Nesting Diaries
J. Vouleslis: Looking out the window while riding the stationary bike, I saw one Osprey fly into the nest. About 5 minutes later, the second Osprey flew into the nest. They sat together for about 5 minutes and then it looked like they were going to engage in their mating ritual. It was short lived. One of the pair flew out, followed by the other. Maybe 10 minutes later, one returned.
J. Voulelis: Just got to the gym and saw this osprey in the nest. Wasn’t here a couple of days ago. Only had my cell so best pic I could get. But looks like this pair will be trying again. After about an hour of just sitting in the nest, he/she flew off and sat on the branch of a nearby tree for about 5 minutes. Then flew off again and came back with nesting material ( it needs it!!).
P. Dishler: I saw the male on 2/22. He was on his tree. The nest had not been touched yet. I was so happy to see him.
Pauline reports: On June 5th we were rewarded with Sam and Sammie trying again. They spent some time together defending the nest then Sam took off and picked up a stick with some moss. When he returned to the nest ,Sammie was nowhere to be seen. After he circled for awhile, he returned to the nest. Sammie returned. They spoke a lot. Then they were off.
The rest of the week was off and on but still watching the nest. 😊
NOTE: It is far too late for this nest to be successful this year. I am marking it as nont productive. Maybe nest season!
Joanne V reports:
Just got back from gym. Looks like they haven’t abandoned hope. Sammie was alone in nest when I arrived. About 10 minutes later, Sam joined her in the mating ritual
( yet again). Afterwards, Sam flew out to parts unknown. Sammie remained in the nest for about 10 minutes then flew to a nearby branch. When I left the gym, she had returned to the nest and was chirping those “ alarm” peeps, but didn’t see any other birds harassing her.
Then I left.
So, if successful this time we should know in a couple of weeks.
General note on this confusing nest:
We looked at photos from the past years and these are the same birds. Their behavior is the same, too.
Female aggressively chases interloper
Male is more docile.
She has to go get him for mating etc
For what it's worth,
I am wondering if there is something else at play.
Fingers crossed it is just a series of flukes and nothing else.
Joanne V adds:
Two days earlier in the week (maybe last Friday & Sunday( 5-19 & 21)) while at the gym, Sammie stayed in the nest for almost an hour while observing, but flew to a nearby branch about 10 minutes before I left. Then one of those days, Sunday I believe, both were sitting on branches about 100 yards apart from each other the entire I was there (about 75 minutes).
I went to gym Wednesday and today. (5/24 and 5/26) Both days no sightings of either of them. So don’t know if they’ve given up or waiting to see if she produces eggs which she can lay. Anybody’s guess. I’ve no clue.
NOTE: We are all very puzzled by this nest. It may be the pair is just immature.
Pauline D reports:
I don't even know what to say. I have visited the nest daily. One day she was on the nest chirping away and Sam came to copulate(is that the word?) and was hardly successful. He flew off in one direction. She got some nesting material. I was excited about the possibility! Then she flew off.
She spends most days on the nest with him nearby. And other days no one is around...like today.
Still an unknown!
Joanne V reports: This nest continues to mystify. When I was at the gym Friday, an Osprey, probably Sammie, was in the nest the entire time. I became optimistic. This morning, I see (presumably) Sammie again. Very encouraging. Then about 30 minutes later, off she flies. 10 minutes later an Osprey comes with nesting material. Since I don’t have my zoom lens at the gym, can’t really distinguish male from female, but think it was Sammie because in another 5 minutes or so, Sam flies into the nest and mounts Sammie. He leaves briefly, returns and mounts again. Then off he goes. So it seems like this pair continues in their attempts to produce eggs. They do persevere!
Joanne V reports: Late this morning I saw both fly in and out several times within an hour. At one point, they were “ dancing around each other” while in flight before returning to the nest. They then took the “ mating position” but remained engaged for significantly less time than is typical ( at least in my experience).
Pauline and Deb report:
I was at the nest daily this past week and and Deb joined me several times.
Sam brought Sammie a fish to the nest on Monday. I was so excited. Then they both flew to the oak tree where she finished eating. Tuesday and Wednesday and Thursday they were bringing nesting material and fighting off interlopers.
They were very connected and vocalizing a lot. They were in nearby oaks and then taking off together. We did not see any activity that indicated they had eggs.
Pauline D reports:
Today, I have only seen the female. She has flown to the oak tree and back several times.
Carol C reports:
Dad flew around the nest and then landed in the nest. He sat upright on the inside edge of the nest. No sign of Mom.
Paulina D reports:
4/17. The female was on the nest and about 5 minutes later the male brought her a tiny fish. I was so excited. She ate some then took the fish to their nearby oak tree to finish it. Then he joined her on the tree and the 2 vocalized a lot.
Then an interloper came to the nest so they aggressively chased him off then sat awhile. Once the nest was secured, they took off in different directions.
Photo added.
Joanne V reports:
Definitely an osprey in the nest. Was upright and peeping. Then she laid down in the nest so no longer visible. Shortly after this, papa flew in and she was back up.
Pauline D and Deb S report:
Went to nest at 9:15 AM on 4/15. Female was on the nest and after a little while, the male did come to the nest. They sat together and connected for about 5 min. Then they each flew off. No copulation. We were quite excited to see both at the nest!
Pauline D reports: The last few times I was at the nest, I have only seen the female. She comes and sits for awhile chirping or screaming away and then leaves for the pine tree of her choice. The nest is in need of repair at this time.
Joanne V reinforces the above observation: The last few times I was at the gym in the early afternoon, I saw nothing.
Joanne V reports: Saw osprey ( whom I assume was mama) sit in nest, fly out of nest, return to nest about 3 separate times over a 60 minute period. So now thinking no incubation just yet.
Pauline and Deb report: It is 2:20 on 4/4 and she is on the nest and he is in a nearby tree. Oops It's 2:21 and she took off while I was typing and looking down.
They are now on the pine tree together. Around 2:30 today she returned to nest and then he followed. They sat for several minutes. 2 other osprey flew over so ours were on defense.He stayed until threat was over. She is sitting on the nest. He went back to tree.
NOTE:
Pauline and Deb report: On March 31 we were suspicious that the female was sitting on eggs and the male brought her a fish. I was waiting for confirmation before updating. I have been back to nest twice including yesterday and I didn't see either osprey. In the past, she has fooled us by going so low in the nest that we couldn't see her. Amazing since the nest is so shallow.
So, I can neither confirm nor deny at this time. But, fingers crossed
Joanne V saw both osprey flying in and out of the nest on 3/30 but then on 4/2 it looked like Mom might be incubating eggs since she remained on the nest for an hour. We are waiting to confirm that incubation might be underway.
Joanne V reported that she also saw the pair mating. This happened today. This makes at least 3 mating reports in the past couple days which bodes well for the nest.
Pauline D reports: WOOHOO!!! The pair mated twice this evening. We are so excited!
Pauline D reports: This week all we saw was the male. Sitting on the nest or nearby. Seems like he is not bringing any more nesting material but still patiently waiting.
Mary Ellen H shared a photo of one osprey at the nest.
Joanne V observed: Today, Mama was in the nest, but she seems to still be rebuilding. She flew out several times and brought back nesting material. So clearly she has not yet produced eggs.
Deb S. and Pauline D report: Deb and I have been going to the nest every day or every other day since the watch began. Up until today, we have only seen the female. Today, we believe it was the male building the nest.
Pauline D observes: I was at the nest today and saw a few sticks and some on the ground underneath. A crow was on the nest when suddenly the female osprey came and chased it off. Then she was off.
Joanne V sent a photo of this nest looking totally gone. I was fine earlier in the month. There were a lot of crows around the osprey previously. We will have to watch and see what happens and if they rebuild.
Pauline and Deb report: one osprey back in nest; looks like the male.
Pauline D reports:Just an update. The female chick is still looking for her dad to feed her. She goes from the nest to dad's tree to one other tree near CVS. She looks healthy and two days ago I saw her with a good size fish and eating it while on a tree. I check her often.
Pauline D reports: The second baby fledged today. She is a female. The first born is a male.
The mother fed the baby sitting on an oak tree limb with her.
Yay!!! Very successful year.
Pauline D reports: Baby on oak tree 6/13/22. We believe it was after his first flight. He stayed there a long time...like now what am I to do. Fresh fish eventually lured him back to the nest.
The day or two when he was practicing. He was very much in control while flapping. 4 photos added
Pauline D sent four photos that were added of the three youngsters. NOTE: Joanne V (monitor of a different nest) was near this nest and reported to me that on 5/22 she saw one of the young flapping its wings and "branching" just off the nest.
Brady H reports: I went by the nest today. The female was waiting on delivery of a fish which she did receive.
I watched her feed the babies for 20 to 30 minutes and never saw a third baby. I would be very surprised if it still is in the nest, I am sorry to say. Hope I am wrong!!
Pauline D reports: On 5/10 we only saw 2 babies. We are going almost every day now.
Pauline D reports: Much to my surprise and delight, a third baby was able to be seen for the first time on 5/7/22. That is the first sighting of three!!! It must have been there the whole time as it can lift its little head up now.
The last time this couple had 3, one of them disappeared from the nest and never made it. I hope that doesn't happen this time. The female mother has been busy bringing sticks to the nest to fortify it. so fingers crossed!
NOTE: Photo posted showing 3 nestlings.
Pauline D reports: Today, May 1, 2022, we had our first real sighting of the osprey babies X2. We knew that they existed and were being fed but today, we finally got to see them when Dad brought a fish to the nest.
Pauline D reports: Update on 2515. Today, finally, I saw both parents on the nest and from the movement of their heads, my best guess is they were feeding young ones.
I haven't seen the little ones yet....hopefully soon. NOTE: Based on this report, we will indicate hatching occurred a few days ago.
Pauline D reports: Everything seems to be going well. I've seen both parents exchanging duties to sit on eggs and they take turns relieving each other. The nest has survived the windy days.
One day, a male osprey approached the nest. Because of the angle that I had of the nest, it appeared to be empty but as the marauder approached, the female sprung up and gave him the feather. Off he hurriedly went.
They are good parents. Looking forward to seeing the young ones
Pauline reports: The eggs are apparently laid and the female has been on the nest at least 2 days.
Pauline and Deb report: Lots of neststoration this week. They have been a busy pair. The nest looks quite shabby, but I guess that does not matter to them because it looked worse last year.
Pauline reports: . The female returned on 2/12 and restorations started on 2/13/2022. Both osprey appear to be very healthy. More nesting material was brought today. YAY!!!
Pauline D reports: Saw one adult at the nest location eating a fish.
Pauline D reports: The last chick left the area on or about 7/23/21. Very successful season!
Pauline D reports: I checked the nest today and with perfect timing. The male chick was flying around, then went to the nest to squawk excitedly. Within a minute, Dad came in with the fish, dropped it off then flew to a nearby tree. The nest was intake. Maybe a little beaten up but ok.
I last saw the female on 7/7/21. She has been more independent so I trust she is ok.
Just for fun, I am including a story and 2 photos. On Wednesday, the 7th, Deb and I watched as the male(who had been waiting some time for a meal) decided to go fishing in the little lagoon and get his own fish. He flew over several times then went to a pine overlooking the pond and down he came like a pro. Big splash and dip but (alas) he came up with a crawfish. Then he didn't know what to do it. He flew around for a minute then took it to the nest. We think the crawfish may have bitten him. But we were proud parents.
It was a little scary because the pond is too shallow for a good dive and, of course, there are several alligators but he tried his best.
(2 photos of this added)
Pauline D reports: . The male is quite strong and can hang in the air flapping like a pro. I took same great photos. Will send some later.
The female is flapping a lot but is maybe a day or two behind the male.
The mother still helps with the feeding and makes sure they both get some then she goes to a nearby tree. The father secures ALL of the parking lot.
What great parents!
NOTE: 3 photos added showing the youngsters hopping up and testing their wings in the nest.
Joanne V reports: Although not this nest monitor, she was in the area and reported seeing the two very active youngsters hopping up and down in the nest. The larger of the two hopped straight up about a 2-3 feet and then went back down and repeated this activity several times. She just wanted to share this unique activity at the nest that indicates they will soon be flying away from the nest.
Pauline D reports: They are doing a lot of flapping now and getting much stronger. Both parents are bringing fish to support them. I imagine the older one will fledge soon.
Brady H and Pauline D report: confirmation of two little ones in the nest! See photo posted.
Brady H reports: The eggs have hatched as of 4-25-21
Brady H reports: As of Monday,19th Osprey were still on the nest keeping those eggs warm and protected!
Brady H reports: Osprey are still setting on the nest....little over 4 weeks I think.
Brady H reports: Looks like the Osprey are incubating the eggs. I went by yesterday March 3 and one of the birds we on the nest in the rain in a nesting position.
Pretty sure he/she was on eggs or they would not have been in that position on the nest.
Brady H reports: We now have confirmation from multiple reports that BOTH osprey are back at the nest. We will go with 2-20-21 as the first date the pair was seen at the nest.
Brady H reports: There has been only one bird and always sitting in a tree at same place or on the nest and always look around.
This evening he was on the nest and no other bird anywhere for almost 20 minutes I hung around. The nest has progressed all week and does look about finished.
NOTE: There is a bit of uncertainty as to whether or not the PAIR is back. We will adjust the date posted for Adult Arrival when we are more confident that BOTH have returned.
Carol U observes a different nest but stumbled upon some activity at this nest and reported: We just saw 2 Osprey at this nest in the old SAMS parking lot just a few minutes ago. They are really busy building the nest. I didn’t get a pic of either birds but looks like they have a good start on their nest.
Brady H reports: haven't seen the Osprey lately but the nest is being rebuilt! So both of them are back or the "old boy" is building himself a bachelor pad!
Brady H reports: One Osprey is patiently setting on the site of the destroyed nest waiting for the mate!!!
Yeah!!......probably the male since he is the one waiting!
Brady H reports:
No Osprey sighting as of today. Worse, there is no work being done on previous nest location.
Brady H reports that the nest at the top of the light pole came down in a storm. However, on 2/3 another observer who was in the area said she saw an osprey sitting where the nest used to be. The osprey was eating a fish!
Brady H reports: The young are flying! There were two young birds. As expected one flew before the second. The second I believe only flew this week. I saw all four near the nest last week and one would not leave the nest to fly.
But anyway, they are now flying and gone!!!
Linda S reported: the nest in the old SAMS parking lot has 2 chicks.
Carol C added: I got a couple photos of the nest today and can confirm 1 chick, but as Brady reported, I can not tell about additional chicks.
Brady H reports:As of today, the nest does have young chick. I say chick because of the nest location I could not see if there is more than one. Last year this pair had three chicks. I will keep a closer look on the nest now and report back as soon as I can confirm a different number.
As an aside, I did see two I think watching the nest today that I thought were unusual. First, I saw one of the Osprey, I think the female, setting on the edge of the nest and the second Osprey land on the nest with stick which he gave to the Osprey on the nest. She then took the stick and inserted it onto the nest
Secondly, at one time there were three Osprey soaring over the nest at a very close range.....like 15 to 100 feet. The third Osprey finally flew off and the other two landed on the nest.
NOTE: Due to the quarantine etc. we missed a bit of monitoring on this nest. However it is great that there are chicks!
Brady H reports: Nest 2515....Old Sam's Club: As of Sunday March 8, both Osprey were seen near the nest. The female is setting the nest (in the flat position with only the head visible) and the male was seen in a nearby tree grooming himself. NOTE: Based on this behavior, we are assuming she is incubating eggs. Listed 3/8 as start of incubation, but that is only a guess.
Carol U happened to be in the area and spotted an osprey in the nest.
Brady H reports: Both osprey back and fixing up the nest
Brady H reports: Nest 2515- Old Sam's parking lot: Well the nest is empty. I was out of town last week and I came back on Thursday 20th last week. As of Friday the 21st there are no Osprey anywhere near the nest or surrounding area. I came back on Sat. the 22nd and no Osprey anywhere. So I have to assume they departed between June 13 and June 20.
NOTE: Based on this, we will select June 20th as the date both fledged.
Brady H reports: Nest 2515: Finally able to observer the chicks and there are two of them. Yesterday saw the mother feeding both chicks. In fact, was able to see the male swoop in with a fish and just literally drop it into the nest where the female was sitting with the chicks. She gathered the fish up and starting tearing it apart and feeding them.
The chicks are nearing full size and I believe they will be flying with a very short period of time.....maybe as early as mid-June.
Brady H reports: Sam's old parking lot: Nest has young Osprey. Due to nest location can not at this time ascertain the number of young. Again due to nest location can be sure of the date eggs hatched. NOTE: We have simply guessed they may have hatched around the 20th.
Brady H reports: The Osprey are setting the nest! And all looks normal
another observer reported that the osprey was sitting in the nest and provided a photo.
observer Brady H reported: One Osprey sitting on the edge of the nest. Appears to be on the look out for the other Osprey's return. Could not be definite if Male or Female but appeared to be larger so I would guess the male.
all 2018 observations by Brady H.
observer Brady H. reports: The Osprey chicks are no longer chicks, they are now flying. As of today, June 12, only one seems to be lingering on the nest trying to gain the courage to jump off the edge. Two others are setting nearby in trees and flying. I would think they will all be flying very shortly.
It has been a fun season watching them grow. I look forward to next year.
I will report back again In a few days to make sure they have all "flown the coop".
observer reports: Went by Sam's Club osprey nest yesterday. All is well with the chicks. The nest originally had three chicks. Could not confirm how may we have now but they are moving about and are discovering their wings as they were stretching and opening their wings.
observer reports: Just visited the Sam's Club osprey nest May 10. Saw one of the parents sitting on the nest and could see the chicks. Could not see from my vantage point if all three chicks are still there. But they are definitely growing as could see more movement and heads starting to stick above the nest and the formation of the feathers.
Looks like all is well for right now.
observer reports: Good news we have three Osprey Chicks at our nest at Sams Club on HHI.
Able to see the Mother feeding all three today.
Based on this report and the estimated start of incubation, we are guessing that they hatched about April 22
observer reports: As of yesterday, April 3, the Old Sams Club osprey are still setting the nest.
Both were near the nest....one on the nest the other in a nearby tree.
I will report in again later in the month or earlier if we have little ones!
The observer cannot be sure when the egg was laid nor the actual start of incubation so 3/12 is a guess. On 3-15 Mom was on the nest with dad perched nearby.
Osprey sitting on the nest.
:Saw the Male Osprey perched in nearby tree. Did not see the Female after waiting some time to see if she was around but never saw her. As an observation, in the past, at least, when Sams was open the Osprey nest was in the parking lot on a light pole near the entrance off 278 to the Sam Club parking lot. And the nest was well formed and quit large. The nest now appears to be on a light pole at the end of the parking lot nearer to Bi-Lo. And the nest does not appear to be as well built nor as large.
1 juvenile standing in nest; 1 adult perched on limb near nest
1 adult tending to at least 1 chick in the nest
1 adult sitting on the nest
2 adults standing/sitting in the nest
2 adults standing in the nest
1 adult and 1 chick in the nest
1 adult standing on nest feeding chick(s)
1 adult standing on nest.
2 adults standing/sitting on nest
2 adults standing on the nest
2 adults flying in and out of the nest
No activity observed in either one of the two nests in the parking lot
1 adult arranging nesting material and then sat on nest
1 adult sitting in the nest
1 Fledgling standing in nest
2 adults in and out of nest;1 chick flapping its wings
Nest present. No adults seen.
Nest present. No adults seen.
Nest present. No adults seen.