Nesting Diaries
Spent a short time at the nest site on 5/15/19. Observed movement in the nest but couldn't tell if it was an adult or hatchling as it was sitting deep in the nest bowl.
I've been observing this nest since the summer of 2016, from across the river. Recently AEP, whose property this nest is located, granted me permission to access the nest area in order to observe more closely. In the picture I posted, taken early April, you can see the head of the female sticking out of the nest platform. She may be sitting on eggs now since she didn't leave the nest and the male, I spotted first on a nearby pole and then saw him fly to a tree closer to the nest and near the riverbank, then back to the nest for a few minutes. The nest platform is the new nesting site for this nest instead of the utility pole as was used previously. AEP told me they consulted with the DNR on placement location and height, etc. but installed the nesting pole and platform themselves, after which the osprey began using it the next nesting season, and every nesting season since.
The number of nestlings is just a guess as it seemed only one chick was flying with parents and could be seen on the nest.
noticed one very small head sticking up today
Both birds on the nest today.
Have not seen any osprey activity since Sept 2014. As far as I know the three young birds fledged.
Have not seen nor heard any osprey activity since Sept 5, 2014.
There is a third young bird. Was not sure until I could see all three heads poking up today.
6/2/14 observed 2 babies popping their heads up to be fed. This is the first I have noticed any activity from the young. Not sure of exact hatch date. Will watch to see if more than 2 young.
The second osprey arrived the weekend of 4/5 and they are hanging around the nest, catching fish and sitting on the cross arms of the electric towers.
Male is repairing the nest and hanging around. Have only seen one so far. This has really been the only nice day to watch any activity.
Two young birds and one adult were seen and heard thru mid Sept, then they all departed. One lone bird was there a day later but none have been here since.
The ospreys are still in the area but spending little time at the nest site. AEP has some heavy equipment and workers near the site but they are "fishing" along the river.
Both young ospreys are flying over the river and one was observed with a fish yesterday.
The chicks are standing in the nest, flapping wings and rising above but not leaving the nest yet.
4/3/2013
The osprey is rebuilding the nest in the same tower where the one from last year blew out in a wind storm. He is flying overhead scouting trees for sticks to take to the nest.
There has not been any activity in the nest area and I have not heard any calls for about a week. Without the nest, the ospreys had been using nearby electic towers and poles for eating and resting.
I went out to the river this morning and there were still 2 ospreys at the site. Assuming one was a young one since it was eating and the other was in flight. Sorry for the incorrect report today.
With the nest blown off the tower, the young would return to the tower but I don't know where the adults were feeding them. The 3 appeared around for some time but there has been no activity for about a week now - none flying around or calling. Hope they rebuild next spring.
7/9/2012
The nest blew off the tower during a storm on 8/4. The three young are still flying around and at least one parent is still with them. They land on the tower where the next used to be and call for food. Not sure where the parents are taking food for them.
The first chick was flying 7/18 and the other two were on the wing 7/20. They are still really close to the nest but land on posts, railings and cross bars of the electric towers.
7/11/12 the 3 chicks are doing the wing flapping with straight up lift-off from the nest but have not flown yet. One of the parents was flying around the nest and would land and take off again probably trying to encourage flight.
All 3 chicks are being fed by the adults and are surviving the extreme heat in the midwest. They are getting quite large and may soon try their wings.
The nest has been there 3 years that I know of. Today the osprey was snagging branches from tall trees to reinforce the nest. Sometimes the male will eat a fish on one of the other towers and the female chatters for her share.