I went specifically to the shopping plaza to check the nest. I saw no one; I was a little concerned. Then I spotted a crow, craftily making his way up the tower. When he reached the level of the nest's location, I heard one of the osprey screaming its head off! That gave me relief. I can't wait to return to check on the nest this week.
I had to go to the plaza so I checked on the nest - there was Lois, sitting on a perch of the tower. I didn't see Clark - I stayed for a little bit - it was a super hot weekend especially today.
I've visited Lois and Clark a few times at the shopping plaza. I hadn't seen anyone for a week (I just popped in for a few groceries) but yesterday I did see one of them on the nest so I am thinking there's eggs.
I had been visiting the nest site regularly for the first 2 weeks of April with no success. However yesterday, not only had Lois and Clark returned, there was another pair fighting with them over the nest site! They successfully defended their nest, and celebrated by making baby ospreys. An employee of the recycling center told me they had returned perhaps mid week, and have been fighting off other ospreys for the rights to that nest. One thing I have noticed this year is that in 2 out of 4 nests there has been vigorous disputes over nest sites.
A typical steamy summer day in NJ. I'm thrilled to say I saw a juvenile fly. Today the two adults were flying overhead, chirping while circling, and the fledgling took flight. Finally I was able to catch a clear photo of the juvenile perched on the tower, and a good shot of him taking off.
This is the first day I saw Lois actually in the nest; I'm assuming it was her. Two ospreys were flying high overhead. She took off, and all disappeared out of my range. I will check on them tomorrow
Today there were 3 osprey circling overhead; one landed on the cell tower while the other two circled each other until one flew away. Then the one on the tower flew off with the other.
When I got to the site this morning, I saw Lois flying overhead. I didn't see Clark until I began taking photos of the nest. He then flew off towards the direction of Lois.
I was standing taking nest photos when I heard chirping. There it was, flying to the nest! I can't see into the nest because it's way up high but I did get some good photos.
On 5/4/2020 I went to visit the newly found nest. I went around to the back of the parking lot to see if I could spot any on the nest but I couldn't. I stayed for a half hour but none flew over.
Before I went to observe the other 2 nests, I had to stop at the shopping plaza. As I went back to my car, I wondered if the nest on top of the cell phone tower was occupied this year (last year no but was the year before). Much to my delight, it was rebuilt. I waited for a bit to see if there was any activity ( I couldn't tell if there was anyone on the nest) and one came flying to the nest! I plan to check on this one first thing in the morning.
Past Seasons
Show reports, diaries, and photos from:Current 2020
Activity reports
Photos of this nest
Nesting Diaries