Nesting Diaries
Observed nest for about 15 minutes near low tide 0910 on May 27. Single bird was standing and squawking on nest; it departed after 10 minutes. This is the first time that I can recall seeing the nest unattended. Several other ospreys in area. Bird circled me after leaving next. 100 m away in parking lot, half a dozen ospreys were flying about me, a few passing directly overhead; squawking.
This report covers an earlier observation on May 12 and one today (May 24, 2012). On May 12 Bill Ferris accompanied me; no change in nest (bird sat, as if warming eggs); observed from ridge close to nest, and I got a mean tick bite. Today I observed 0845-0900 about an hour past low tide, but not from so close as the tick infested ridge. Today two birds stood on nest; one departed; the other squawked; neither bird sat low as if warming eggs. No indication that young were present.
Low tide observation about 3PM on 4 May 2012 from ridge at same level of nest, several m above water; 80 mm achromatic scope at 12.5 and 40 power. Like other visits, one bird in nest makes noise and focuses on me with breast raised. It eventually sits down (on eggs or young?), makes less noise, but still looks at me. Other ospreys fly nearby and pay no attention.
Oh, all reports so far just by Tom Charlock.
Two adults on nest 11:50 AM on 14 April 2012 about an hour before low tide; with sounding of horn by Christopher Newport University (CNU) Sailing Team (14 small sloops and 3 outboard motor boats pass close to nest while returning to harbor) 1 osprey departs.
Photo posted of another low tide visit at 6 PM on 23 April 2012; 1 noisy adult in nest; fishermen cast baited hooks from shore, with sinkers splashing 2 m away from channel marker that supports nest.