Nickname
Rivers Edge 2
Coordinates
(37.2209, -76.6515)
Substrate
Osprey Nest Platform
Description
Kings Mill on James River. Fifty yards from nest called Rivers Edge 1. nest on platform. Much smaller platform that Rivers Edge 1. Almost on shore.
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 - Rivers Edge | 2022 - Rivers Edge | 2021 - Rivers Edge | 2020 - Rivers Edge | 2019 - Rivers Edge | 2017 - Rivers Edge | 2016 - Rivers Edge | 2015 - Rivers Edge | 2013 - Rivers Edge | 2012 - Rivers Edge | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| aAdult Arrival | 4/5/23 | 3/4/22 | 2/25/21 | 3/8/20 | 3/12/19 | 3/20/17 | 3/18/16 | 3/11/15 | 3/23/13 | 3/24/12 |
| aOccupied | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| aActive | ||||||||||
| bEgg Laying | ||||||||||
| bIncubation Initiation | 4/8/23 | 4/25/22 | 4/23/21 | 4/24/20 | 4/8/17 | 4/20/16 | 4/3/15 | 4/24/13 | 5/2/12 | |
| cClutch Hatching | 5/15/23 | 5/20/22 | 5/20/21 | 5/1/20 | 5/15/17 | 5/25/16 | 5/28/13 | 5/30/12 | ||
| dNestlings | 1 | 2 | 2 | 3 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 3 | |
| eFledglings | 2 | 2 | 3 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | ||
| eFirst Chick Fledging | 7/5/22 | 7/12/21 | 6/21/20 | 6/23/19 | 7/5/17 | 7/15/13 | 7/19/12 | |||
| fChicks Last Observed | 6/30/20 | |||||||||
| xNest Failure | ||||||||||
| xReason For Nest Failure |
Select Seasons
Show reports, diaries, and photos from:Current 2022 2021 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012
Activity reports
2012 Nest Activity Report by Rivers Edge
| Adult arrival | 03/24/2012 | Nestlings | 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nest Occupied | No | Fledglings | 2 |
| Nest Active | First chick fledging | 07/19/2012 | |
| Egg laying | Chicks last observed | ||
| Incubation initiation | 05/02/2012 | Nest failure | |
| Clutch hatching | 05/30/2012 | Reason for nest failure |
2013 Nest Activity Report by Rivers Edge
| Adult arrival | 03/23/2013 | Nestlings | 2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nest Occupied | Yes | Fledglings | 2 |
| Nest Active | First chick fledging | 07/15/2013 | |
| Egg laying | Chicks last observed | ||
| Incubation initiation | 04/24/2013 | Nest failure | |
| Clutch hatching | 05/28/2013 | Reason for nest failure |
2015 Nest Activity Report by Rivers Edge
| Adult arrival | 03/11/2015 | Nestlings | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nest Occupied | Yes | Fledglings | |
| Nest Active | First chick fledging | ||
| Egg laying | Chicks last observed | ||
| Incubation initiation | 04/03/2015 | Nest failure | |
| Clutch hatching | Reason for nest failure |
2016 Nest Activity Report by Rivers Edge
| Adult arrival | 03/18/2016 | Nestlings | 2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nest Occupied | Yes | Fledglings | 2 |
| Nest Active | First chick fledging | ||
| Egg laying | Chicks last observed | ||
| Incubation initiation | 04/20/2016 | Nest failure | |
| Clutch hatching | 05/25/2016 | Reason for nest failure |
2017 Nest Activity Report by Rivers Edge
| Adult arrival | 03/20/2017 | Nestlings | 2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nest Occupied | Yes | Fledglings | 2 |
| Nest Active | First chick fledging | 07/05/2017 | |
| Egg laying | Chicks last observed | ||
| Incubation initiation | 04/08/2017 | Nest failure | |
| Clutch hatching | 05/15/2017 | Reason for nest failure |
2019 Nest Activity Report by Rivers Edge
| Adult arrival | 03/12/2019 | Nestlings | 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nest Occupied | Yes | Fledglings | 3 |
| Nest Active | First chick fledging | 06/23/2019 | |
| Egg laying | Chicks last observed | ||
| Incubation initiation | Nest failure | ||
| Clutch hatching | Reason for nest failure |
2020 Nest Activity Report by Rivers Edge
| Adult arrival | 03/08/2020 | Nestlings | 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nest Occupied | Yes | Fledglings | 3 |
| Nest Active | First chick fledging | 06/21/2020 | |
| Egg laying | Chicks last observed | 06/30/2020 | |
| Incubation initiation | 04/24/2020 | Nest failure | |
| Clutch hatching | 05/01/2020 | Reason for nest failure |
2021 Nest Activity Report by Rivers Edge
| Adult arrival | 02/25/2021 | Nestlings | 2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nest Occupied | Yes | Fledglings | 2 |
| Nest Active | First chick fledging | 07/12/2021 | |
| Egg laying | Chicks last observed | ||
| Incubation initiation | 04/23/2021 | Nest failure | |
| Clutch hatching | 05/20/2021 | Reason for nest failure |
2022 Nest Activity Report by Rivers Edge
| Adult arrival | 03/04/2022 | Nestlings | 2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nest Occupied | Yes | Fledglings | 2 |
| Nest Active | First chick fledging | 07/05/2022 | |
| Egg laying | Chicks last observed | ||
| Incubation initiation | 04/25/2022 | Nest failure | |
| Clutch hatching | 05/20/2022 | Reason for nest failure |
Nest Activity Report by Rivers Edge
| Adult arrival | 04/05/2023 | Nestlings | 1 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nest Occupied | Yes | Fledglings | |
| Nest Active | First chick fledging | ||
| Egg laying | Chicks last observed | ||
| Incubation initiation | 04/08/2023 | Nest failure | |
| Clutch hatching | 05/15/2023 | Reason for nest failure |
Photos of this nest
Nesting Diaries
06/25/2023 by Rivers Edge
I have checked this nest twice to check on both chicks. Today I only saw one very large juvenile. I am assuming the smallest chick died. The large juvenile is very large and very strong. Parents were in the air but did not come to the nest due to boaters in the area.
05/23/2023 by Rivers Edge
At least two chicks observed...one very small so probably hatched a week ago.
05/06/2023 by Rivers Edge
Both male and female observed today. Male brought a fish and tore it into a small piece. I suspect there may be very young chicks.
04/08/2023 by Rivers Edge
I couldn't get too close to the nest today as the tide was very high on the river. From a distance I took this photo of the female sitting low in the nest incubating eggs.
03/12/2023 by Rivers Edge
Because of bad weather and high tides I was unable to get a photo of the pair until March 12, 2023. Today I saw them together on the nest and one osprey bringing in sticks.
07/09/2022 by Rivers Edge
I have monitored the nest weekly. On 7/9 the nest was empty and a juvenile was on the rocks nearby. I am estimating they fledged about 7/5 when I was out of town.
03/29/2022 by Rivers Edge
Yesterday I monitored to determine how the Osprey did with the bad windstorms. Copulation continues. Perhaps the female was laying an egg as she was very low in the nest.
03/25/2022 by Rivers Edge
I have been observing this pair frequently. Their nest is well built and both members of the pair are frequently present. Today I observed copulation.
03/07/2022 by Rivers Edge
The pair arrived and I first observed them three days ago. Today they were actively working on the nest in spite of the gale force wind.
07/14/2021 by Rivers Edge
On July 14th I was very impressed with what a strong flyer this juvenile appears to be. It flew back and forth between Mom and the trees many times.
07/14/2021 by Rivers Edge
On 7/12 I walked to the river and discovered that the nest was empty. Osprey were flying overhead but unable to tell where they belonged. On 7/14 I returned to the river and saw Om on a piling and a juvenile on a nearby piling. Later the juvenile flew to the nest and landed. It stayed there for a few minutes and then flew back to the piling near Mom. There was another mature osprey and a juvenile flying high overhead which I think was probably Dad and the second juvenile from this nest.
05/27/2021 by Rivers Edge
I have been checking the nest on a regular basis when the tide permits access. On this date I observed two chicks and a possible third hidden by Mom.
03/09/2021 by Rivers Edge
On Feb 25, 2021 I saw both the male and female on the nest and copulation. Three days later I was checking the other Rivers Edge site and observed two males and the female skirmishing at the platform. Once the female and male were on the platform and were hit from behind by a second male. All three tumbled into the water but flew away to various trees to shake off the water. All seemed uninjured. Two days later I checked again and just the one pair were on the platform but no nest rebuilding or copulation.
06/30/2020 by Rivers Edge
I was unable to get back to nest until today...third chick with parent in tree sharing a fish. This has been a very good year for this nest!
06/24/2020 by Rivers Edge
On Father's Day I observed that one fledgling was on the large rock below the nest. On this date, he had moved to a safer location, a piling surrounded by water. Parents were close by watching over him. His sib was flapping wings getting ready to fledge. 30 minutes later he had also fledged and was near sibling in a safe location.
06/06/2020 by Rivers Edge
Finally was able today to see all three chicks at one time now that they are larger.
05/31/2020 by Rivers Edge
saw one really large chick today and a sibling that is smaller...you can tell who is getting the most food but chick two is doing fine.
05/23/2020 by Rivers Edge
Still only able to confirm 2 nestlings...children swimming and screaming caused them to hunker down just as I arrived. Saw one head clearly and a wing moving on other side of nest so I am sure there are two thriving chicks.
05/15/2020 by Rivers Edge
It appears that there are only two hatchlings this year although I might have seen some movement in the far corner.
05/03/2020 by Rivers Edge
watched for 30 minutes...seems to be hovering over nest with probably chicks...saw last week after male flew in with fish and left, female tore it a part and seemed to be feeding to very small chicks around her in a partial circle but too small to see them.
04/24/2020 by Rivers Edge
The female was on the nest and incubating. The male came in with another stick, copulated, flew away and the female rearranged the stick and returned to incubation posture.
03/18/2020 by Rivers Edge
On 3/17 saw breeding behavior..both male and female seem to have returned within the same timeframe of just several days.
06/11/2019 by Rivers Edge
I have visited the nest three times since last report. The three chicks are really growing. Parents seem to be very alert and protective.
05/20/2019 by Rivers Edge
After downloading my photos on the computer it is clear that there are three chicks. Hurray!
05/20/2019 by Rivers Edge
On 5/20/2019 I saw two, possibly 3 chicks. Mom was sheltering them from the sun and dad was nearby fishing. Last season a tree fell during a hurricane and blocked the path to the river. currently the path is accessible for monitoring.
03/29/2018 by Rivers Edge
Saw pair on 3/10. By March 27 the nest was repaired..female on the nest, male sitting in rocks at the base.
07/09/2017 by Rivers Edge
Both chicks have now taken flight but return to the nest almost immediately to sit on the edge. The older ones flies more often and is attempting to fish. He flies low and skims the water with his talons over and over. Perhaps he can't figure out why there are no fish on them when he returns to his nest.
06/17/2017 by Rivers Edge
Observed nest yesterday. At first no osprey seen either adult or chicks...got concerned but in 15 minutes adult came to site and saw two chicks.
05/25/2017 by Rivers Edge
I monitored this nest on 5/18 and at that time, the female was no longer incubating so I am assuming that the eggs hatched around May 15th. On this date, I observed one small wobbly head and some other movement so can confirm one hatchling for sure and possibly more.
04/09/2017 by Rivers Edge
On 4/8/17 observed nesting pair. At this time the nest is complete and the female is incubating eggs. The male brought a fish to the nest and the female flew off while he sat on the nest and ate his fish.
03/20/2017 by Rivers Edge
In the first week of March I saw one on the nest site and six others in the area. It wasn't until this date that I finally saw both of them together on the platform. Most of the nest was destroyed during the winter by storms but at this time, the nest rebuilding is progressing.
06/18/2016 by Rivers Edge
Definitely two very large chicks in the nest...posted photo to show how well they are doing at this time. After failing for two years it is so great to see how well they are doing this year.
06/03/2016 by Rivers Edge
I have visited the nest site several times since mid March. Incubation began around 4/20/16. About 5/25 I noted that Mom appeared to be monitoring hatchlings. On 6/2 I could see one large hatchling in the nest (there maybe two but I can't confirm at this point.
03/18/2016 by Rivers Edge
It appears that even though this nest was abandoned last year, the pair are going to try again. The female was sitting on the nest and also brining sticks to it. The male was eating a fish on the broken pier. The female was disturbed several times by people walking by on the shore.
05/20/2015 by Rivers Edge
Monitored nest for an hour...Female no longer incubating, standing with wings shading nest...flys away when disturbed by walkers but circles over river and returns quickly...no sign of a chick..dad came to nest several times to preen on edge but did not bring fish nor did mom go fishing.
04/05/2015 by Rivers Edge
On March 11, 2015 I observed two osprey on this nest. By the time I reached the river (can't see the nest while walking down the last 3/4 of the way), the male had left. A male was sitting on the pilings of the old pier where nest 1 was located, Now the boards from the pier have been taken down and it is impossible for the pair from nest one to nest there. I think that that pair may have taken over this platform. In past years this platform has beginning nests that are later abandoned.
By April 3, the nest was complete, although small, and the female appears to be incubating and maybe egg rolling. However, she does get up and sit on the edge of the nest for a period of 10 minutes during the 90 minutes observed. The male was in a tree up the hill and stayed there preening for 80 minutes. The female called to him several times, finally flying up to him. Copulation occurred and then both flew back to the nest. However, he stayed for just a few minutes.
People on the beach walking by cause the female to fly from the nest, circle overhead until the people leave, and then she returns. This nest is just a few yards from the shore.
04/07/2014 by Rivers Edge
On 4/6/14 the nest appeared to have had a few more sticks and trash added. However, there was no sign of the female previously seen and no other osprey in the area other then the pair that is nesting on the broken down pier nearby. I am thinking that this is now an abandoned site.
03/31/2014 by Rivers Edge
I have monitored nest weekly. Last week it appeared that some sticks had been placed on the platform but no sign of osprey. On 3/31/14 a female osprey was sitting on the sticks and what appears to be the beginning of a nest. She called repeatedly but flew to a tree when she spotted me. She stayed there, calling for an hour but no sign of a male.
03/10/2014 by Rivers Edge
I monitored the nest on 3/10/14. No sign of the adults on this date. They usually return around the 24th of March. The nearby nest is now occupied-that pair usually returns on March 8th, as they did this year.
07/17/2013 by Rivers Edge
I have observed the nest twice during this time period. On this date both hatchlings have fledged and are in nearby trees. They were calling for food and Mom brought a fish to one in the tree farest from me.
06/12/2013 by Rivers Edge
I have observed this nest twice in this time period. On both occassions I saw both hatchlings. Today, the two are growing quickly and flapping their wings. Their eyes are also beginning to change color and are no longer the bright red. At this time I am thinking they maybe three weeks old rather than two. They did not appear hungry but Dad did not bring fish on either observation dates. Mom seems to be guarding the young diligently.
05/29/2013 by Rivers Edge
I observed this nest over Memorial Day weekend. There was a lot of boating activity on the two date I observed with Jet Skis zooming close to the nest. Only Mom was on the nest and she sat on the nest the entire time. There was no sign of Dad or feeding activity.
On May 29th I observed for several hours as I could only see one hatchling for short seconds. Finally Dad brought a fish and two hatchlings could be observed being feed. At this point they seem strong so must be at least one to two days old.
05/17/2013 by Rivers Edge
I have observed the nest on three occassions. Incubation began around May 1, 2013. Both male and female are present.
04/24/2013 by Rivers Edge
4/24/13-female sitting in nest, male sitting on edge of nest. He flew off and later returned with a nice leafy branch. Female stepped to edge of nest and they worked together to put it in place. She then set down in same spot-I don't think they are incubating though. Last year they returned one day later and did not start incubation until early May.
03/28/2013 by Rivers Edge
The pair had not returned on 3/20/13 when I checked. Hurray they are there now on 3/27 with a half completed nest. My estimate is they returned on the 23..it is amazing that date is exactly the same as last year. Both adults were sitting on edge of platform-no building activities. The male twice flew in the air to chase away approaching osprey.
03/12/2013 by Rivers Edge
3/11/13-I have checked the nesting platform on two occassions and no sign of the returning adults. Last year I first saw them on 3/24/12.
03/04/2013 by Rivers Edge
I checked for ault's return three days ago-osprey flying in the area so will check today to see if adults on nest.
08/07/2012 by Rivers Edge
8/7/12 I have observed this nest twice since last entry. By 7/19/12 the first chick had fledged followed by second chick on 7/26. On 8/6/12 both were visiting the nest but no sign of parents. When I walked onto the beach, both fledglings flew. One immediately caught a fish and flew off. No sign of any other osprey in the area.
07/15/2012 by Rivers Edge
I have observed the nest on four dates since 6/17. On all four dates the third chick was never observed again so my fear of predations seems to have been correct. On July 1 the chick in the nearby nest had fledged but the two chicks in this nest are hatched later and show no wing flapping. On July 15th hatchling 1 in this nest is doing lots of flapping and some lifting. Chick two is flapping but only jumping from side to side of the nest. Dad has brought fish during the hour, lands in the nest but when the hatchlings seem interested in it, he flies off. They just sit and watch their breakfast leave but show no intention of following. Dad returns with the fish and repeats this exercise over and over with same reults. However, I would expect that hatchling one will fledge in the next five days.
06/18/2012 by Rivers Edge
I have observed this nest twice since last diary entry. On 6/10/12 all three nestlings were observed-two seemed to be thriving and had grown significantly-it was difficult to see the third but for a brief period his head seemed to pop up-On 6/17 I observed the nest for several hours as I could not see number three hatchling. The first two have really shown and several times both stood and stretched out their wings. I fear that the third has perished or been predated. The nest is near the shore and trees and great horn owls have been heard in the area as well as eagles. People were walking on the beach on the earlier visit but this did not seem to bother Mom. On 6/17 there were jet skis and boats on the river. Mom seemed nervous, leaving the nest once to fly circles over a couple that were sitting on a log on the beach. I will continue to watch for the third chick.
06/03/2012 by Rivers Edge
6/2/12-An exciting day for this nest-when checked ten days ago, Mom was still incubating. Now there are three hatchlings-two seem significantly older with darker feathers. Last hatchlings still has white fuzz on head. Mom feeding-close to shore and with scope I got excellent views. Incubation probably started a little before May 2.
05/21/2012 by Rivers Edge
5/21/12 Mom continues to incubate eggs, sitting low in nest, turned eggs several times during the hour. No sign of Dad. Neighbor nest now has two hatchlings about ten days old.
05/11/2012 by Rivers Edge
Female continues to incubate eggs-sitting low in the nest-very inactive during two hours. Because she is so close to shore, she became nervous when I could be seen so I stayed behind a tree most of the two hours. Now that I own a scope I can really see her well. Male did come to nest several times but did not stay long or share incubation.
05/02/2012 by Rivers Edge
On May 2, 2012 both male and female in the nest. After 15 minutes the male left. the female was observed turning her eggs-I have not been able to observe that in the neighboring nest which is further out in the river and is much higher and larger. Female called out some but male did not return during the hour.
04/12/2012 by Rivers Edge
On March 24th a male was beginning to build the nest. A female was also in the area and landed on it several times when the male was off gathering sticks. Often when he attempted to add sticks he would drop them into the river. On March 30th the nest was much larger and a female was sitting upright in the nest. After 15 minutes a male came and stood near her. Soon another male started flying around and made downwards darts at the nest. The female flew away and then the first male started flying around overhead very close to the second male. Soon the two of them flew off. I watch for an hour, but no birds returned. On April 10th a male and female were standing on the nest. The male would leave and return with branches and they would both tend to the building of the nest. It seems to be settled as to who now occupies the nest. I did not observe copulation during the hour and a half and neither bird seemed very vocal.