Nesting Diaries
Apparently the adults were sitting on eggs in early May when two kayakers observed activity. Since then, the cypress needles have filled in to such a degree that it's nearly impossible to see the nest, much less the chicks. We'll know more when the chicks mature and begin branching out.
Both adults were seen together near the repaired nest for the first time on April 1st. Rangers at the park have also stated that they appear to be working hard to rebuild the nest. It is difficult to tell without a kayak if the female is sitting on eggs yet. This has always been a very productive pair but the winter loss of their nest seems to have pushed their schedule back some.
No nesting pair back yet, although many Osprey are in the area. The nest blew down over the winter so the pair will have to rebuild if they return.
Still can't tell what's going on. Hopefully kayakers will be able to let us know if there are chicks or not.
The nest looks to be complete. Both Osprey are in the area, setting on the limbs of the tree, flying overhead, etc., but no sign of incubation at this point.
Both osprey are back and have been seen carrying nesting material back to the bald cypress tree. Winter storms destroyed the old nest completely so this pair will rebuild from scratch. Thank heavens for FEMA!
She is definitely incubating eggs. Went out in a canoe to ensure that we were seeing 'incubating behavior' and confirmed eggs in the nest.
Thank goodness for kayaks....they two young have fledged. This has been a productive nest year after year.
No activity observed for a while. Kayakers on the team have been checking the nest and have not seen any adults in the tree or near the nest. We're worried.
The female is still incubating. The male stays close, sitting on a branch near the nest.
This nest was checked today by boat. The female is incubating and the male is hanging close, sitting on a branch nearby.
We can't see the nest any more....needles are out and blocking the view. One of our team will check by kayak over the next week and we'll update with a report soon.
The two adults have spent much time and energy redesigning their nest. All looks ready for egg laying.
no longer can see into the cypress. Park personnel have seen one chick by boat.
Still incubating although the needles on the bald cypress tree make seeing the nest nigh on to impossible. The rangers are keeping us up to date with what's going on!
The nest is completed, the female is incubating, and the male is usually nearby. This nest is active and promising.
Everything is guess work on this nest because the Bald Cypress has now camouflaged it all. However the two adults are in and out on a regular basis and the park ranger has reported seeing two heads when he travels near by boat.
The nest is complete and they are definitely incubating eggs.
June 6, 2013 observation: Adult Osprey alert and perched on side of nest for entire observation period. Not able to see a nestling in this tall nest. Assume adult attention indicates at least one nestling.
March 15: Osprey sitting on nearby branch of the nest tree. Evidence of last year's nest still in tree.
March 29: two Osprey on nest and in nest tree.
14 March 2013: Adult OSPR on branch next to nest