Nesting Diaries
Nest construction and a meal were what I was treated to today 3/24/24. I checked up on the construction of the new nest bowl on the platform, it looks quite nice. Also observed was one of the pair enjoying half a fish adjacent to the nest site itself.
From a brief observation at 5:50 pm on 3/15/24 it appears as if both the male and female of this nest site have arrived back. There were two Osprey observed in the area, and at the nest site itself. It appears based upon mannerism and perch choice this is the same pair that has nested here previously.
Around 7:15 pm one Osprey was observed with a fish across from and within view of the nest site.
I will be checking back up on this pair in the coming days, as they have the task of having the rebuild a new nest bowl for the 2024 season after last years nest platform failure.
6-17-23
Female has swooping behavior a good indication of hatchlings probably being in the nest. This is a positive sign as I thought this nest was done for the season on May 1st 2023.
I definitely wrote things off a little early for this nest. From afternoon observations it appears the female is currently sitting on a second clutch of eggs.
She was barely visible while down in the nest bowl. The male was perched in a favorite tree.
I don't have a date for when the second clutch might have been laid if it has. However I am hopeful of seeing little heads around late July.
5-10-23
You've got to give credit to the perseverance of Osprey. They are attempting a try at rebuilding their stick nest on the damaged platform. This is a good indication that an attempt at a second clutch will be initiated by this pair.
5-1-23 : not the update I wanted to share. We had some rain storms the last few days and some thunderstorms last night. Unfortunately the platform itself gave out.
The platform had been noticeably leaning towards the west. These nests aren't light weight. So I was a little tepid as to whether this nest would survive the breeding season. The park staff have been notified, and repairs will be made.
It's early enough in the breeding season this pair might build a new nest or take an existing one over to still have a clutch. Who knows? If repairs are made timely they might nest back on the platform.
Date of egg laying is estimated, but the female is showing indications that she's incubating eggs. A food delivery was observed with female finishing a fish tail on a tree adjacent to the nest and marsh area. She had a full crop.
Estimated pip-watch around 5/20/23-5/29/23
3/26/23 -- Observed nest in the evening, female spent a little time perched on nest. Male stood watch from across in favored perch trees. Happy to see this pair back in 2023.
The nestling chicks are officially fledglings. Chick number 1 was observed in flight with a parent upon arrival at the nest site. Approximately 30-45 minutes later Chick number 2 was observed in flight. Each chick was also observed carrying half a fish, so they are eating fairly well.
Both parents were busy patrolling the skies from other Osprey and afterwards perched across from the nest site in a favorite tree of their. 1 of the chicks provided some excellent baby pictures.
Mom was observed flying into the nest with half a fish @ 6:51 pm. Her mate usually sits in the trees on the north side of the trail overlooking the nest site and this was where he was observed at approximately 6:51pm - 7:15 pm .
Admittedly I did not have a lot of hope of this nest site proving successful, account of location. However while adult female was in the nest I observed 2 nestling chicks. Chick-1 was facing to north with eye visible, and Chick-2 was facing east with the back of the head visible.
Female is protective of nest site, which is possibly indicative of eggs being laid and sit on. She has been observed swooping out of the nest site on 4/25/22 and 05/08/22 account of trail use activity. The male does not exhibit the same swooping behavior.
To my knowledge no one has been hurt account of defensive swooping.
Why NY Parks department hasn't closed section of trail during nesting season is beyond my comprehension.
Birds are still hunting, but the nest location is not ideal. The birds already seem bothered anytime someone walks by on the trail below. The weather has not even been nice yet. They are in for a long summer.
Nest is in good shape and the pair is hunting regularly.