Nickname
SP Rookery area on Lake Mary
Coordinates
(32.1444, -80.7699)
Substrate
Live Tree
Description
Sea Pines Rookery on Lake Mary (where there are no birds). You kind of walk back and then there is a blind with step and a nice look out over the water. If you look left as you face the lake, the fishing pier is just across the water on your left. The Osprey nest is on the left far away about mid-tree line.
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
| 2022 - CarolC | 2020 - CarolC | 2019 - CarolC | 2018 - CarolC | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| aAdult Arrival | 3/16/22 | 3/10/20 | 3/20/19 | |
| aOccupied | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| aActive | ||||
| bEgg Laying | ||||
| bIncubation Initiation | 3/25/22 | 3/30/20 | 4/10/19 | 5/1/18 |
| cClutch Hatching | 5/4/20 | 5/20/19 | ||
| dNestlings | 3 | 1 | 1 | 2 |
| eFledglings | 3 | 1 | 1 | 2 |
| eFirst Chick Fledging | 6/17/22 | 7/2/20 | ||
| fChicks Last Observed | ||||
| xNest Failure | ||||
| xReason For Nest Failure |
Select Seasons
Show reports, diaries, and photos from:Current 2022 2021 2020 2019 2018
Activity reports
2018 Nest Activity Report by CarolC
| Adult arrival | Nestlings | 2 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nest Occupied | Yes | Fledglings | 2 |
| Nest Active | First chick fledging | ||
| Egg laying | Chicks last observed | ||
| Incubation initiation | 05/01/2018 | Nest failure | |
| Clutch hatching | Reason for nest failure |
2019 Nest Activity Report by CarolC
| Adult arrival | 03/20/2019 | Nestlings | 1 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nest Occupied | Yes | Fledglings | 1 |
| Nest Active | First chick fledging | ||
| Egg laying | Chicks last observed | ||
| Incubation initiation | 04/10/2019 | Nest failure | |
| Clutch hatching | 05/20/2019 | Reason for nest failure |
2020 Nest Activity Report by CarolC
| Adult arrival | 03/10/2020 | Nestlings | 1 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nest Occupied | Yes | Fledglings | 1 |
| Nest Active | First chick fledging | 07/02/2020 | |
| Egg laying | Chicks last observed | ||
| Incubation initiation | 03/30/2020 | Nest failure | |
| Clutch hatching | 05/04/2020 | Reason for nest failure |
2022 Nest Activity Report by CarolC
| Adult arrival | 03/16/2022 | Nestlings | 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nest Occupied | Yes | Fledglings | 3 |
| Nest Active | First chick fledging | 06/17/2022 | |
| Egg laying | Chicks last observed | ||
| Incubation initiation | 03/25/2022 | Nest failure | |
| Clutch hatching | Reason for nest failure |
Photos of this nest
Nesting Diaries
03/15/2023 by CarolC
Jack C reports: There were several osprey perched in trees around Lake Mary vocalizing a lot so maybe there is still some courtship going on.
03/04/2023 by CarolC
Pauline D reports: While visiting the Sea Pines Preserve, she observed behavior at this nest;. Here is her observation:
We went to Sea Pines forest preserve and found a beautiful nest on the side limb overlooking the lake(Mary?). It's the best that nest has ever looked. We found the male eating on a nearby tree then bringing some moss to the nest. Was great to see.
Did not see his female.
06/20/2022 by CarolC
Jack C reports: no ospreys on nest but 4 circling over pond with much vocalizing. I believe these are three fledglings and one parent.
NOTE: Based on the last couple observations, it is likely that they fledged in mid-June. June 17 is just a guess.
06/15/2022 by CarolC
Jack C reports: 3 osprey in nest , an adult about 10 feet above in adjacent tree another adult hunting on lake nearby
NOTE: Based on the last couple observations, we believe that there may be 3 nestlings. We are unsure of the hatching date.
06/12/2022 by CarolC
Jack C reports: 7143 two ospreys at nest but too far away to tell if they were adults or juveniles.
05/18/2022 by CarolC
John C reports: 7143 had 2 adult osprey standing on the sides of the nest looking in
03/25/2022 by CarolC
Jack C reports: 7143 one osprey recumbent on nest the other visiting periodically. NOTE: Based on this observation, she MAY be on eggs.
03/16/2022 by CarolC
We were having a hard time finding this nest this season. Mary Alice T found it and sent this update:
one adult sitting behind the nest, which looks like it needs some redecorating. Then 2nd adult came flying through and they chased some crows away. This nest is across from the NO BIRDS IN THE ROOKERY sign. If you go up to the elevated bench and look to the right, it is right there! You need a long lens for this nest.
03/24/2021 by CarolC
Allyson L reports: There is absolutely no change on Nest 7143. I think they may be using a different, more secure location. I’ve looked around and have not seen any other possibility. I will keep checking and ask around.
03/06/2021 by CarolC
Allyson L reports: No activity. Nest still appears disheveled. Will keep scanning area to see if there is a new nest being built.
02/20/2021 by CarolC
Allyson L reports: After almost five days of rain and wind, the nest appears to have suffered some damage.
No ospreys were sighted; however, one was heard chirruping in the vicinity.
02/15/2021 by CarolC
Allyson L reports: no sightings of osprey nor any chirrups or calls heard – nest is undisturbed
02/08/2021 by CarolC
Allyson L reports: Monday, February 8: a male osprey flew over my car headed toward the Sea Pines Reserve – I turned into the reserve to monitor; he landed in the trees bordering the lake just south of Lake Mary and chirruped; however, he was not observed close to the nest
02/02/2021 by CarolC
Allyson L reports: There was no sign of an osprey nor did the nest appear disturbed.
02/02/2021 by CarolC
Allyson L reports: I spied a healthy male osprey nearby before approaching the location. Then, as I had not yet determined the exact location, the male osprey flew off as I neared.
The nest seems to have occurred some storm damage but am unsure of that.
07/05/2020 by CarolC
Debby B reports: fledged afternoon of July 2, I believe. Saw baby on nest in morning, adult swooping around, teaching to fish, perhaps, and next morning baby gone Friday. On Sat. saw baby flying, I think, around nest with adult flying overhead. This morning, Sunday, osprey talking from tree limbs, but I couldn't see them.
06/22/2020 by CarolC
Debby B reports: no real update on 7143..one baby in nest for sure, but will keep looking.
06/15/2020 by CarolC
Debby B reports: have seen one baby in nest. both parents always around, this morn one brought spanish moss to nest, then picked up something and went to limb to eat it...didn't look like fish. then other brought moss to nest and puttered around with one baby visible.
05/31/2020 by CarolC
Debby B reports: Babies in 7143, but can't see them yet. NOTE: We have listed 1, but will change that when we can confirm the number.
05/07/2020 by CarolC
Debby B and Lynn H report: incubation started 3-30 and believe hatched May 3rd-5th
May 7: 11:30 a.m. Nest 7143. Female on nest is in different posture and may have a chick but it can’t be seen. DB and LH both think it likely there is a chick under her. Male in nearby perch tree.
NOTE: We recorded 1 nestling but will update that when we can tell how many hatched.
05/01/2020 by CarolC
Lynn H reports: May 1: 9 a.m. DB & LH notice adult still incubating. No evidence of feeding, although the adult seems to be sitting a little higher in the nest, so we will be watching carefully. It’s about time for hatching
04/26/2020 by CarolC
Debby B reports: 4/25 change of birds to nest: 4/26. one brought spanish moss to nest while other sitting. I go in early morn and seems as male broods at night, female during day, but not always. The birds on this nest are constantly moving around so don't know situation of eggs, but time will tell.
04/21/2020 by CarolC
Lynn H reports: April 21: 8:30 a.m. observed one adult sitting in and one perched beside nest. Incubation continues.
04/18/2020 by CarolC
Debby B reports: 4-18 a.m. looks like male sitting, female on tree. male left, female went to nest, male returned with fish? NO, spanish moss! looks like this is incubation nest as bird always there, although head always moving around. Perhaps osprey can multitask.
04/15/2020 by CarolC
Lynn H and Debby B report: April 15: 9:30 a.m. DB & LH together saw an adult on the nest. DB reports that she has seen an adult on this nest the last several days.
04/11/2020 by CarolC
Debby B reports: female sitting on nest; male brought fish and left her with fresh fish breakfast
04/10/2020 by CarolC
Lynn H reports: April 10: 8:30 a.m. adult on nest. A couple ospreys are soaring high, but could be the pair from #7757.
04/07/2020 by CarolC
Lynn H reports: April 7: 8 a.m. adult on nest, 8:20 male flew in carrying something (looked like a stick but could be a fish).
9:30a.m. adult on nest.
04/04/2020 by CarolC
Lynn H and Debby B will both be reporting on this nest for awhle.
April 4: 11:15 a.m. Deb B showed Lynn H where this nest is, so she can help with observations. There was a female perched by (but not in or on) the nest, and a male see flying nearby. This nest is within sight of #7157, so there may be some confusion about which male we are seeing, if he is not right at the nest.
04/02/2020 by CarolC
03/30/2020 by CarolC
Debby B reports: 7143, mated third time 3-28 on nest. looks today, 3-30, as tho one adult finally sitting on eggs, although keeps messing around in nest. while looking over the water
03/24/2020 by CarolC
Debby B reports: I even walked under nest 7143 twice as good old forest preserve has cut a(nother) trail way back on that side of lake. I have observed pair bringing in nesting material, mating (on 3-21), dilly-dallying around nest doing nothing. This morning both were in nest, but male flew out and thought female would sit on eggs, but, no, she messed around the nest and then perched on her favorite snag.
03/12/2020 by CarolC
Debby B reports: TWO OSPREY WERE CIRCLING IN THE AIR OVER THE NEST CHIRPING AWAY AND I WAS HOPING TO SEE THEM LAND AND MAKE LOVE, BUT THEY FLEW TO A LIVE TREE AND SUDDENLY AN EAGLE SWOOPED DOWN AND ALL TOOK FLIGHT AND I HAD TO LEAVE THE SUSPENSE.
03/11/2020 by CarolC
Debby B reports: nest located to left of two small dead snags straight across from lookout. finally saw action, but no confirmed nesting. 3/10 and 3/11 osprey sitting on snag, today one was on the nest, but two others came by and flushed it out, then two sitting on nest, doing nothing, no repair, just staring off into space. then one sitting on snag as tho it was protecting nest, but looks like nothing in nest. will keep you advised. that one will be active, finally, and hopefully I will be able to see a sitting bird.
08/08/2019 by CarolC
Jim G reports: 7143 has fledged. Didn’t see chick or adult anywhere in the nest area.
05/20/2019 by CarolC
NOTE: Based on Jim's observations, we are guessing the egg hatched about May 20th. It is normally hard to see the chicks for the first 2 weeks or so.
05/15/2019 by CarolC
07/30/2018 by CarolC
Jim Reports:
#7143 10:03am - 10:23am
10:03am Both chicks are in the nest. No adults present.
10:07am One chick stands and engages in some vigorous wing flapping.
10:11am For the next 11 minutes, both chicks call frequently and scan the sky.
10:23am Both chicks settle in the nest.
07/10/2018 by CarolC
observer reports: #7143 03:08pm - 03:31pm
03:08pm Female is shading both chicks.
03:13pm One chick stands and moves around the nest.
03:31pm Standing chick returns to shade of mother’s wings.
06/24/2018 by CarolC
observer reports: #7143 05:37pm - 06:04pm
05:37pm Adult(facing away) was feeding chick.
06:01pm Adult stopped feeding.
06/03/2018 by CarolC
report: 7143 03:12pm - 03:52pm
03:12pm Male standing in nest preening.
03:17pm Male left nest.
03:34pm Female returned to nest with fish, stood on edge of nest and ate the fish.
03:56pm Observation terminated
05/25/2018 by CarolC
observer reports: 7143 04:14pm - 04:46pm
04:14pm Female sitting low in nest
04:17pm Male sitting in small tree on Rookery Isl.
04:27pm Female left nest. Male circling over Rookery Isl.
04:31pm Female and male circling over water.
04:34pm Female returned to nest and settled low.
04:38pm Two males interacting over water (territorial dispute?).
04:40pm Male fishing near nest.
04:46pm Observation terminated.
05/13/2018 by CarolC
observer reports:
7143 04:49pm - 05:33pm
04:49pm Adult did not move for the entire observation period.
05:33pm Observation terminated.
05/04/2018 by CarolC
observer reports: #7143 02:22pm - 02:54pm
02:22pm One adult on nest - seems to be incubating.
02:54pm Adult hasn’t moved except for a little head movement and panting.
based on these observations, we will assume that incubation may have started about May 1