Nesting Diaries
Nest destroyed over the winter and it has not been rebuilt
There is still no activity at this destroyed nesting site
There is no activity where the nest used to be.
There appeared to be some strategically placed branches across two of the remaining supports on the tree. No osprey were observed though.
The nest was destroyed in a storm over the winter and I did not observe any nest building activity or active nest in the vicinity
The nestlings have left the nest!! I hung around the nest for a while, but I did observe any Ospreys.
Two equally sized nestlings were observed perched at the perimeter of the nest. They both were extending their wings and moving about a bit. Neither parent was seen, though I heard one call out from somewhere in the swamp
I observed two healthy looking nestlings and mom on the nest. I could hear the other osprey, but did not see him. Both nestlings were moving around a bit.
One nestling was actively exercising it's wings for about 15 minutes. I never saw the other nestling's head but I did observe movement in the nest. The mother osprey was perched near the edge of the nest. I could hear the other osprey, but I never saw him.
I went early in the morning as the sun was rising behind the nest. The female was on the nest and I observed only one nestling for the time I was there. There was a considerable amount of glare thus hindering my observation. I will go back later this week to observe the nest.
Observed one adult osprey sitting high on edge of nest. I was also able to see the entire body of one hatchling in the nest. I was able to see part of the second hatchling behind its sibling. The osprey chicks have grown a lot since my last check.
After several rainy days I was able to get out on the trail and observe the osprey nest. 11:00 am - I was immediately able to observe the adult female perched on the edge nest. After a couple of minutes, I observed one osprey nestling head pop up from in the nest. I could see the nestling's head and neck. The nestling stayed at the back of the nest but moved around quite a bit. After twenty minutes, the male osprey flew in from the east, carrying a fish. As the male landed on the edge of the nest, the female osprey flew off. As I watched the male begin to tear the fish, I observed a second osprey nestling head pop up from the nest. For the next twenty minutes, I observed the adult osprey feeding both nestlings; the nestling towards the front of the nest was fed continuously by the adult, while the nestling at the back of the nest seemed more interested in looking around and moving around, and took fewer bites of fish from the adult. By the end of my observation, the adult was still feeding the nestlings; the female had not returned to the nest at that point.
Early morning.....Mom was on the nest with her head barely visible above the nest. I heard the male, but dis not sight him.
When I arrived at the nest it was raining heavily. Mom was moving on the nest trying to shield the eggs from the rain. I did not observe the male, but I did hear him
The female remained on the nest for the time I observed the nest. she moved her head a bit, but there were no movements related to egg turning. The mate/male was observed on a dead tree in the middle of the swamp. he moved around a bit, and when I could not see him, I heard him.
Quiet afternoon. Observed female osprey low in the nest; popped her head up a few times.
Observed female and male on nest. Male left the nest several times to fly around the area. Returned and remained on nest for duration of observation. Female low in the nest; possible egg(s)? Noted two additional osprey flying in the area.
Only saw one osprey sitting in a tree near the nest today.
Two adults in the area and seem to be rebuilding their nest.
Almost impossible to see the nest now, due to increased foliage at the viewing point. Will try to find another viewpoint so I can continue to watch as chick grows and matures.
Still incubating....won't be long now!
Mom began incubating around April 9, 2015. Both adults are present, with the male often sitting in a nearby tree.
They are back and rebuilding! Great news.
One osprey has returned. Hopefully the other is in the area or on the way. Last year they both returned late and incubated late. The chick was late to fledge. Let's hope this year is sooner rather than later!
Observed her incubating....this is great news.
The nest is complete but I still can't see the female incubating in the nest. Will keep monitoring and hoping.
Only ten days later and the nest is completely rebuilt. Both adults were seen in the area, sitting on nearby branches. Also, as you can see in the photo, one adult is frequently sitting on the rim of the nest. No incubation at this point.
Today all the branches are once again gone from the tree. It appeared as if the pair had returned and were rebuilding. However, now we're not sure. We will continue to monitor.
Lots of sticks in the crook of the snag used last year. Two osprey were sitting in trees nearby, one about 100 yards away, the second about 300. Hopefully, it is the nesting pair, returned and ready to rebuild.
Osprey are flying over this tree all the time but as of today, there is no indication that the nest will be rebuilt. It was totally destroyed over the winter so the returning pair, if and when they arrive, will need to begin again.
Saw both chicks today. They are intent on learning how those big wings work. Both spent time practicing the up and down flutter. Cute little buggers.
No question about it....there are chicks in this nest. Mom and Dad are both clinging to the edge of the nest and on constant watch for danger from above or below. We'll be able to count them when they are a little larger.
This is definitely a nesting pair. Although we haven't seen the babies yet, we are hoping that the hatching will occur soon or has already occurred. Stay tuned for more news soon.
Amy usually is the one nestled down, sitting on the eggs. John periodically arrives to relieve her and, after about 15 minutes, will return to the nest. They both stay close, call frequently to each other, and seem very alert to all movement nearby. So far, no hatching evident.
We went by the nest today just as the changing of the guard occurred. It was awesome to see such power arrive at the nest with great speed and then slow down and land with grace and skill. The eggs were immediately covered and will continue to incubate as the parents carefully watch and wait.
Amy and John have been at this nest in the past. They returned and resumed their partnership with very little fixing up of the nest. She appears to be already sitting on eggs.