sad….Saturday morning while I was still in bed very early, I heard a flock of geese flying overhead. They were very loud and I gather they were flying south as a flock. This made me think of our osprey family.
Paul, will the live cam be left on? It would be nice to have it thru the fall and winter to watch the seasons and await our family. Just wondering,
Another beautiful sunrise,….another dry day….don’t know what the numbers say yet, but this has got to be a record breaker year as far as rainfall totals. I don’t remember ever having so little rain! One kid was still on the nest perch this a.m. Took off about 6:15am. Didn’t see fish that was with him last night.
I have not seen Gracie or heard her calls in a couple of days..Has anyone else seen her? The nest in Huntington Harbor only see chicks ..if someone has seen her, advise..I think she went south…..
Sandy is Holding on…she will do great on her journey, she is wise..she has tolerance,watches detail & has patience..kudos! Kido!
Sandy being smart. Gave up perching with fam to hang with his fish! Sitting on nest perch,
Phil L hope to hear from you next year when our osprey family starts over. You summed up the season well I couldn’t said it any better.
7:15 p.m. EDT = George made a fishless appearance into the nest to the chagrin of the two chicks. Not feeling the welcoming ‘vibe’, he left.