Nesting Diaries
Visited early this morning to find both adults on the nest but no nestlings observed. This early morning was quite foggy and dark, but from what I could observe the nest appears empty. Communication with NPS personnel indicates no chicks this year at the nest. However, I did observe the male bringing in another large stick to the nest which is interesting... Perhaps next year they will relocate to the new nest across the street at Spermacetti Cove where the nesting pair was spending some of their time together shortly after the nest was erected by CWF and NPS.
I observed what appeared to be an incubation handoff at this nest. Picture uploaded. The male made an approach and landing to the nest and the female departed. He appeared to get comfortable and low over the nest, presumably to incubate. I have also observed both Osprey in this nesting pair eating and preening at the brand new nest across the street at Spermaceti Cove. They vocalize while located there as if to say - this is ours too. Both the male and female use the new nest as a staging area to eat and preen. They did mate at the new nest as well earlier in the season.
What an interesting observation today. Confirmed by reading leg band in my photos that this male was born in 2010, not far from Sandy Hook. Same male as last year but on the nest that fell during the April storm in 2018. Also, there was a third Osprey sitting on the nest today, appeared to be a female (necklace.) The male looked so tired, and the female kept giving her looks. Eventually the female flushed from the nest to chase her away. This happened yesterday as well.
Observed Ospreys mating, photo posted.
All kinds of action at this overstuffed nest. Leg banded male spotted with fish and the female together at this nest today. Also, another female and male had been seen in confrontations with the nesting pair near this nest. Drama!
Huge nest platform with a large amount of nesting material. Mating pair is occupying the nest, male has a silver leg band. Pictures uploaded. Mating and nest building is underway.