Nesting Diaries
Three juveniles sitting on nest loudly calling for good. Saw some osprey flying nearby over Little Assawoman Bay, but did not come to nest while I was there. 78 degrees, cloudy, light breeze, 1:30 pm
Three juveniles sitting on nest. 78 degrees, sunny, light breeze, 1:00.
Both adults on nest with 3 good-sized young who were self feeding.
83 degrees, 1:00 pm, mostly sunny
Bird sitting in nest. No sighting of mate. 65, light breeze, cloudless. 4:40 pm.
finally this pair has settled down on eggs, fingers crossed they can nest in peace
pair copulating, hoping for egg laying soon
volunteer monitor reported 2 boys throwing rocks at this pair last season, she called police but they didnt think it was a problem, may be why they did not nest
Female standing on nest . After a few minutes, another osprey flew over nest and then went back out to bay. Female hardly moved. 55 degrees, mostly cloudy, some breeze. 1:30 pm
When I arrived at 1:30 pm, only female standing on nest. After 5 minutes, male joined her. He stood next to her with wings slightly akimbo. Then they both just stood quietly side by side. 62 degrees, mostly cloudy, slight breeze. Nest was improved.
68, sun, breezy nice day, WNW 13 mph, this pair appeared to be junior last season and they still appear that way, he shows some submissive posture with her at nest today, nothing happening, just hanging out watching other ospreys flying out over Little Bay
One bird on nest. 81 degrees at 7 p.m.
6 pm ,sun, 52, E winds 8 mph, one male on platform
hot humid sunny evening, 82 degrees, SE wind at 9 mph, 4 osprey kettling over the nest, 3 had fish, I checked back after visiting nest at Virginia Ave and no osprey on nest with one on snag along RT 1.
Nest does appear to be abandoned. No birds seen anywhere. 88 degrees, partly sunny, heavy breeze.
One bird sitting on desk, but not in it. Could not see any chicks. After a few minutes, the adult flew off towards the ocean. It did not return.
nest empty, no adults seen in their normal areas, i assume the nesting has failed
One bird deep in nest. No calling or sign of mate. 58 degrees, chilly, windy. 1:15 pm
Both birds on rim of nest. One took off and flew towards bay. The other settled into nest. 62 degrees, sunny, windy. 1:15 pm
one deep in nest incubating, second on nest rim then flew off towards the ocean, nice warm day, breezy
Both birds sitting on nest, but not incubating. One took off and went fishing. 75 degrees, sunny, 30 mph wind, 3:45 pm
one deep in nest incubating, one in far guard tree
One bird brooding, mate standing on nest. 11:15 am, 60 degrees, partly sunny.
incubation observed today , mate arrived to the nest rim, they did not switch out duties
just one osprey on the favored snag near Rt. 1 today, no activity at the nest
no ospreys seen today following yesterdays extreme storm
Sunny, 60 degrees. 2 Ospreys sitting on nest
last day to see the adult osprey, both were on the snags near rt 1
Still no birds on nest. Have to assume it is abandoned.
Did not see any osprey or chicks in nest. 80s, light breeze and sunny after several days of evening thunderstorms. 12 noon.
no osprey seen on numerous visits since 5-20-19
Saw one osprey hunting in canal, but no birds on nest. Could not see any chicks. Clear, light breeze, 70 degrees. 1:45 pm
One bird on nest and could see her feeding one chick. No sign of mate. 70 degrees, clear, light breeze. 12:45 pm
no osprey seen at nest today, I assume the May 20th heavy rain has taken another casualty but of course I dont know 100%
3 p.m/ Clear day, 80 degrees. Both birds standing on nest.
both at nest at 3pm, male ont perch female looking down into nest, then she settled down into nest with the a very gentle rocking motion, i assume she is still incubating at least one egg but she could also have a hatchling at this date
One bird deep in nest; mate in dead tree near Rt. 1. Overcast, 55 degrees, 10:15 am
One incubating on nest. Calm. Did not see mate.
76 degrees, overcast.
one incubating with second on far snag near Rt 1
one incubating with second on far snag near Rt 1
one deep in nest, did not see mate
female on nest rim, male out near Rt 1 on fave tree limb
just the female at 1:00 today
both perched on nest at 6pm today
Female was on nest but flew off to favorite tree near Rt. 1. After a couple of minutes, she gathered what looked like nesting material. 4:00 p.m. Sunny and warm.
hot day, 89, no breeze to speak of and no ospreys seen or heard
Sunny, 90 degrees, 5-10 mph breeze. No osprey in sight or on nest
6 pm, one adult ospr eating fish on snag near Rt. 1, no activity seen at the nest in some time.
Cloudless blue sky, 85 degrees. Did not see any osprey.
Beautiful day, 81, W9 mph, good vis, hazy sunshine. 3 pm. Both adults perched on separate branches of their preferred light colored snag near Rt. 1
no osprey heard or seen at the nest or at their favorite snag today
2:10 pm, 61 degrees, overcast, some wind. Did not see any evidence of activity at nest. The pair was sitting in a dead tree at the Rt. 1 end of the canal; quite a distance from nest.
no osprey seen on or near the nest today. i think the eggs were either not viable or if there were any hatchlings they probably perished with such heavy recent constant rains. this is likely a new younger pair
6:45 pm, nest was empty, both adults over at Rt. 1 snag, perched, with their backs to the nesting platform. I thought it must be a failed nesting. I returned at 7:50 and the male was still on the snag, as if he had never moved, the female was hunched in the nest, then she flew off over the marsh toward the male, I lost sight of her for a few minutes, then she flew back in my sight line and twice dive bombed a great blue heron, then went to the nest and appeared to rock down deep in the nest as if on eggs. I will just have to wait to see how this plays out. The more I watch ospreys nesting the less I know about ospreys nesting!!!
late today one deep in the nest, appears to still be incubating, mate not seen or heard
67, clouds heavy, spit rain, E 9mph, the male at nest with the female looking to be very deep and flat in the nest bowl
one ospr deep in the nest today around 1:30, the mate not seen or heard
12:00 noon,65, SSE 7 mph, med vis, some drizzle. the female was in the nest and the male was picking at nest material on the nest rim. The past week of rain is concerning with more rain to come. Hope this pair can keep the eggs dry. I believe they are a new pair to this nest platform.
11:15am, overcast, 65 degrees. Both birds perched on platform with female dropping head in nest. After 5 minutes she settled back into nest. Male did not move.
2:00, 68 degrees, slight wind, sunny. Female seems to be more relaxed and deeper in nest, though it does appear to be a shallow one. She still does swivel her head around constantly. As this next is on a canal with houses on both sides, there is a fair amount of human noise, esp. construction at this time of year. Some gulls and red-winged blackbirds flying about. Did not see mate, though female did call a few times.
4 pm today with SW winds 8 mph ad up, sun and good vis,one in nest incubating and one on the far snag line at Rt. 1 eating a fish. This osprey appears higher in the nest and it may simply be the nest bowl is not deep. During prior seasons the birds in this nest would be much more settled, calmer, deeper in the nest and start earlier incubation so I do believe we have a new pair this season. Can not know for sure, just a hunch.
1:07-120 pm, partly cloudy, fairly windy. Female does still seem to be more nervous and more exposed above nest line than other nests observed. She is constantly swiveling around to check things out, this nest is closer to residences than other nests I have observed. Did not see mate.
3 pm today, WNW 18 mph wind with gusts, 50% clouds and good vis. The female is deep in the nest though she seems to be higher than some osprey will get so perhaps she is beginning egg laying. She seems stressed, not comfortable and I do believe this is a new pair this year from their behavior- not settled. the male flew in from the snag near Rt. 1 and stood beside her, bracing into the wind, eyes closed. She softly chirped at him but her head was swiveling and she was very wary of all the other bird species in the marsh and in the air. I do think she is incubating now.
11:10-11:20 am, 60 degrees, overcast with fog rolling in. Bird on nest did not seem to be incubating because top half of bird was visible. She seemed anxious, head swiveling constantly. No sign of mate.
4-24-18 around 5:00 pm female was low in the nest but not incubating. she was placing some nest material and her mate was on the favored pole in the west marsh, eating a large fish. today at the same time of day both osprey were quietly standing on the nest together. SW 8mph winds, 100% clouds with some fog, 63. I hope they begin incubating soon.
Sunny day with a few clouds, 62 degrees, light wind. 12:55--1:20 pm. Female was on nest, but not completely relaxed; tail and part of wings were swept up. But she did not move. Heard her call, but did not see mate.
around 4 pm today just the female was quietly standing in the nest. no male seen
Nobody home at 10:15 am today and none in the dining area either but after I checked Victoria Drive nest upon my return both arrived to the nest and the male handed off a headless fish, then he proceeded to clean his bill on the nest and she flew over to the dining tree.Years past the osprey at this nest were earlier nesters. I hope this pair gets down to business soon.
Arrived 10:30 am, but could not pull up to road area nearest nest due to flooding from the marsh. Did not see any birds on the nest.
Around 5 pm today both osprey were on their favorite dining snag by Rt. 1, then the female flew to the nest and was urgently calling for a fish. Her mate came immediately and gave her a headless fish. She flew back to the snag to dine and he sat on the corner board of the nest and raked his bill clean. 48, some clouds, hi vis, SE 8 mph.
Arrived about 4:30. Female on nest, but flew off about a minute after I left.
4/8/18--both birds on nest. After a few minutes, they flew off toward Little Assawoman Bay. Weather: 42 degrees, clear, windy.
Both on nest around 3 pm today. Appear to be building up the nest.
I am not seeing activity at the nest, probably just bad timing on my part. I did see one osprey at the "dining" snag near Rt.1 around 1 pm today.
Pair are sharing nest and arranging nest materials.
Female on the nest today. She was very quiet. I have not seen the male in a few days. I noticed the previously unused platform ( at least for 2017) on a tiny island across from the cul de sac at Victoria Ave.has had a male visitor off and on and today it had the male and new nest material. I am wondering what is going on and hoping my pair was truly a pair and not just checking each other out last week!
Female on nest today calling for a fish, I did not see the male nearby.
2;00 today both osprey at nest area with female on the nest calling softly to her mate who was eating a fish on his favorite dining pvc pipe in the marsh NW of the platform. temp 43, winds NE 23 mph, chilly day with sun and clouds.
4:00 pm today I saw one osprey on the nest. It appeared to be a male with a very white chest. No other ospreys seen. 45, sun clouds, N 9 mph
Today I checked the nest again and at 3:00 pm an osprey was perched on a pvc pipe along water line about 300 ft SE from the nesting platform. I could not tell if it was female or male as it did appear to have a light necklace. Another osprey flew over head and called softly to the osprey on the pipe then it continued over to the canal treeline near the empty platform across from Victoria Ave. That bird appeared to be female but again can not be 100% sure until I can confirm with behaviors. Temp 42, winds NW 14 mph, 50% mix of sun and clouds. I will not start my activity report until I see a pair on the nest. Hoping the end of this nesting season someone can place a nice T perch on the corner of this nesting platform so the male and fledglings have a place to perch.
Nest was observed 3/15/18 & 3.18/18--no activity. A mature Great Blue Heron in courting plumage was seen nearby.
end of season: this is a tough group to track and I lost sight of the adults even before all 3 chicks were flying but I did see 2 juveniles enjoying some fishing together close to the nest on 7-19-17. my last sighting of the adult female was on 7-3-17. this group has the ocean and expansive bays so close that its not surprising they are rarely at the nest after fledge time. they always seem to do very well here.
2 fledged young flying near the nest, diving for fish with one catching a fish and both returning to nest. this is what makes monitoring osprey so exciting. seeing these young birds fearlessly submerging into the water and coming up with a prize. they have fulfilled their purpose..flight
3 big chicks on the nest yesterday when I arrived and one had its own fish, so fledging cant be too long now. the female flew onto the nest and promptly took the fish so maybe the male had brought it in her absence and she decided her chick should share it.
2 very large chicks visible on the nest today with adult female shading and male also on the nest.
both on the nest today and one feeding as other fixed nest material, still haven't seen a little head pop up and these babes should be getting some weight and strength on them
one deep in the nest, no activity observed
First day I actually see feeding behavior, and it is hot so she is also trying to shade. I bet the hatchlings have been here a few days at least.
female very fussy in the nest but still quite low even in the heat.
If there are no hatchlings today there will be soon. I watched both osprey in the nest for at least 30 minutes today. the female was low in the nest but very fussy and the male stayed with her the entire time I watched.
1 in nest incubating and one on favorite marsh pole eating a fish
incubating and I rarely see the second osprey
continuing to incubate with little disturbance. the male sits at the nest as he doesn't have a nest perch. other times he eats fish on the snags near rt. one.
Have not seen the male at the nest past few days. I do not see it anywhere nearby but the female is calm and not calling for fish. last season I also rarely saw the male or fledglings. Not certain where the family goes when not at the nest.
12:40, temp 41, NNE 9mph,sunshine, beautiful day and both osprey have arrived! Male perched on pvc pipe guard perch near the road and female flew in with large branch and began arranging the nest. This is why I monitor osprey..my heart is happy to see the pair!
I never saw any osprey on the nest after finding the nest empty on 7-17-16. There were osprey flying around the area and I did see one or 2 in the trees along the main road but since this platform has no vegetation near it except for marsh grass its not surprising that the birds didn't spend a lot of time on the nest by this date.
I can guarantee these 2 chicks fledged awhile ago but I could not confirm it as each visit they were just hanging out in the nest with the adult female. But finally today I find an empty nest with a number of osprey kettling above the nest. Always exciting to see an empty nest with the group flying overhead because they now have some independence from human disturbance. Of course there is a lot of learning ahead but so cool to know they are on their way.
This is the first day I can confirm chick(s).Both adults were on the nest with one feeding chick and then shading. One chick visible.
I generally check this nest site once a week, Wednesdays. The pair is still incubating. I rarely see the second bird but I am not spending much time monitoring, just a few minutes. I do intend to check more often now since I do not know the exact date of incubating and there may be chicks any day! I hope before Memorial Day. That is a tough weekend for new osprey parents and this platform is on a narrow waterway accessed by a busy S. Bethany neighborhood.
Quietly incubating. Did not see the mate on his usual guard perch.
I first observed this nest site on 4-14-16 and the birds were already nesting. Perhaps someone else can fill in the blanks. I will monitor their progress through the season. The male uses the marsh signs west of the structure for guarding.