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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
?Sandy seems very restless…in and out, up and down, laying in nest, on rim and finally out on perch in the dark…….. Surprised he’s not upstairs.
Gamma…was having scroll back issues this afternoon but for the later part of day I think it’s Sandy. My guess anyway.
And I guess you saw post by now that I thought it was Sandy who got fish about 4:50. It’s so windy it makes it even harder to judge.
Soon all we are going to be looking at, besides the empty nest, is a wooden perch and a lonely feather waving in the breeze. Seems hard to believe. ;-(
We’ve had several really great poems over the past week, and it put my writing juices flowing. Thank you to Tommy and the others that have so beautifully shared thoughts on these magnificent birds, and also about this wonderful country we live in.
I think of these Osprey every day, and thought I would try my hand at putting that into a poem:
To George and Gracie, and babies, all three, we look back o’er the past summer as with wonder did see. The nest as you built it so high in the air, then there laid your eggs, so gentle and fair. We watched each one hatch, babies one, two and three, the last being so small earned the nickname “Pee Wee”. The parents were diligent bringing food all day long, and kept watch o’er their young ones to help them grow strong. Our hearts were all broken, nature’s cruel head did flare, as siblings did rival then small little Pee Wee wasn’t there. As we all learned from experts this behavior’s not rare, it still tore at our heartstrings that his life could not be spared. You moved on to the task that each day brought anew, catching fish, feeding young ones, oh yes, “look out for the poo!” As summer strode on one more scare came around, as young Osprey’s were entangled in fishing line from the ground. The locals stepped forward, a truck came to give aid, then up to the nest site in hopes of a save. With expert precision, the task did begin, with blankets and gloves, and yes, Windex for the lens! With parents complaining and circling above, the young ones laid still as their rescuers set in. The line was removed from the legs, nest and the twigs, and Gracie’s precious black plastic for the moment did end. Successful the rescue, the chicks both set free, and there George and Gracie could perch back in the tree. As days turned to weeks, the chicks near fully grown, the time came for young ones to fly on their own. They fluttered and flapped knocking Gracie around, then one day took off, soaring high o’er the ground. The lessons continued, as fishing was next, and then suddenly one day they gave it their best. As Ronnie and Sandy continue to grow, we pray for protection, for safe travel to their winter home. For Gracie now traveling, already on her way, may the winds show you kindness as you meet each new day. To George and the young ones, we’re glad you’re still around, but know any day now you too won’t be found. So farewell our beloved Osprey’s, you give such delight, we will think of you often, through each day and each night.
Very nice!
Beautiful poem.
I do believe Tommy’s beautiful, heartfelt poem was so inspirational. Leesa, your poem is beautiful and says it all. Thank you for sharing it with us! 🙂
Wow. You brought tears to my eyes. What a wonderful poem. I don’t even know what to say. Beautiful!! Thank you!!
You were able to capture the whole story of the entire summer..beautiful
A beautiful summation…funny, sad and poetic all in one. Nicely done!
Sniff….
Magnificent! Thank you Leesa !!xoxoxo
Thank you so much. Your poem was so heartfelt.
Haven’t been able to watch as closely as I’d like. Are we definitely saying Gracie has gone?
Hasn’t been seen since September 8th!
Reply to rodeehansen ….. osprey Do Not dive straight down Into the water. The word “dive” is defined in any dictionary as ( verb) to plunge headfirst into the water. They do begin their ascent head first but before hitting the water they extend their legs which hit the water first and catch the fish with their talons. Because of the speed they are traveling at it isn’t possible for them not to go into the water to some degree and maybe even totally go into the water. Maybe there have been occasions that going straight down headfirst into the water has happened but that is not the norm for osprey
Also…..to plunge in to water, especially headfirst. ( Not exclusive to headfirst) Multitude of alternate defs. Webster
I’m sitting here watching an empty nest and just wonder WHEN anyone knows or can even give an educated guess WHEN each of the kids and George will take off? I know North Fork Bob took off last year around Sept 15th, but he was a single not with kids to attend to. If anyone doesn’t see one of the kids or George for a day or so, please speak up.
Lyn, I can only give you my guess on when they will leave. There is no set time. The chicks from the Boulder nest were about a week/ week and a half older and the last 2 and Dad left about 4 / 5 days ago. The Chesapeake chicks and parents I believe have left. This Mom ( Gracie has been gone for a while , so I am guessing it could be anytime. Because we don’t speak Osprey and they don’t speak our language we may never know until they are just not there any longer. Anyway my guess is any day. Really; any day !
I don’t think the birds even know yet. One nest I watch I think they are all gone. The nest I watch on Verizon tower in Cutchogue…past years the last bird would usually be gone by Sept.24-26. Watching that nest 5 years. And that’s a guesstimate because it would be a realization that they just weren’t there anymore…..
Happy to see both kids home to perch and nest. Wasn’t 100% sure I had seen both today.
Carol, I have checked off and on all day and scrolled back and I wasn’t sure if both had been there or just one. Did you ever see both together ?
Around 4:50 p.m., George flies in with half a fish. One chick is in the nest and one of George’s talons accidentally lands on chick’s head, but that does not deter him/her from going after the dinner. Can’t tell which babe is eating. I agree with CarolV. It is getting more difficult to tell them apart, and that it is easier to do so when they are both in the nest.
On the scroll back, I show several hours on the red bar frame shots that show black. So I’m waiting for comments to catch up to see if anyone ate this afternoon. I tried a skip thru kind of scroll thru but didn’t see anything.
About 4:47pmEDT George brought in a piece of fish to, I think, Sandy.
I was never very interested in birds. Their eyes and beaks were always a little sharp and scary to me. I’ve always considered myself part cat. :). But when I heard about the webcam of the osprey sitting on three eggs I tuned in out of curiosity and was instantly hooked. Every day for the last four months I’ve tuned in several times a day to visit with the bird family. I rejoiced in their triumphs and mourned their loss. I read the information provided by the experts and enjoyed the running commentary of the ospreycam community. I have learned so much and I have come to love our little osprey family. Godspeed to them as they venture off in the next few weeks for their winter home. Thanks to Paul and Tommy for a great experience, Can’t wait to see what happens next spring.
Thank you for the camera, this is the first time following any of our wonderful birds via camera. See ospreys in my neighborhood, eagles, egrets, and many many other wildlife, but so nice to have a ‘bird’s eye view’. I am sure everyone is tired of hearing about our beloved Pee Wee, but I would beg to have intervention next year if another poor sole happens to be hatched and treated as he / she was this year. There are many that would and indeed have shown themselves to be great foster / adoptive parents to these little ones. Case in point the Chesapeake Bay nest of Audrey and Tom and those other nests mentioned that were given babies from nests that had to be removed/shut down due to too much, too close boat traffic (shipping lanes, etc.). Please reconsider letting nature do it’s thing, and give the little ones a fighting chance. While everyone is happy with the two surviving chicks, I just saw George as either too young, or having some interest elsewhere, not sure where George’s head was during that 24 hour starvation period, but I do hope Gracie gets a new guy next year that is a really better provider.
That lone feather “flag” on upper left rim is taking a beating and still flying!!!!!!! Hope it represents the resilience of our little family!
Carol, you seem to be able to identify these chicks, so tell who do you think has been on the nest for a good part of the last 4 hrs. It is now 2:25 pm PDT so 5:25 your time if your in NY. Scrolling back it looks to be the same chick and I am thinking this is Ronnie as I have always thought ( she ) had the heaviest necklace or at least the brown feathers than the other.
If anyone else has a thought let me know.
About 10:50amEDT Kid flew in with large fish. hung out in lower right corner for about 20 mins or so and took off. Couldn’t tell who it was. Scrolled back and didn’t see delivery so guessing self caught?
Between wind-ruffled feathers, position in nest and video break-up, it’s hard to see, but my sense is that it’s Ronnie. She seems uneasy, as if there are other birds in the vicinity. Right before she took off, there was a screeching approach and wing tips in the upper left corner.
Other kid flew to perch shortly after this.
September 14, 2015
It was Sandy who brought in the fish at 10:50. Very quick ID of eyebrow, and then there were the dirty-looking lower legs! It took her only 10 minutes to catch that fish.
I think there has been a lot of activity by nonregulars. I have seen a lot of mantling even when the juvies weren’t guarding a fish, for after all, this island is in a migratory path. There are bound to be strange birds around at this time of the year, either flying through or looking for a place to rest and maybe even a few tidbits.
I did not seen Ronnie today.
By the way, Carol, a long overdue thank you for mentioning that your cats also reacted to the birds when the squawking indicated aggression.
Ronnie with a big catch:))
A little before 11:00 AM. Nest is empty…. Then here comes one of the chicks with a fish…. I have not seen either of them catch their own for several days….. It’s about time…. now let’s hope this kid gets to eat the whole thing…..
7:27 am PDT Can someone local tell me from what direction the wind is blowing today. It looks like a different direction than other days recently.
Northwest…a rare wind for these parts any time of year. Prevailing is usually SW!
Diane, Thank You. I thought from the way the current was flowing that it looked different.
One chick in nest. Someone flies in with fish but drops it just before landing in the nest.
Karin Thanks for the poem – well said! Cheers
8:00amEDT Comedy time. George “drops-off” a fish right on to kid’s back and it slides right out of nest!!!! Kid left looking confused…
You can see what looks like George flying around and down to channel and coming right back with a fish…super Dad!!!!
Took about 5 mins. Video breaking up a bit, very windy. Looked like Sandy got that fish and took off shortly after.
The plastic is very lively today……….
Oops George dropped a Fish,but it fell down,loool
Reply to Jo-ann……
Ospreys DO DIVE straight down INTO the water, but not always.
There are many videos where you can watch this. RH
Around 6:15 p.m., Daddy flies in with a fish which I am sure is grabbed by Ronnie. A few minutes later, he returns with another one for Sandy. What an amazing dad! Both babes will be fed dinner and have a good night.
6:30 PM Both kids have a fish and are eating happily… Dad is ( was ) on the camera most likely resting…..all is well in ospreyland for the moment…
6:03pmEDT George brings small 1/2 fish and wisely dangles it till Ronnie grabbed it. No toe biting this time! I’m surprised to realize how much I will miss that ear-piercing shrill announcement when take-out arrives!!!!!! Would record it for my phone ring if I knew how!
Ronnie has gotten the last two fish. I think it was Ronnie that did the last snatch and grab. Ronnie has the more white chest and is a bit smaller than Sandy now. I’ve been confusing them.
There was an old expression a friend used to say about some of the girls he would date, ” She knows how to change a tire, I just don’t think she would.”
I think that is our little Miss Sandy. She can fish, she can dive and she can soar. But when all she has to do is sit there on the nest and look pretty with George delivering her meals, why bother? When push comes to shove, she will make her own way. If not, she can live in my basement until Spring when I will return her to the nest 🙂
Gina, I agree with you totally. Many Osprey chicks do not fish for themselves until they migrate and why should they when someone will do it for them :))))
Spoke too soon-Ronnie is in the nest trying to steal Sandy’s fish. She seems to have a good grasp on it but as we know Ronnie manages to get the fish from her when she puts her mind to it.
I just checked and found Sandy moved the fish over to the right side of the nest but has hardly eaten any of this fish. It still has a head on it. She really is a slow eater. Ronnie would have eaten all of it in this timeframe. That does worry me a bit about her leaving. I hope George waits a while before leaving since he still seems to be her main supplier of food. I guess Gracie has left=Godspeed to her and look forward to her return in the spring. Since Ronnie seems to be so self sufficient I wonder when he will leave?
About 3:15 EST Sandy got a whole fish delivered to her by George. The girl needs to get out there and do some of her own fishing.
George just delivered another very active fish to Sandy. She again had some trouble getting it secured. At least Ronnie didn’t as yet swoop in and steal it. She has it now out near the nest perch and is eating. Good to see that she has mastered eating out on the perch. That’s a big step toward being able to leave since that if where she will be eating after leaving the nest on her journey. I am wondering based on her love of this nest if she plans on dragging it behind her all the way to her winter home. lol.
Around 3:25 p.m., George flew in with a lively fish for Sandy. Yes, I agree, she is getting faster at eating. Wish she’d make it faster and stop making sounds. Ronnie might hear her.
3:22pmEDt Big fish from George to (I think) Sandy. Dad got the toe-bite thank you.
Not sure I called this one right. I do better when both kids are in nest so I can compare. Very lively fish, thought it was gonna make it to edge. The kid seems agitated. I hear someone on perch, probably other kid.
4:07pm Kid eating guts like spaghetti…YUM! Dropping pieces over side for basement neighbors. Other kid has dropped from perch and made a tentative move for fish but stepped back. This looks like Ronnie and she’s getting antsy…….taking out frustration on some sticks…..yapped a bit and, surprisingly, jumped back to perch.
And Sandy ate every bit of that big fish while Ronnie waited…….payback’s…well, you know……..
Just checked in again, and it’s much less windy than earlier today. That’s good. I understand that the chicks and George will go their separate ways. Wonder if they decide to leave very early in the morning, like we do when we have a long road trip. Or, will they leave any time they feel like it? Is there some kind of instinct that kicks in and tells them to leave at 4:00 a.m. Guess we will not know. Wonder if the remaining birds will realize that their father left, or if one of the chicks left. Too bad they can’t fly down together. It’s a long, long trip. The nights are getting cooler. I guess that’s one of the defining factors.
I have trouble with the solo flight concept. I can understand flock mentality and young ones following the experienced. The idea of making that first flight unaccompanied on instinct alone is mind-blowing to me and scary!!!!!!!
Well folks, it is almost goodbye to this year’s osprey zone. Hope they all make it, especially Sandy who seems to have trouble fishing efficiently. Maybe it will improve on the way south. I hope so. I just wanted to thank everyone for their great comments, poems, feelings, etc. throughout this special summer show. Good luck to all. I am looking forward to my local bald eagles in not too long. Ospreys will be doing their thing as always here in FL. They often follow me when I am fishing (along with terns, blue herons, egrets, gulls, and some pelicans, and some other special species that I won’t bore you with) Also, if the timing is right, I get to see loggerhead turtles emerge from the sand and scurry into the Gulf of Mexico. Manatees hang out outside my window and dolphins show up a lot, too. Feel very lucky to see these things. Love to all and a special thanks to TRS. Bob
Bob, pretty sure you aren’t boring many of us; in fact we think you should host a wildlife viewing party! Or at least tell us if there are any local webcams so we have something to look at over the loooong cold winter.
Sounds like Captiva. I love the ospreys there and turtles, and dolphins and manatees… Have a great winter!
So enjoyed your poem Karin. Thank you. Summed it up perfectly.Best wishes to all.
Both kids have been in and out. About 9:05amEDT Sandy was in nest when George dropped in with a fish and took off with it. About 9:45 G came back with 1/2 fish. Both kids there and Ronnie got it and took off with it. About 10:15am Sandy came screaming in to greet George as he delivered a fish. Then about 10 mins later George was back with another fish! Sandy was still working on his so George took off with this one. My son says it looked like a porgy, which travel in large schools. Everyone well fed this a.m.
Sandy has mastered the eating on perch challenge. Went thru his fish quickly. About 10:45 Sandy(I believe) did some excellent nest guarding behavior. He was absolutely beautiful in her fierceness !!!!!!!
Scrolling back, I see that George delivered half of a big fish to a chick about 7:50 a.m. Think it was Ronnie, who took off with it. At the four-hour mark, which quickly disappeared from the screen, one of the chicks had a fish. Could not tell which one had the fish, because I could not rewind at that point. It sure is a windy day up there today! It’s so funny when the go up in the air, like a parachute, and then come down again. About 9:05 a.m., George delivered another fish to a chick, and there was one babe in the nest. However, he changed his mind and took off with it. Around 9:45 a.m., George brings another fish to the nest. Both chicks are in there, and I’m almost positive that the hog took off with it. Poor Sandy almost never gets the fish. Good father that he is, around 10:10 a.m., George returns to the nest with a fish for his younger child. He’s totally awesome. What a good fisherman, too! Hope Sandy learns George’s skills better. I think they chicks look so funny and cute when the wind blows up the crown on their heads. They are so adorable.
I am going to avoid comments regarding my post earlier. I know osprey are not water fowl, I should have not said “other” water fowl. I do see comarrants (don’t know correct spelling) do spread their wings while perched on rocks ,piers boats, etc, to dry off. They do dive for their food so they are wet after fishing. Osprey do not dive into the water for fish yet as I said they must have been very wet after Thursday’s storm. That is when I began to see that behavior.
Thank you for your comments on my rhyme. I will miss you all when the comments shut down… Carol, you are right. Sandy is eating faster now……Dad dropped off a fish twice and each chick got one… Sandy did get to finish off hers with no interruption from Ronny. This was between 10:00ish and 10:50….. Do we all agree one of these kids seems to have an aversion to fish guts? Opening mouth and just letting them fall out seems deliberate to me. I saw the midair drop offs yesterday too. He did it about 3 times… At first I thought he was trying to do what someone said some time ago about the parents flying by with fish to get their kid out of the nest to get his own, but then I realized he was protecting his feet from the kids…..Poor George…..
Can anyone tell me if George will travel with Ronnie and Sandy when they leave the nest? I miss Gracie so much, and know it will not be long before they will all be headed south.
Also, do Osprey mate for life, so will George and Gracie meet back up or not?
No. Once they leave they will travel alone and will not see each other again.
Thank u Karin ur poem made me fill up i guess i didnt realize how much the osprey family has become a party of my daily life and just like a cat or dog each bird had their own personality and became a part of me. I’m truly going to miss them 🙁 Thank u Tommy & Paul for opening my eyes to the beatiful Ospreys i will never look at birds the same. ?
At 7 a.m. George delivered a very alive whole fish to Sandy who was having a had time getting a grip on it. Ronnie immediately arrived and stole the fish from Sandy who just couldn’t get a grip on it. Ronnie flew off with the fish-so much for Sandy’s breakfast. Then Sandy attempted to fly off but it is so windy out there that she had difficulty with liftoff. It was kind off funny. Ronnie didn’t have any trouble flying off with the stolen fish but poor Sandy had a problem. She has been in and out of the nest since then but has had no food yet.
I noticed that the kids have been spreading their wings but not flying off as thought they are drying themselves off. It’s been happening since Thursdays storm which I am sure made them very wet. We know they don’t dive into the water to fish so they probably don’t get as wet doing that as just sitting around getting rained on. Other water fowl do this to dry off.
Have we seen Gracie in the last few days?
Thank you Tommy for your sharing your inspiring poem about9/11 it really hit home for me as I knew 2 people who perished in the towers that terrible day.Also thanks to Karin for your beautiful poem I think it really reflects how all of us who have been on this remarkable journey with this family feels.Again to Tommy and Paul much gratitude for making this possible.
On scroll back….saw that George the good dad made 3 deliveries. He barely gets to the nest; they snatch the fish in mid-air! Despite a fierce effort by Sandy, Ronnie got one and two. Sandy got #3 and even that one, Ronnie showed up and wanted the last of it, but Sandy hung on. At least Sandy is learning to eat faster! Both kids have gone to upper perch.
The wind was really whipping through there this afternoon. The bay was really worked up!! Good for George that he still got fish!!
It’s raining here on the South Fork. Can’t tell what’s happening by nest. We don’t always have the same weather. When that storm went thru a few weeks back that knocked out the power for a day, we didn’t get a drop of rain over here, just distant thunder. In any case, it’s not the torrential downpours we had Thursday.
Scrolled back about an hour or so and would say that it is raining at the nest, too. After an almost drought summer, the kids are getting a full lesson about rain this week!
Around 6:45 sounded like they were having a conversation. …then Sandy went on perch and still chatting. Went back on comments..Gracie last seen Sept. 8. On average she should be at the half way mark..Gods speed..
6:50pm EST Both kids in nest looking wet from rain, just looking around. No screeching !
2;10 pm PDT Looks like someone dangled a fish in their faces and then left. I guess both chicks decided to take a flight and now one is back.
2:02pm PDT Looks like the last post that shows up was at 7:17 am. I see both chicks are still here but scrolled back 4 hrs and see no signs of Dad. Has he been seen today ? As I type they are both yelling like crazy. Are there places near this nest where local people can see this nest ?
I looked earlier and the larger screen said comments are closed…. but I had found this…….I had wanted to share some thoughts before the comments closed completely. Tommy kind of inspired me to write how I felt….so if I may……
To Ron and Sandy
George and Grace
may you have a safe journey
when leaving this place.
The nest will be empty
we’ll miss you so much
it’s a void you will leave
in the hearts that you touch.
George and Gracie
how well you have done
raising your babies
through rain, wind and sun.
To Ronny and Sandy
for you a great life we wish
you’re almost all grown up
now catch your own fish!
To Paul, Tom and the watchers
it’s been quite a blast
and we’ll see you next year
when winter has passed
And last but not least
to PeeWee who flies
and looks down below
from heavenly skies
May you all be well
in all that you do
and thanks for everything.
with love, from me to you
Very Nice Karin. :))))
Perfect poem for a PERFECT summer of Ospreyzone. Made me tear up. (gulp)
Karen…your poem is absolutely beautiful…
To Karin – What a beautiful poem!! They have all touched our hearts. I was new to this site year and have enjoyed it so much! Yes, there were some sad times ….and it tore our hearts apart…but it is incredible as to what they go through each day to survive. I will miss them when they do leave on their journey…can’t wait till next year… I only wish there was a way to no how Ronnie and Sandy’s travels go! Just wanted to tell you that I loved your poem. Thank you!
You always were pretty good at poetry….
To Karin: Wow. I have to admit I shed a few tears reading your poem.. I’m gonna miss these birds so much just as I have missed PeeWee. I too wish them well and I know all 4 will do just fine on their future journeys. Thank you, Karin for expressing so well what we all feel. Love!
Karin, that is so sweet and amazing. I am in awe of your writing and I believe that you summed up my feelings in your last post. Thank you so much for your amazing words. Let’s all wish them a safe journey and hope that our paths cross again.
Thank you so much for your beautiful poem, Karin. When you mentioned Pee Wee, I began to cry. I think your poem expressed feelings that a lot of us felt.
Perfectly said, thank you, <3 they will all be missed, until next season.
Thank you so much for your thoughtful and loving poem. It reflects our feelings as well. Godspeed to our little family.
About 10am it looked like Sandy flew down to the beach and started wading! Or is that how she fishes? Maybe she gets water up her nose when she dives and her anatomy doesn’t work right. Come on Sandy – we are rooting for you.
Both kids were fed this morning by good ole Dad. Room service continues.
I have seen adult ospreys do that to cool off. Some like to hang out at the water’s edge 🙂
With his children squawking, George brings in a headless fish around 7:30 a.m., which is grabbed by one of them. I would tend to think it was Ronnie, based on the behavior, but yet it was on the homemade perch beforehand, which is usually Sandy’s hangout. Unable to bear the complaining, George brings in another fish around 9:30 a.m. for his other child. So, they both had breakfast. Has anyone seen Gracie? I wonder if she started her journey. God, please keep her safe.
At about 9:38 a parent brought in a headless fish… One of the chicks snagged it then after dragging around the nest awhile, flew off… After a few minutes the other chick took off ( probably to go steal it from the other chick….. The live feed said comments are closed so I guess this is just about goodbye to everyone…… Thank you everyone for a wonderful osprey season ( my first ) ….. Even though I will still be watching as long as they are around, I did not want this to shut down before I had a chance to say goodbye to all…….See you at Osprey Anonymous!
Comments are not closed, just turned off on certain pages like the “click here for a larger view”, the home page can still take comments.
Thanks Paul. It wouldn’t be right closing comments down until the nest is truly empty and you decide to shut the cameras down. It won’t be long now, and then we can all get back to the real world.
7:15 feeding from George and Sandy with a snatch and grab!
8:35 am. EDT – The kid in the nest right now is SANDY. I think there’s a lot of confusion as to who is Sandy and who is Ronnie. I’ve always called the kid who sits in the nest most of the time squawking and crying and who needs her parents to service her needs, is SANDY. She slightly developmentally delayed, but is catching up. She has a certain tone to her voice and cries a lot of the time, holds her wings down in a lazy way and not close to her body like Ronnie. She has been patient and non-aggressive as opposed to Ronnie who has been the bully (although as of the last couple of days, I’ve seen her getting less patient because of hunger, and goes into the tug of war over fish with gusto. She rounder and a bit smaller than Ronnie. I also believe that both kids are female, although we will never know.
Beautiful sunrise….both kids have been in and out… Both yelling for breakfast….
7:51am Someone is out there paddleboarding already. Jealous!!!! What a beautiful way to start the day!!!! As opposed to getting ready for work………
thank you tommy, both for your poem and the site…
That was quite hilarious when George brought the Shels while Ronnie was eating>beautiful Nest!
So . . . who won the fish in the tug of war around 5:30 p.m.? I think it was Sandy who flew away with it. But, that seems to Ronnie-like. Does anyone have an idea???
Tommy, thanks for sharing your beautiful poem. Even though it is such a sad day in our country’s history, we need to remember what happened and never forget. God bless all of the poor souls who lost their lives that fateful day, and also their families. We must also not forget our firefighters, police department, and soldiers. Thank you to all for their service.
Sandy (who is still Izzy in my head and heart, sorry but I can’t help it) reminds me of Gracie…..Majestic just sitting in her nest. 🙂
Has Gracie left?? I’m unable to visit this site as often as I was and I have missed it so much.
Thank u Tommy your poem was so beautiful!!! God Bless America
A few minutes before 7:00pmEDT….a flock of some waterbirds swam out of the channel upper left and across the view, splitting up as they went. I was watching them and got momentarily confused because Ronnie and Sandy switched places when I wasn’t paying attention to them! Tricky kids! Sandy is now on his perch and Ronnie above. I’m missing Gracie. Guess she went ahead of the storm. May you have a safe journey till we see you again…….
can anyone post with certainty the last spotting (under wing) of Gracie? The exact date and time?
Sept.8 about 8pm was the last time I saw Gracie. I posted details. I also got a snapshot of her wing spot, so I know it was her. Last I saw of her she was just in nest communing with Sandy, I believe, before she went up for night.
The shells in the nest are very touching. It almost feels like they are good bye gifts from our osprey family and a way to say thank you for watching over them and being concerned for their welfare. I don’t want to see this end and I can’t wait for next Spring. Thank you George, Gracie and Family and all our human friends throughout the season.
3:26 PDT Good Afternoon or Evening where ever you are. I’m in Washington State and this looks like the last Osprey nest to watch. I feel like so many people have left this sight or no longer post , but just a heads up if this is the only one you watch, it looks like the Boulder Co. Osprey have all left on there migration. So with these chicks only being a week or so younger it won’t be long. I believe I saw both chicks and Dad at one point today. How about Mom ? When was she last seen and did I see both chicks ? I wish our posts could come a bit quicker , but I guess we should be thankful for what we have .
We may be on the opposite side of the US but we will never forget !!
When was the last time anyone saw Gracie? It looks like they are having scallops for dinner.
About4:55pmEDT Sandy was in nest; Ronnie dropped in from perch……George brought in large piece of fish. Ronnie went for it and Sandy made an end run around her to get a beak on it. Tug of war that went to Sandy who flew the coop when Ronnie made a grab for it. Ronnie hung around crying for a bit then went out, possibly for perch.
Your poem was very touching, Tommy. Thank you for sharing it with us. What a great country we’re so blessed with. We can even take the time & effort to care for our animals along with each other & “others”. God bless America!
About 5:34pm You can just make out a bird diving just off the end of the jetty. A minute or so later another bird skims along the water in front of nest and over to that same spot. Hopefully the kids are getting ideas!!!!
The other kid flew in to the perch a bit ago.
Tommy:
A very touching poem. You read it to me and your partner a few weeks ago in No. Carolina. I felt it then because of the emotion in your voice. You have a good soul! Unfortunately, the Country appears to be slowly moving on and forgetting this most infamous day in my lifetime. NEVER FORGET!!!
Scott
About 1:20pmEDT….Kid came in with a live whole fish. I did scroll back and didn’t see George drop it off. I think it is Sandy. He worked on it for a while then flew off with it a few minutes ago.
Just saw that George brought in some more seaweed and scallop shells about 10 of 2. Then the kid flew out, after protesting George’s presence, who left first.
1:20 p.m. on 9/11 – After begging and begging, I believe Sandy got disgusted, flew off into the blue and actually came back with a fish! I think this is her first one????
6:05 PM, August 11, 2015
From previous posts, Lyn, you have indicated that Sandy is going to be OK, and she will be OK.
Did you notice that she was out of the nest and back again with that fish in less than 10 minute?
This was not her first fish. She has been catching fish all along even though Ronnie was the first to catch a fish. Ronnie is the one who is going to have a problem because he has relied on mommy or daddy to supply fish or he has taken them from Sandy.
A few minutes ago, nest sitter took nip at George for his seaweed delivery. ” No bueno” “FOOOODDDD!!!!!”
Tommy – that’s a beautiful poem…thank you.
i wrote this poem on 9/11 i would like to share it with all the loyal veiwers of ospreyzone its called OUT OF THE BLUE
HELL CAME OUT OF THE BLUE
THE SKY SO BLUE IT PIERCED OUR DREAMS AND TURNED US BLACK AND BLUE
BUT OUT OF THE BLUE HEROES MEN AND WOMEN DRESSED IN BLACK AND BLUE CAME RUNNING TO
THEY CAME OUT OF THE BLUE TO SNUFF OUT FREEDOM TOO,
BUT OUT OF THE BLUE, RED, WHITE AND BLUE CAME SHINNING THROUGH.
BUT OUT OF THE BLUE LIFE AS WE KNOW IT- CAME CRASHING DOWN TOO.
SO DON’T BE SAD AND BLUE, WE WILL STICK TOGETHER THROUGH.
BUT OUT OF THE NIGHT SOON THE SUN BROKE THROUGH, THERE WAS RED, WHITE AND BLUE.
GOD HELP OUR SOLDIERS THROUGH THE THINGS THEY HAVE TO DO TO QUIET EVIL’S VOICE.
i hope you all enjoy this poem on the anniversary of 9/11
thank you, tommy
Very nice poem.
I very much enjoyed it, Tommy. Thank you for sharing that beautiful poem with us and for sharing your beautiful Osprey with us. 🙂
Will NEVER forget that day, where I was and how I felt. Thank you Tom for sharing your touching poem – 14 years later though, our soldiers are still trying to quiet that evil voice.
Thank you Tommy, God Bless. I’ll never forget standing there looking up and wondering how a plane could have hit the tower, the sky was so blue. Then I saw the second one and I knew. Rest in Peace
Loved it, thanks for sharing Tommy.
Haven’t made a comment in a while but, enjoy reading them. Also, It has helped me figure out who is who in the nest. I think. Ha-Ha. The poem was very touching. Makes you think. Gets you all choked up. Still hard to believe. The birds are wonderful. Thanks for it all.
Beautiful!
Thank you, Tommy
What a beautiful poem. Thank you so much for sharing it with us. God bless America on this sad anniversary.
Wonderful poem, Tommy. Thank you.
Thank you Tommy – for everything. I am going to save this and reread it
Thank you Tommy for your beautiful poem.