Nickname
101-B-006
Coordinates
(40.0637, -74.0662)
Substrate
Osprey Nest Platform
Description
Beaver Dam Creek 2.
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 - Candy | 2020 - Candy | 2014 - Ben Wurst | 2013 - Ben Wurst | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| aAdult Arrival | 3/17/23 | |||
| aOccupied | Yes | Yes | No | |
| aActive | ||||
| bEgg Laying | ||||
| bIncubation Initiation | ||||
| cClutch Hatching | ||||
| dNestlings | ||||
| eFledglings | 1 | |||
| eFirst Chick Fledging | ||||
| fChicks Last Observed | ||||
| xNest Failure | 6/18/14 | |||
| xReason For Nest Failure | unknown reason |
Select Seasons
Show reports, diaries, and photos from:Current 2022 2021 2020 2014 2013
Activity reports
2013 Nest Activity Report by Ben Wurst
| 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 |
2014 Nest Activity Report by Ben Wurst
| Adult arrival | Nestlings | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Nest Occupied | Yes | Fledglings | |
| Nest Active | First chick fledging | ||
| Egg laying | Chicks last observed | ||
| Incubation initiation | Nest failure | 06/18/2014 | |
| Clutch hatching | Reason for nest failure | unknown reason |
2020 Nest Activity Report by Candy
| Adult arrival | 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 |
Nest Activity Report by Candy
| Adult arrival | 03/17/2023 | 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
03/17/2023 by Candy
Spotted Antony alone on the nest finally on March 17, 2023 - cold, NW winds, temps low 30s, low 40s
Spotted Cleopatra March 19, 2023 - same weather conditions. She was on the nest but flew overhead.
07/28/2022 by Candy
Yesterday there was one juvenile on a perch near the nest. It was chirping back and forth with its parents . One was on the nest platform while the other was on a perch close to the nest. I did not see the other two juveniles.
07/05/2022 by Candy
There's three chicks! And they're big! Antony was on his perch while Cleo was on a platform post. I am glad they survived July 4th night bc of the fireworks.
06/21/2022 by Candy
Antony and Cleopatra are the proud parents of two chicks - they have grown quickly since June 7. Cleo was feeding them, and Antony perched on his spot preening himself.
06/07/2022 by Candy
Yesterday I finally spotted 2 chicks! One is a lot larger. I observed an interesting behavior. While Antony was on his favorite perch, Cleo left the nest for a very short second to pick up a bit of nesting material. She used it to insulate the nest more. It was a really windy day yesterday.
05/09/2022 by Candy
It rained for 3 days and nights. I saw one hunkered deep in the nest, and then a very wet head popped up for a minute. I have been seeing osprey with fish flying overhead in the direction of the marsh so that is good to see.
04/29/2022 by Candy
Either Antony or Cleo remain on the nest , and every time I've checked, the other is close by
03/29/2022 by Candy
I watched them for a short time because of the bitter cold but I saw a lot! When I arrived at the nest Cleo was sitting in the nest. Antony returned and he promptly took her place in the nest while she perched on a post with a very full crop. Meanwhile, another female flew overhead, and a male followed with a fish. I wonder where their nest is...
03/25/2022 by Candy
3/25/2022 As I approached the nest the pair flew across the marsh to the still vacant nest of Romeo and Juliet. As I was taking photos of them there, suddenly Cleopatra chirped the alarm. Sure enough another male flew overhead. When I saw the photo of it on my compter, I saw the red band and its number, 71C! It's Thurston from Bay Head! I haven't checked his nest across the bay on a chimney but last year the owner mentioned of taking it down and putting a barrier after last season was over. Hopefully I'll get there this weekend.
03/21/2022 by Candy
3/21/2022 Point Pleasant NJ
I think I discovered the true identity of the pair of ospreys in the local marsh; there's two nests, and a pair had been hanging out in both nests, even taking nest material from one to another. Today I saw the male struggling to fix this huge branch just right while she looked on. I think he gave up when he flew off and returned with more materials. In conclusion, it is Antony and Cleopatra who have returned. I am looking forward to the arrival of Romeo and Juliet across the marsh.
03/19/2022 by Candy
I saw Antony here first 3/15//2022, and a friend told me they saw Cleopatra yesterday. Today I saw her! And I also witnessed some interesting behavior. There's another nest I follow, in the same marsh, about a football field away. I saw someone taking photos so I hurried to my spot. I took pix, then the female stopped eating and began chirping. Sure enough, two ospreys flew by overhead. She then picked up nesting material from this platform and took it to her nest! Antony followed immediately. I will be watching closely.
08/01/2021 by Candy
I observed the nest on July 9, 2021 after the storm Elsa to check on the family. They were fine thank goodness. I wasn't able to return until August 1st ; Juliet was in the nest with one fledgling. A friend told me the sibling took its first flight July 31.
07/05/2021 by Candy
Antony and Cleopatra are another pair of attentive parents. Antony perched on a nest post while Cleo fed the chicks. It was really a tender moment.
06/20/2021 by Candy
I am happy to say Cleopatra and Antony have 2 hatchlings (so far?)! When I got to their nest Antony was enjoying his Father's Day lunch on his favorite perch and Cleopatra was shoring up the nest with some seaweed. I saw two hatchlings as she settled on the nest. I watched them for a little while, Antony finished his lunch, and flew to the perch under the nest and watched his family.
06/20/2021 by Candy
I am happy to say Cleopatra and Antony have 2 hatchlings (so far?)! When I got to their nest Antony was enjoying his Father's Day lunch on his favorite perch and Cleopatra was shoring up the nest with some seaweed. I saw two hatchlings as she settled on the nest. I watched them for a little while, Antony finished his lunch, and flew to the perch under the nest and watched his family.
06/13/2021 by Candy
Happy to report there's 2 chicks so far for Cleo and Antony! I watched for a bit; she was on the nest but hopped to a post on the nest to perch. It was then that I saw the 2 little ones! This pair successfully fledged 4 chicks last year. I wonder if there will be more.
06/09/2021 by Candy
I have not seen any chicks here. Cleopatra sits patiently on her nest while Antony is out fishing or on a perch.
05/23/2021 by Candy
Very early and hot morning - saw someone peeking above the nest - very deep in the nest. Waited for a bit but no one showed with breakfast when I was there.
05/12/2021 by Candy
I could barely see Cleopatra's head peeping out of the nest. Antony flew off, I am guessing, to get a snack to bring back. She's deep in the nest so I am thinking there's eggs.
04/21/2021 by Candy
There was a beautiful large female flying over both pairs' nests earlier this week in the marsh. Cleopatra sounded the alert, but Antony remained on his perch. It seems the female ospreys are the real warriors. I saw Cleopatra on the nest yesterday so hopefully there's eggs.
03/31/2021 by Candy
There were 6 ospreys fighting over the nest. A male sat on the nest defending it, while his mate did the aerial fighting. A male finally chased the sitting male. Eventually they all flew off; I didn't see any injuries thank goodness.
03/30/2021 by Candy
Cleopatra got here yesterday! And the pair have been busy do8ng home improvements, and .....hooray!
03/27/2021 by Candy
3/27/2021
As I was having my coffee in my backyard early this morning, I could not believe my eyes - I'd been waiting for his return it seemed like forever! I jumped in my car, and there he was, on his throne. I checked last year's data, and today is exactly the same arrival date!
Welcome back Antony 😍
08/31/2020 by Candy
It's with a very heavy heart that I write this entry. Sometime over the weekend, the nest and part of the platform were destroyed. I didn't see #4 fledgling but I did see Antony on one of his perches. I can only hope that #4 is safe somewhere. I spoke to a resident who told me that he heard a " lot of commotion one evening over the weekend, a bunch of kids dropping the f-bomb etc." I quote "if you see or hear something, SAY something"... a good part of the platform is laying at the bottom on the grass.
08/26/2020 by Candy
The last of the fab four. he can fly; Antony sticks around to make sure he can hunt.
07/29/2020 by Candy
I've observed 2 out of 4 fledge, 3 out of 4 in the nest. I have not seen fledgling number 4; hopefully it's deep in the nest. Cleo perches nearby with a watchful eye while Antony is on his usual perch.
07/26/2020 by Candy
Another steamy NJ summer day. The 4 siblings have gotten huge in a week - Antony wad on his usual perch while Cleopatra sat atop a tree. I'm thinking that they'll fledge this week.
07/20/2020 by Candy
I went to visit Romeo and Cleopatra during the first heat wave of July. Cleo and the brood were fine in the nest and Romeo was on his perch as usual. The nestlings are getting big. The smallest is holding its own so far.
07/10/2020 by Candy
I was wondering how the brood of Antony and Cleopatra were faring during TS Fay. During a break in the rain, I went to check on them. I couldn't see the fledglings, and I didn't see Antony. Cleopatra was wheeling overhead screeching. Maybe she was telling the brood to stay deep in the nest during the storm. I will check on them tomorrow.
07/06/2020 by Candy
typical hazy, hot humid summer day in NJ. Both parents and chicks breathing with beaks open, and Cleopatra tried her best to shade her brood with her wings. Antony flew from one perch to another. I was surprised to see all 4 chicks; two do look larger than the other ones. I can't believe how much they grew in one week! I'm thankful someone removed the red unidentified object from the nest.
06/25/2020 by Candy
Two popped their heads today, and one looks like it's growing quickly. I didn't see Antony around.
06/14/2020 by Candy
Last evening I saw 2 chicks, but this morning there are THREE! and the red object looks to be out of the way. Interesting behavior that I saw last evening was that Antony left the nest with a fish. I presume he went off somewhere to enjoy his dinner alone.
06/11/2020 by Candy
Yesterday I saw a reddish object in the nest; looked like a deflated ball. Cleopatra moved it to the back of the nest, and didn't appear to be a threat.
Today I went to visit because stormy weather was predicted. When I arrived, there was a lot of chirping. Two ospreys were flying overhead while Cleopatra was on the nest. You must remember there are 2 nests about a football field away from each other. Then one flew away, and Romeo flew onto his nest. Both were chirping at each other, then both flew off. I could see the red thing sort of towards the middle of the nest. Both returned with nesting material, Cleopatra fussed with it while Romeo made a few trips back and forth with fresh nesting material. They both inspected the nest, Cleo remained on the nest while Romeo flew to his perch. The red object was still very visible, and I am concerned.
06/08/2020 by Candy
Visited the site towards dusk, saw one on the nest. I waited for about a half hour but no sign of the other.
05/31/2020 by Candy
Cleo was on a perch with a fish, chirping with Antony, kind of standing on the nest. She then flew to the nest with the fish.
05/17/2020 by Candy
Today there was no sign of Antony; Cleopatra was up and down on the nest, moving around, so I'm still guessing something hatched. I stayed for an hour but no sign of Antony.
05/10/2020 by Candy
when I arrived at the nest site, Antony was on the nest with what looked like a piece of fish in his beak, and Cleopatra was looking at him and then down. The pair were moving a lot so I think maybe eggs hatched!
05/05/2020 by Candy
As I rode up to the nest site Antony was on a post of the nest. Then Cleopatra flew off as he sat down on the nest. He was very vocal while she was gone. Finally she returned with a snack, landing on a small marsh island. A crow had second thoughts about approaching her as she enjoyed her fish.
05/04/2020 by Candy
When I got to the the nest site I spotted Antony flying over the marsh, and luckily caught him land8ng. Conditions have been windy and partly sunny. It seems to me that Ant9ny spends a lot of time on the nest with Cleopatra.
05/03/2020 by Candy
Today Antony and Cleopatra were enjoying the great weather. April was very rainy, and last night there was a shower. Hoping that it stays reasonably dry for a bit.
04/24/2020 by Candy
As I was observing the other nest, a third osprey flew overhead; I had seen others before but this time I followed it with my camera telephoto. Much to my surprise, there was another nest about 2 football fields away from the initial nest! I was able to track the location, and so now there are 2 nests I will be observing. My name for them will be Antony and Cleopatra.