Nesting Diaries
The nesting pair has claimed the nest and are starting to bring in nest material. As usual, this pair does a shoddy job of nest building compared to the other platforms around here. They are more focused on the mating behaviors and eating a lot of small fish.
Most nests close to here seem to have pairs. A pair have swooped into this nest now and then but don't stay. I have seen a few aerial territorial disputes across the campus nests. Osprey this year seem numerous and healthy.
The fledglings haven't been seen in a while. The male and female are back now and then (on the same days). Resting and catching fish. The female was on the nest perch post most of the day but just came back with a nice fish.
The family of four is still complete at this nest. Two healthy fledglings are taking short flights. The female caught a huge fish today and ate most of it up on the radar perch the male usually uses.
Two hatchling heads have been popping up.
Female is looking thin. I haven't seen much fish coming back to the nest the last couple days.
This pair remains active. I still do not see any nestling heads popping up or clear feeding behavior.
This pair has been very active with nest improvements and tending the eggs / nestlings? I can't tell if the eggs have hatched but the behavior is indicative of it. The male has been bringing fish after fish in, including a very large one. They are eating a lot in the nest together (instead of one at a time). I can't tell if they are feeding any young. There is a decent size piece of fire wood in the nest. That must have been quite a flight.
I'll bring my camera back in for some updated photos.
The pair has been settled in since my last report. One is always on the eggs. I have seen several "shift changes". One today was the female eating a very large fish. She was using her left talon to hold the tail of the fish. She would shift it up often, similar to what I observed on the perch last year. The female is well fed, big and strong. The male likes to eat and hang out on the new Radar tower installed last year. I will upload a few photos later.
Can you please note if you think the same female from 2021 has arrived, the female with the foot injury? thx
This nest has been mostly vacant the past week, with a few fly buys and territorial squabbles. Today the alpha pair is settling in. They have been in and out of the nest most of the day with at least one of them guarding the nest. They caught a couple of nice size fish and have brought in some nest material.
Osprey pair in and out of nest today. A few seconds of mating. No nest building.
First day all UD nests occupied.
Two Gulls have been roosting on the platform. Yesterday two Osprey swooped in and tried repeatedly to run them off and claim the nest. Surprisingly the Gulls prevailed.
A few Osprey have flown by today but none with interest in this nest.
The nest is mostly vacant now. I haven't seen all 3 at the same time in a few days.
The young one has a great feather plume now and flies often. It has brought nest material back to the nest, but not a fish yet. It still wants to be fed by the adults. Spoiled by being the only hatchling to survive. The last few days the adults have stopped picking the fish apart and beak feeding, letting the young one tear and eat the fish on its own.
The young one is taking short flights today. Exciting for me, but the adult (female I think) on the perch is acting like it is just another day.
First day I have seen the fledging exercising their wings (rapid flapping while standing). Body is relatively small, head and body feathers are crisp young osprey colors. Still has a full orangish band around the neck.
One hatchling maturing well. Photos attached. The few nests I'm watching only have one surviving hatchling this year.
Parenting activity continues, though I have only seen one head pop up into view so far.
I had my camera today and timing was good. A head of a nestling was seen poking up over the nest edge. Photo attached. I will keep an eye out for others before logging the number of hatchlings. Both parents are diligent with bringing back fish and protecting the young from the sun or rain. Three of the other five nests I keep a close eye on have a visible hatchling or adults behaving as if protecting young hatchlings. This is good news based on the extreme weather faced!
I was sad to see on the State Park Osprey Cam that the one remaining hatchling in that nest passed away last night. The female remains with it looking bewildered. It has been very hot after a several day rain and cold spell. I started watching the camera recently so don't know the story. I haven't seen any evidence of food brought to the nest since I started watching the last couple of days.
The two adults in this nest keep working together tending to hatchlings in the nest. I can't see hatchlings, but the adult behavior is similar to what I observed on the State Park camera. They have caught some small fish and try to shade the hatchlings. I see the same behavior in other nests.
Both chicks at Cape H died May 29, 30 from starvation/exposure. That storm was very hard on many nests. The 3rd died early this morning and it may be toxins or GI blockage as the bird was fine last evening and was fed before dark. It had been well cared for this past week as it was the only chick.This female has quite a story, she was entangled in baling twine mid August 2019. Nest #6099. I was called by Tri-State Bird Rescue to attempt to capture her on the nest but as the bucket truck was moving into position she broke free. The male at that nest was known for bringing in baling twine- we assume from the nearby farm. 2018 I used a bucket truck to capture an entangled chick from the same nest, same adult pair. The chick did not survive. August 2019 I tracked this injured female until she migrated and I witnessed her bringing in her own fish. She would perch as you describe with the right foot low, and in flight it sometimes hangs low. She liked to take her fish to the platform to eat rather than a branch as I guess it was easier for her to manage the fish with that weak foot. I didn't expect to see her early 2020 so when she arrived and her male was there I was thrilled. But they had to fight off another pair and ultimately this one lost the nest.The new female 2020 and 2021 has a very brood necklace and I do not know if the male is still at the other nest or traveled with this injured female. This location is not actually that far and I truly believe this is the same bird. I will follow her progress and enjoy seeing any photos you might take. She is a much loved osprey who spent many years at the prior nest site. The locals named her Belle. thx much! .jm.
very active today, I am entering all Pilottown Rd outlier nests for possible inclusion in the 2021 CIB State of the Bays 5 yr report
Thanks for the history on the Female!
Memorial Day weekend was very rainy and cold over several days before clearing Monday. I can't see into the nest, but this pair is still working together and seem in more of a tending mode than incubation mode. Hopefully some healthy hatchlings are in there or coming soon.
tendon injury, luckily she can still catch fish, this may be the female that had the same type injury late 2019 and was displaced off a nest at #6099 Little League Lite ball field. that injury was caused by baling twine
I notice the female lifts her right foot a lot as if it hurts when she is perched. It also dangles some when she first flies. I noticed this last year as well. Not sure if that is common or a sign of a past injury.
It has been a chilly week and will continue to be so. This pair has continued to diligently incubate the eggs and do shift changes. The fish they caught yesterday were very small which is a bit concerning. This morning one was bringing more soft nest material to the nest.
Friday one came back with one of the biggest fish I've seen an Osprey catch. Photo posted. They made several victory laps squawking and showing off before enjoying the meal.
They dug a nice nest bowl because it is hard to tell if one is in the nest. I saw a quick change of duty today and some nest mending. Good to see more responsible tending than last year.
During the week after my previous post both Osprey were acting like teenagers in and out of the nest, catching fish etc. The last several days one has been in solid incubation posture. The other in and out with fish in support.
I drove by a few times this morning. An osprey has been in incubation position in the center of the nest. --In hind sight maybe she was preparing the nest bowl.
First day of the female spending more time in the nest than up on the posts. She has been in a hunched over posture (looking uncomfortable). Maybe egg laying today?
The pair is well settled in and unbothered here. The nest is being fixed up but still of low quality. The male is jockeying for affection often.
Both resting together in the nest today. Winds are high. There is evidence of nest maintenance activity over the weekend. The female is being receptive to breeding activity.
First day with both Osprey in frequent site. The female is resting on the perch of the platform, letting the blackbirds and other off-season nest squatters know that the nest is hers again. The male has tried to impress by flying by with tiny fish in the talons, but she is not impressed yet.
These two are still hanging around together. Fishing was good today. They didn't venture far from the nest. No indication of a late incubation.
Interestingly, nest building is continuing. Could there be a late incubation period coming?
This pair is off together most of each day. They return at the same time. Today a mocking bird spent several minutes harassing the male while perched above the nest.
Male perched for a while holding left foot up as if it is hurt. Female back and forth gathering dune grass to repair nest.
Some minor nest rebuilding going on today.
The pair has remained. Other nest males have been gone for a while.
Tropical Storm Isaias rolled through here yesterday. The pair was lounging on the platform in the morning, casually flew off before the winds came and returned after the major wind ended. During one of the big wind gusts their poorly made nest blew off the platform. Maybe they will leave for their journey south sooner now.
Still a pair in and out of this nest daily.
No hatchlings this year.
Pair returned late yesterday afternoon and have been in and out today. Male trying to breed.
Nest vacant the last two days.
A pair returns and claims the nest around 3:00 each day. I observe breeding behavior and some minimal nest maintenance. They act like teenagers having fun and enjoying the summer with the numerous other Osprey in the area. I presume it is the same as the original pair who nested this year but am not sure.
A pair was exhibiting normal behavior for several weeks before late March when I stopped observing due to the pandemic. Nest was never well built and has failed and been abandoned. Several come and go exhibiting territorial or early stage breeding behavior. I guess young birds that haven't matched up and established a nest yet.
A few territorial next battles going on today. Wonder if one of the brood from the past.
Dominant pair is tending to the nest in the mornings. The local pairs seem to fly off for most of the afternoons.
A male and female in and about the nest most of the morning. Good to see the Ospreys back.
Female back again for a few minutes today. Was also here yesterday with a nice size fish. She never stays long. Heat wave here the last few weeks.
One young or a passer by perched on the nest post and ate a fish. Great to see one again, it has been several weeks. I have seen a few fly by elsewhere in Lewes, vast majority moved on by early Sept.
I wrote too soon. One arrived with a small fish. Immediately met at the nest by two others. Squabble and all flew off, one came back, fish still in talon. Flew off a few minutes later to find place to eat in peace.
0-2 the last few days. Mostly vacant today, one max.
0-2 the last few days. One brought a fish back this morning and was raided by her Sister so flew elsewhere to eat it.
0-1 seen in the nest yesterday and this morning. None stay long before flying back out.
1745 - Mom showed up with a small fish and the two (who had been perched for a while) jumped hard after and fought over it. Guess learning to fish has been hard. Mom came back a short time later with a much bigger fish. Both kids flew off with their meal. Mom out fishing again I presume.
1530 - Vacant most of the day. Some stop and goes. Max of two perched at one time.
1500 - One showed up for a short while earlier then left. Nest vacant.
I don't see any soaring today. Weather is cloudy with occasional tstorms.
Four Osprey soaring together over the inlet. Great weather for flying.
1730 - Nest vacant all day. I've been away since 8/8 so not able to observe.
0715 - none in nest, all out.
I've only seen a max of two in the nest today. Empty most of the day.
1015 - Nest vacant. All out fishing I presume.
1645 - Full family of 4 seen in the nest for a short time. At 1700 three remain, all eating. One seems stuck with the remains of the very large fish caught earlier in the day and not enjoying the tail meat and lack of freshness.
Adult female was eating large fish alone in nest. Later one of the young showed up. The adult feed the young osprey as when younger. Young also tour at the fish on its own some. Young away from nest often now.
1730 - Four osprey in nest briefly. Crowded. Sisters seem to get along and share fish. Nest mending going on today as well.
1730 - Four osprey in nest briefly. Crowded. Sisters seem to get along and share fish.
Nice cool day. All Osprey away from nest most of day. At 1600 two had returned. Looks like one adult perched and one young in the nest.
1715 - The adult male brought another large fish for the kids then flew off again. All were out of the nest for a while today. Only one young is there now enjoying the fish.
0800 - Male returned with a fish and flew off. Female remains perched on post, two young ate the fish.
At 1700 I witnessed a 4 minute flight and awkward landing! Also, what I thought was a hatchling on the perch was actually an adult (skinny female). The second hatchling returned from a flight and landed in the nest. The female just took off to hunt. Her young are bigger than her now. She has been working hard to take care of her young.
I only saw the male for a short time today
I've been away since 7/12. Two healthy young (females I believe) have been standing in the nest all day. One adult with them often. A second adult appeared for a short time. I haven't seen the young fly yet. No flapping of wings either. It may be the excessive heat.
I've been away for 5 days. Today the largest of the young was flapping thei wings. Mom looks thin and tired. Both young are fully feathered, looking healthy, and hopefully soon ready to fly.
The largest hatchling is in full Osprey feathers and looks like a small adult. The smaller one may be as well. No grey coat. Fledglings now!
~0900 - nest going strong with two hatchlings and two well tending adults.
A lot of activity in the nest. Both young have clear osprey coloration in their faces and heads. Both have beaks always open still. Both are stretching wings, though the larger one is more active. They are growing very fast. A lot fish caught by the adults today.
This nest is still doing well. Two adults near constantly. Two hatchlings are active and growing fast. One remains significantly larger than the other. Distinct feathers are seen on both now.
Still two younglings in nest. One is still much larger than the other. The larger one is losing grey coat and starting to show colored feathers (particularly the head). His or her head is above the nest edge most of the time now.
Two young are active in the nest. One has been visible for a couple days and is larger than the other. Today is the first I've seen the second.
The dominate one is projecting above the nest edge consistently with grey coat and pink tongue, growing fast.
Definitely at least one young head popping up on the web cam video! Figure hatching was last Monday or earlier based on adult behavior.
I may have just seen a small head pop up.
I suspect the female is feeding the young, and the male is helping by giving pieces to the female? I just don't see her clearly feeding the young.
Male is feeding the female again. At least for the last 30 minutes. Bite by bite. I can't tell of what though. I didn't see them bring back a fish today or yesterday. I wish I had a high res camera.
A new phase for sure - eggs hatched? Male is feeding the female pieces of fish. Female may be feeding young (or is just staying close instead of fishing). I can't see inside the nest. The osprey pair are keeping to the outside edges of the nest. Feeding has been ongoing for several hours. Some nest adjusting and fluffing is ongoing as well. Some soft grass material is being added. The pair is working together on the nest.
A single Osprey is resting a lot in nest. Possibly tending to eggs.
Recent days the pair has continued to build up padding inside the nest. The size of fish they have been catching is larger. Plenty of periods of rest and some half-enthused courting behavior. Today was first day I observed soaring and chirping of a large # (~10) Osprey. Almost as if younger ones have arrived and getting reacquainted (or finding out they are not welcome in their birth nest).
There has been less mating behavior the last few days. Today the male is building up the nest while the female is resting (and seems to be supervising the nest build up from her perch).
Courting behavior and soft inside nest building has continued in earnest. This pair is healthy and happy. The outside ring of the nest is a bit better than last year, but no where close the quality of UD-2.
Multiple trips placing seaweed and other soft material into nest.
Courting behavior has begun
3/18/19- Very active nest building by the pair.
This next is in the water on a aid to navigation sign
Only one (looks like the female) is hanging around this week. For the last two-three weeks, the nesting pair has been hanging out together, enjoying the nest and favorite perches, eating well, and seeming to enjoy each others company. I have never seen a nesting pair together as much at the end of the season. I have a photo of them together on a perch (also unusual) eating a fish.