Nickname
PSD nest #3
Coordinates
(32.2087, -80.6992)
Substrate
Utility Pole
Description
newly rebuilt in 2018; nest built between two metal utility poles opposite nest 2013 (The monitor has named them Spark (m) and Dixie (f.)
Followers
None
Monitoring groups
What to look for
Review All Observations
2023 - HHI Osprey Watch2022 - HHI Osprey Watch2021 - HHI Osprey Watch2020 - HHI Osprey Watch2019 - HHI Osprey Watch2018 - HHI Osprey Watch2017 - HHI Osprey Watch
aAdult Arrival3/6/233/18/224/29/213/8/202/25/193/18/183/18/18
aOccupiedYesYesYesYesYesYesNo
aActive
bEgg Laying4/5/18
bIncubation Initiation4/18/234/20/225/10/214/9/204/6/194/10/18
cClutch Hatching5/19/235/23/226/11/215/17/205/12/195/23/18
dNestlings222332
eFledglings222332
eFirst Chick Fledging8/4/237/21/228/13/218/4/20
fChicks Last Observed7/21/227/15/18
xNest Failure
xReason For Nest Failure

Select Seasons

Show reports, diaries, and photos from:Current 2023 2022 2021 2020 2019 2018 2017

Activity reports

2017 Nest Activity Report by HHI Osprey Watch
Adult arrival03/18/2018Nestlings
Nest OccupiedNoFledglings
Nest Active First chick fledging
Egg layingChicks last observed
Incubation initiationNest failure
Clutch hatchingReason for nest failure
2018 Nest Activity Report by HHI Osprey Watch
Adult arrival03/18/2018Nestlings2
Nest OccupiedYesFledglings2
Nest Active First chick fledging
Egg laying04/05/2018Chicks last observed07/15/2018
Incubation initiation04/10/2018Nest failure
Clutch hatching05/23/2018Reason for nest failure
2019 Nest Activity Report by HHI Osprey Watch
Adult arrival02/25/2019Nestlings3
Nest OccupiedYesFledglings3
Nest Active First chick fledging
Egg layingChicks last observed
Incubation initiation04/06/2019Nest failure
Clutch hatching05/12/2019Reason for nest failure
2020 Nest Activity Report by HHI Osprey Watch
Adult arrival03/08/2020Nestlings3
Nest OccupiedYesFledglings3
Nest Active First chick fledging08/04/2020
Egg layingChicks last observed
Incubation initiation04/09/2020Nest failure
Clutch hatching05/17/2020Reason for nest failure
2021 Nest Activity Report by HHI Osprey Watch
Adult arrival04/29/2021Nestlings2
Nest OccupiedYesFledglings2
Nest Active First chick fledging08/13/2021
Egg layingChicks last observed
Incubation initiation05/10/2021Nest failure
Clutch hatching06/11/2021Reason for nest failure
2022 Nest Activity Report by HHI Osprey Watch
Adult arrival03/18/2022Nestlings2
Nest OccupiedYesFledglings2
Nest Active First chick fledging07/21/2022
Egg layingChicks last observed07/21/2022
Incubation initiation04/20/2022Nest failure
Clutch hatching05/23/2022Reason for nest failure
2023 Nest Activity Report by HHI Osprey Watch
Adult arrival03/06/2023Nestlings2
Nest OccupiedYesFledglings2
Nest Active First chick fledging08/04/2023
Egg layingChicks last observed
Incubation initiation04/18/2023Nest failure
Clutch hatching05/19/2023Reason for nest failure

Photos of this nest

Nesting Diaries

02/25/2024 by HHI Osprey Watch
Carol T reports: This nest is still inactive. This is not unusual as this pair is always one of the latter ones to arrive.

01/22/2024 by HHI Osprey Watch
Carol T reports: The only thing left is several long strands of moss. All other nesting materials are gone. There is no damage at all to the two metal utility poles it is built between, so I expect it is weather related damage. I am hoping the dedicated pair will rebuild in the same spot. In the six years I’ve been monitoring this nest, this is the first time it has been destroyed.

08/04/2023 by HHI Osprey Watch
Carol T reports: Good news! One of the juveniles has fledged. One more to go! (Of course it’s possible that BOTH had already fledged a few days ago and have been coming back to the nest)

08/03/2023 by HHI Osprey Watch
Carol T reports: The two juveniles were still in the nest exercising their wings. No adults were spotted anywhere around the nest area

07/30/2023 by HHI Osprey Watch
Carol T reports: Both chicks were still in the nest today. No adults present. The youngsters were flapping their wings and were very vocal. I believe Dixie was in a nearby tree having a back and forth conversation with them. I couldn’t locate her. She was probably encouraging them to “take the leap”. Will check again in a day or two. Mary K also reported: Two osprey chicks were observed sitting on the nest, flapping their wings.

07/23/2023 by HHI Osprey Watch
Mary K reports: Two chicks observed sitting in the nest.

07/21/2023 by HHI Osprey Watch
Mary K reports: Two osprey chicks were observed sitting on the nest, flapping their wings.

07/12/2023 by HHI Osprey Watch
Carol T reports: I visited the nest today and was pleasantly surprised. Dixie was sitting in the nest on an extremely hot day with her wings spread, looking like she was shading chicks. All of a sudden I was shocked to see a very healthy fully grown Chick with a very large wingspread pop up from the nest. ( Photo added) He/she was flapping its wings and looking every bit like it was ready to fledge any day now. I think there was a second juvenile in the nest moving around but it never made an appearance, so I can’t confirm that one. Exciting news!

07/09/2023 by HHI Osprey Watch
Mary K reports: One osprey was observed sitting on the nest. Photo added

06/20/2023 by HHI Osprey Watch
Mary K reports: An adult osprey was observed sitting atop the nest feeding or tending to at least two chicks.

06/03/2023 by HHI Osprey Watch
Carol T reports: Dixie was in the nest actively feeding or tending to a chick (or more) still not visible in the nest. NOTE: Leaving it at one chick until we can confirm any others.

05/31/2023 by HHI Osprey Watch
Carol T reports: Dixie was in the nest and I believe she was feeding a chick (or chicks)It was not visible but she was leaning over repeatedly with food in her mouth. I can’t wait til they are tall enough to see! No sign of the male.

05/19/2023 by HHI Osprey Watch
Carol T reports: 5/19/23 Dixie’s head was entirely visible at the top of the nest. She was not down in incubation posture.I was able to determine it was the female because she was looking around and I got a good view of her streaked chest. No visible sign of any chicks quite yet. NOTE: Based on the probable date of incubation and the change in Dixie's position, it is probable that there is at least 1 chick in the nest. We will list one in the nest and update it when we can verify the number.

05/11/2023 by HHI Osprey Watch
Mary K reports: I observed what appeared to be the back feathers of an osprey sitting in the nest. NOTE: This is confirmation of ongoing incubation.

05/07/2023 by HHI Osprey Watch
Carol T reports: One adult Osprey in the nest with its head visible, assuming it’s Dixie.

04/30/2023 by HHI Osprey Watch
Mary K observes: The only thing observed was the white top of a head in the nest. NOTE: This seems to back up incubation is continuing.

04/20/2023 by HHI Osprey Watch
Carol T reports: I’m pretty certain that Dixie is finally incubating! All I could see was the top of her head and a few tail feathers sticking up today. YAY NOTE: We will list incubation starting as between this report and the last. Our guess is about April 18.

04/16/2023 by HHI Osprey Watch
Mary K reports: Two ospreys were observed sitting up in the nest.

04/07/2023 by HHI Osprey Watch
Carol T reports: One Osprey was sitting straight up in the nest. Its back was to me for the 20 minutes I was there, so I couldn’t determine sex. The other Osprey did not make an appearance. I was hoping to see signs of incubation….but none yet!

03/29/2023 by HHI Osprey Watch
Carol T reports: One Osprey sitting straight up in the nest with its back to me. Assuming it was the female No other activity

03/21/2023 by HHI Osprey Watch
Carol T reports: 3/21/23 Dixie was sitting up at the nest. It looked like she was preening No other activity

03/10/2023 by HHI Osprey Watch
Carol T reports: Both Osprey were at the nest. There looked to be some mating activity while I was there. Hoping to see incubation soon!

03/06/2023 by HHI Osprey Watch
Carol T reports: I am so happy to report that today I saw the nest occupied by Dixie AND Spark! This is the first sighting this season of either of them, and I’m so glad they both arrived with no long delays in getting together! Dixie was sitting up in the nest, no sign of incubation posture. Spark flew off and returned with a meal for Dixie and then flew off again. So things are off to a good start!

02/26/2023 by HHI Osprey Watch
Carol T reports: I checked my nest today and no Osprey were around, and the nest has not been repaired or spruced up in any way. As you know, my pair has never arrived this early.

07/24/2022 by HHI Osprey Watch
Carol T reports: I made a quick visit to the nest on Thursday, 7/21 and both siblings were “front and center” in the nest looking like they might fledge at any time. I returned today, 7/24 and there was no sign of either of them. Mom was at the nest preening and I scanned nearby trees but did not see either of them. I stayed for 30 minutes hoping they would fly in, but they didn’t. They are out there soaring around somewhere and I’m so thrilled they are thriving and off on a new life outside the nest! I’ve attached a photo of these two “soul mates” on 7/21, which might have been their last day in the nest.

07/14/2022 by HHI Osprey Watch
Mary K reports, subbing for Carol T: Today I observed three osprey in the nest, it looked like an adult and two chicks. See photos

07/04/2022 by HHI Osprey Watch
Mary K subbing for Carol T reports: two adults and two chicks were observed in the nest. One adult osprey flew out of the nest and the remaining adult osprey was observed gently cleaning one chick.

06/29/2022 by HHI Osprey Watch
Carol T added a photo of Dixie shielding one of the little ones with her wing.

06/27/2022 by HHI Osprey Watch
Carol T reports: I can now confirm there are at least two healthy large chicks in the nest. Dixie was in the nest with them, chattering away with Spark who was answering from nearby, but I wasn’t able to locate him. I was hoping to get a photo of both chicks, but no luck. However, I love the photo I did get of mom with one of the chicks as they chattered away with Spark.

06/20/2022 by HHI Osprey Watch
Carol T reports: Dixie was in the nest and all of a sudden a little head popped up, so I can confirm at least one chick and I was surprised (and happy) to see how big and healthy looking it was. It looked fully feathered and flapped its wings. I’m hoping I see another sibling soon.

06/12/2022 by HHI Osprey Watch
Carol T reports: Dixie was sitting way up in the nest, once again busy with something down in the nest. After about fifteen minutes, Spark flew in with a fish and then departed. No sign yet of any little heads sticking up in the nest

06/04/2022 by HHI Osprey Watch
Carol T reports: One Osprey standing in the nest, bending over tending to either the nest or chick(s)

05/25/2022 by HHI Osprey Watch
Carol T reports: I went back to my nest again today in order to verify what I saw yesterday. Identified Dixie in the nest and she was not in incubation posture. She was standing and involved in activity down in the nest No sign of Spark NOTE: Based on these last two observations, we are indicating hatching occurred about 5/23. We are listing 1 nestling until we can determine the number.

05/24/2022 by HHI Osprey Watch
Carol T reports: Dixie was in the nest when I arrived, but was alternately down in the nest and then standing up. There was definitely activity of some sort occurring. Right when I was leaving Spark flew in and Dixie flew out.

05/17/2022 by HHI Osprey Watch
Carol T reports: Dixie on the nest when I arrived, once again with just her head showing. Looked like she might have been fiddling a little with the nest, or the eggs. Spark flew in briefly and then departed. Should be getting fairly close to egg hatching!

05/08/2022 by HHI Osprey Watch
Carol T reports: Dixie was in incubation mode with only the top of her head visible. No sign of Spark today

04/24/2022 by HHI Osprey Watch
Carol T reports: Spark was sitting in the nest when I arrived and Dixie was in incubation mode with only her tail feathers sticking up.

04/20/2022 by HHI Osprey Watch
Carol T reports: I believe incubation is underway! Both Dixie and Spark were at the nest when I arrived. Spark was sitting up in the nest and Dixie was in incubation posture (down in the nest with just the top of her head and tail feathers visible.) At one point it looked like she was eating a fish that I presume had been delivered by Spark.

04/14/2022 by HHI Osprey Watch
Carol T reports: Dixie was sitting down in the nest with just the top of her head showing. I thought incubation may have begun, but she was eating a fish, and it sounded like she was calling back and forth with Spark. 30 minutes later, as I was leaving , she swooped down and grabbed some moss and proceeded to arrange it in the nest. Spark never made an appearance.

04/10/2022 by HHI Osprey Watch
Carol T reports: Female sitting up in the nest, calling (presumably) to the male. Observed for 20 minutes and no sign of the male Mary K also reported today: one osprey was observed sitting on the nest.

04/03/2022 by HHI Osprey Watch
Carol T reports: Female Osprey sitting up in the nest, no sign of incubation. Looked like she was periodically eating a fish. No sign of the male

03/20/2022 by HHI Osprey Watch
Mary K reports: NO activity right now.

03/18/2022 by HHI Osprey Watch
Carol T reports: My Osprey pair have both arrived! Dixie and Spark were both at the nest. Lots of activity with nest refurbishing and Spark flying in with a fish. So happy to see them after last year’s very late arrival.

03/15/2022 by HHI Osprey Watch
Carol T reports: One Osprey sitting up in the nest, looking around expectantly. I couldn’t get a good look at the breast to tell if it was Spark or Dixie. There was more evidence of nest refurbishment.

03/11/2022 by HHI Osprey Watch
Carol T reports: No Osprey seen at the nest, but it looked like some nest refurbishing might have taken place

03/04/2022 by HHI Osprey Watch
Carol T reports: Observed the nests(and 7293) for about 30 min. and there was no bird activity of any kind. Also, no sign of any sprucing up or refurbishing at either nest.

02/20/2022 by HHI Osprey Watch

02/20/2022 by HHI Osprey Watch
Mary K reports: Mary K reports: no activity

01/30/2022 by HHI Osprey Watch

01/30/2022 by HHI Osprey Watch
Mary K reports: Mary K reports: No activity.

08/18/2021 by HHI Osprey Watch
The youngsters fledged between 8/8 and 8/18/21 There was no sign of either adults or juveniles on 8/17. We are recording 8/13 as a guess, placing it halfway between the two dates.

08/07/2021 by HHI Osprey Watch
Mary K reports: two ospreys were observed in the nest

07/25/2021 by HHI Osprey Watch
Mary K reports: An adult osprey and two chicks were observed. After a while, the adult osprey flew out of the nest, then one chick was observed flapping it’s wings. Very exciting!

07/11/2021 by HHI Osprey Watch
Mary K reports: an adult osprey, (the one with the white breast), was observed and appeared to be feeding chick(s) inside the nest.

07/05/2021 by HHI Osprey Watch
Mary K reports: an adult osprey was seen sitting in the nest, at times preening itself. It had white on it’s head and chest, but I could not tell if breast was clear or streaked. Photo added

06/22/2021 by HHI Osprey Watch
Carol T reports: There was one adult Osprey in the nest when I arrived. I was able to get a look at the breast and determined it was Dixie (the female). She was busy fussing with the nest and calling for Spark. She also looked to be tending to a chick/chicks. I also watched as she spread her wings in order to shade the babies on this very hot day. After 20 minutes or so, Spark flew in and both of them were in the nest for a bit, tending to the chicks. (I keep using plural because I’m hopeful there’s more than one.) Then the “changing of the guard” ensued with Dixie flying off and leaving Spark in charge. (This was the first time I’ve seen both of them in the nest together. I was so sure this nest was not going to be active this season and I’m so happy I was wrong!) The photo below is the one and only pic of the two of them together this season. The one on the left is Spark with the clear breast, and Dixie has the streaked breast.

06/18/2021 by HHI Osprey Watch
Mary K reports: An adult osprey was seen standing in the nest and appeared to be leaning into the nest and feeding the chicks in the nest. See photos. NOTE: Based on this observation and an estimated hatching date of last week, we are guessing there is at least one nestling.

06/11/2021 by HHI Osprey Watch
Carol T reports: When I arrived Dixie was sitting in an upright position in the nest and looked like she was eating. She continued sitting up for about fifteen minutes and then Spark flew in and she flew off. This is the most activity I’ve seen. According to our estimated date of when incubation began, the timing is right for chicks to have hatched. And it appears the incubation has ceased. Hopeful this means good news! NOTE: Based on this observation, we will list hatching as 6/11...our best guess.

06/02/2021 by HHI Osprey Watch
Mary K reports: I saw movement slightly above the nest, could not make out what it was, maybe mother osprey sitting on eggs. NOTE: This would be consistent with earlier reports.

05/31/2021 by HHI Osprey Watch
Carol T. reports: Dixie was in incubation mode when I arrived. The usual feathers sticking out the back of the nest was all that was visible. I was hoping to see Spark before I had to leave, as I had yet to see both of them at the nest. Right before I left he flew in with a fish, dropped it off and flew off again. It looks like the nest has gotten much bigger! So all seems like it’s finally moving along according to schedule.

05/19/2021 by HHI Osprey Watch
Carol T reports: Dixie was in the nest incubating, only the tail feathers were visible. I was hoping to see Spark, but he was absent. I was also hoping to see Dixie sit up for a short break, but when I left 30 minutes later she was still in the same position.

05/13/2021 by HHI Osprey Watch
Carol T reports: Good news! When I arrived it initially looked like the nest was empty. But as soon as I looked through my binoculars I saw what appeared to be brown tail feathers sticking up out of the nest. Pretty soon the feathers moved and a whole female Osprey appeared, sitting up in the nest. She briefly preened and then settled right back down into incubation mode again. Very exciting news, albeit getting a late start! NOTE: Based on this observation, we are guessing that incubation began within the past week. May 10th is just a guess.

05/07/2021 by HHI Osprey Watch
Carol T reports: Nest appeared to be empty and there was no activity at or near the nest for the half hour I was there.

05/02/2021 by HHI Osprey Watch
Carol T reports: On 5/2 Nest was empty and remained so until I left 30 minutes later.

05/02/2021 by HHI Osprey Watch
NOTE: This nest is truly a puzzle this year. The first date we can confirm that two adults were at the nest was 4/29, which is very late.

04/29/2021 by HHI Osprey Watch
Carol T reports: On 4/29 nest empty when I arrived. Fifteen minutes later an Osprey flew in with a fish. Began eating. A couple of minutes later another Osprey flew in. Ate a little, then flew off. This is the first time I’ve actually seen two Osprey in the nest and one was a male, the other a female. But neither of these were incubating eggs.

04/26/2021 by HHI Osprey Watch
Carol T reports: On 4/17 a female was sitting way up in the nest. (Definitely not incubation posture). Nest was still small. On 4/18 nest was empty. Thirty minutes later as I was leaving, an Osprey flew in, stayed a minute, then flew off. On 4/25 a female was in the nest, sitting way up, not incubation posture. It looked like the nest had been built up a little more. Still at nest when I left. On 4/26 a female was sitting on edge of nest. Still there when I left.

04/25/2021 by HHI Osprey Watch
Mary K reports: One osprey was seen sitting in the nest; the nest looks bigger and more built up than when I last saw it.

04/19/2021 by HHI Osprey Watch
Mary K reports: Today I saw an osprey sitting in the nest looking around, and then flew away.

04/16/2021 by HHI Osprey Watch
Carol T reports: Two weeks later, today, 4/16, I checked the nest again just to be certain. I was shocked to see a female sitting in the nest. It sure looked like Dixie (I looked at a photo from last season) but I can’t be sure. It looked like the nest was slightly larger than it was two weeks ago, but still very small compared to previous years. I decided to wait it out for an hour to see if anything transpired. She sat in the nest the entire time just looking around. No other Osprey arrived or flew near the nest. I find this scenario to be heartbreaking, because all evidence points to the fact that they missed each other’s arrival and waited for the other to show up. I really hope this is not the case, but it is really late in the season to be still at this preliminary stage.

03/31/2021 by HHI Osprey Watch
Carol T reports: I observed Spark (the male) at the nest was 3/31. The nest was still very meager, no additional material added. He was constantly looking around and calling repeatedly (for his mate, I assume) I think he has given up on Dixie’s return.

03/25/2021 by HHI Osprey Watch
Carol T observes: No sign of Spark this visit and the nest still has not been added to. It has a long way to go in order to be a viable nest. I think he has given up hope of Dixie returning.

03/23/2021 by HHI Osprey Watch
Carol T reports: I was thrilled to see that Spark was back at the nest again, after not seeing him on my last two visits. But there is still no sign that Dixie has returned. And the nest has not been added to.

03/22/2021 by HHI Osprey Watch
Carol T was concerned about not seeing continued activity at the nest. She reports: I was concerned about the nest being empty on my last two visits, 3/17 and 3/20, was because Spark (male) had arrived on 3/14 and was very busy adding to the nest that day. There wasn’t much left of last year’s nest. So when I returned on the 17th and 20th, and stayed awhile, I was concerned that there was no sign of Spark on either day, and most importantly, no sign that he had been adding to the nest at all during the previous six days, which was very surprising. Is this normal behavior? It made me think he had given up on Dixie’s arrival and abandoned the nest. Comment from Kristen M from the Lowcountry Institute: It sounds like your initial impression may be right. Sometimes the mate unfortunately does not make it back to the nest after winter (or potentially could have been “poached” by another male). If one of the members of the pair returns to the nest and the other does not, usually they will either try to recruit a new partner, find a female at a different nest who lacks a male, or if it is too late to do either of those, skip this nesting year. It is unfortunate, but it does happen! I hope maybe you will be surprised and he will show back up with a lady

03/20/2021 by HHI Osprey Watch
Carol T reports: Returned again today and found the nest empty and still no further additions to the nest. I stayed an hour this time, thinking I would surely see Spark. But no sign of him or Dixie. Now I’m really concerned.

03/17/2021 by HHI Osprey Watch
Carol T reports: I visited the nest hoping to see that Dixie (female) had arrived. But neither Osprey was at the nest, and I was a little concerned to see that in the two days since my last visit there had been no additional work on the nest. I stayed for about 20-30 minutes, but the nest remained empty

03/14/2021 by HHI Osprey Watch
Carol T reports: Today, 3/14/21, I was so excited to see a male Osprey in the nest when I arrived, busily working on nest refurbishing. I’m sure it was Spark. He was flying to and fro collecting materials and adding them to the nest. It was exciting when he suddenly flew down from the nest heading straight towards me, landing on the ground about 10-15 feet in front of me where he scooped up a bundle of Spanish moss and flew straight back to the nest with it. So all is well...now we just need Dixie to arrive.

03/10/2021 by HHI Osprey Watch
Carol T. reports: I visited the nest on 3/10/21 and there was still no sign of any activity at the nest, so I was starting to worry.

02/28/2021 by HHI Osprey Watch
Carol T reports: No sign of activity at the nest yet. Last year there was no activity until March, though.

02/22/2021 by HHI Osprey Watch
Carol T reports: No activity.

02/14/2021 by HHI Osprey Watch
Carol T reports: No activity at site yet.

08/04/2020 by HHI Osprey Watch
Mollie K reports: Today I finally got to see some flying. I only see two flying. One landed back on nest and the other landed in a pine near the building. They look like they are getting stronger! NOTE: Based on previous reports and the size of all three chicks in June, we are assuming that the third chick already fledged. Earlier reports indicated that one was a bit ahead (6/28) of the other two. It is possible the third chick was the first to fledge, but we don't know the date. The August date is probably late, but we do know that the other two fledged by then.

07/30/2020 by HHI Osprey Watch
Mollie K reports: My husband said last week the juveniles were still just hanging out at the nest. When I checked yesterday same thing they were just hanging there. I only saw two so not sure about the third.

07/06/2020 by HHI Osprey Watch
Mollie K reports: The youngsters are still stretching and practicing wing flapping.

06/28/2020 by HHI Osprey Watch
Carol T reports: When I arrived at the nest today Mom was visible. All three juveniles were also in the nest. I soon realized by Mom’s vocalizing and behavior they were anxiously awaiting the arrival of Dad with a fish. I stayed for about 45 minutes, hoping to catch his arrival, but no luck. All three juveniles looked healthy and were very active...a couple of them practicing wing flapping. The largest one seems ready to fledge any day now, and I don’t think the other two will be too far behind. The female calling to the male, impatiently waiting for a fish

06/16/2020 by HHI Osprey Watch
Carol T reports: I visited the nest on 6/16/20 and instead of the usual one chick and one adult there were two more chicks for a total of three! And these two new chicks were pretty good sized (smaller than the original first chick), but large enough that they should have been visible before now. I was lucky enough to get a photo ( posted) showing adult and chicks together, so it’s a good visual comparison of their various sizes. Such good news and so unexpected!

06/11/2020 by HHI Osprey Watch
Carol T reports: I visited the nest today and am happy to report that I was visually able to see a chick in the nest and it looks fairly good sized and appears healthy! I wasn’t able to get a photo today, but will try again. No sign of a second chick yet. It may just be too small. Will keep checking.

05/24/2020 by HHI Osprey Watch
Carol T reports: Visited the nest and there was one adult Osprey visible, standing up in the nest and bending over. Appeared to be eating. Hopefully there’s a newly hatched chick that was being fed too. But no visual sign of it at this point. Stayed about fifteen minutes and this feeding behavior continued the whole time. No sign of the other adult. NOTE: Based on the estimated date of incubation and the observance of feeding behavior with the Mom no longer flat in the nest, we believe there is at least one chick in the nest. It is just a guess that hatching happened about May 17th.

05/11/2020 by HHI Osprey Watch
Carol T reports: I visited the nest on 5/11/20 and there was one adult in the nest in incubating posture. I was there about fifteen minutes. No sign of the other adult and no sign of any chicks yet.

04/20/2020 by HHI Osprey Watch
Carol T reports: I visited the nest on 4/20/20 and observed one Osprey in the nest incubating. The nest looked like it survived our recent round of storms in good shape!

04/09/2020 by HHI Osprey Watch
Carol T reports: I visited the nest on 4/9/20 and am happy to report the first sign of incubation. There was one Osprey present, laying down in the nest.

03/30/2020 by HHI Osprey Watch
Carol T reports: 3/30/20 I have visited the nest twice in the last two weeks and have observed one Osprey present each time. But no sign of incubation yet

03/08/2020 by HHI Osprey Watch
Carol T reports: I have visited the nest frequently and there haven’t been any Osprey at the nest or in trees in the immediate area, and no sign that the nest has been worked on...until today! The pair have arrived and both were hanging around in the nest while I was there. They both flew off as I was about to leave. So happy to report their return!

02/17/2020 by HHI Osprey Watch
Carol T reports: As of 2/17/20 I have not observed any activity at the nest...no sign of the pair yet.

07/31/2019 by HHI Osprey Watch
Carol T is back with her final nest update: When I arrived there was one chick in the nest, no sign of the other two. So that was great news right off the bat...the other two had already fledged and it must have been sometime between 7/23 and 7/30. I didn’t see either of the parents at first, but heard one of them calling to the chick, who then answered back. I looked around with the binocs and spotted mom in a nearby tree. She had a good sized intact fish on the branch with her. This conversation between the two went on for almost two hours....the mom encouraging the chick to take flight and the chick intermittently answering and flapping its wings and occasionally hovering over the nest. All this time the mom sat in the same spot in the tree and was not eating the fish. I was really thinking there was a good possibility that the chick would fledge today, but after almost 2 hours I was losing hope. I decided I should call it a day and started towards the car when the mom and chick started a much louder, more constant conversation. The chick got more animated in the nest so I quickly got my camera in place and within a couple of minutes the chick took off and flew straight at me, circled around the nest, then flew around the immediate area and landed back in the nest. And here’s the really cool part...the mom flew immediately to the nest and gave the chick the fish as a reward and then flew off.

07/31/2019 by HHI Osprey Watch
NOTE: While we cannot be certain of the dates the first 2 fledged, it happened sometime between 7/23 and 7/30. The third made his first flight on 7/31.

07/29/2019 by HHI Osprey Watch
Linda O reporting on Carol T's nest: I then looked over to the nest closer to the PSD Building and saw crows in that one also. I had heard osprey calling and then an Osprey came in over to the nest and chased the crows away. I then saw the 2nd Osprey flying around. The one in the nest then flew off and the pair flew around together. I was able to get some shots of them together. I am only giving this information because I have a shot of the Osprey protecting the nest after chasing the crows away. I thought it an interesting phenomenon.

07/23/2019 by HHI Osprey Watch
Tish S subbing for Carol T reports: Stopped by the nest today to check if the "children" had flown the coop so to speak. All 3 still at the nest when I checked today. One of the "chicks" was exercising its wings.

07/17/2019 by HHI Osprey Watch
Tish S reports for Carol T: Wednesday, July 17th I visited the nest to find the chicks just sitting, waiting for dinner. Picture attached.

07/12/2019 by HHI Osprey Watch
Tish S reports for Carol T: Friday, July 12th I visited the nest and saw nothing but tail feathers shaking in the air! Dinner had obviously just been served and the chick were all busy pulling at the delivery and making sure that they got their fair share. One head did pop-up for a minute, coughed and went right back to eating.

07/01/2019 by HHI Osprey Watch
Tish S (subbing for Carol T) reports: From the pictures you can see that I found mama Osprey working to protect her young from the heat of the Noon Day Sun.

06/23/2019 by HHI Osprey Watch
Carol T reports: Visiting the nest on 6/23/19 all three chicks were visible when I arrived. No sign of mom or dad. Haven’t seen dad in quite awhile, but with 3 growing youngsters in the nest I doubt there’s room for the whole family. Mom arrived with a fish and all three juveniles were observed eating. Even though one of the chicks still looks smaller than the other two, they are all active, healthy looking and practicing some wing flapping. They are approximately six weeks old so I anticipate they will be fledging in the next two-three weeks. So exciting to have a successful nest with THREE healthy juveniles! I was able to get a couple of photos (attached) showing all three of them.

06/16/2019 by HHI Osprey Watch
Carol T reports: On 6/16/19 Mom was observed in the nest with a fish. I could easily see two chicks in the nest that were much larger than a week ago. I didn’t immediately see the third chick. I looked at the nest from all angles with my binocs and couldn’t locate it. I finally saw it, kind of hidden behind a large pine cone sticking up above the rim. I don’t think he was as large as the other two, but he was separated from them, so I can’t be sure. He seemed to be okay though. He was moving around and I’m pretty sure he was eating as well. No sign of Dad today

06/08/2019 by HHI Osprey Watch
Carol T reports: I am excited to report for the first time observing THREE chicks in the nest this morning! On my last visit, eight days ago, I saw one bobbing head, so this was a huge surprise. All three were active and healthy looking, so it was a huge relief to see them thriving after this unrelenting heat wave. Job well done Mom and Dad!

05/31/2019 by HHI Osprey Watch
Carol T reports: I have been very concerned about this unrelenting heat wave, so I have visited twice this week. On today’s visit, 5/31/19, the female was sitting up in the nest, no sign of the male. After a few minutes she began shifting around a bit and when she spread out her wings I caught sight of a bobbing head for the first time! I might have seen another head, but not sure about that. I was so relieved to see that chick and I can only imagine how stressed and exhausted the parents must be. We desperately need rain and cooler temperatures!

05/14/2019 by HHI Osprey Watch
Carol T reports: Good news! I feel very confident in saying there is at least one hatchling in the nest. No more sign of any incubation and both parents were taking turns flying in and out of the nest and returning with fish or nesting materials. They seemed preoccupied today with adding to and rearranging the nest. (Photos attached). NOTE: Based on this report, we have "guessed" that hatching took place a couple days prior to this report. We have listed it as 5/12/19, but that is only our guess.

05/08/2019 by HHI Osprey Watch
Carol T reports: Nest #7016 on 5/8/19 Today was the first time I have observed “possible” evidence of a chick/chicks in the nest. One adult was laying down in the nest when I arrived. The second adult flew in shortly thereafter and it looked like both were tending to or arranging something in the nest. I think there was a “changing of the guard” after that and the remaining adult in the nest was moving around some....more activity than what I’ve been observing during incubation. I think my next visit will be more helpful in determining whether or not eggs have hatched.

05/01/2019 by HHI Osprey Watch
Carol T reports: The female was laying in the nest when I arrived. Shortly thereafter the male flew in and dropped off a fish. Next Monday marks approximately 30 days since incubation began. It’s getting close now!

04/23/2019 by HHI Osprey Watch
Carol T. reports: The female was hunkered down in the nest as usual and the male delivered a fish while I was there. All seems well at the nest!

04/16/2019 by HHI Osprey Watch
Carol T observes: I’ve visited twice this past week and both times the female was hunkered down in the nest with just her head occasionally visible. There was no sign of the male either time, but my visits were short.

04/07/2019 by HHI Osprey Watch
Carol T reports: I observed the first signs of possible incubation behavior on 4/6/19 and 4/7/19 . Both days I visited there was only one Osprey at the nest, which was laying down in the nest most of the time, but would stand up briefly.

03/31/2019 by HHI Osprey Watch
Carol T. reports: No sign of incubation yet. Female sitting up in the nest, constantly calling for the mate (I assume) for the last 20 minutes. I see a male in a nearby tree that I'm guessing must be the mate. If so, he's been sitting there quietly the whole time not responding at all. Hoping to see some evidence of eggs soon!

03/17/2019 by HHI Osprey Watch
Carol T. reports: Both Osprey were in and out of the nest, but still no sign of incubation behavior. The male brought a fish back to the nest. After consuming part of it, the female flew to an adjacent tree and continued feasting. (Photo attached)

03/12/2019 by HHI Osprey Watch
Carol T. reports: Lots of activity, as both Osprey were busy fussing with the nest and at one point, the male had to chase away another Osprey several times who was trying to take over the nest.

03/04/2019 by HHI Osprey Watch
observer Carol T reports: I visited the nest on 3/4/19 and it was empty when I arrived. Ten minutes later one of the adults flew in and began calling continuously to its mate, (photo attached) which did not arrive while I was there.

02/25/2019 by HHI Osprey Watch
observer Carol T reports: Nest #7016 On 2/25/19 I observed two Osprey at the nest for the first time. They were busy adding to and fussing with the nest...see photo

02/18/2019 by HHI Osprey Watch
Observer Carol T reports: Observed Male Osprey on nest (clear white breast) on 2/14 and 2/18. Nest was much larger on 2/18, and on this day I observed him bringing nesting material several times to the nest and arranging. Have not seen the mate yet, but judging by the nest size I am betting the female has arrived and I've not been lucky enough with my timing to observe her.

02/18/2019 by HHI Osprey Watch
observer Carol T reports: The nest appears larger and the osprey (maybe the male) was seen bringing in more nesting material. The female may be there, too.

07/20/2018 by HHI Osprey Watch
Carol T reports: Well, today was the day....an empty nest when I arrived. I’m equal parts happy and sad. It’s been 5 days since I last observed them in the nest, and I can’t help but think they departed soon after I last saw them. There are two reasons I think this....one based on evidence and one intuited. The nest looks a lot smaller than it did 5 days ago, owing I’m sure to the many days of unrelenting heavy rains and a few torrential downpours. Lots of nesting material was dislodged I assume, and there’s no evidence that’s it’s been tended to at all. And the other reason I feel like they’ve been gone for several days is a gut feeling....so make of this what you will....but the last day I saw the juveniles they seemed different in ways that are hard to articulate. I sensed an acute state of alertness and a difference in their overall behavior. I will continue to check over the next couple of weeks, but as of now, the nest looks like it’s been vacated, and if so, that’s a really good ending:):)

07/15/2018 by HHI Osprey Watch
Carol T. reports: Both juveniles and mom were sitting in the nest today. I waited awhile to see if they might fly while I was present, but it didn’t happen. Both juveniles were alert, preening and flapping their wings. I would love to see them fly just once because I know one of these days soon they will be gone.

07/14/2018 by HHI Osprey Watch
all 2018 observations and Photos by Carol T.

07/12/2018 by HHI Osprey Watch
General comments from this observer: I have been monitoring three nests here on the Island for Project Osprey Watch and out of those three, one is a resounding success! I have visited this nest at least once a week since mid February, when I observed the nest being rebuilt from scratch. During this five month time period I have become very attached to this family, so I just had to post a photo of the mom and her offspring. I feel like a grandma posting photos of her grandkids LOL. These two juveniles are HUGE...photo taken today...so I am thinking they have to have fledged by now, but I have yet to see them take flight. This has been such a rewarding and educational volunteer experience and I highly recommend it !

07/07/2018 by HHI Osprey Watch
Observer reports: Mom and both chicks visible in nest when I arrived, and am happy to report both juveniles looked very healthy and very big!!! I observed them feeding and preening and flapping their wings for about 30 minutes. Even though I didn’t see either youngster fly in or out of the nest, I feel pretty certain they must have fledged by now. Hopefully I will get to observe them testing their wings on my next visit. All is well for now! I was lucky to get a good photo of all three together, which I attached below. It is starting to get very hard to tell the youngsters from the adults.

06/27/2018 by HHI Osprey Watch
observer reports: June 27th Mom in nest sitting upright with wings slightly spread in order to shade the chicks. This has been the posture several times over the course of my most recent visits...due to the very hot sunny days over the past couple of weeks. One of the chicks came out from under cover and has grown so much over the last nine days it looks like it is almost ready to fledge! I could see the second chick, but not well, as it stayed in the shade. So I couldn’t determine its size. I will visit this nest again in a few days with hopes of getting a better look. No sign of the male while I was there.

06/18/2018 by HHI Osprey Watch
observer reports: I’ve been a little apprehensive about returning to the nest because this is such a fragile time in the life of the chicks. But I am so relieved to report that BOTH chicks were present today and WOW have they grown in just a short period of time! They look like juveniles now, instead of babies. When I arrived Mom was in the process of feeding them. No dad in the nest, but heard and saw him soaring around.Even though one youngster is a little larger than the other, both are active and both seemed to have a good appetite. I was able to get a couple of good shots of both chicks with the mom, which I attached to this report. So grateful to see a happy family with two thriving kids!

06/10/2018 by HHI Osprey Watch
observer report; Nest #7016 It has been a week since I first observed 2 chicks in the nest. When I arrived today the female was sitting up in the nest, looking around and calling to the male. During this time period there were no chicks to be seen, so I was getting a little worried. But then the female moved around, flapping her wings, and two heads suddenly appeared! I observed the female feeding one of the chicks for several minutes and managed to get some good photos of this. (Photos attached). The other chick was not eating during this time, but was active nearby and looked as big and healthy as his sibling. When I left after 20 minutes or so, the male had not returned to the nest. Great visit and so relieved to see the chicks looking so healthy!

06/02/2018 by HHI Osprey Watch
observer reports: Great news!!! As of today, there are at least two babies visible in the nest. I was able to get a good long look at them, and at this point both are active and seem healthy. (See attached photos) Mom was in the nest when I arrived, and while I was there Dad flew in with a fish. Good signs all around! Based on the observations our guess is that they hatched about May 23, but that is just a guess.

05/21/2018 by HHI Osprey Watch
observer reports: May 21 Female laying down in nest when I arrived. Observed for about 20 minutes. During that time the mate flew in with a big fish and both Osprey remained in the nest, still eating when I departed. No sign of any hatchlings yet, but too early to be easily observable if there are any.

05/12/2018 by HHI Osprey Watch
observer reports: One adult laying down in nest. We are right around the 35 day mark since first egg was laid.

05/07/2018 by HHI Osprey Watch
obsever reports: One adult laying down in nest. Mate returned with a fish.

05/05/2018 by HHI Osprey Watch
observer reports: One adult laying in nest, then witnessed changing of the guard.

04/29/2018 by HHI Osprey Watch
observer reports: Adult in nest incubating. About 20 minutes later I witnessed a “changing of the guard”! Incubation began sometime around April 5th, so it’s been about 25 days.

04/20/2018 by HHI Osprey Watch
observer reports: April 20 Female in nest incubating. It’s been about 2 weeks since the first sign of incubation. Male flew in 10 minutes later with a fish and then flew off again.

04/13/2018 by HHI Osprey Watch
observer reports: April 13 Female incubating. Occasionally calling to mate. Male flew in after about 20 minutes. Looked like he delivered a fish and flew off again. Female feasted on the fish.

04/10/2018 by HHI Osprey Watch
observation: April 10th Adult in nest incubation posture. It seems an egg (or eggs) have been laid sometime between April 4-6.

04/06/2018 by HHI Osprey Watch
observer reports: April 6th First sign of adult laying prone in nest...incubation posture

04/04/2018 by HHI Osprey Watch
observer reports: Nest #7016 April 4th Nest is larger than it was 4 days ago! No sign of either adult.

03/30/2018 by HHI Osprey Watch
Observer reports: On March 30 Osprey was sitting in nest in the pouring rain. Couldn’t see well enough to determine which one it was.

03/28/2018 by HHI Osprey Watch
Observer reports: On March 28 female again sitting in nest when I arrived. Could hear another Osprey close by (maybe the male?) Female flew off after about 10 minutes.

03/24/2018 by HHI Osprey Watch
Observer reports: This nest is off to a promising start! On March 24 the female was sitting down in the nest. When I left about 20 minutes later she was still there just looking around. No sign of male.

03/22/2018 by HHI Osprey Watch
This appears to be a new nest as of March 18, 2018. It is across from nest #2513