Nickname
Honey Horn-Field
Coordinates
(32.2119, -80.7424)
Substrate
Osprey Nest Platform
Description
Coastal Discovery Museum--pole mounted platform in field
Observer has named them Horner and Honey
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 | 2014 - CarolC | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| aAdult Arrival | 3/16/23 | 3/14/22 | 3/1/21 | 2/25/19 | 3/1/18 | ||
| aOccupied | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| aActive | |||||||
| bEgg Laying | 4/23/23 | 3/9/21 | 3/7/20 | ||||
| bIncubation Initiation | 4/23/23 | 3/9/21 | 3/24/20 | 3/25/19 | 4/13/18 | ||
| cClutch Hatching | 5/31/23 | 4/28/21 | 5/5/20 | 4/20/19 | |||
| dNestlings | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | |||
| eFledglings | 0 | 1 | 1 | ||||
| eFirst Chick Fledging | 7/15/20 | 6/28/19 | |||||
| fChicks Last Observed | |||||||
| xNest Failure | 6/12/23 | ||||||
| xReason For Nest Failure | unknown reason |
Select Seasons
Show reports, diaries, and photos from:Current 2022 2021 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014
Activity reports
2014 Nest Activity Report by CarolC
| Adult arrival | Nestlings | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Nest Occupied | No | Fledglings | |
| 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 | 03/01/2018 | Nestlings | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nest Occupied | No | Fledglings | |
| Nest Active | First chick fledging | ||
| Egg laying | Chicks last observed | ||
| Incubation initiation | 04/13/2018 | Nest failure | |
| Clutch hatching | Reason for nest failure |
2019 Nest Activity Report by CarolC
| Adult arrival | 02/25/2019 | Nestlings | 1 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nest Occupied | Yes | Fledglings | 1 |
| Nest Active | First chick fledging | 06/28/2019 | |
| Egg laying | Chicks last observed | ||
| Incubation initiation | 03/25/2019 | Nest failure | |
| Clutch hatching | 04/20/2019 | Reason for nest failure |
2020 Nest Activity Report by CarolC
| Adult arrival | Nestlings | 1 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nest Occupied | Yes | Fledglings | 1 |
| Nest Active | First chick fledging | 07/15/2020 | |
| Egg laying | 03/07/2020 | Chicks last observed | |
| Incubation initiation | 03/24/2020 | Nest failure | |
| Clutch hatching | 05/05/2020 | Reason for nest failure |
2021 Nest Activity Report by CarolC
| Adult arrival | 03/01/2021 | Nestlings | 1 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nest Occupied | Yes | Fledglings | |
| Nest Active | First chick fledging | ||
| Egg laying | 03/09/2021 | Chicks last observed | |
| Incubation initiation | 03/09/2021 | Nest failure | |
| Clutch hatching | 04/28/2021 | Reason for nest failure |
2022 Nest Activity Report by CarolC
| Adult arrival | 03/14/2022 | Nestlings | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nest Occupied | No | 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 CarolC
| Adult arrival | 03/16/2023 | Nestlings | 1 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nest Occupied | Yes | Fledglings | 0 |
| Nest Active | First chick fledging | ||
| Egg laying | 04/23/2023 | Chicks last observed | |
| Incubation initiation | 04/23/2023 | Nest failure | 06/12/2023 |
| Clutch hatching | 05/31/2023 | Reason for nest failure | first chick didn't survive; second egg failed to hatch after an additional 12 days and a pair of crows cracked the egg and ate it. Verified by the web camera footage. |
Photos of this nest
Nesting Diaries
06/12/2023 by CarolC
We have concluded that the second egg has failed to hatch. The chick that hatched on 5/31/23 did not survive for unknown reasons. Honey and Horner continued to care for the remaining egg, which should have hatched by about June 4th at the latest. Normally the eggs are laid a couple days apart and hatch a couple days apart. It has been 12 days after the first egg hatched and Honey continues to try to incubate the second egg. However, they do leave the egg unattended at times.
The second egg does not seem to be viable.
This afternoon, someone was watching the web camera and sent this sad update:
There were two thieves (Crows) on the nest. The first one broke open the egg and ate the contents.
The second bird was on the side of the nest and when the first bird left the second one came in and grabbed the egg shell and took off.
A sad ending for this season. We hope that next season will be a successful one for the pair. Start watching the camera again early in the winter.
Thanks for following Honey and Horner through the International Osprey Watch program. Again thanks to Ms Lloyd's donation and the Outside Brands for sponsoring this camera at the Coastal Discovery Museum at Honey Horn. We appreciate the work that the museum folks did to get the camera up and running in time for this season so we could enjoy a closeup look inside the nest. Until next season!
06/05/2023 by CarolC
Pam W and Carol C report:
We have need been able to see the nestling for at least two days. We fear it might not have made it. Honey is still sitting on one egg.
06/01/2023 by CarolC
One egg has hatched and one egg is still incubating!
Remember to check the live camera on the nest. The link is clickable and is found at the top of this page to the right of the map.
We have listed the approximate date of hatching and 1 nestling. That will be updated after the second egg successfully hatches.
05/30/2023 by CarolC
Pam W reports:
Honey has been moving sticks and cleaning the nest getting ready for hatching. Two eggs can be seen when she stands up. Hatching should take place in the next week.
Photo added of a night shot from the camera showing Honey incubating her two eggs
05/17/2023 by CarolC
Pam W. Updates for early May:
The camera has provided great shots and we have confirmed that there are two eggs, the first of which was laid April 23. Interactions between Honey and Horner are enjoyable to watch. One day, one was "fussing" with the other. It appeared that Honey was not happy with Horner while he spent too long away.
04/18/2023 by CarolC
Pam W reports: The Osprey for the nest at Honey Horn may have a live cam but one of the birds has decided to sit on the pole out of view! One Osprey was there this morning as I pulled in.
04/17/2023 by CarolC
The pair of osprey spend a lot of time around the nest, but have not laid any eggs yet. Remember that the osprey cam on this nest is active thanks to a gift from a generous Coastal Discovery Museum donor and the Outside Foundation. The camera link IS POSTED ABOVE IN THE NEST INFO SECTION AT THE TOP.
If you do not see an osprey in the nest but hear one or both, they are most likely sitting at the top of a post beside the nest platform which is not in the camera range.
04/04/2023 by CarolC
Carol C reports: Today the adult flew in with food for the female who was in the nest.
03/18/2023 by CarolC
General note: An osprey camera was installed on this nest platform but is not fully active yet.
03/17/2023 by CarolC
The pair was seen at the nest site on 3-16 and 17.
Also, the osprey have been flying around the area quite a bit recently.
05/26/2022 by CarolC
Pam W reports: No activity other than an occasional osprey sitting beside the nest on the structure. NOTE: This nest has been identified as INACTIVE.
05/10/2022 by CarolC
Carol C reports: There were 3 osprey at and in the nest today. The first activity seen for weeks. Two photos posted showing 3 in the nest.
04/12/2022 by CarolC
Pam W reports:Honey seems to be sitting on the nest an awful lot. I hope that’s a good sign!!
03/17/2022 by CarolC
Joanne V reports: Took a walk about Honey Horn this afternoon and captured these. They looked like they were doing an Irish mating jig
03/14/2022 by CarolC
Pat W reports: They’re back!! They’re back! I arrived today and saw both of them on the nest and then both flew off! But they’re here! Yay!!
03/08/2022 by CarolC
Pat W reports: No activity at the nest since an osprey was seen in the vicinity in February. There appears to be vegetation growing in the nest.
06/08/2021 by CarolC
Pam W reports: There has been no activity at this nest recently. We are concerned that the chick may have been lost.
05/06/2021 by CarolC
Pam W reports: We scoped it today but she was just standing there and cleaning her wings. Saw nothing else.
04/27/2021 by CarolC
Pam W. reports: While I cannot be certain, I think there is a chick/chicks in the nest.
NOTE: Visual confirmation on 4/30 of Mom feeding at lest one chick. If our incubation date is accurate, the chick probably hatched maybe 10 days or so ago but we were unable to confirm it at the time.
04/19/2021 by CarolC
Pam W reports: Ossie is sitting down in the nest but I see no other activity. But she looks to be definitely sitting on something!!
04/06/2021 by CarolC
Pam W reports: I think it was Perch up there this morning. I think he’s a little smaller than Ossie. He was just sitting on the left side and she usually sits on the right. Anyhow. No other movement.
03/29/2021 by CarolC
Pat W. reports: Nest 4668 is looking good! I only see one bird at a time but they are sitting on something!
03/17/2021 by CarolC
Pam W reports: Didn’t see Perch but Ossie was chirping at something! Probably me at the scope showing everybody!
03/09/2021 by CarolC
Pam W reports: Today at the nest on Honey Horn there was just one bird BUT the minute I pulled my car up to get my binoculars out that bird jumped into the nest and was very busy! I think there are eggs there!!
03/09/2021 by CarolC
Pam W. reports that it appears she is incubating based on her posture in the nest.
03/01/2021 by CarolC
Pam W reports: At 5 PM Perchie and Ossie were both on nest 4668 and “fussin” with each other
07/23/2020 by CarolC
Pat R reports: the nestling probably fledged the week of July 13th. We are guessing the 15th. He was seen flying back to the nest on 7/21.
07/07/2020 by CarolC
Pat W reports: The nestling is fluttering his wings today. I tried to get a photo but as soon as I drove into the field, Ossie made the youngster hunker down. The youngster is about half the size of the adult.
06/22/2020 by CarolC
Pam W reports: One of the adults is just sitting up there and looking down every once in a while. I can’t see any little heads popping up.
06/16/2020 by CarolC
Carol C reports: One osprey standing in nest looking around. Not sure if it was the adult or juvenile.
06/01/2020 by CarolC
Pam W reports: I saw one osprey on Monday just sitting on the left side of the nest. Not doing anything but just looking beautiful. I saw no other movement in the nest area.
05/25/2020 by CarolC
Pam W reports: I saw one osprey in the nest last Monday and then today (5/25) I saw TWO! Then they both hunkered down. I wonder if the nest is too deep but there MIGHT be a momma and baby in there!! Wasn’t expecting that at all but I will keep watch. As soon as I stop my car in the field they hunker down like they recognize the car—lol!!
05/25/2020 by CarolC
Pam W adds: I looked for them when I left this afternoon. The one this morning actually looked like it was feeding something but as soon as I stopped it jumped into the bottom!! I swear they recognize the car! I will try to sneak up on it tomorrow!!
NOTE: Based on these observations and the estimated date of incubation, we assume there is at least 1 chick in the nest. Our date of hatching is just a guess based on the incubation date. While 1 chick is listed, we can update that when we are certain of the number.
04/14/2020 by CarolC
Pam W reports: We went to the CDM today and scoped out the osprey nest. We could just see the top of Ossi’e head and it looked like she is definitely sitting on something!
03/24/2020 by CarolC
Pam W reports: Nest 4668. Here was Ossie today just sitting on her nest and making it pretty. Saw no sign of Mr. Prey. She kept working on that twig while we were there this morning but couldn’t get it to break off like she wanted!! I can’t say for sure if there are any eggs but she seems to be guarding something!!
03/09/2020 by CarolC
Pam W reports: As I was leaving work today I noticed that the the osprey was sitting on one of the poles! THEN I noticed that there was another osprey sitting down in the nest! Ossie and Mr Prey are back together again AND I think Ossie has already laid an egg (or more) and is sitting on it! It was so exciting to see the two of them together
03/05/2020 by CarolC
Pam W reports: She was there sitting on the pole Tuesday morning calling for somebody. She just whistled and whistled. Hopefully Mr Prey will show up soon!!
07/13/2019 by CarolC
Pam W reports: Nest #4668 was busy this year! I think the one chick has flown the coop — I was at the museum 4 days and never saw Perchy come back to roost! I will keep my fingers crossed that we have the same or better things happen next year!!
06/28/2019 by CarolC
Pam W reports: Saw the youngster, Perchy, on 6/27 and he was also seen on 6/28 in the nest looking around.
06/18/2019 by CarolC
Pam W reports: I saw another osprey flying around the perched osprey! I just hope it waits till I can have the scope!! I tried to get a picture today but Perchy (my name for the chick) hunkered down☹️.
06/17/2019 by CarolC
Pam W reports: While it looks like an osprey guarding/feeding something, it may be that is the chick getting ready to fledge. He/She sits on the perch, looks at me while I watch and then hops back into the nest. Looks like it’s eating something and it is the only osprey I see!
05/29/2019 by CarolC
Pam W reports: A big osprey just flew in. We think that is the small osprey in the nest!
The chick is sitting in the nest and the adult flew in to feed it. Through the binoculars I could see the little guy with his mouth open. Then the adult flew in. Dropped off something and flew away!
Yay!!
04/04/2019 by CarolC
Pam W. reports: She was sitting on the nest. Then he flew in with a fish and then she flew off to go eat in a tree!! You can see the fish in her claws if you bring it up close.Ossie is busy, and I named him Horn!!
03/31/2019 by CarolC
observer Pam W reports: She’s either sitting in eggs or she’s sitting on him! Looking good for chicks!!
03/25/2019 by CarolC
observer Pam W reports: I checked out Ossie yesterday and she was just sitting on her nest. No chicks that I can see but she is certainly guarding something. There is a mound of pine needles and other things that Ossie is stoically guarding!!
03/13/2019 by CarolC
observer Pam W. reports: "Ossie" is flying around and bringing back spanish moss and stuff!! And there is another just sitting on the pole!! Maybe I will get lucky this year! Exciting!!
03/06/2019 by CarolC
observer Pam W reports: Nest is alive and active!! She is sitting right up there and then entertained us flying around!!
02/25/2019 by CarolC
observer Pam W. reports:
Nest 4668 in the field is lively today! One female sitting on the side. One male either sitting next to her or on top of her! I’ll keep my fingers crossed!
07/14/2018 by CarolC
Observer Pam W. reports that while there is an adult by the nest at times, there do not seem to be any chicks. The nest has probably failed.
04/18/2018 by CarolC
4/17/18 osprey sitting on nest in incubation posture; observed 2nd osprey flying in with something; cannot verify start of incubation so guessed
04/03/2018 by CarolC
Observer reports: Osprey at CDM was sitting on the platform and then on the corner stilt
03/28/2018 by CarolC
Observer reports that the female apparently had two male suitors. She finally seems to have chosen once and has been seen in the nest.
03/16/2018 by CarolC
Despite the pair photographed in mating behavior at the nest site, no nesting has occurred. The assigned monitor checks 2 or 3 times per week and reports no nesting.