Nesting Diaries
All week I have observed a lone Osprey eating at the utility pole next to were the nest was. Today, I observed 2 Osprey sitting on the utility pole where the nest was previously. I also witnessed another bird trying to start a nest there. This 3rd bird has a stick in its grasp and was landing on top of one of the perched Osprey and trying to, what I assume, push it out of the way.
I returned to the area around noon on Apr 12, 2021. The nest was completely gone. Not only did we have a severe storm Apr 9-11, but there was also utility work that I've previously posted about. On Tuesday, April 13th, I observed the utility crews working in the nest area. It is difficult to determine the true nature of the nest disappearance.
Today, the osprey have been adding to the nest. I posted a photo of the landing. Most times I can see one of the pair perched on a nearby tree by the nest.
Part 2 update on 4.5.21 - There is a utility crew replacing poles along the road. I contacted FL FWS and unfortunately, there are no protections for removing active osprey nests. I also contacted USFWS. They directed me back to FL FWS. Fingers crossed the line crew stop at their current location. I will be very sad if the nest is removed. The birds will be feeding from fish that are exposed to the gypsum stack leak that is in the news too. Florida has dropped the ball on protection of natural resources.
I'm pretty sure the chicks have hatched. Today, both parents were observed in the nest and leaning forward into the base of the nest. Twice I saw a small wing flap from inside the nest. Hopefully, I will have definitive confirmation soon. I'm very excited about the babies!
This has been an amazing bird watching activity. In Dec. 2020, I'd seen more osprey than usual. I then saw what I thought was mating behavior. Eventually, they started adding a couple of sticks at a time to the electrical pole. Now, there's a full blown nest! They even added more today.