this platform, just like the one in the lower parking lot, is really now a dining perch for random osprey and gulls. too much year round activity at the VFW for a serious nesting pair
the pair may have moved to the other VFW platform as there is activity there now and non on this platform. I think the VFW memorials, with the guns and the weddings and parties outside is just too disturbing for osprey but they are still attracted to the high platforms and make a go of it year after year..but never have I seen chicks at this location.
one incubating and one on the platform around 4:30 today. there was a wedding starting on the grounds of the VFW not far from the platform. one osprey flew off the nest and did a few circles then back to the platform. This site has never been productive in the 6 years I have monitored, there are many outside events but moreover there are large numbers of gulls that seem to harass the osprey.
well most likely this pair started incubating earlier than 4-29-18 but this is first I can say for certain. the height of the platform makes it very hard to see and one must view from quite a distance. still doesn't appear there is much nest material but clearly I see the flat back of an osprey with head popping up from time to time. the mate sits down in a tree area along the marsh and east of the platform. this location has never fledged a chick in my 6 years of monitoring... hope this year is different.
end of season; rarely did I see an osprey here this season, not even a gull after the nest failed. not sure if its the noise from the VFW or perhaps the high numbers of gulls etc that frequent this area.
This nest site has not been productive in the 4 years I have monitored it. I do not know if it attracts young pairs or if there are just too many gulls and other species of birds that harass the osprey off the tall bare platform. Wind, rain and heat may be a factor as well as the noise from the VFW outdoor ceremonies. I am continuing to see an osprey on the platform from time to time but little activity.
may be an osprey incubating. definitely more nest material than I have ever observed at this high platform. one bird in the nest every time I check but can not tell if it is incubating
There was the occasional osprey perched on the tall platform through out the summer but no attempt at re-nesting. This platform pair has never been successful even though they seem to give it a good attempt. I wonder if the noise from the VFW is the issue or perhaps the large numbers of gulls that circle the nesting area, or maybe the platform just does not keep the nesting material in place with such a flat surface and high wind area? Some day I hope to get on a crane and check it out!
The larger darker osprey with darker necklace (female no doubt) was on the edge of the platform calling to the smaller lighter osprey (male) who was in the center of the platform.He flew off and returned with some nest material and placed it while the female continued to call to him. He then had his wings in what could be the shading posture but more likely it was a defensive stance because there were numerous gulls and blackbirds flying very close to the nest and at least 3 osprey flew overhead carrying fish. There is a busy flight path over that nest site as osprey return from the beach headed in the Whites Creek direction. Eventually the male gave chase to one of the fish carrying osprey and didn't return while I was monitoring. The female remained on the nest edge and showed no signs of nurturing eggs or chicks.....
I have watched them almost daily and they are incubating but hard to see much more than a brief white head bob up above the high profile platform. They are due chicks this next week, fingers crossed!!!
Pair appears to be incubating but due to the high profile of the platform this is just a guess. I see what looks like incubating as the one bird sits on the nest for long periods of time and I did see the second bird switch places with the first but occasionally they both are up and sitting on the nest. Osprey will get off their eggs for short periods of time so I do think these 2 are now incubating.
One osprey had been perched on this extremely high platform for a few days and today I witnessed second bird bring nest material. This nest has not been productive the past few years. Osprey will nest for short periods but then abandon the nest. I believe the noise from Honor Guard Memorial Services on the VFW lawn may be the reason for nest abandonment.
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