Nickname
Palmetto Dunes Water Tank
Coordinates
(32.1772, -80.727)
Substrate
Description
Palmetto Dunes Water Tank - there is a web cam set up that can be monitored but it HAS NOT BEEN WORKING AT ALL since the end of the 2022 season. There is a note posted that they hope to get it fixed. The female has been named Oprah and the male is Oscar.
Nest Cam
Followers
None
Monitoring groups
What to look for
a
Adult Arrival
Look for 2 adults on the nest. The adult pair will show pair bonding behaviors such as vocalizations, aerial sky dances, and the male feeding the female fish. You may see the pair copulating, which typically begins 14 days before laying eggs.b
Incubation Initiation
Females will lay 1 - 4 eggs at a rate of one egg every 1 - 2 days. After laying, incubation starts. Look for adults taking turns sitting low in the nest incubating eggs. The incubation period can last 35 - 43 days.c
Clutch Hatching
Chicks hatch ~39 days after incubation begins. Look for adults bringing food to the nest and making "head bows" into the center. Chicks typically can't be seen until they are 2 - 3 weeks old, so feeding behavior is the only way to know chicks are there.d
Nestling Count
Around 4 weeks after hatching, look for the heads of chicks to show over the rim of the nest, particularly when adults bring food to the nest. Other times they lie flat and are harder to see. Count the number of chicks in the nest before they learn to flye
Fledgling Count
Chicks begin flying around 7 - 8 weeks old, and are still fed by the adults. Count the number of chicks who have successfully fledged the nest and are observed flying.f
Chick Last Observed
4 - 10 weeks after fledging, chicks begin leaving the nest area to migrate south, once they have learned to fly and feed themselves. Record the date that the last chick left the nest.x
Nest Failure
Look for signs of nest failure like adult abandonment, adults no longer incubating eggs or feeding young.Review All Observations
| 2023 - CarolC | 2022 - CarolC | 2021 - CarolC | 2020 - CarolC | 2019 - CarolC | 2018 - CarolC | 2013 - CarolC | 2012 - KristenM | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| aAdult Arrival | 2/19/23 | 2/12/22 | 2/23/21 | 2/28/20 | 2/26/19 | |||
| aOccupied | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| aActive | ||||||||
| bEgg Laying | 3/27/22 | 3/21/21 | 3/20/19 | |||||
| bIncubation Initiation | 3/27/22 | 3/21/21 | 3/24/20 | 3/20/19 | 4/25/18 | |||
| cClutch Hatching | 5/5/22 | 4/29/21 | 5/1/20 | 4/26/19 | ||||
| dNestlings | 3 | 2 | 2 | 3 | 2 | 2 | ||
| eFledglings | 2 | 2 | 2 | 3 | 2 | 2 | ||
| eFirst Chick Fledging | 6/27/21 | 6/28/20 | 6/22/19 | |||||
| fChicks Last Observed | ||||||||
| xNest Failure | 7/6/18 | |||||||
| xReason For Nest Failure | unknown reason |
Select Seasons
Show reports, diaries, and photos from:Current 2022 2021 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012
Activity reports
2012 Nest Activity Report by KristenM
| Adult arrival | Nestlings | 2 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nest Occupied | No | Fledglings | 2 |
| Nest Active | First chick fledging | ||
| Egg laying | Chicks last observed | ||
| Incubation initiation | Nest failure | ||
| Clutch hatching | Reason for nest failure |
2013 Nest Activity Report by CarolC
| Adult arrival | Nestlings | 2 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nest Occupied | Yes | Fledglings | 2 |
| Nest Active | First chick fledging | ||
| Egg laying | Chicks last observed | ||
| Incubation initiation | Nest failure | ||
| Clutch hatching | Reason for nest failure |
2018 Nest Activity Report by CarolC
| Adult arrival | Nestlings | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Nest Occupied | Yes | Fledglings | |
| Nest Active | First chick fledging | ||
| Egg laying | Chicks last observed | ||
| Incubation initiation | 04/25/2018 | Nest failure | 07/06/2018 |
| Clutch hatching | Reason for nest failure | unknown reason |
2019 Nest Activity Report by CarolC
| Adult arrival | 02/26/2019 | Nestlings | 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nest Occupied | Yes | Fledglings | 3 |
| Nest Active | First chick fledging | 06/22/2019 | |
| Egg laying | 03/20/2019 | Chicks last observed | |
| Incubation initiation | 03/20/2019 | Nest failure | |
| Clutch hatching | 04/26/2019 | Reason for nest failure |
2020 Nest Activity Report by CarolC
| Adult arrival | 02/28/2020 | Nestlings | 2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nest Occupied | Yes | Fledglings | 2 |
| Nest Active | First chick fledging | 06/28/2020 | |
| Egg laying | Chicks last observed | ||
| Incubation initiation | 03/24/2020 | Nest failure | |
| Clutch hatching | 05/01/2020 | Reason for nest failure |
2021 Nest Activity Report by CarolC
| Adult arrival | 02/23/2021 | Nestlings | 2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nest Occupied | No | Fledglings | 2 |
| Nest Active | First chick fledging | 06/27/2021 | |
| Egg laying | 03/21/2021 | Chicks last observed | |
| Incubation initiation | 03/21/2021 | Nest failure | |
| Clutch hatching | 04/29/2021 | Reason for nest failure |
2022 Nest Activity Report by CarolC
| Adult arrival | 02/12/2022 | Nestlings | 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nest Occupied | Yes | Fledglings | 2 |
| Nest Active | First chick fledging | ||
| Egg laying | 03/27/2022 | Chicks last observed | |
| Incubation initiation | 03/27/2022 | Nest failure | |
| Clutch hatching | 05/05/2022 | Reason for nest failure |
Nest Activity Report by CarolC
| Adult arrival | 02/19/2023 | Nestlings | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nest Occupied | Yes | Fledglings | |
| Nest Active | First chick fledging | ||
| Egg laying | Chicks last observed | ||
| Incubation initiation | Nest failure | ||
| Clutch hatching | Reason for nest failure |
Photos of this nest
Nesting Diaries
03/20/2023 by CarolC
Sandy P reports: I stopped yesterday and today to look at nest with Binoculars and I did not see our ospreys
03/10/2023 by CarolC
NOTE FROM THE Palmetto Dunes website on the nest cam issue:
NEST CAM
For numerous years, the Palmetto Dunes POA has had reliability issues with the Osprey nest camera. Last year, we experienced several failures and replaced the faulty equipment that was accessible at ground level in the water tower. For several months, the camera operated fine. However, it failed again this past Fall. All components that were accessible at ground level were checked and appeared to be operational. As such, it appears that the camera and/or wiring leading to the camera needs to be replaced.
Hiring a climber to replace the camera and wiring is an expensive project. The security department has a project planned in the immediate future that also requires a climber for the water tower. As such, the two projects are being combined.
We understand that there are many people anxious to watch the return of Oprah and Oscar, and apologize for not having the camera operational at this time. It is important for us to get this fixed correctly so we do not have any issues in the future and do not disturb their nest.
03/10/2023 by CarolC
Sandy P reports:
I went over today about 2:30 pm with my binoculars and could not see either ospreys around the nest…. I saw them on 2/18. So close to the end of March, Oprah should be laying her eggs.
02/19/2023 by CarolC
Sandy P reports: The pair has returned! I could see the striations on Oprah’s breast area as she sat on one of the lights. She flew away and I saw an Osprey in the air and waited. Oscar flew into the nest. Once he landed, I could not see him. The nest is very deep.
02/15/2023 by CarolC
NOTE: THE CAMERA HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED YET. Sandy P and several others have contacted the Palmetto Dunes POA about the importance of getting this fixed.
02/14/2023 by CarolC
Sandy P observes: Looked at nest with binoculars today around 2 pm. No ospreys yet ….I’ll keep checking
08/12/2022 by CarolC
Sandy P reports: We named the youngest chick Franny and she still comes back and forth. Today Oprah dropped fish off and Franny flew away with it !!! Not ready to leave plus catching fish is hard !!!!!
07/21/2022 by CarolC
Sandy P reports: Great news! Camera on and lucky to see the two chicks and Oprah. Hard to get a good photo. Oprah comes and goes but each have their own fish. Cannot tell who was the little chick but it was a survivor!!
07/19/2022 by CarolC
NOTE: Because o.f the position of this nest and the inability to really monitor it well without a functioning camera, we are assuming that the remaining 2 nestlings fledged probably sometime in early/mid July The third was lost in late May after becoming entangled in Spanish moss.
07/18/2022 by CarolC
Sandy P reports: Unfortunately the camera has been off. I tried to see something with binoculars but it’s too high and nest is too deep. I’ll keep checking but by now the chicks have fledged ! I hope the little one made it !!!!!
07/06/2022 by CarolC
Sandy P reports: Unfortunately the camera has been off for 10 days now. I looked back when they were hatched and should be fledging NOW and we will miss it !!!!
I did go to PD and looked at nest with my binoculars but could not see anything.
The nest is deep, but I did not see any Osprey standing up or on the ledge of the nest !!
Will keep checking the site and hopefully it will work one more time !!!!
06/26/2022 by CarolC
Sandy P shared a photo from the web cam of Oprah standing by sleeping as her two young slept.
06/24/2022 by CarolC
Sandy P reports: The camera came back on today.
I was almost afraid to look when the camera was on…. I think the little one is a female and a survivor. So happy that the little chick looks so much better. 4 photos added
06/17/2022 by CarolC
Sandy P and Sheila B report: The camera on the nest has been down and may not be available the rest of the nesting season. Plans are to replace it prior to next season. Nothing can be done now, however, because the nest is active and it is illegal to interfere in any way with an active nest. Two images have been added from the last time the camera worked. It does appear that even the small chick is ok. Sandy P will continue to monitor the nest from the ground with binoculars.
06/08/2022 by CarolC
Sandy P reports: The camera is back up after several days of problems. The little chick is still there and has grown . At first I thought the big chick was Oprah and a sigh of relief that they were both still there.
05/26/2022 by CarolC
Sandy P reports: Hard to see because they are camouflaged so well but the little one made it.
05/26/2022 by CarolC
NOTE: The nest is definitely down to two chicks. One is significantly bigger than the other. Mom seems to give more food and attention to the biggest one, who sometimes pecks at the younger one. We are still concerned about the little one's chances.
05/23/2022 by CarolC
This is a compilation of reports from Sandy P, Carol C, and Sheila B:
5/22 -Happened to be watching the family about 7:15 pm. The mother got caught in Spanish moss in the nest and she was struggling to get free. She kept twisting around and one of the larger chicks also became entangled in the moss. At that point the camera buffered and I lost the live images. After I reloaded the camera, I saw the mother gone from the nest, two babies (1 large and the very small one) and the clump of Spanish moss was at the far edge of the nest. I could hear peeping and see movement within the moss. The mother returned but did not go to explore the moss, she just settled over the two remaining chicks. When I looked this morning there were definitely just the 2 chicks and the clump of moss was smaller and very still.
5/23 Checked the camera and found Mom with a very large fish but could only see two youngsters. One is a large one and the other is the very tiny last born osprey. No sign of the third. Mom was tearing apart the fish and eating it herself and feeding only the large nestling. The littlest one was getting nothing. Checked again later and the larger chick had moved to the side of the nest and the little one was on its back opening its mouth for food, but Mom ignored it. She moved closer to the larger chick and started to feed it again.
Conclusion: There seen to be only 2 nestlings left. While one looks big and healthy, my guess is that the littlest one is not going to make it due to lack of food and because the remaining nestling picks on it. Very hard to watch, but this is nature's way.
05/19/2022 by CarolC
Sandy P reports: I’m surprised as to how small the third chick is. The camera has been down all week until today. Hopefully he is getting enough to eat… at least they’re not fighting anymore !!!!!
05/14/2022 by CarolC
Sandy P reports: The camera on the nest has been working on and off. Several images posted showing:
She fed all three. Looking good so fingers crossed. All tucked in together.
Bellies full so nap time. Oprah flew away for about 10 sec.. She needed the exercise.
05/09/2022 by CarolC
Sandy P reports: Egg #3 has also hatched. The two older ones seem to fight each other, so the newest one may not be picked on as much yet. Photo added showing the 3 nestlings.
05/07/2022 by CarolC
Sandy P reports: The web cam has to be replaced and it is on and off so it was more difficult to follow.
I had May 5 down for first egg?
I checked today at 3:30 and voila 2 chicks so do not know exact date. May 5 or today ????
3 photos added
04/19/2022 by CarolC
Sandy P reports: Oscar on the eggs while Oprah chatters!!! They switched soon after! (Image added)
04/12/2022 by CarolC
Sandy P reports: Oprah and Oscar are doing well. Taking turns sitting on their three eggs. All looking good.
04/02/2022 by CarolC
Sandy P reports: Oprah had her third egg this morning!! Exactly 3 days apart.
(3-27; 3-30; 4-2)
NOTE: 3 images added showing Oprah with 3 eggs, Oscar giving her a break on the nest, and Oscar delivering a fish. (I wish there was a way to label the images.)
03/30/2022 by CarolC
Sandy P reports: I was lucky today and was able to see Oprah popping out her second egg at 8:15 am. As I was checking her, Oscar was there and left. Than Oprah was half standing away from the first egg and appeared to be “pushing”. Her body was slowly going up and down and there it was !!!!! Three days apart as last year. I noticed on egg one that the color changed after she laid it. I think as it dries, it changes color. She is not sitting on it right away either. Maybe waiting for it to dry ??? She almost seemed surprised when she saw it.
NOTE: This nest at the top of a water tower has a camera so the monitor is able to get great reports.
03/11/2022 by CarolC
Sandy P reports: Oprah and Oscar continue to spruce up their nest and mate ! No eggs yet .
02/25/2022 by CarolC
Sandy P. reports: Oprah and Oscar are both in and out of the nest. Did see one mating episode. No eggs yet.
02/12/2022 by CarolC
02/12/2022 by CarolC
Sandy P reports: The pair is back! They are back about 10 days earlier than 2021. This pair is named Oscar and Oprah.
07/16/2021 by CarolC
Sandy P reports: Nest cam is still down following the storm of July 7th. I went over and looked at nest with binoculars. It was about 4:30 and it appeared empty…..So I guess we close it off until next year.
07/09/2021 by CarolC
Sandy P reports: POST STORM update: Web cam down due to storm last night. If they don’t or cannot fix it, I’ll go n check w binoculars! I just pray they made it.
07/08/2021 by CarolC
Summary of chick fledging:
Chick #1: hatched 4/29 and fledged 6/27
(59 days after hatching)
Chick #2: hatched 5/2 and fledged 7/4
(63 days after hatching)
07/04/2021 by CarolC
Sandy P reports: Chick#2 fledged today on July 4. It’s freedom day ! Mom or dad still dropping food off . My calculations are. Chick 1 flew 59 days after it hatched. Chick 2 flew 63 days. Born 4 days apart and fledged 4 days apart. Nature is amazing
06/27/2021 by CarolC
Sandy P reports: Older chick now practicing his flying technique. He flies over to the lagoon area and returns. Younger chick watching and trying out her wings but not ready to take the first big flight. Photo is the older chick coming back.
06/21/2021 by CarolC
Sandy P reports: Oprah still feeding chicks but they are also eating the fish by themselves.
06/19/2021 by CarolC
Sandy P reports: The chicks are almost same size of Mother. These two may be females looking at the striations on their breast. The second one is Oprah still feeding them fish. And the unhatched egg is still there !
06/10/2021 by CarolC
Sandy P reports: Oprah is a great Mom. Here is Oprah standing guard as the little ones sleep. A second image shows how perfectly they are camouflaged in the nest.
06/02/2021 by CarolC
Sandy P reports: Took this tonight. Oprah keeping watch while chicks sleep. They almost take up whole nest now. Image posted
06/01/2021 by CarolC
Elaine and Sandy report: My friend Elaine sent me this with a third Adult Osprey in the nest..... I laughed and said, is Oscar. cheating on Oprah. Could this possibly be a chick from last year?. Elaine said Oprah chased it out of the nest
05/24/2021 by CarolC
Sandy P reports:GOOD NEWS! Chick number 1 is 24 days old. Chick #2 is 21 days. Younger chick is being fed more regularly now.
Younger chick in foreground of posted image.
05/22/2021 by CarolC
Sandy P reports: I have been watching and it is the first time In my three years of watching that the first chick is beating up on the little one. Poor little thing, it rolls itself up in a ball. Oprah feeding the first chick more and you can see how the second one is not growing. It begs for food when the older one has enough and usually there is not much left. I know it’s nature etc., but hard to watch !!!!
05/11/2021 by CarolC
Sandy P reports: A video shows the chicks. One is 12 days and the second at 9 days old. There is a photo posted since I cannot post the video.
05/04/2021 by CarolC
Sandy P reports: Happen to see both Oscar and Oprah while she is feeding chicks. She makes sure the younger one gets it’s fair share. Egg 3 is behind them. I hope it doesn’t hatch. It will be way behind the other two!
04/13/2021 by CarolC
Sandy P reports: Oprah still sitting on her eggs. As you can see they are have that dark reddish color.
03/27/2021 by CarolC
Sandy P reports: Oprah has laid her third egg. They have been laid 3 days apart. If all three hatch, it will be a nerve wracking watching the smaller third one fight for food !!!!! Last year one of the eggs did not hatch so we shall see.
NOTE: image included of the three eggs.
03/22/2021 by CarolC
Sandy P reports: Over the weekend, Oprah laid an egg, but it was an unusually bright reddish color. At first, she didn't seem to be sitting on it regularly. Over the course of a day, the egg has lightened up and she is on the egg. After consulting with the Lowcountry Institute, we were told that the egg probably was within the possible coloration for an osprey but was on the darker side. If we have additional info on the odd color, we will add it.
03/22/2021 by CarolC
Sandy P reports: Oscar brought her a fish today and she flew off with it. He sat on the egg until she returned. All good signs.
02/22/2021 by CarolC
Sandy P reports: One Osprey back! Waiting for second. Cannot see if it’s the male or female
07/26/2020 by CarolC
Sandy P reports: Chick and Mom. She has been bringing fish to it. Only one we see now. She’s a good Mom. Hope the other one is Ok
07/23/2020 by CarolC
Sandy P reports: One chick comes and goes, Mom drops off fish for it. The nest is empty at night. One hopefully fledged and safe.
07/07/2020 by CarolC
Sandy P reports: Two chicks come and go. Nest usually empty at night. They are getting fish in the nest and eating there, but have not seen either parent dropping the fish. Also I think both are females.. trying to see them together facing the camera . They are always facing the direction you see them because the lagoon is in that direction and the fish come in from there.
06/29/2020 by CarolC
Sandy P reports: I checked early today and the nest was empty. Than one came back and the other one came back too. Mom still in/out nest and fish coming in for the chicks to eat. Friday when I checked, they were flapping wings and jumping up and down. Not sure what day they took their first flight , They obviously did and are back. Camera very dirty, so hard to see. NOTE: We will guess they fledged on Sunday, 6/28 but it might have been a day earlier.
06/21/2020 by CarolC
Sandy P reports: They are as big as Mom. One has the striated breast of a female, but have not been able to see both of them together facing front. One is very busy flapping its wings and jumping up and down. He has always been the brave one, looking over the edge and more active. Hate to see them getting ready to leave . They are so beautiful.
06/01/2020 by CarolC
Sandy P reports: Love to watch them growing into their wings. Kind of like awkward teens.
The other is perfect camouflage. (2 photos added from web cam)
Mom leaving them a little longer now.
Egg still in nest.
05/25/2020 by CarolC
Sandy P reports: Chicks are starting to get feathers. Noticed they are clumsy as their wings get bigger and heavier! Egg is still there and Oprah continues to sit on it at times. I think the white stripe down their backs are interesting. You could not see them lying in the nest except for the stripe. They grow fast. Eat and sleep!!!
05/08/2020 by CarolC
Sandy P reports: You can see the two chicks and the unhatched egg. At this time I don’t think the third egg is viable.
05/07/2020 by CarolC
Sandy P reports: The web cam shows that two chicks hatched, but the 3rd egg is still in the nest. It probably will not hatch. The two are being fed and growing nicely.
05/02/2020 by CarolC
Sandy P reports: Good news. Oprah’s eggs have hatched. I thought I saw a chick yesterday but today for sure. I also think this one that is already head up and mouth open may have been hatched yesterday. A second one hatched today but is not strong enough to lift his body up
04/25/2020 by CarolC
Sandy P reports: Oprah still sitting on her three eggs. My calculations are any time between 4/27- 5/2. To hatch
04/13/2020 by CarolC
Sandy P reports: This nest is fine after the storm and female is still sitting on eggs
04/08/2020 by CarolC
Sandy P reports: I just saw this exchange and was able to quickly take a photo of the three eggs.
04/07/2020 by CarolC
Sandy P reports: Just watched 1 return and one leave. Hard to tell which one because their not facing me. But there are now 3 eggs !!!!! Very prolific pair. Those of us that watched last year the third chick barely survive but did were hoping only 2 this year!!!!!!! Not sure when the third was laid but on 3/29 there were only 2!!!! Not sure if we can survive another year of watching 3.
03/29/2020 by CarolC
Sandy P reports: Oprah finally stood up and there are now 2 eggs. Today is first time I saw the second one. Sometime between April 30 to May 8 for hatching!
03/24/2020 by CarolC
Sandy P reports: Oprah has laid one egg as shown by the video camera on the nest.
03/12/2020 by CarolC
Sandy P reports the camera is back up and working!
Female standing in nest this am. Both in nest late yesterday.
03/11/2020 by CarolC
Sandy P reports: This nest is high atop the water tower and the camera is not working. Emailed maintenance..
07/15/2019 by CarolC
Sandy P reports:Seems an adult keeps dropping fish in the nest and flies away. I am assuming this is the youngest of the trio. July 4, all three were in the nest.
Usually it’s just one and occasionally 2. Most nights the nest is empty.
Any idea where they go ? In AM, one chick is back. According to PDO, 4/26. Ozzie and Opal hatched. 4/30 Olive hatched. They named them all.
I will send a photo of Olive. Striations on her breast already......
#1 chick fledged 6/22——————#2 fledged 6/23
#3- fledged. 6/26..... she came back at night and was standing up in nest
At 10 pm- All alone tonight. Kind of sad. You can’t hear her calling but she is lonely
07/15/2019 by CarolC
Sandy P reports: It was hot and the chicks opened their wings . I am so happy they all survived ....
06/26/2019 by CarolC
Sandy P reports: Chick 1- oldest- fledged 6/22 @. 3:30
Chick 2- fledged 6/23 around 2:10.
#3- smallest still practicing and being fed but feeds self.
Chicks 1&2. Come back and forth although #1. Leaves the longest. All back with mom for bedtime. This has been so much fun. I have pages of notes
06/26/2019 by CarolC
Sandy P reports that the last osprey has fledged. A very successful nest of three youngsters.
06/17/2019 by CarolC
Sandy P reports: All three have been practicing. Spreading wings , flapping and getting up in the air for few seconds. Won’t be long and I will miss them along with friends watching.
05/27/2019 by CarolC
Sandy P reports: Camera in nest has some spots so sometimes difficult to see. With the nest cam you can see the 3 chicks! Little chick is growing so have my fingers crossed he’ll make it.
05/23/2019 by CarolC
Jeffry M reporting for Sandy P: #2517- this is the PPOA nest webcam- all seems well however I have been unable to confirm status of 3rd chick- I see 2 clearly but not sure of the 3rd.
05/16/2019 by CarolC
Sandy P reports: 3 chicks , thankfully the little one is hanging in there and growing nicely. Not as big as its siblings
05/04/2019 by CarolC
Sandy P reports: All three still here. You can see all the changes after a week!
05/03/2019 by CarolC
Sandy P reports: still 3 chicks. Getting harder to watch since chick #3, smallest is not getting fed a lot and is much smaller than the others.
I understand all the reasons, but still hard !!!!!
04/29/2019 by CarolC
Sandy P reports: 2 chicks and looks like one more egg. I monitored a nest with three and only two made it. Third one too small and other two got all the food. Hope this is not repeat. Rather have an unfertilized egg.
04/22/2019 by CarolC
Sandy P reports: 6 pm. Camera working yeh. Male brought fish back female flew off with it and he sat on egg/s? I think I saw 2 eggs earlier, but nest is deep.
03/31/2019 by CarolC
observer Sandy P reports: Just saw the male switch with female and was able to see one egg.
03/20/2019 by CarolC
Sandy P reports: This camera is great and I can watch all day. Last night first time female stayed in the nest. They both had left when it was dark ?
Now it looks like she is finally sitting hopefully on an egg . Hope they won’t be disappointed.
02/26/2019 by CarolC
observer Sandy P reports: First time I saw the second Osprey fly in with stick. Assuming it is the male since he left and she remains.
02/24/2019 by CarolC
observer Sandy P. reports: Took this photo from computer. As you can see it’s a large nest. Also hoping you can tell what gender.
2/6. One Osprey moving sticks. Only saw Osprey in nest 2/22 and this am. I have it on continuous so I check thruout day. Pretty much just standing on nest.
07/06/2018 by CarolC
observer Sandy P reports: nest 2517- no activity and cameras working now. This nest was most likely a failure and will be marked as such.
05/29/2018 by CarolC
observer reports: Stopped by today about 3PM. Osprey in the nest moving around a lot, but could not see any chicks. The osprey looked busy. This is the first time I saw one in the nest. Hope the business was over a chick!
05/18/2018 by CarolC
observer reports:I drove by slowly and could see the nest much better. It’s larger than I thought and there was an osprey adult in it...
05/11/2018 by CarolC
observer reports: Checked on nest Friday around 3 pm. Again cannot see the entire nest due to height and location... this time I did not see any ospreys near it.. Did not see any heads in the nest ????maybe try another time of day....
05/04/2018 by CarolC
observer reports: This nest is pretty sparse, similar to the one on the bridge... I looked at it for a while today..around 3 pm. One osprey standing on one of the railings near the nest.. I could not see any activity in the nest. You can only see three areas and it’s very high.. at least one osprey was seen near it. !!!!
04/25/2018 by CarolC
observer reports: At first I did not see any movement, than an osprey flew into it. I moved to the dry cleaners area and got a better view of the female sitting in the nest. No chicks yet, but it is active.
04/25/2018 by CarolC
This nest is difficult to observe. We estimate the incubation as of April 25 when it was first reported.
03/28/2018 by CarolC
Observer Sudi P. reports March 2018 - we think the nest is active but it is high up and the web camera is not yet working.
02/20/2018 by CarolC
Oprah and Oscar have a nest on top of the water tower in Palmetto Dunes. There is a web cam but it is not functioning at the present time but should be up and running in a few weeks.
02/15/2018 by CarolC
From the blog:
Oprah
FEMALE OSPREY
This protective mom is quite vocal, and always on the lookout. Her hobbies include feeding Obie, and staring directly into the camera. We make sure it always catches her good side.
Oscar
MALE OSPREY
Oscar is a little more camera-shy than his counterpart. This guy just won't keep still! You'll find him darting in and out of the nest intermittently during the day. His favorite thing to do is go fishing.
Their Home
bcpsd elevated tank
Oprah and Oscar made their nest on a platform high above Palmetto Dunes atop the water tower. Their little piece of real estate gives them protection from prey, a perfect 360° view of their surroundings, and is situated right next our lagoon, which is teeming with all the fish they could possibly eat! From their nest, O&O can see Broad Creek to the west and the Atlantic Ocean to the east. We'd like to think they have the best view on the island, and now they can share it with all of us!
Obie Osprey
spring 2017's BABY OSPREY
We were able to get power to our camera, and we were surprised to find three eggs already in the nest! All three hatched on May 4. Sadly, one of the eggs was not viable, and although a second one hatched, the baby disappeared from the nest one week later. Obie, our lone survivor, is an active, strong, and hungry baby. His/her favorite activities are eating as much as possible, and exploring the edges of the nest.
Update: Obie grew into a stunningly handsome osprey over the course of last summer, and by fall would still stop by the nest occasionally for dinner and to do his laundry.
07/15/2017 by CarolC
Juvenile eating fish on his own and practicing touch and go landings on the nest