Nesting Diaries
Mary Alice T Observations: When I arrived, Nora (f) was on her favorite tree, calling for Nick who was nowhere in sight. She had a good vantage point to view the nest, but not sure if she is incubating - doubt it at this point. Witnesses said they were very active yesterday, flying about and making a racket. Posted 1 photo of Nora in the nest
Mary Alice T reports: When I arrived, two adults flew into the nest, one carrying a fish. The nest is a mess and for the past several years, the entire light fixture was covered with nesting materials, but now it is somewhat barren. They really need to do some repairs. Eventually the one adult (I believe the male) took the fish from the nest and flew to a nearby tree to eat. The other adult stayed in the nest. I am thrilled they are back together and at least appear to be planning a family! 4 photos posted
( Photos taken as it was getting dark.)
Mary Alice T observes: no sign of the Ospreys, but the nest is in pretty good shape.
Mary Alice T reports: When I arrived, no adults were around. I thought the chick might be down for a nap, but then looked over on a nearby lamp post and there she was, softly crying about one tennis court away. Then (lucky for me) Mom comes flying in with a big fish and heads right towards the empty nest. The fledgling high-tailed it over to the nest at lightning speed! Mom saw her fledgling flying to the nest and waited until she got there. Then Mom dropped the fish and flew to a nearby tree to watch. The fledgling cried for Mom to come feed her for about 60 seconds, but then eventually started to chow down and eat the fish. At one point the fish got caught on the fledgling's talon and she had a time getting it off, jumping up and down and shaking her leg a bunch. I think this fledgling fledged on 7/7/22, a day I thought she was down for a nap but believe now she was no longer in the nest. Can't believe it is all over - I will miss them so much but will keep checking on her for the next week or so! Amen - this Osprey survived with no drama! 5 photos attached.
Mary Alice T reports: When I arrived, Mom was busily feeding the chick. The chick is growing and looks very healthy. Dad was perched in a nearby tree sleeping (eyes closed!) After breakfast was over, Mom and chick sat looking out at the people playing tennis. The chick sometimes stretchers her neck over the side to see the people below! They looked happy and content and Dad remained perched as he slept.
Mary Alice T reports: When I first arrived, I could only see Mom and Chick was down in nest. Then Dad flew in with a headless fish and stayed in the nest for a while why Mom began to feed the chick. I could see the chick's head. Dad flapped his wings a couple of times and then took off. The little chick looked up at him in awe! Mom continued to feed chick and Dad perched on a nearby tree and began to preen. 5 photos added
Mary Alice T reports:
Mom and chick were just hanging out in the nest. Dad was not in the nearby tree where he usually is... So glad to see the little one sitting up and getting bigger. I think this is probably the only chick since I see no signs of another one. 1 photo uploaded.
Mary Alice T reports: Dad vigilant on nearby limb, just observing the goings on. Mom is very active - few in and out twice to get another big stick. The chick's head was visible the entire time I was there and looking up at Mom in wonder. I think now she most probably only has the one chick since I didn't see any evidence of a 2nd one, but I have been fooled before! 3 photos attached.
Mary Alice T reports: Dad sitting on nearby limb, possibly eating. Suddenly Mom flies in with big stick and starts arranging nest. Then saw a little chick's head pop up, so she has at least one now that is visible. She cried for a while and Dad didn't pay much attention, but he is always by her side... 3 photos attached.
Mary Alice T reports: Mom sitting up and continually looking downwards, so I am 90% sure she has at least one chick now. Dad was perched in a nearby tree, not paying much attention to his mate but did look over to the nest a couple of times. 5 photos posted
NOTE: Based on this observation, we assume that hatching occurred sometime between
May 6 -15 (35 to 45 days) and are listing May 11 as a guess. We are listing one nestling until we can confirm.
Mary Alice T reports: Today, I arrived and I assumed that the adult that was in the nest was the female (as she was crying and she always cries) and the adult perched on a nearby tree was the male. They use this tree as home base when off the nest. But after about 10 minutes the adult flew out of the nest to the tree and the adult that was perched on the tree returned to the nest and I had it all wrong - the adult on the nest when I first arrived was the male incubating and the adult preening in the tree was the female. No signs (or sounds) of chicks, but hopefully coming soon! 3 photos attached.
Mary Alice T reports: Checked on the nest today - male perched on nearby tree overlooking nest. Female hunkered down with just the top of her head visible. Won't be long now! 2 photos added
Mary Alice T reports: Mom in nest (incubating). Dad on nearby tree watching over her. 4 photos added.
Mary Alice T reports: Checked on the nest today and right as I arrived the male brought in some nesting sticks. He then began arranging them as the female sat on a nearby tree and watched. I believe she was eating a fish. They have built up the nest nicely and are getting prepared for the long road ahead. 4 photos posted
Mary Alice T reports: I was leaving a meeting today close by to VanDerMeer Tennis Club and through the mist, saw an Osprey sitting on one of its favorite perches near the nest. I think they will be getting active soon!
UPDATE: The rescued chick didn't make it so although there were 2 chicks, only 1 truly fledged and survived.
Mary Alice T reports: Upon arrival, Mom was in a nearby Pine, but not the one she usually perches in. Nest was empty (although yesterday the nestling was still in the nest) and it took me a while to find the fledgling. She was in the same tree as Mom but on a different branch lower down and was softly whimpering. After about 10 minutes, Dad did a fly-by, but did not stop. Even though the 2nd fledgling caused so much trouble, I am glad she is safe and sound. Can't wait until sister arrives back from rehab for release! 4 photos attached.
Mary Alice reports: Upon arrival, only one nestling standing up, so I assumed the other chick had fledged. Then Mom flew in and perched in the Pine tree overlooking nest. The other nestling stood up and both chicks started chattering, looking at their Mom and were extremely vocal. At 9:10am Dad flew over with a fish, came close to the nest but flew off to eat the fish in another Pine Tree. Then Mom flew off and the nestlings settled down a bit. Then Mom flew back in with a huge fish of her own and dropped it (uneaten) into the nest. The fish was about as big as the Osprey. Both nestlings chowed down. Mom stayed in the nest for a few minutes and then flew to the Pine tree. Never did see Dad again. I think they will fledge any day now!
UPDATE: A chick was found on the ground from this nest. Mary Alice, Security, and Ron T. went to rescue it. Parents were nearby watching and the second chick seemed ok.
Mary Alice T reports: Mom and Dad were no where in sight. Two nestling sisters were restless and vocal. Flapping wings and looking very anxious to leave the nest. 2 photos posted
Mary Alice T reports: Mom was perched in a nearby pine tree watching the nestlings. The nestlings appeared to still be eating something. They both cried and stretched their wings and were very active in the nest. Mom flew off a couple of times and returned to her nearby perch. Dad flew over once but had no fish. He came down for a close look at the nest and Mom and him chattered on loudly. It was hot today and the nestlings are getting no shade from Mom anymore. Also both nestlings have learned to feed themselves with no help from the parents. I think they will be fledging soon. Several images posted
Mary Alice T. reports: When I arrived this morning Mom was in a nearby tree eating a fish. At 9:08am she flew the fish over to the chicks who were waiting very impatiently. She situated the fish in the nest but made no attempt to feed either one of them. She left at 9:20am without feeding either chick and flew to the Pine tree that both adults use to perch/rest. At 9:46am, Dad flew in and dropped another fish off. He made no attempt to feed either chick. At 9:47am, Dad left the nest and flew over to tree where Mom was sitting and they sat there together while the chicks fed themselves. The chicks finished eating at around 9:57am and I stayed for about 10 more minutes. Neither adult returned to the nest while I was there.
Mary Alice T reports: When I arrived this morning Mom was standing up feeding one chick situated on the right side of the nest. She continued to feed this chick the entire time I was there and they stayed on the right side of the nest. The 2nd chick was on the far left of the nest by itself. After a few shots, I realized that she had her own fish and was feeding herself. She was doing the "tearing" of the fish (like Mom) and fed herself. I don't know if Dad dropped two fish off or if the 2nd chick took part of the other fish to her side of the nest, which seems unlikely. The 2nd chick eventually tried to move closer under Mom to get some shade. The 2nd chick finished feeding herself and then whimpered and began to stretch her wings. Did not see/hear Dad. 5 photos attached
Mary Alice T reports: Mom was standing up feeding the two chicks. I must've just missed Dad dropping breakfast off. The chicks sat patiently taking their turns getting fed. It was hot today, but a nice breeze, so they weren't panting so much. I think it was a big fish because they were still eating when I left. Did not see/hear Dad. 3 photos posted
Mary Alice T reports: Mom was sitting with the two chicks tucked underneath her when I arrived at 9:30am. 4 individuals were playing tennis on court underneath the nest. Very hot with sun beating down on nest. Mom was shading chicks with her wings. At 9:42am Mom gets up and flies off to a nearby pine tree. Chicks immediately begin to stir and seem agitated that Mom left. Lots of crying, wing-flapping and sad faces! Then at 9:44am Mom flies back in nest and things start to calm down a bit but both chicks gave their Mom a chewing out. Did not see Dad. This is the first time I have observed both chicks stretching wings. 6 photos attached.
Mary Alice T reports: Mom was sitting on nest feeding her two chicks; one sitting on one side of her, the other sitting on the other side. She was taking turns feeding each one. Dad was no where in sight, but must have dropped off the fish (??) before I arrived. The chick nearest to me fell asleep while Mom was still feeding them! The weather was extremely hot today and they were in the open sun while eating. Loved that I finally got a shot of her actually feeding the one on my side! 3 photos attached.
Mary Alice T reports: Mom was sitting on nest crying to get her mate to bring her some food. Dad was in nearby tree (where he always sits) and ate some of the fish then flew over to the nest and dropped off what he hadn't eaten. Mom appeared to be feeding chicks. Dad flew out and went back into tree to rest. 4 photos attached.
Mary Alice T reports: Mom was proudly sitting up and at least one chick was by her side. Then Dad came in with a fish and did a fly-by and went to a nearby tree to eat. Then after he had eaten some, he flew the fish back to the nest, landed, checked the kids out, and then flew back to the tree to preen. Mom fed the chicks. One chick was sitting up high and Mom was bent down feeding the other (others). Then the one chick that was missing out on dinner, went down and out of sight. I am so happy her efforts have finally paid off and they have a nice family to raise!
Although I thought she had chicks last report, this is the first I have actually seen them. Meanwhile, underneath the nest a huge tennis class with approximately 20 people were playing tennis. Nothing fazes these two Osprey!!
Mary Alice T reports: Mom was sitting up in nest and looked simply radiant in the sunlight. She was mostly quiet, but did make a few cries. Didn't see any signs of chicks, but still believe she may have one (or more) in nest. Also did not observe the male as well. 1 photo posted
Mary Alice T reports: Mom was finally sitting up and appeared to be looking down in nest; I believe that one or more chicks have hatched and she was feeding them. Watched for about 15 minutes. 3 photos attached.
NOTE: Based on the date of incubation guess and the last two observations, we are assuming hatching was about a week ago....but that is just a guess.
Mary Alice T reports: Just barely got Mom's head - she is down deep in nest. Won't be long now! Also they also did some renovations on the nest which aren't that great...
NOTE: Based on a previous report, we guess that incubation may have been underway as early as 3/25, but since we were not positive, it is posted as a couple days later.
Mary Alice T reports: At 10:00am on 3/25 I visited this nest and found the male sitting in the nest. He was crying for his mate. At about 10:15am the female flew in with a fish and deposited it in the nest; she stayed a few minutes before taking part of the fish to a nearby tree and finished eating it there. I am not sure if they are incubating eggs yet, but possibly could be. So glad they finally showed up and are active! 5 photos attached.
Mary Alice T reports: So far, nest is vacant - could not see anything on or in the nest.
Mary Alice T reports: No activity seen in Feb or up to March 10th.
Joanne V reports: The story of 2 nestlings who became fledglings.
The two siblings were together in the nest eating. No sign of parents. The sib on the left finished and was excused from the “dinner table;” off he/she went to perch on a nearby tree. The other sib continued to eat its fish, after which, he/she flew out and joined sibling in the nearby tree.
NOTE: We have posted July 2 as the date of fledging as an estimate.
Joanne V reports: Pose for the camera! Two nestlings in the nest, adult in nearby tree looking toward the nest. Tough to differentiate who’s who these days.
Mary Alice T observed two juveniles in the nest and an adult on a nearby branch.
Joanne and Mary Alice T report: Just 2 again in the nest. The one of the left, whom I judge to be a nestling, seemed to be practicing wing flapping for about 5 minutes. Shortly thereafter the one on the right (mama?) began repositioning in the nest. She actually spent most of the observation eating a fish and ignoring her offspring. NOTE:The other probably hasn't fledged yet since it would be a couple weeks early.
Joanne V reports: Again, only saw one nestling today and no inkling of any other movement in the nest. Wonder if the older nestling actually fledged. If so, this one is likely to fledge soon.
Joanne V reports: Sometimes a nestling was seen to right of mom and sometimes to left. Didn’t see much movement in nest, so I’m assuming they are not the same nestling. Definitely appearing larger than last time I observed.
Joanne V reports: Only saw the one nestling today, but there was lots of chatter in the nest. Dad flew into the nest a bit later; think he might have dropped off a fish because after he left, she looked like she was eating
Joanne V reports: My first nestlings’ sighting this year. The one closest to mom I judge to be older than the one on the far right. She is much more active, even flapping her wings. The younger one only popped it’s head up for a brief period while I observed, while the “older” one remained visible the entire time. No sign of Papa today. NOTE: Based on the estimated start of incubation and the size of the chicks seen today, we will estimate that hatching took place about May 11th.
Joanne V reports: When I arrived Mama was eating a fish. Then, she flew out of nest (bottom pic) and went to nearby tree where Papa had been sitting (top pic). She stayed for a short while, appeared to regurgitate (a long white stream) and then she flew back to nest (middle pic). No sign of any nestlings.
Joanne V reports: Papa flew out of the nest. Then he returned to give Mama a fish for Mother’s Day. Then he left again and sat in a nearby tree.
Joanne V reports: When I arrived, “mama” was constantly repositioning herself in nest, often bowing head down into nest. “Papa” was sitting in a nearby pine tree. After awhile, he flew out of tree and by the nest, but never stopped at nest and didn’t return before I left. He does have a fish in his talons. I keep thinking there should be chicks in nest, but haven’t seen any as yet.
Joanne V reports: When I arrived, could barely see mama in nest.
Just part of her wing. She did pop up very briefly, but too quickly retreated so did not get photo. I waited about another 15 minutes and another Osprey flew around the nest, but did not fly into the nest. I waited another 10 minutes or so, but no more sightings. Trying to figure out what he is carrying.
Joanne V reports: I saw nothing today either in or near the nest and heard no peeps.
Joanne V reports: Can slightly see wing tip to the left. While I didn’t see anything else this morning, the foursome playing tennis below the nest reported lots of noise earlier and one Osprey flying in and out. observed for 20 min.
Joanne V is monitoring this nest with Mary Alice T:
Joanne V reports: When I arrived saw nothing in nest, but heard that familiar peep and saw the “dad” in a tree near the nest. Then he flew out of the tree and went into the nest and “mom” popped up into view. After a few minutes, “mom” flew away and then “dad” took “mom’s” place on the left side of nest (no picture as he submerged out of sight very quickly). Based on the behavior, I’m thinking there may be eggs in this nest. NOTE: Based on this observation, we will assume that incubation has started within the past couple days.
Mary Alice reports: . VanDerMeer was not active, but it should be.
Mary Alice reports; No activity.
Mary Alice T. reports: no activity; this nest was very late last season
Mary Alice T reports: I have seen no evidence of a chick fledging from this nest. It has been 3.5 months since probable hatching so sadly, the chick that was observed did not make it.
Mary Alice: Observations: Could not see anything on or in the nest. Two Osprey flying around, headed for the ocean. One came back with a fish but landed on a faraway pine tree. The second Osprey never returned. Sunny, hot day. No sight of chick and could not hear chicks. Tennis courts had no players. Took one shot of the empty nest.
Mary Alice T reports: One Osprey (male??) sitting quietly in nearby tree. Sadly, no sign of female or any chicks in nest. I have spotted chick before and it should be pretty big by now. Thinking maybe this nest failed, but will continue to check. Sunny, hot, humid day. Tennis court below was full of players. 1 photo (of Osprey sitting in tree)
Mary Alice T reports:DATE: June 13, 2019
TIME: 2:00pm
Observations: Female Osprey was sitting on nest with at least one chick observed from last week. Sunny, nice day. No sighting of male. Female was hunkered down and intently looking down; could have been feeding her chick. No sight of chick and could not hear chicks. Tennis courts had no players. 3 photos
Mary Alice reports: Female Osprey was sitting on nest with at least one chick. Cloudy, breezy day. Male sitting in a nearby tree, where he usually perches. Female was extending her wings trying to keep the chick shaded. Chick was panting. So excited that I found her with a healthy chick! Tennis courts had no players.
Mary Alice reports: Observations: Female Osprey was sitting quietly on nest. Sunny, hot, breezy day. Male sitting in a nearby tree, where he usually perches. Female appeared to be poking around, but again didn't see or hear any chicks. A third Osprey intruded into the area and began flying near the nest. The parent Ospreys went crazy making a huge racket until the interloper left. Everything quieted down. Tennis courts had several players. 3 photos
Mary Alice T reports: TIME: 3:40pm
WHERE: VanDerMeer Tennis Club (Shipyard)
Observations: Female Osprey was sitting quietly on nest. Head just barely visible. Sunny, breezy day. No sign of the male. Could not hear any chicks but think she has had some. No photos taken since you could just barely see the Mom's head.
Mary Alice T's Observations: Female Osprey was sitting quietly on nest. Sunny and warm today. Male flew in with a fish. Both appeared to be poking around, possibly feeding some chicks. Then male flew off with a fish which he ate on a nearby tree. Tennis courts quiet with no players. 3 photos
NOTE: Based of the description, we recorded hatching as 4/22, which is our guess.
Mary Alice T observes: Observations: Female Osprey was sitting quietly on nest. Sunny and warm today. Lot's of Tennis players below. No male around anywhere. This Osprey was baking in the sun after a terrible rain storm last night. 1 photo. Note: I recorded incubation as staring on 3/20...a guestimate confirmed by this report.
Mary Alice T reports: 11:30am Female Osprey quietly sitting on nest! No other Osprey in the area. Sunny, coolish day
Mary Alice T reports: March 10, 2019
4:27pm
Observations: Finally Osprey is sitting quietly on nest! Appears they have done some housebuilding on the lamp post as the nest looks bigger than last year. When I was leaving, I observed a male Osprey flying around and then nesting Osprey began to make calling noises. Sunny and warm today.
observer Mary Alice T. reports: No activity
Mary Alice T reports: no activity
Mary Alice reports: DATE: July 21, 2018
TIME: 4:57pm - 5:10PM
WHERE: VanDerMeer Tennic Club, Shipyard Plantation
Observations: One remaining chick on nest; Was crying when I first got there, but then became quiet. Also appeared to be eating something when I first arrived. The two other fledglings were no where to be seen and no adults around. No other activity observed. Very quiet since no one was playing tennis and I felt a little sorry he was all by himself. I suspect the nest will be empty within the next day or two. 2 photos.
observer reports: DATE: July 8, 2018
TIME: 5:30pm - 6:00PM
WHERE: VanDerMeer Tennic Club, Shipyard Plantation
Observations: Delighted to show up with not two but THREE chicks sitting patiently on the nest, surveying the tennis courts. Also, posed nicely for some photos. They will not be around much longer. At first theh chicks were being quiet, but you could hear an adult in the distance and they started frantic calling noises. Then out of the blue (and very quickly) an adult flew in with a large fish and dumped it into the middle of the nest. I totally missed the shot. She flew around once and then landed on the left side of the nest, but did not attempt to help the chicks eat the fish. She stayed for about 5 minutes just observing and then flew off, leaving the chicks to fight over the fish. And fight they did! But eventually they all got to chow down and were being quiet by the time I left. I love the one shot when the mother (left) is watching the chicks. At one point a few weeks ago, I thought maybe there were 3 chicks in the nest, but just couldn't determine for sure. This is my first nest with 3 chicks.
Warm but not terrible and a little breeze blowing.
all observations and 2018 photos provided by Mary Alice T.
observer reports: Observations: One chick on nest; did not see a 2nd chick that was reported on last observation. No adult anywhere around the nest. No other activity. Got a shot of just the head (barely!) Very hot day and sun was beating directly on this nest. Very quiet since no one was playing tennis
observer reports: Observations: One female Osprey sitting in nest and calling constantly (and loudly) for mate who was sitting on a nearby tree with his back to her. Clearly 2 chicks in nest who were up and alert. 4 people playing tennis below (unfazed by the racket the female was making.) Hot and humid; Mom and 2 chicks panting.
observer reports: 10 minute observation: One female Osprey sitting on nest and calling for mate. No mate in sight. No other activity. People playing tennis and lots of noise. Female baking in the hot sun and panting heavily. Did not observe chicks nor hear any.
observer reports: Observations: One female Osprey sitting deep in nest and calling for mate. No mate in sight. No other activity. Once again, I could only get a shot of just the top of her head. Many people playing tennis and moderate noise below.
Warmish. Did not see mate nor any chicks; did not hear any chicks.
Observations: One female Osprey sitting deep on nest and calling for mate. No mate in sight. No other activity. I could only get a shot of just the top of her head. People playing tennis and moderate noise.
Coolish. Could be incubating eggs now. 1 photo.
observer reports: One female Osprey sitting on nest on a light post in the middle of a court. Many people playing tennis and lots of noise. Female making lots of calling noise to her mate who was on a nearby tree eating a fish. This went on and on and on. Finally the male flew over to the nest and dropped a bit of fish off and then flew back off with a very large chunk of fish and proceeded back to the nearby tree where he frequently sits/eats. Female ate the meager offering and after about 15 minutes, flew off the nest to the area of the ocean/beach (presumably to get some more food) Male continued to eat his fish.
Cool and slightly breezy evening. Did not observe any chicks or hear any.
2 fledglings standing in nest calling mom for a fish which she brought to the nest to share with them
1 adult sitting on the nest; another adult flew to the nest with sticks & moss
1 adult sitting in the nest; 2nd adult seen eating a fish in a nearby tree
1 adult standing/sitting on the nest
1 adult sitting on the nest; 1 adult bringing nesting material
Female sitting on nest; male perched above nest
Both adults flew to the nest and mated
1 adult sitting on nest; 2nd adult flew to nest to mate
2 adults flying over nest
Nest present. No adults seen.
Both fledglings died after falling out of nest
Adult standing in nest chirping