Nickname
Beachers
Coordinates
(37.2388, -76.811)
Substrate
Live Tree
Description
This nest is in a cedar tree, in the James River, at the First Colony marina beach. The ospreys aren't spending much time at the nest; their behavior will be monitored.
Followers
None
What to look for
Review All Observations
2016 - Rivergirl2015 - Rivergirl2014 - Rivergirl
aAdult Arrival3/9/163/11/15
aOccupiedYesYesNo
aActive
bEgg Laying4/10/15
bIncubation Initiation3/20/164/12/15
cClutch Hatching5/6/165/22/15
dNestlings23
eFledglings
eFirst Chick Fledging
fChicks Last Observed6/18/15
xNest Failure5/14/166/18/15
xReason For Nest Failurenest destroyed during stormotherother

Select Seasons

Show reports, diaries, and photos from:Current 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014

Activity reports

2014 Nest Activity Report by Rivergirl
Adult arrivalNestlings
Nest OccupiedNoFledglings
Nest Active First chick fledging
Egg layingChicks last observed
Incubation initiationNest failure
Clutch hatchingReason for nest failureThe pair of ospreys left, after being harassed by people at the beach marina.
2015 Nest Activity Report by Rivergirl
Adult arrival03/11/2015Nestlings3
Nest OccupiedYesFledglings
Nest Active First chick fledging
Egg laying04/10/2015Chicks last observed06/18/2015
Incubation initiation04/12/2015Nest failure06/18/2015
Clutch hatching05/22/2015Reason for nest failurepeople with dogs, people fishing, teens in the river -- all just below the cypress tree where the nest was located.
2016 Nest Activity Report by Rivergirl
Adult arrival03/09/2016Nestlings2
Nest OccupiedYesFledglings
Nest Active First chick fledging
Egg layingChicks last observed
Incubation initiation03/20/2016Nest failure05/14/2016
Clutch hatching05/06/2016Reason for nest failurenest destroyed during storm

Photos of this nest

Nesting Diaries

04/24/2019 by Rivergirl
Went to the marina, and did see an osprey on a piece of wood in the James River. No re-building of their nest, or nearby nest building, has been observed.

04/14/2019 by Rivergirl
The Beachers have not been observed in the tree where they previously had their nest. They have not been seen in any trees nearby, re-building their nest, either.

07/14/2018 by Rivergirl
I walked to the marina today, to see if there was any effort from the ospreys to return to this nest site. Stayed for about 30 mins., but didn't see/hear any ospreys. It was very humid and warm - 90-96 degrees.

04/05/2018 by Rivergirl
I went to the marina today and saw a female flying to a pine tree near the tree in the river. She did a little "talking" and I heard a response, but didn't see another osprey. She flew down the James, then flew back up past the site of the old nest, and flew up the James. Maybe the pair will find a new nest site!

04/01/2018 by Rivergirl
Today, an osprey was seen landing in a long-leaf pine tree at the marina. An eagle flew over the marina - neither bird made a sound. Both birds flew toward the James River.

04/01/2018 by Rivergirl
Today, an osprey was seen landing in a long-leaf pine tree at the marina. An eagle flew over the marina - neither bird made a sound. Both birds flew toward the James River.

04/01/2018 by Rivergirl
Today, an osprey was seen landing in a long-leaf pine tree at the marina. An eagle flew over the marina - neither bird made a sound. Both birds flew toward the James River.

04/01/2018 by Rivergirl
Today, an osprey was seen landing in a long-leaf pine tree at the marina. An eagle flew over the marina - neither bird made a sound. Both birds flew toward the James River.

03/22/2018 by Rivergirl
An osprey was seen hunting on the James River, at the marina. There was no evidence of nest-building in the former site - a tree in the James River near the beach.

06/17/2017 by Rivergirl
I walked to the marina, to see if the ospreys had returned to the beach area. No nesting was observed near where the previous nest had been.

04/14/2017 by Rivergirl
The Beachers have not rebuilt their nest; however, they may have been the ones in the area at the Lakers nest, looking for a new nesting site. I don't know but will continue to look for where they might be building a new nest.

04/07/2017 by Rivergirl
I went to the marina, but did not see/hear any ospreys. There was no observable evidence of efforts for nest-building. There were TWO DOZEN turkey vultures in the area to the right of the marina!! They flew off when I quickly approached them. As I left the marina, there were four ospreys seen flying in the area, toward Lake Pasbehegh.

03/26/2017 by Rivergirl
I have not seen this pair of ospreys this year. However, a neighbor who lives near the beach said he had seen the pair at the James River, near the old nest site, last week. Another neighbor, whom I saw at the beach, said she had seen the ospreys at the beach last night. Today, there were 8 Turkey Vultures in trees to the right of the beach, near where the nest has been previously built. I will monitor the situation this season. Perhaps there will be a new nest!

03/23/2017 by Rivergirl
The nest has been removed from the tree in the James River. No activity has been observed at the tree, for nest-building, this year.

09/04/2016 by Rivergirl
The portions of the osprey nest that blew down into the cedar tree in May were recently removed by young men, according to the First Colony newsletter received yesterday. The rebuilt nest was observed to be quite intact, when I went to the marina today. No ospreys or other birds have been seen at the nest. Hope the ospreys will return in spring 2017 . . .

07/14/2016 by Rivergirl
5/14/16 was when the nest was destroyed during a storm. Until June 5th there were efforts to re-build the nest. Since June 5th, the ospreys have not been observed at the nest, by me or several gentlemen who go to the marina almost daily. Since it has been about six weeks since the adult ospreys have been seen at the nest, I assume they will not return to this nest (for the remainder of this season). I will check the nest in the spring of 2017 and see if they return to their nest of quite a few years!

07/06/2016 by Rivergirl
The gentleman who lives nearby, and also a frequent fisherman, have both said they have not seen the ospreys at the nest in two weeks. There were two black vultures in the tree at the edge of the marina. Temp. today was about 85 degrees.

07/04/2016 by Rivergirl
No ospreys have been seen at the nest since June 5th. I will contact the near-by gentleman who also observes the Beachers and get his information.

06/05/2016 by Rivergirl
Increased wind and clouds over the last 30 min. One osprey flew to the nest - then flew away. The nest is being rebuilt.

06/03/2016 by Rivergirl
It looks like the adults are putting a new nest together at the old site. Today, neither osprey was seen over the 20 min. I was at the marina. I have talked with the gentleman who lives nearby, and he has seen the re-building process, as well. Hope for the ospreys!

05/31/2016 by Rivergirl
The nest looks like it is being rebuilt; however, no ospreys were seen/heard today. Weather was cloudy and the pier crew was doing work with machines at the marina. That may be why the ospreys were not there.

05/29/2016 by Rivergirl
The "ball-thrower" and his dog were leaving as I walked into the marina. The ospreys were not seen, or heard, during my 20 min. at the site. The temperature was 80 degrees in the shade..

05/26/2016 by Rivergirl
Nest improvement was observed today! However, neither of the adults were seen/heard in the area.

05/23/2016 by Rivergirl
Bit of sun today. Saw an adult with a stick as I arrived at the marina; it flew to a live tree at the marina. On my way up The Maine, there were two ospreys and, I believe, an eagle, that were flying, chasing each other, and doing lots of "talking"/fighting. Weather started changing - the sun was gone and it got misty. I left after about 20 min.

05/19/2016 by Rivergirl
The adults are working on re-building the nest at the top of the tree. An older couple (of people) had been on the beach with their dog - it was off-leash and chasing balls thrown with a "ball thrower". I believe that is why the female osprey flew off to the tree at the side of the marina, when I walked across the beach to try and see if there were any hatchlings in the nest.

05/18/2016 by Rivergirl
The male was on the branch of the dead tree at the entrance to the marina; he had a newly-caught fish to eat for breakfast. The nest appears to be empty and needs work to become more functional. The female came to the nest, stood and "talked" a bit, then flew off and when she returned, she landed on the top of a tree to the right of the nest. Male flew off after eating (about 30 min.). Female flew and landed on the branch where the male had eaten the fish. In that same tree, SIX TURKEY VULTURES arrived and sat on branches above the female. No activity was observed at the nest area. I had to leave about 6-8 min. after the turkey vultures arrived.

05/16/2016 by Rivergirl
We had 40 mph winds Sat. night -- the osprey nest blew down into the cedar tree in two sections! No ospreys at nest portions. I did see two ospreys, one with a stick. Thought I may have heard the hatchlings. . .

05/14/2016 by Rivergirl
Female standing in the nest, her beak was open (very warm day) and she had her wings open - hatchlings, I think - couldn't see them. Male was "talking" to 2-3 other ospreys that flew by.

05/12/2016 by Rivergirl
It was raining too much on 5/10 for me to visit this nest. Today, she was in the nest, he was on the edge of it. He flew off, she went down in the nest. The male flew to a large branch in a pine tree on the marina. The two of them did some "talking" -- he then flew to the James Rive and hunted.

05/08/2016 by Rivergirl
The W&M sailboats were in the James River. One adult was at the nest; the mate flew in with a twig, stayed about 10 min. and then took off up the James River. The osprey at the nest stood quietly at the side. I wonder if there are hatchlings and that incubation started sooner than I had thought!

05/02/2016 by Rivergirl
The female was observed to be incubating eggs; the male was "talking" to other birds nearby - those birds left the area. The male flew off to hunt in the James River. The female was busy at the nest, but was not initially observed to be sitting on the eggs.

04/27/2016 by Rivergirl
Today, there were two turkey vultures in a tree very close to the nest. They were gone in a short time and did not return. The female was in incubation; the male was on a branch at the marina. There appeared to be "talking" between the two of them and a second male appeared - then both the males flew off. This event took place over 20-30 mins.

04/24/2016 by Rivergirl
The female osprey was in incubation and the male was observed hunting at the James River. There was some work being done for electrical service and I provided information to two families, with their dogs, about appropriate behavior at the beach and how far to provide convenient space for the ospreys.

04/21/2016 by Rivergirl
This afternoon, about 5:45, there were three sailboats on the James River. The female osprey appeared to be incubating eggs. The male was not seen or heard.

04/17/2016 by Rivergirl
Female was at the nest, working on getting it ready for egg-laying. Male flew to the nest with a fish; lots of communication between the ospreys. One of them left the nest and went fishing. It was a quiet morning, pure sunlight and light breeze. No people were seen and no boat activity was observed.

04/14/2016 by Rivergirl
Both ospreys were on branches across the marina, when I arrived, about 10:30. Female flew to the nest, with a fish. Male went to the nest, quick copulation, and then he went back to the branch across the marina. The female stayed at the nest.

04/08/2016 by Rivergirl
One osprey (F) was on a tree branch across the marina. W&M sailors were sailing on the James River (six sailboats). Pier work seems to be completed.

04/07/2016 by Rivergirl
It was too windy/rainy today to walk to the marina.

04/03/2016 by Rivergirl
It was very windy and cool today. One osprey was seen flying into the marina, perching on a branch with a fish; it flew to the nest and the other osprey appeared! The second osprey was observed to go fishing, found food, and returned to the nest. Pier work will continue for another week. Today was Sunday, so no work was in process.

03/31/2016 by Rivergirl
Both ospreys were seen and heard, flying above the marina and at the nest. The pier crew showed up and unloaded some logs. The ospreys were flying around, then flew to the nest and were observed to be copulating. The pier crew said they would be back at the marina for another week or so. I believe it was a sharp-shinned hawk I saw flying across the marina. It didn't bother the ospreys.

03/26/2016 by Rivergirl
Female was sitting at the nest; male was seen "fishing." An eagle was seen, but it flew away. The male returned to the nest and both stayed - there were people at the beach with their dog off-leash.

03/24/2016 by Rivergirl
The pier crew continues it work; should be done in another week. The female osprey was at the nest; the male was on a branch across the marina, eating a fish. He took the fish to the nest; the female took it to the branch where the male had been. An eagle was flying overhead; it got chased away by the male. The eagle came back, again, and was chased off, again.

03/20/2016 by Rivergirl
I heard the ospreys as I was walking up The Maine. Their "conversation" suggested stress. The W&M sailing crew was active at the marina, and the ospreys were not seen or heard while I was there. I talked with a college representative, and several people who were observing the sailing crew (there were 8-10 sailboats on the James. Said I would talk with the crew about the ospreys (to educate the crew) if that might be helpful.

03/17/2016 by Rivergirl
Both ospreys were at the nest, working on re-design. They both flew in/out and brought new "twigs" to the nest. The pier work crew arrived as I was leaving the marina.

03/15/2016 by Rivergirl
Today, one osprey was the nest when I arrived at the marina; the other osprey flew into the nest with a fish. There was "conversation" between the two ospreys. Pier work continues at the marina; doesn't appear to upset them too much.

03/12/2016 by Rivergirl
I spent almost 45 min. at the marina today. There was a man with his grandson and a dog on the pier by the nest. An osprey flew toward the nest with a fish, but when it saw the man, child,dog -- it would not take the fish to the nest. I talked with the man about dogs disturbing the ospreys; they walked up the beach and both ospreys returned to the nest. There were also 4 crows causing disruption at the osprey nest - they finally left, when being chased by a red-tailed hawk across the marina.

03/10/2016 by Rivergirl
Both ospreys were seen at the nest; one left very soon after I arrived at the beach. The marina piers are being replaced - work will take about 2 wks., the crew said. One osprey was the nest during my 30 min. visit.

03/06/2016 by Rivergirl
There were lots of gulls in the area this morning, but the ospreys were not observed. I did see an osprey at Lake Pasbehegh, but think it was near the new nest that was built last year by a new pair of ospreys.

08/27/2015 by Rivergirl
I met with two Osprey Watchers today; we will wait and see what happens in the spring of 2016. There has been no activity at the nest since 6/18/2015.

08/01/2015 by Rivergirl
No ospreys were observed, or heard, at or near the nest. Effort will be made to see if a nesting platform can be put in the James River, similar to what's available at the Jamestown nest; two boatmen were helpful with information on the topic.

07/16/2015 by Rivergirl
Went to the marina, no ospreys observed at the nest or in the area of the marina or the James River.

07/08/2015 by Rivergirl
No ospreys seen or heard in the marina area today. Will monitor the nest a couple more times - once each week.

07/02/2015 by Rivergirl
Both adult ospreys are gone from the nest. No activity observed at the nest, nor the adults, since June 18th. I did hear an osprey in the area near the marina, and it flew near the nest but did not stop - just flew away and did not return. No activity has been observed in the nest.

06/26/2015 by Rivergirl
No adults present, no nest activity. Two neighbors reported they saw crows in the nest a few minutes before I reached the beach. There were vultures nearby a couple days ago - I haven't seen the ospreys since 6/18.

06/24/2015 by Rivergirl
No activity at the nest, no adults present, none of the three hatchlings seen. Last activity was 6/18. This nest may have been abandoned. . .

06/21/2015 by Rivergirl
I arrived at the marina about 9:00. The family with the two golden retrievers were on the beach (7-8 people), at the further end of the beach. Previously, the ospreys had left the nest when these dogs were there. Today, neither of the adult ospreys were seen/heard at or near the beach - I stayed about 25 mins. The weather was breezy & warm. I will contact the man who lives nearby.

06/18/2015 by Rivergirl
One adult at the nest; it flew to the branch across the marina. Two teens went to the pier, jumped in the river - threw stones just before that; the osprey flew off. The boys stayed in the water, splashed a lot - about 20 mins. Neither osprey returned to the beach area.

06/14/2015 by Rivergirl
Today, neither adult was seen at the nest or near the marina. There was a man with two fishing lines at the pier; he didn't see either adult when he came to the pier. There were 9-13 turkey vultures perched/flying in the area during my 35-40 mins. in the area.

06/11/2015 by Rivergirl
Adult on tree branch across the marina; no adult at the nest and no activity seen at the nest. A man who lives close to the beach has seen three hatchlings!

06/08/2015 by Rivergirl
Female at the nest, looking down into it. She left the nest, flew back with a couple twigs, then rested in the nest for a couple minutes and flew out and up into the woods. After about 25 mins., she flew to the nest and laid down, very quietly.

06/06/2015 by Rivergirl
The weather has been a bit challenging - haven't been to this nest in a week. Today, there was no activity seen at the nest, and neither of the adults was seen -- in 30 mins.

05/29/2015 by Rivergirl
Close to mid-day; temperature was warm. Female sitting quietly and low in the nest; male was not seen. Two men brought their boat to the marina, went into the James. Female stayed at the nest; no movement observed.

05/25/2015 by Rivergirl
A man with a dog, in the water, were at the beach below the nest. Female osprey was in the tree across the marina - she flew to the nest when the man&dog left the beach. Male flew to the nest, then to the tree branch across the marina. Female stood quietly in the nest; went and got a twig and returned. No hatchling seen, but female/male behavior seem to support at least one in the nest.

05/22/2015 by Rivergirl
Today, there were 3 crows hassling the male while he was standing on a tree branch across the marina entrance. They didn't bother the female or approach the nest. The ospreys "talked" while this was going on - the crows finally left!

05/17/2015 by Rivergirl
A couple with a dog sat on the pier; female left the nest. Both adult Ospreys sat on branches close to the nest. When the human couple left, the Ospreys returned to the nest. There may be hatchlings. . . .

05/12/2015 by Rivergirl
Female at the nest; quiet and sitting down in the nest. Male on branch across the marina entrance. Female left the nest; male came to the nest. Female brought a thin twig; both worked on the nest "décor." Another male approached; then flew away.

05/10/2015 by Rivergirl
Female sitting quietly in the nest. Watched the male dive into the James River; he didn't catch a fish. Sat on the branch across the marina entrance and preened.

05/07/2015 by Rivergirl
Female was incubating. Male brought a twig - both of them flew off the nest. Female came right back to nest; male went to the tree branch.

05/03/2015 by Rivergirl
Female was incubating the eggs. Male was on a branch across the marina entrance. He flew off after about 5-8 min. of observation. Another male was seen flying close to the nest, and the mating male returned. He had seemed to be wet, and preening, when I first arrived at the marina. A couple, with two small dogs came to the beach - no aggressive canine behavior.

04/26/2015 by Rivergirl
Female incubating eggs. Male in the tree across the marina; he flew off to go fishing - observed him for 15 mins.

04/24/2015 by Rivergirl
Female is incubating eggs. Male in the tree across the marina entrance area. Very quiet time - about 8:30 A.M.

04/21/2015 by Rivergirl
Today, female in the nest, in incubation stage. Male in the tree across marina entrance. Both very calm.

04/19/2015 by Rivergirl
Female was incubating eggs. A second male approached the nest; this "intruder" was followed by the site male. W&M sailing team at the marina yesterday and today - gave adults with the group some info about the ospreys.

04/15/2015 by Rivergirl
4/10/15 Female appeared to be laying eggs and standing in/at edge of the nest. On 4/11, female appeared to have begun incubation; sitting very low in the nest. I could barely see her head!

04/05/2015 by Rivergirl
The female was "remodeling" the nest. The male arrived with a fish, He sat in the same tree as last time for eating it; took it to the nest, the female got some - he took what was left back out to the other tree. She remained in the nest.

04/02/2015 by Rivergirl
4/2/2015 The female was standing in the nest, watching the male - he was on a branch they use for eating, and he was eating a fish. The branch is in a tree at the river-end of the marina. Both were very calm today.

03/29/2015 by Rivergirl
Both of the ospreys were at the nest today, and making efforts at lining the nest.

03/22/2015 by Rivergirl
There was a regatta at the marina today. Neither of the ospreys was seen; however, a couple people said they had seen them earlier in the morning, before the (many) boats went into the James River.

03/17/2015 by Rivergirl
The female was sitting on a branch in a tree across from the marina, eating a fish. The male made several deliveries to the nest of twigs and soft materials (weeds?).

03/12/2015 by Rivergirl
There was a pair in the nest this morning, about 9:00. A third osprey, a male, flew to the nest, but was not allowed to enter it. This osprey flew by the nest 3 times in the next 10-15 mins., dropping twigs for nest-building each time. No response from the nest pair.

11/04/2014 by Rivergirl
There was never a pair of ospreys at this nest after the osprey was found dead on the beach, with a broken neck, in May.

09/01/2014 by Rivergirl
No ospreys seen or heard yesterday morning.

08/28/2014 by Rivergirl
No activity in or near the nest. There was an osprey sitting on a branch of a tree about 1/4 mile up the beach.

08/17/2014 by Rivergirl
No activity in, or near, the nest. No ospreys seen or heard. No turkey vultures at the beach.

08/03/2014 by Rivergirl
No activity or ospreys seen at/near the nest. No turkey vultures nearby.

07/18/2014 by Rivergirl
The nest is empty and there were no ospreys seen or heard near the area this morning.

07/11/2014 by Rivergirl
The nest has been observed twice within the past 10 days. No activity, no ospreys.

06/30/2014 by Rivergirl
This morning, there were no turkey vultures in the trees or in the sky. No ospreys at the nest. There were two ospreys heard and seen, in the sky, just above the marina.

06/21/2014 by Rivergirl
No ospreys seen or heard near the nest. There were 7 turkey vultures in the partially-dead tree to the left of the marina access -- and 3 turkey vultures in a tree on the right side of the marina.

06/15/2014 by Rivergirl
No ospreys seen at the nest or nearby. I did hear an osprey - I believe there is a pair "in the neighborhood."

06/08/2014 by Rivergirl
No ospreys at the nest. Four turkey vultures in a tree near the nest. I saw and heard ospreys, but couldn't track their whereabouts for a nest.

05/30/2014 by Rivergirl
I have observed twice in the last week. No ospreys were seen at the nest, though I heard ospreys in the wooded area nearby. There were 13!! turkey vultures in a tree very near the nest site. I will continue to monitor this nest on a weekly basis.

05/21/2014 by Rivergirl
This morning there were no ospreys seen or heard. There was no activity observed at the nest, either. I was told that the dead osprey had a broken neck. I will observe again in three days.

05/19/2014 by Rivergirl
This morning, there was an osprey sitting on a dead branch in a tree very near the nest. It was "calling", but no other bird arrived. The nest was undisturbed. There were four turkey vultures, on the far right of the beach.

05/16/2014 by Rivergirl
Today, there were no ospreys, or other birds/geese, at the nest. There were four students, two of them throwing a tennis ball at high speed, back and forth at the beach, near the nest site. I discussed their behavior, which was too close to the nest, and requested a change, which they did do. I'll follow up next week.

05/13/2014 by Rivergirl
Today, about 9:00, there was a pair of ospreys sitting in a tree, very near the nest. They were looking at each other, and the nest. Same behavior for the 15 mins. I stayed at the marina. No other birds (i.e. Canada Geese) seen.

05/11/2014 by Rivergirl
Last week, on 5/6, a neighbor called to tell me an osprey had been found, dead, on the beach, at the shoreline. I went to the beach 5/7, but could not find the dead osprey. As I was walking home, down the street next to the James River, there were ospreys in courtship, and the male (I think) had a fish. Do ospreys court by "teasing" with a fish? It was most interesting - they were at it for 20-30 mins. The Canada Geese were not at the nest nor in the river.

05/02/2014 by Rivergirl
This morning, about 8:30, I went to the marina. No ospreys at the nest or heard, or seen. HOWEVER, there was a pair of Canada Geese IN the nest. They were not annoyed by me, and stood in the nest, happy with each other. This may be a new "nest couple."

04/30/2014 by Rivergirl
Female at the nest, when I arrived at the marina. She flew off as I walked across the parking lot. In a few minutes, she was back, with a "stick" in her claws, which she worked with in the nest.

04/25/2014 by Rivergirl
A sign has been posted on the boardwalk, to encourage visitors to the marina to respect the ospreys and their nest. Today, the female was at the nest - flew off when I got "too close" and returned when I left the boardwalk.

04/22/2014 by Rivergirl
Folks who visit the marina regularly have described the nest as being "built/rebuilt" this spring. Evidently, the number of people who have boats and/or come to beach, and kids climbing the tree where the nest is -- this is discouraging the ospreys from using the nest. There was one osprey at the nest, yesterday, and another who flew to the nest, turned and flew away. We'll see if they decide to stay or move to a different site.l