Nickname
Signal tower above radio station on New Orleans Rd. at St. Augustine
Coordinates
(32.1538, -80.76)
Substrate
Description
Signal tower above radio station on New Orleans Rd. at St. Augustine
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 | 2/2/23 | 2/14/22 | 1/21/21 | 1/15/20 | 2/9/19 | 2/11/18 | ||
| aOccupied | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | |
| aActive | ||||||||
| bEgg Laying | 2/12/20 | |||||||
| bIncubation Initiation | 3/6/22 | 4/1/21 | 3/10/19 | 4/14/18 | ||||
| cClutch Hatching | 4/29/21 | 3/17/20 | 4/15/19 | 5/20/18 | ||||
| dNestlings | 2 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 2 | |||
| eFledglings | 2 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 1 | ||
| eFirst Chick Fledging | 5/30/19 | |||||||
| fChicks Last Observed | 8/14/13 | |||||||
| xNest Failure | ||||||||
| xReason For Nest Failure |
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 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Nest Occupied | No | Fledglings | 1 |
| 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 | 08/14/2013 | |
| Incubation initiation | Nest failure | ||
| Clutch hatching | Reason for nest failure |
2018 Nest Activity Report by CarolC
| Adult arrival | 02/11/2018 | Nestlings | 2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nest Occupied | Yes | Fledglings | 2 |
| Nest Active | First chick fledging | ||
| Egg laying | Chicks last observed | ||
| Incubation initiation | 04/14/2018 | Nest failure | |
| Clutch hatching | 05/20/2018 | Reason for nest failure |
2019 Nest Activity Report by CarolC
| Adult arrival | 02/09/2019 | Nestlings | 2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nest Occupied | Yes | Fledglings | 2 |
| Nest Active | First chick fledging | 05/30/2019 | |
| Egg laying | Chicks last observed | ||
| Incubation initiation | 03/10/2019 | Nest failure | |
| Clutch hatching | 04/15/2019 | Reason for nest failure |
2020 Nest Activity Report by CarolC
| Adult arrival | 01/15/2020 | Nestlings | 1 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nest Occupied | Yes | Fledglings | 1 |
| Nest Active | First chick fledging | ||
| Egg laying | 02/12/2020 | Chicks last observed | |
| Incubation initiation | Nest failure | ||
| Clutch hatching | 03/17/2020 | Reason for nest failure |
2021 Nest Activity Report by CarolC
| Adult arrival | 01/21/2021 | Nestlings | 2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nest Occupied | No | Fledglings | 2 |
| Nest Active | First chick fledging | ||
| Egg laying | Chicks last observed | ||
| Incubation initiation | 04/01/2021 | Nest failure | |
| Clutch hatching | 04/29/2021 | Reason for nest failure |
2022 Nest Activity Report by CarolC
| Adult arrival | 02/14/2022 | Nestlings | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nest Occupied | Yes | Fledglings | |
| Nest Active | First chick fledging | ||
| Egg laying | Chicks last observed | ||
| Incubation initiation | 03/06/2022 | Nest failure | |
| Clutch hatching | Reason for nest failure |
Nest Activity Report by CarolC
| Adult arrival | 02/02/2023 | Nestlings | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nest Occupied | 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
03/01/2023 by CarolC
Lisa P observes: Definitely one adult in the nest yesterday. She was busy adjusting herself, so couldn’t tell if she was actually sitting or just considering that option.
02/03/2023 by CarolC
Lisa P reports that although the nest looked like it was gone in late January, the pair is back and hard at work repairing the nest.
04/02/2022 by CarolC
Mary Alice T reports: today I got a shot of the Osprey (from the Shipyard side) across from the CVS. One adult visible and another adult appears to be incubating. You can just barely see her tail when I zoomed in on the left side of the nest. NOTE: This gives credence to our assumption that she is incubating.
04/01/2022 by CarolC
Tish S observed: Caught both adults at home enjoying a leisurely day at home in the sun - or something like that.
03/26/2022 by CarolC
Tish S reported. I Checked on this nest on Saturday, March 26th. It The weather was very windy that day which resulted in the parental unit at the nest keeping its head down most of the time. I did observe the adult raising its head above the nest, looking around and calling out. The Osprey would then quickly pull its head down below the top of the nest. I’m sure it was trying to stay out of the wind. I didn’t see the 2nd adult but the Osprey on the nest was sure looking for it to return.
03/10/2022 by CarolC
Tish S reports: I checked on the nest Thursday afternoon 3/10 and saw both parents attending and sitting on the nest. I actually got to see the Changing of the Guard.
NOTE: Based on this and the previous observation, we are making the assumption that there are eggs being incubated. We have picked a date to record, although it is only our best guess.
03/02/2022 by CarolC
Tish S reports: The last two attempts to monitor this nest have not been real successful. A week ago no birds were observed. On 3/1 I believe the top of the head of an adult Osprey was observed but the bird never stood up so that I could see a larger portion of the Osprey to be certain that I was a accurately identifying what was being seen. I know from earlier observations of this nest that both adults can be in the nest and positioned such that neither can be seen until they both stand up. I’m going to try giving at a different time of day and hope to see a bit more activity.
NOTE: This pair arrived in mid February and could possibly be incubating eggs. We will wait to confirm this.
02/14/2022 by CarolC
Tish S reports: Both Osprey were in the nest and enjoying the sun when I got here.
02/14/2022 by CarolC
Tish S reports: Both Osprey were in the nest and enjoying the sun when I got here.
05/19/2021 by CarolC
Mary Alice T observed: took these 2 shots while I was sitting at the light on Pope Avenue this afternoon. There appears to be 2 nestlings
04/29/2021 by CarolC
Lisa P reports: big news!!! At least one hatchling seen in the nest today!! Cute little buggar too….
Photo posted.
04/16/2021 by CarolC
Lisa P reports: Here are 3 updates for early to mid April.
April 1, osprey barely visible above the side of the nest. Sitting on eggs???
April 9, same as April 1
April 16, adult sitting on edge of nest. Mate flies in and sits next to her (him?) no gifts brought in. A few minutes later, the bird that flew in left again.
Based on these observations, we are guessing that incubation may have started by April 1.
03/21/2021 by CarolC
Lisa P reports: No ospreys observed either on the nest today or circling around. No calling either. The only activity was from 2 crows who landed just off the side of the nest and hung out for awhile. I wondered if there was an osprey sitting on the nest, and if she, or he, might have chased the crows off……but no sign of them.
02/26/2021 by CarolC
Lisa P reports: One adult bird in the nest this afternoon. Took a bit of waiting before the tail appeared over the nest edge, but definitely at least one bird there.
02/18/2021 by CarolC
Lisa P reports: I could hear lots of calls, but no visual sighting of either bird.
A few minutes later, several ospreys flew at a distance past the nest, but none landed in the nest. not sure where they came from, but not out of this nest.
02/07/2021 by CarolC
Lisa P. I could not see birds in the nest until one flew out, circled and then returned to tower arm below nest flew off again, then returned to nest
01/29/2021 by CarolC
Lisa P reports: The happy couple were sitting side by side on their nest this afternoon. They must be getting reacquainted !
01/21/2021 by CarolC
The week of January 17th there were two reports of Osprey at the nest. On Jan 20, the pair was at the nest site.
05/23/2020 by CarolC
Lisa P reports: no bird sighting in or around nest.
NOTE: based on the estimated hatching date of March 17, it is possible that now, just over 2 months later, the young have fledged. They should still come around the nest at times. We have indicated that one has fledged.
05/14/2020 by CarolC
Lisa P reports: one bird flew from the nest and joined another taking a few laps around the homestead. Did not land back in nest. Surprise: bird in nest popped his head up and looked over the edge of the nest
NOTE: Based on this observation of two birds flying and 1 in the nest, we are assuming that the youngster is doing well. While we assume the 1 in the nest was a nestling, it is possible that 1 or both of those flying were nestlings taking practice flights. We are not able to confirm number of nestlings yet and will update the number when we can confirm.
03/30/2020 by CarolC
Lisa P reports: March 30: 1 bird on radar arm. Looks like the head of one juvenile just barely visible above the nest edge NOTE: Based on your estimate of Feb 12 for egg laying and this report of a juvenile head barely visible, we are estimating hatching about Mar 17th.
03/02/2020 by CarolC
Lisa P reports: March 2: 1 bird on radar arm. Can’t tell if the mate is in the nest or not.
02/15/2020 by CarolC
Lisa P reports: Feb. 15: bird tail visible from the edge of nest. Not moving after 15 minutes of observation, so possibly she has an egg or two she’s sitting on???
NOTE: Based on this observation, we will make a tentative guess that at least one egg has been laid sometime between 2-8 and 2-15. We will post it as the 12th, but this is our best guess.
01/27/2020 by CarolC
Lisa P reports: one bird in nest while the other eats lunch on a tower arm below the nest. eventually the bird in the nest joined the one on the tower arm below.
01/15/2020 by CarolC
Lisa P reports: excited to report Mr. and Mrs. were first sighted in their nest 1-15
05/31/2019 by CarolC
Lisa P reports: adult and 2 youngsters were sharing breakfast together on the edge of the nest. Another adult was on the radar arm below, perhaps keeping watch. Lots of calling and other osprey circling.
05/30/2019 by CarolC
NOTE: Based on the most recent observations, we have moved the incubation date to sometime in March with hatching in April. Even these guesses may not be accurate since we may have young already flying, though still around the nest. We think there are 2 or 3 fledglings. This is are our best guess.
05/29/2019 by CarolC
Lisa P reports: LOTS of activity. 2 and then 3 adults were circling the nest, lots of calling. 2 additional birds side by side on the radar arms, 1 was definitely a juvenile, but just not sure about the other 1. Another bird landed on a different radar arm just below the other 2. Not sure if that was an adult or juvenile. Very busy this afternoon!
05/05/2019 by CarolC
Lisa P reports: May 5, adult on edge of nest
No chick sightings, but my nest is up so high with few good sight lines, it’s tough to see them.
04/08/2019 by CarolC
Lisa P reports: Definitely 2 birds in the nest, both facing the same direction as I watched their tails wiggling for quite awhile. Lots of moving around in the nest / definitely not just sitting there. One adult flew off and returned around 10 minutes later. (no gifts) Settled in the nest for a few minutes then left to perch on the radar bracket below the nest.
03/21/2019 by CarolC
Lisa P reports:
March 4, both birds in nest
March 10, no bird sighting
March 18, 1 bird left nest
March 19, no bird sighting
08/15/2018 by CarolC
Lisa P reports: Happy to report that the osprey family from nest # 2521 has flown the coop! Parents will need a little repair work when they come back next spring as the nest is a bit of a shamble now.
06/26/2018 by CarolC
observer Lisa P. reports: Hard to tell juveniles from adults now, they’re so big. 2 birds on edge of nest…guessing they are the juveniles
06/07/2018 by CarolC
observer reports: We have babies in 2521!!!! Definitely saw 2 young ones today, although I must say, they looked pretty big. One was perched on the side of the nest and the other was flapping around inside. One parent on the side of the nest, the other perched just below. Lots of calling back and forth. How exciting!!!
06/07/2018 by CarolC
Based on the observers report on 6/7/18 that the two young ones looked pretty big, we will guess they hatched about 2 - 3 weeks ago. Guess is about May 20, but that is purely a guess.
05/28/2018 by CarolC
observer reports: Nest #2521 May 28,2018 AM Observed two Osprey in the nest. I could only see their heads. No other activity observed.
05/22/2018 by CarolC
observer reports: Nest# 2521 Saw slight movement in the nest.
Did not see a Parent Osprey nearby, perched or flying above.
05/01/2018 by CarolC
Observer reports: May 1: adult in nest, lots of calls, wings spreading wide and flapping off and on for several minutes.
04/28/2018 by CarolC
adult on edge of nest. No chick sightings or signs of chicks being fed, but surely they're in there ???
04/16/2018 by CarolC
Based on the data, we are guessing that incubation may have started between the 12th and 16th of April. This is just an estimate, though.
04/12/2018 by CarolC
observer reports: adult hanging out on the edge of the nest, hops back into nest. Adult flies off and SURPRISE!!, returns with a small branch that is dropped into the nest. Adult hovers after dropping the branch, then flies off. The other adult is in the nest arranging the dropped branch. Adult returns to nest “empty handed” but proceeds to perch on the edge of the nest and preen him (her) self. Both adults in the nest. Lots of tail wagging and wing flapping.
04/05/2018 by CarolC
Adult swoops around and hovers above the nest at one point, but doesn't land in nest. Flies away. No activity that I can see in the nest itself.
02/25/2018 by CarolC
Two ospreys at the nest. Monitor watched one fly off and a second flew into the nest.
07/29/2015 by CarolC
1 osprey sitting on tower above nest; another osprey sitting on tower below nest
06/20/2015 by CarolC
1 osprey standing on tower; 3 other osprey flying over lagoon and landed n pine trees near nest
by CarolC
by CarolC