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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’ve been scoping around to find interesting facts:
When an osprey chick finally breaks through its egg, it will be down-covered, weak and helpless (at birth, its neck will be the strongest part of the body as it was used to drive the egg tooth through the shell). A few hours after birth, a chick’s eyes will open and it will be able to take fish bits from its mother. (http://www.friendsofblackwater.org/)
The egg tooth will disappear over the next week, as will the mother’s brood patch.
Welcome to the world Baby 2!!!
Baby Number 2 is eating already! With his/her empty shell right next to them, both #1 and #2 are being fed by a relieved looking Gracie…
8:51am Gracie is doing a lot of poking underneath her chest…can we dare to hope for double hatchday? Rare but possible…fingers (and talons) crossed !!!!
rjoneal June 5, 2016 at 6:12 am – Reply
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BABY 2 !!! 2 just hatched at 5:16 43 sec Gracie stands up to show George who knew it was coming so he was staying in the nest most of early morning. Gracie stands up as Baby 2 is still pushing his way out of the shell. Gracie looks so tired. Geo has fish for Gracie and now she is being the good Mamma we all know she is feeding both her babies and doing it well.
Geo so so happy to see her feeding both. I think Geo is just as glad as we are he was puzzled by how she was acting yesterday but just like I said she knew other baby was on its way and had all the signs of a momma
06-05-2016 7:00 am And then there were two! Saw the second chick around 5 am. Must have hatched early this morning or over night. George right there with fish for all.
Gracie just stood up, and there is a second chick!! So I guess it hatched during the night? I scrolled back last night to check out the end of the day activities for Saturday, and didn’t see the second chick then. We didn’t even have time to do another guess!! Maybe for the 3rd one.
Gracie does not look well…hardly got up even after birth second chick..her feathers look messed up…speaking very low…God I hope she is OK
Well I dont how I missed it but Gracie did get up and take the fish from Geo when he returned with it and started eating it. First she cried as if she wanted to be feed again. Then Gracie took the fish fr Geo and finished it off. She feed both babies but she was giving them such big pieces that most of it they took but dropped, they couldnt handle big piece. I dont understand, last year she was given itsy, bitsy, bites of pieces these babies cant handle those big chunks. I think she was in hurry to go lay back down cause she just is not herself. Crazy the size of fish pieces were bigger than what she gave Ronnie and Sandy at 5 weeks old what is she doing and thinking. Hopefully next feeding will be better now that she got some fish in her belly.
7:20am 6/5 Forecast (by our overpaid friends the meteorologists) rain possible most of day thru night…temps high 60s Seal this chicks in, Gracie !
Approx. 6:45. Second chick has arrived. Both chicks were fed. I think G&G are doing just fine in taking care of the babies.
Sunday 6:44 am I am a little concerned about Gracie and her health. Maybe even the other egg is getting ready to hatch also she is laying down with 2 babies feed them but she is not active even when Geo was on perch and sounded alarm she didnt even lift her head up to see what was going on thats not like her. Ok Geo is staying close by being the good daddy he just brought in a stick and sounded the alarm again and flew off. This time Gracie did wake up and lift her head to see where and what Geo was doing. She dont seem well but only time will tell as the day goes on. Though the weather is suppose to rain all day there. Not good if she already is not well. We will just have to keep an eye on her, see if she eats enough she didnt eat hardly at all from what you could see. Her back was turned during breakfast but you could tell when she was feeding babies when she reached out to them. Alot of fish still left also tells me she didnt eat very much. Hopefully we will see her eat good and feed babies small amounts but she will do it off and on through out the day. When her babies were first born last year I remember seeing her feed all 3 babies small amounts at first but she did it 10x a day or so just guessing but it was an all day routine.
5:19am saw 2nd chick, 6:00 fish delivery and both got a little snack
June 05- OK, lets see if I can manage to post the correct video. Gracie feeding 2 chicks breakfast. I wont post any more videos unless something really exciting happens….like chick #3.
https://youtu.be/KaoOaDlWbAI
Thanks for the video Leanne. Nice to see 2 hungry chicks. As for a 3rd…sometimes it doesn’t work out well. Keeping fingers crossed this year will be different if there is a 3rd.
They are so strong already to be able to holdup their heads and feed. So sweet.
Thank you Leanne – it was a very exciting video.
Thank you for this marvelous film. Isn’t it amazing that she knows how to distribute the fish evenly between the 2?
Thank you so much for this comforting video! We were a little anxious about not seeing the chicks feedings and the video made us smile! You made our day!!
June 05- 4pm- I’m so glad the video helped to ease some of the worries when it came to Gracie feeding/not feeding the chicks. I was worried and knew many of you had been too. Lets just hope Gracie and George continue to tend to every chick and we can watch 3 chicks grow up big and strong this year 🙂
Leanne i love watching your videos…they are great!!!
Welcome to the world chick 2!! Thank you Rjoneal for time 5:16:43..what is truly amazing taking food not even an hour old..around 6AM..suppose to be a rainy day starting around 10AM
WE HAVE NO. 2 Looks like it just hatched, Mom moves at 0518 looking a little suprised by what she was feeling with dad right there. Breakfast served at 0557. Both dropped more than they got in but mom cleaned the mess.
BABY 2 !!! 2 just hatched at 5:16 43 sec Gracie stands up to show George who knew it was coming so he was staying in the nest most of early morning. Gracie stands up as Baby 2 is still pushing his way out of the shell. Gracie looks so tired. Geo has fish for Gracie and now she is being the good Mamma we all know she is feeding both her babies and doing it well.
Geo so so happy to see her feeding both. I think Geo is just as glad as we are he was puzzled by how she was acting yesterday but just like I said she knew other baby was on its way and had all the signs of a mommy with a hatching baby.
5:56am 6/6 George brought in breakfast and Gracie gets up to show TWO chicks
Scrolled back toGracie getting up @ 5:16am when George came in and both chicks were there and the eggshell was there. Gracie seems to be doing a good job offering food…the little pippers are vocal already
George had come to the nest for a couple of minutes at 4:54 am, landing on the left front corner, and he just stood looking around. He was back at 5:06 am, with a headless fish, landing in the left back corner (near camera) but Gracie just stayed quietly laying on the nest bowl. For the next 10 minutes, while George stood in the same spot, Gracie remained quiet and then slowly put her head down with her eyes closed … I was thinking something happened to her – but I could see she was still breathing!! And then she got off the nest bowl at 5:16 am and you could see — two tiny chicks. George looked at first, and then made his way over to get a closer look (really blocking the view!). … Eventually, Gracie, who had moved to the right front corner, walked around and took the fish. Finally, she and George moved in opposite directions and you could get a perfect view of — I’m saying it again — two tiny chicks, their little heads up, bobbing, mouths open … until the view was blocked again, by Gracie this time, for a few minutes – and from the way she was leaning forward and back, I think she may have been feeding them – and then she checked the chicks before settling back on them and the remaining egg. George had flown off at 5:20 am, and was back on the nest at 5:53 am. And now, I have to fly off 😀
Gracie stood up at 5:16 am … there’s a second chick hatched!!
Actually, Gracie stood up at 4:58 am … and the second chick could be seen!!
Here’s a video of the first glimpse of George and Gracie’s chick #2 at 4:58 am. I had posted a video of the first chick’s feeding yesterday, but it was not posted. And I have one of the first feeding today. Unfortunately it takes me a while to make the video because I strive for quality. 🙂
https://youtu.be/QyKfoFIBCjI
Oh, I see yesterday’s breakfast video … I guess it just took a while to post, well after my other June 4th comments posted!! 🙂
I had to edit the video. Here’s the new link: https://youtu.be/4LLTJ7hC-BE (I had the wrong time for when George came back — glitchy Movie Maker put in the original time after I had corrected it!!)
June 05- 5:21 am. We have 2 chicks 🙂 🙂
kathleen, you asked if George injured his foot no he did not. Betsy and I along with many others have put different info out there about the birds standing on one foot in the past you can find in previous comments, but I found this info real quick just to give you some info on why they do it.
“The thing people have to realize is that people do same thing — we just don’t notice it,” Marsh said. “If people stand in one place for a long time, they tend to shift their weight and stand on one leg. If birds are standing on one place for a long time, the biomechancis are such that standing on one leg is simpler to do.
“So they stand on one leg, too.”
This posture helps birds conserve both heat and energy. According to the website BirdNote.org:
Birds’ legs have an adaptation called “rete mirabile” that minimizes heat loss. The arteries that transport warm blood into the legs lie in contact with the veins that return colder blood to the bird’s heart. The arteries warm the veins. By standing on one leg, a bird reduces by half the amount of heat lost through unfeathered limbs.
What’s more, standing on one leg is more biomechanically efficient for many species — it places a foot directly underneath their center of gravity, according to Marsh.
“That way, there’s no lateral movement or lateral forces,” so it’s easier to balance, he said.
In fact, the position is so darn comfortable, many species hop on one leg for quite a distance rather than untucking the other leg, as the video below demonstrates.
Sanderlings, semipalmated plovers and other small shorebirds display this hopping behavior often. Larger ones — willets, greater yellow legs and marbled godwits, for example — frequently stand on one leg but don’t hop as often, “for the same reason a 5-year-old child finds it easier to hop than an adult,” Marsh said. “They don’t weigh as much.”
One-legged posture is most prevalent on cold days, but because retaining heat isn’t the only reason birds do this, it can be observed in warm weather, too.
Herons, egrets and birds of prey — with their heavily muscled legs — often stand on leg. Occasionally, songbirds will, too, but because the unfeathered portions of their legs are relatively short, they have less need to do so, Marsh said. When they want to warm up, songbirds are more likely to fluff out their feathers to cover exposed parts.
And seldom will these species hop like shorebirds, Marsh said. In fact, their feet aren’t made to move along the ground much at all.
“Songbirds have feet adapted for perching,” Marsh said. “They have well-pronounced toes, and they’re opposable so that they can use them to grasp around a branch.”
Shorebirds have feet adapted for running — feet with stubby rear, fourth digits that leave three-toed prints in the sand. Turkeys and bobwhites have similarly constructed feet, which aren’t great for perching, Marsh said, but help ruddy turnstones, gulls and other birds you’re likely to see walking on the beach skitter across the sand.
“They do just like we do when we walk or run and land so that the middle part of their foot acts like a heel,” Marsh said. “They use that to push off.”
June 4th 9:50 p.m. (EST)
Marlene and Betsy–I am also a little concerned about the lack of food given to the baby later today. As I posted today regarding the fish that George brought in about 2:45 and he fed Gracie and the baby which was so nice to watch but when he brought in another fish later maybe 6ish he ate and fed Gracie but the baby was begging for food yet it didn’t get any food at that time. George actually left a piece of that fish in the nest when he left but Gracie did not feed the baby. She went and laid down on top of the baby and eggs The baby had to be hungry and I wonder why they would not feed it. This incident was obviously observed by others. My video has been down since this happened so if any of you have seen the baby fed since then -Please post it so we will know the baby was fed after this happened. It seemed a little unusual especially since baby was not asleep and was begging for food. Very sad to watch this event-hate to say this but it reminded me of Pee-Wee and how he begged for food but there was no reason for this to happen at this time.
Tucker thats too funny baby 1 born on National donuts Day! I do not know if Paul is going to announce baby name contest or not he did last year so hopefully he will again.
Leesa, I am glad your Grand children got to enjoy and watch Osprey Zone and our new addition to the nest. Remember if they are watching as time goes on it can be a little cruel looking for children if they dont understand nature just giving you heads up. I hope you and your whole family continue to grow with all of us and our new adventure with George and Gracie this year.
Ok everyone calm down I really think Gracie was dehydrated and thats why she kept letting Geo feed her for the most part. She didn’t go off and take to many breaks either knowing the baby was coming soon. It was not even hot there 60s-65s I looked up if it was right but for some reason she was very hot had her head down, wings out, mouth open, and dull color tongue. Now Remember right before baby1 was born she didn’t really eat much at all over the 2days prior. Before she was eating on average 3 fish and Geo feeding her too a snack. She didn’t each much at all when egg cracked and I truly think she showed all the signs of beginnings of dehydration by the color of her tongue and there was no moisture drip from her beak, and her behavior was not normal today at all. It was like everyone said she didn’t seem to care about feeding baby at all but I am telling you this is not her normal and I think she knew she was on that line and needed to fuel up herself or she was not going to make it. Also I think she was acting all anxious and constantly moving around just like she did before baby1 was born so maybe we are going to have another baby tomorrow and that could be another reason for her unusual behavior. She might hear another and know its coming too. Think about how she was acting 2 days prior to baby 1 being born, the only difference is she did not eat much at all and now she is eating some but really still not as much as she did prior to baby1. Gracie did not act like this last year and Geo was not nervous about feeding baby1 I think Geo was puzzled by the fact he kept fish in the nest all day long and every time he came he noticed Gracie was not feeding the baby or herself. I think Geo was confused on why baby1 was still hungry and not being feed and he didn’t know if Gracie is doing this on purpose for reasons unknown, should he step in and feed baby or just let Gracie deal with it. He did really good with babies last year. Matter a fact he was the one that would sneak pieces of food to Peewee when Gracie was not there. If we have another baby sometime tomorrow then this might explain some of her behavior. Gracie did get some food and there is fish still in the nest she will do better tomorrow. I did not like watching little baby1 begging for food and Gracie would just cover her up but I am telling you that has to be reason Gracie did that. Geo did much better at making sure he was there when intruder was in area and he always kept the nest with fish even if it was the same one he made sure there was food. I cant wait to see if we have another baby tomorrow.
I appreciate the sharing of information. This explanation was extremely nice of you. Have a Great Day!
Link to Youtube video of hatch, https://youtu.be/guHp4xuB_G4
something about pellets for chic from parents,,we have read before
If anyone could post any info on early 1st or 2nd day stage chick feeding it might help us all understand why G’s are looking as if they aren’t feeding chick like we expect..i don’t know if they do some regurgitating for easy digestion in the beginning..just a guess.
7:16pmEDT I went searching because I thought I had read it here, but couldn’t locate: In the process of hatching, the chick absorbs the yolk, and maintains that protein load for at least the first 24 hours..so even tho they may eat, it isn’t strictly a necessity. The, I looked up feeding newly hatched birds: only three or four small mouthfuls are enough to sustain them. So, I guess the bits Pipper is getting will be good til it and its parents get co-ordinated…
Was happy to see some branches built up over the snarl…keep piling it on !!!!!
Taking a tour around other bird cams, it has been a rough year, with many losses. Last year was my first time watching any cams, and I, like you all, felt the loss of Peewee, but there were two successes. This year, in the cams I check in to there was: CCcam..one chick taken by predator, one egg not viable, one chick remaining; SWFL eagles, one good sized nestling knocked out of nest by owl(but found by searchers, badly injured and dehydrated, now being rehabilitated), one fledge; Lake District Osprey, 2 chicks taken by magpies, one remaining; Boulder nest’ 3of 4 chicks perish cause unknown, possibly virus or parasites….
So let’s be grateful for last year’s success story..first time parents G&G did an outstanding job…APPLAUSE….and we wait to see how things shape up for this year’s adventure !!!!!!!!
Chill people…I’ve seen this newbie get fed 3 times today. How much do you think a one day old needs? They really don’t/can’t eat much the first few days. I watch the eagles and it’s the same with them…..it will eat more. George just needs to feed smaller bites! They were both feeding it this afternoon…..very endearing.
6:41pmEDT 6/4 In the video I’ve seen, George seems to be doing a great job bringin’ home the fish..feeding Gracie and trying to feed Pipper…think chick needs practice making a better target..more misses than hits!
The Pest is still around..seems to be part of daily life for the G’s..
Now, on the watch for#2…as a sufferer of 2nd Child Syndrome, I’m trying to be just as excited for this arrival..hope he/she feels my support ! Was hoping this chick would show up today, decrease the span between them, but………….
WOW…was wondering where all the comments were!!! I had refreshed several times and nothing showed…lots to catch up on!
I hope everyone can see the crack in the second egg. It was especially visible while George was feeding Gracie.
June4th 6:15 p.m George brought in a fish about 2:45 and was feeding Gracie then they both were feeding the baby. That answers my question about feeding the baby. We are expecting a storm tomorrow so I hope it doesn’t make it difficult for George to get fish they need.
I think of Pee-Wee also when I see the baby chick, Maryann. (sniff).
Hi everyone! Does anyone know when the baby will eat fish for the first time? I usually watch everyday but haven’t seen baby eat yet.
The chick probably started getting fed for the first time in very early AM ET today, before the camera had light enough to see. I first saw feeding ~8AM this morn ET, and watched for the next 2 hours and both Gracie and chick were getting fed well from George. In fact, there was a funny bit where Gracie, on her own when George left the fish carcass in the nest, kept trying to give the chick a piece of food that was too big for it’s small gullet. Gracie eventually got it done by eating that big chunk herself and going to smaller bits. George ate well also, he got huge chunks of the first fish’s tailfin Things are looking up for the first chick. Let’s hope the next two eggs hatch real soon so we don’t have a repeat of last year.
June 05- 4:55 am- I was actually watching the nest before light and the chick didnt get fed until 5:55 am. I took a video and just checked the time on it. Maybe I missed something but I don’t see how. I just hope the G’s feed baby a little more than they did yesterday. He was obviously hungry but they didnt feed him. Poor thing.
I saw the baby eat this morning, the last time I was online. G & G are on it! 🙂
After reading some of the comments the baby has been fed. A few times.
So the little one is being taken care of.
Mom usually does not feed the little one for a few hours, give or take after they hatch.
When they do eat it is very little at first.
After a few days the little one will be eating more.
Everything is going as it should.
Here is a link to a video of the first feeding of the chick, https://youtu.be/s5TrPX3qK4s
When I see the new chick, it makes me think of pee-wee.
June 4 2:30 p.pm (EST) as a backed up to watch what I had missed I saw George fly in about 11:30 am with a huge branch. It poked Gracie as he landed but lo and behold it was placed in a great location to obstruct any of them landing directly on that fishing line. It is as big as the “antler” that disappeared a few weeks ago and couldn’t have been better placed. George to the rescue!!! He landed with that branch and it was put down just in the right place without having to maneuver it around. I hope Gracie doesn’t get into redecorating and moves it. I am convinced that they have had the sense that that wad was not a good thing because they attempted to cover it over before. I know I have been posting concern about that wad because it could have been a potential hazard. So I am feeling a lot better now. Just went to check and the branch is still in the location George placed it.
Baby seems to be opening it’s mouth as thought it wants food-has anybody seen it being fed yet?
I’m a little concerned because George and Gracie have not been feeding the chick too much food. I saw this morning that George brought a headless fish to the nest, and the parents ate. About 13 bites were given to the little one. Then, this afternoon George brought lunch and I think only about two pieces made it to the baby. George was feeding Gracie a lot. She made an attempt to feed the baby, but gave up because it was too far away from her. George seems to be making a better effort at feeding the chick than Gracie. Has anyone else noticed that, or am I overreacting?? Nervous grandma!
Marlene: You are not overreacting … Gracie has barely made any attempt to feed the chick. And, this afternoon when George tried to feed the chick, Gracie snatched the fish right out of his beak as he was leaning over to give it to the chick!
June 05- 4:58 am. I was actually getting a little angry at the parents yesterday!! They both had plenty of fish for themselves, with plenty left for baby, and yet they didnt seem to want to feed him/her. At times it was almost like Gracie was saying “George, you do it” and George was kinda like “I want to but I’m a little scared of the thing” Maybe Gracie is testing George or trying to teach him a lesson of some sort. I dont know the reason but she better feed that chick more food today because she has 2 more chicks on the way and needs to tend to this one as best as she can. Poor baby just seemed so hungry. I felt sorry for him. 🙁
Wonder why they aren’t feeding their chick?
14:50 pm (2:50) sat….parents sharing in the feeding of lil’ one. very cute.
13:54 both George & Gracie feeding chick
June 04- 1:30 pm- George and Gracie snack on the same fish. Lil Bit gets 2 bites and then topples onto his/her back. Poor thing! Gracie went and snuggled in.
I also notice the G’s are mesmerized by something over head. Maybe someone is flying a remote airplane or something? 🙂
1:36 pm Just saw George give the baby a piece of fish, then feeding Gracie. The poor little baby fell onto his back trying to eat that piece!
1:35PM…George feeding Gracie. Hope they don’t forget to feed their chick.
Seems to me that chick is begging to be fed, but so far no one is taking care of that. There’s a nice big fish in the nest, which G&G have been eating, but none for chicky. They’re just keeping it warm, by sitting on it. Hopefully not to suffocation. Has anyone seen feeding of the chick as yet?
George seems to be favoring his left leg. I notice he draws it into his body. Is that a normal thing or maybe an injury?
June 04- 12:38- I’m a little upset. George and Gracie took a leisurely 20 minute lunch break and didn’t feed Lil Bit one bite even though he was squeakin almost the entire time. There is still plenty of fish left so why havent they fed him/her? Its been about 6 hours since the little one ate.
12:15 pm Watching George feed Gracie for the second time today, but haven’t seen baby being fed yet….hmmmm…Anyone see a baby feed yet?
Congratulations George and Gracie, you made my day.
June 4 @ 11;40 am(EST) Baby is so alert and aware of George and Gracie. Right now neither seem to be tending to it and it appears to be trying to get attention. When does it start getting fed?
At 11:27 am, proud Papa brings a large stick to the nest. Gracie has to dodge from being brushed by it. She appears to be saying “I sad a fish, not a stick dear!”
June 04- 11:06 am- I really hope George goes fishing soon. Baby hasnt eaten in 4 hours or so.
11:00 am. George, Gracie and Baby being strafed by intruder. Baby imitating alarm calls!
Wow, is he pissed…
June 4 @9:30 am (EST) Congratulations to George and Gracie on the birth of Baby #1. It is adorable. Eagerly awaiting birth of the other 2. After I spent the entire day yesterday watching I had to leave for a doctors appointment and the birth happened while I was driving there so “Thank You Leanne” for posting the videos.. I have watched them over and over with so much joy. I found it unusual that about 10 min. ago neither George or Gracie was in the nest. I was surprised they would leave the baby alone but as I am writing this Gracie is back and on top of eggs and baby. All is well. We are expecting a very nasty day tomorrow- rain and wind all day. So Gracie will be protecting the eggs and baby thru this storm. As Betsy suggested weeks ago maybe Gracie can make an umbrella from that plastic she loves to bring to the nest, Praying the storm will change direction and go out to sea.
George came back just before 6:17 am to retrieve the fish, flew off with it, and then came back with it at 7 am. George still seems bewildered by it all!! After standing for a bit, looking as if he was not quite sure of what he should do and trying to see the chick under Gracie, he fed Gracie some of the fish while she was sitting. After a minute or so of being fed by George, Gracie got up from the nest bowl and went over to take the fish from him to feed herself. She offered him pieces of fish a couple of times, but although he reached with his beak over to her, he didn’t take the fish from her. Then, he picked up a piece of fish from the nest. He had the piece in his beak and he reached over to feed Gracie and Gracie, meanwhile, was still trying feed to George!! So, here they were, each with a piece of fish in their beak trying to feed the other!! (Which was comical!) Meanwhile, the poor chick was peeping to be fed! (Which was not comical!!) Eventually, George gave the piece he had to the chick before leaving and then, as George flew off, Gracie fed the chick. I thought ospreys learn and become better parents over time. I think George is just a little overwhelmed. But it seems, to me, Gracie is more interested in eating … at least the nest will be clean because she obviously will eat any little scrap of food she can stuff in her beak!! … It wasn’t any better at 7:53 am when George came back to the nest with nest materials. The fish was still there and Gracie, who had been off the nest bowl already, went over to George to have him feed her; but, apparently it was going too slowly for her, so she took the fish to feed herself, totally ignoring the chick. After eating a few bites, Gracie let go of the fish. Then, after was an alarm session at a passerby, Gracie walked around to the right side of the nest and George picked up the fish. He unsuccessfully tried to feed the chick, who was straining to reach its little head, open beaked, toward George, but before he could get food in its beak, Gracie sat back on the nest bowl covering the chick(and eggs), and George ended up feeding her, until she polished off the rest of the fish, except for the tail, which George ate. She may be a good “wife”, but so far she’s a horrible mother!!
Watched chic #1 being fed around 7:10 EST. It doesn’t take much before it’s back asleep again, between its siblings.
5:54am Gracie feeding chick, 7:59am George feeding Gracie, so sweet:)
June 4 just seen the first egg here.Here started a New season for Gracie and George.
just a little nerve wracking now at 8:47AM June 4th.parent flew off @ 8:41AM Will little chick be OK with this chilly weather??
June 04- About 7:50 am- George and Gracie were having a little breakfast when an intruder flew in area. Both sent out alarm signals and intruder left. George is still hesitant about feeding chick but you can tell he really wants to. Gracie decided to just lay over chick/eggs and George fed her some fish.
Feeding at 5:50 am Sat.
June 04- 7:10 am- Breakfast, round 2 🙂
June 04- Gracie was giving George little pieces of fish to feed to chick. He was a little hesitant to feed chick even though Gracie was definitely trying to get her point across to him. She’d take a small piece of fish, almost point to chick with her beak and then give the piece of fish to George. Trying to tell him, I am guessing, that you need to do this too. He finally did manage to give chick 1 small piece of fish before flying off to leave Gracie with the rest of the feeding duties. 🙂
At about 5 am on the 4th of June George flew in with a baby blue sans noggin. Gracie is feeding numero uno breakfast. He was born on National donut Day – He’s {Dunkin’s} famished, seems like a good sign he’s healthy. Are we going to have a naming contest? Congats to Leesa,Laura,Judith, Rodee, Rjoneal our pals who picked the Birthday, Let us know if you have any thoughts on the Belmont Stakes- baby needs a new pair of shoes!
At 5:05 am, George flew to the nest to check on Gracie and the new baby. He returned at 5:45 am with a large headless fish. After Gracie fed herself for a few minutes, she then fed the baby.
https://youtu.be/sZLNZELQauM
After looking at feeding in slow motion you can see pieces of fish were given but just a little too big..after a couple of minutes the little one realized if he/she puts head back more the fish will make it down..around 5:56 Gracie stops feeding and cleans up fish that was missed. The chick did so good, going to be the strongest I bet. George came back for fish at 6:16 and left a minute later..(times are close)
George brought in fish at 5:45 this AM..At 5:51:37 little one had its first meal (may be off a second) what a difference from yesterday….able to hold his head up high..amazing creatures
and so cute..
took little one a couple of seconds to grasp it..make that 5:51:42 Ha
6/4/2016 5:55 am EDT Looks like we are off to a good start. Big fish brought in and baby is being feed. Mom and Dad working hard already.
Good morning as Grace eats and feedds #1 it never gets old can watch all day?
5:45amEDT 6/4 George brings in the cleaned fish….Gracie spends a few minutes grabbing a bite and starts feeding the bobblehead….ready and waiting, weaving back and forth, all bill….
Congratulations to Laura, who won the Guess for 1st Egg Hatch competition with her guess of June 3rd afternoon!
5:06am George dropped in to say GM..they chatted and I think Gracie said “Fish”
Yeah you guessers/ospreygrannys/granddads! Congrats on the first of the 3!
Betsy answer to your question on why Geo goes to that side of the nest. Well several people made comments on what they thought but nothing scientific and some just said due to the opposite side of the water he flies in from the tall woods behind the nest. Really not sure myself I just know last year once the babies were born we all got mad because half of the time we couldnt see babies getting feed or how big the fish was that Gracie got from Geo with their backside aimed at the camera until babies got a little older,
Hmm … okay, thank you. We’ll just have to do a study!! 😀
I have had the computer on all day long, with my 3 year old and 5 year old grand kids watching too. I’m so happy they were here to watch the first chick hatch. A wonderful learning experience. The 5 year old had LOTS of questions!
I scrolled back several times, as I didn’t notice George bringing any dinner for Gracie, therefore no food for the chick. Can any of you that are a lot more knowledgeable than me shed some light on what is normal or unusual behavior for the first few hours? I’m concerned about that little fellow needing some nourishment!!
And are we going to do another guess for the 2nd chick hatch day and time? I hope so.
Thanks Leanne for all the videos awesome!!! We are all proud parents sounds funny but thats how we feel. Now 2 more to go such hype I was getting anxious watching Gracie and Geo all day. I kept feeling so excited like Christmas when you were young, not to say we are not young now you know what I mean.