Amherstview Osprey Watch

July 22...big update

2012-07-29T16:01:00.000-07:00

When we went out on July 22, we saw lots of activity. Only two chicks were visible, but boy where they easy to see!

Mom on high cover again

Junior was on another perch

Watching every move I make...

Junior two swings by for a visit.

A landing pad..for two.

Incoming

Make way for wings.

Twins!

View from above.

July 14---how they have grown

2012-07-27T20:27:00.001-07:00

The next chance we had was on July 14. Early afternoon we went out for another quick visit.

Mom flew high cover and dad brought lunch...

And the kids showed their wings..they are so ready to fly!

June 21 was home rebuilding day

2012-07-27T19:52:00.003-07:00

When we went back the day after seeing the triplets, we did not see the triplets, but boy we saw some great nest building activities.

June 23--trying to get an update

2012-07-27T19:39:00.001-07:00

On the morning of June 23, I went out to try and get better picture of the three chicks. Unfortunately, the mom is very protective, and as soon as we get anywhere near close enough for a reasonable shot, she is telling the chicks to stay hidden and we get no good views.

But we saw a bold red-wing blackbird pestering the mom.

And dad fed the kids...

All we ever saw was the parents and one kid at a time.

Triplets--AGAIN!

2012-06-24T17:30:00.000-07:00

On June 13th, we swung out to see the nest and saw some proof of one baby. Not bad, but then on June 20th, Dawne went out and saw some great news.

We are so excited....

Nest Envy?

2012-04-15T08:12:00.000-07:00

When I went out to do my regular check out, nobody was there. We hung around for a while, and then a female returned, flew around and departed.

Shortly thereafter, a male came by and landed in the nest to be met by a female.

I say "A male and A female", because within 10 minutes, there were 4 Ospreys twisting and turning in the sky above and around the nest!

So this begs the question..welcoming committee? Another couple trying to take over the nest? Jealousy? What makes this especially interesting is when I try and look closely, I can not find any photos with two identifiable males in them...

Settling in..

2012-04-13T07:44:00.001-07:00

Last night, we went to take a quick look to see how the Amherstview clan were doing. When we got there, the girlfriend was in the nest and quite vocal. She took to the air and did a few circuits before heading out to find the dad.

Dad was off at nest depot, picking up some more bedding for the nest.

Dad watches his new girlfriend try and land at the nest..is it just me or does he look bemused?

When the girlfriend came back, dad would not move over and she needed to do a bunch of circuits before she decided to land somewhere else. Which gave me a few more chances to get a closer look at her.

Dad's got a new girl!

2012-04-06T15:12:00.000-07:00

Today, we went out to see what was going on, and Dad has a new mate! As we approached, one took off and the other stayed behind for a bit. We got to see both in flight together and seperate, and were able to confirm one male and one female!

Formation flying

Check out the new girls necklace!

Dad guides in the new mate!

Dad's back!

2012-03-31T18:52:00.001-07:00

Today, when I swung out to see any status updates, I saw Dad in the nest! He has spent the entire day flying out getting sticks for the nest upgrades. It looks like a complete renovation. I hope he has a girlfriend on her way to join him soon!
Watching the male working on the nest can be fascinating. He would disapear and you could see him diving to the ground to get sticks to bring back. Sometimes he would discard the stick and not retieve it from below the nest, almost as if it did not fit as he expected. He would also always approach the nest from the downwind side, so his approach could be slower.

Follow-up Visit Aug 16, 2011

2011-08-19T19:19:00.000-07:00

So, how are the chicks doing. Dawne swung out to check the afternoon of Aug 16. There were some visitors flying overhead.

All three chicks were hanging out in the nest.

And dad delivered a fish.

And they shared a meal.

When I showed up, one of the chicks flew at me on their way to the happy hunting grounds. I did not get a shot, but Dawne did.

All in all, while I was there, the only chick that seems to be hanging around the ball diamond is Nod. But they seem to be doing well and having fun.

Two of the chicks hang out.

Aug 6--My how kids grow up so quickly!

2011-08-06T19:16:00.000-07:00

So it has been nearly a week, and despite the cloudy weather we decided to go check on the "chicks". Last we saw, two of the chicks had obviously gotten the hang of flying and were seen flying out of sight to the south. The theory we had was they were off to learn to fish...but one was seen dogfighting with some redwing black birds.

So when we showed up this morning we were greeted with a very loud single chick in the nest, with dad on a nearby pole. After a few minutes, dad flew off to the North and returned with a branch that must have been 6 feet long.

Is he from Griffindor?

For most of the time we were there, dad flew around, delivering two sticks and just flying around. Nod, never left the nest, and Winkin and Blinkin were not seen at all. Until the end, we noticed one of the other chicks on a pole at the very south edge of the field. When I got closer, it became obvious that she had a fish she was eating on her own..

After she flew off, we left for 4 or 5 hours. When we came back, there were two chicks in the nest, and one did a few low laps. then a third showed up, giving us proof all three are still around. They flew around, hung out on a couple of poles. then I decided to play some music on my cell phone while waiting--and the first random song that came up was "Three Little Birds"..how appropriate:-). then all three chicks gathered at the nest, and dad showed up with a mid afternoon snack!

So we have photographic proof of Dad and all three chicks still hanging out together sharing meals. Great to see!

Aug 1--Nod is flying..a little dangerous..

2011-08-01T17:44:00.000-07:00

When we went out this morning we were pleased to see Nod getting some pointers from dad..the 48 hours appear to be all she needed.

She did many circuits, flew past dad..and even tried to land beside him again... with embarassing results.

Hi Dad!

NOD--LOOK OUT!!!

DIVE-DIVE-DIVE!!!!!!

You knocked my feathers off!!!

On our way home, we saw a Kingfisher we have been keeping an eye out for..and when we tried to see him, we saw an Osprey (it was mature and male so it could be dad...) out fishing!

July 30--Waiting for the Nod...

2011-07-30T21:06:00.000-07:00

Another early morning check out of the chicks. We did not see dad, but did get a chance to see how the chicks were doing. Both Blinkin and Winkin decided to prove their endurance and flew out of sight. We think they decided to go get fishing training from dad. This left poor Nod as the lone Osprey on duty. He tried, and tried..but this is the best he got.

Meanwhile, Blinkin was having playful dogfights with a red-wing blackbird or two on the horizon..kids, they grow up so quickly!!!

July 28-Wow..talk about progress

2011-07-28T21:21:00.000-07:00

We went out this morning with the hopes of seeing some good flying. Last night was nice, but we wanted more.The first thing that happened was dad decided a female flying by was an interloper and chased her off.

(Don't you hate when the mother-in-law drops by unannounced!)

Then, we got some proof that two of the chicks (Winkin and Blinkin) are very good, capable and adventurous fliers! And that Nod is still trying to get the required confidence.

Blinkin? takes off for a quick trip..

Fails to land cleanly on a light post...She then proceeded to roost on a nearby building.

Then, Winkin picked up what was left of breakfast (breakfish?) and flew with it to the nearby platform...

Leaving an upset Nod...

Blinkin flew to the platform too..

And Nod tried her? best!!!

When we left, Winkin and Blinkin were calling back to the nest as they ate on the platform, either taunting or encouraging Nod to join them.

Mid Afternoon, Dawne and the girls came out to see what was up..and got a great air show. Both Winkin and Blickin were doing low passes over the playground. There was also a large tent that was put up for some reason, that intrigued the chicks. They tried landing on the top of the post, and landed on the peak a few times...great landing challenges I guess.

This little piggie went to market......

A bad feather day!

Then, not satisfied with that challenge, they decided to check out the ball diamond! I have never seen an Osprey on the ground, let alone two.

Can you find the two Osprey?

OUT!!! SAFE!!! OUT!!! SAFE!!!

There were times they were so close the camera could not zoom out enough to catch the wingspan! of course by the time I showed up they were done..but Dawne and Rachel (8years old!) got some nice shots!

July 25-27 Update

2011-07-27T20:57:00.000-07:00

The weather has not been co operating, and we left town for a few days. When we Saw Winkin last Friday, she was doing one lap and then a big rest.

So we swung by on our way back into town, and saw three Osprey out of the nest.

We think this is Winkin

We think this is Blinkin and Dad

Dad gives me the evil eye!

From what it looks, Dad was on the platform, with Blinkin, Winkin was on a light by herself, and Nod was back in the nest, out of sight.

Tuesday, Dawne went out and saw:

Which seems to be dad having supper. There are left overs visible in the nest, so he is still keeping the chicks well fed!

And tonight, we went out for a few minutes, and had the pleasure of seeing a very low flight across the soccer field, but did not get that picture. We did get the after landing shot--looks like Winkin:

With dad and the rest of the family in the nest. We will go see in the morning!!!

July 22--Yay Winkin!!!

2011-07-22T07:19:00.000-07:00

At 0830, we headed out to the field to watch. When we got there, nothing was happening so we decided to sit in the van and listen to the news..much to our chagrin.

Not halfway through the news, someone took off, flapped at least 10 flaps, flew form on side of the nest and landed. So we got out of the van fairly quickly.

And were walking closer when we saw....

Someone take off...

So we thought, "I guess that was dad before we saw fly from one end to the other..."

But then our freind landed less that a minute later after one circuit...

It was WINKIN!...We caught her in one of her first, purposeful circuits around the nest!!!

Blinkin and Nod look on...

And to confirm, a minute and a half later, dad showed up and flew circuits for a while...

Thanks Dawne for pointing out the moon so I could compose this shot!

Then a mature female did a few laps...

And it is going to be harder and harder to tell the chicks and adults apart..the eyes are getting yellower, and the beaks are growing!

July 21--Not Again..WINKIN!!!

2011-07-21T17:52:00.000-07:00

Well, today the mail brough a pleasent surprise. A local family tracked down our address and sent us a Thank You card!

We decided today to not go first thing in the morning, but rather later on. So we swung out and guess what we saw--two birds in the nest and two on the platform---again!

Apparently strong wind gusts and showing off chicks causes problems! She was to timid to fly back...

Dad was encouraging her along...

While her sisters fought in the nest...

Dad waited,

Went to the bathroom

And went to go check in on the other two kids...

Leaving Winkin looking forlorn!

This shot is to give an idea of how far she flew...The close pole is the one she is on, the far pole is the nest.

Blinkin and Nod, bickering as kids left alone Will do...

Dad showed up with a bunch of grass..either he is doing home reno's..or trying to trick Winkin...but she is not buying it.

Dad brought a little fish to the two at home...

Showed up 20 minutes later with a bigger one for Winkin

"What you looking at bird brain"

Note the striking difference in eye colour.

Aww...he is feeding her!

Dad tears off a piece...And Winkin look on hungrily

July 20--Winkin makes it home...

2011-07-21T13:08:00.000-07:00

After what was a very eventful July 19, we wanted to see if Winkin made it back. We went out to check in the morning, and there was no one on the platform, but we could not see 3 for sure in the nest.

Then at around 5PM, Dawne and the kids swung out to check on the chicks. The triplets were very active, and some nice air time..but by the time I got there, they were quiet again. But it seems the trip to the other post has not slowed down Winkin's flying aspirations!

Starting to flap...

Talk about air time!!

And then landing 2 seconds later

It looks like Winkin, Blinkin and Nod may all be female....

July 19--WHAT A DAY!

2011-07-19T22:55:00.000-07:00

We did an early morning check on the chicks. They were quiet and waiting for breakfast. The dad showed up, and there were wings EVERYWHERE. In fact, dad got knocked out of the nest and needed to find a new place to rest. He was nursing his wing and we were concerned enough to some back later....

Waiting for breakfast

Dad brings breakfast

Dad gets kicked out...maybe the fish was too small!!!!

And the kids seem proud!

Why do I picture Peter Griffin..OUCH OUCH...

And when we showed up at 5:30 PM, there was... Two Osprey out of the nest....So either we have a helper nearby..or SOMEONE FLEW!!!!

Dad to the west...

And BLIKIN to the east!!!!!!

Blinkin, the dominant female seems to have flown 100 FEET to a nearby post. WOW!

But she seems stranded...Blinkin, the bravest of the brave seems trapped. She is unable or unwilling to take off. How did THAT happen. We have a few theories and observations. If she was showing off to her brother and sister she could easily have been blown off the nest by a gust or over extended herself. Once that happened, and she was flying, she may have been blown to the post, or showed off and flew to dad since that was his haven.

The other observation my ever observant wife pointed out is an open cage is ALOT harder to take off from then a closed nest (see newtons laws :-)).

And as I pointed out to an observer, poor Blinkin could be afraid of heights..all her life, there has been something solid under her feet..and now....50 FEET! I would be terrified!

So now comes something that makes me smile..."Aunty" swings by and lands on the platform beside Blinkin.

This is a mature Osprey, likely young and female.She stays for a minute, and leaves as poppa arrives with supper.

And one minute after dad delivers supper..a THIRD, mature female with a very strong necklace did a flyby,

I have so much respect for animals in general and ospreys in particular. They are SO much more aware than we give them credit for.

So we went home and talked to the girls. Harry Potter or Opreys...the pictures below show the answer to THAT question :-)

Winkin tried EVERYTHING! She pooped to make herself lighter...

She flapped and flapped...

Dad tried to motivate her by flying by with a fish....

And delivered supper to the other two kids...

Winkin flew to the very edge of the platform...

And it was too dark to take any more pictures..check the blog tomorrow to see what we find in the morning!

****Update..she was not there in the morning on the 20th, and there is no body on the ground, but we could not conrm three chicks in the nest.

July 18 Happy Bird Day

2011-07-19T21:33:00.000-07:00

As I was at work, celebrating my birthday, Dawne was at the nest. And she saw LOTS of hang time. These birds are so close to flying...All of these shots are Blinkin, the dominant female chick.

July 17--Chicks were quiet..but help was on hand

2011-07-19T21:29:00.000-07:00

On the 17th, we dropped by at around noon for a short visit. When we showed up and there was an adult on the edge of the nest who disappeared shortly after we arrived. The adult looked female, but was hard to id until we got home. Five minutes later dad showed up with a fish. Upon closer examination of the pictures at home, we confirmed they were different birds. So dad has at least one helper who is landing in the nest.

A helping wing!

And dad comes back with lunch...

July 16--Air Time!!!!

2011-07-19T21:15:00.000-07:00

At least one chick is getting good enough to actually get air time. She seems to thrill at jumping and flapping and going from one side of the nest to the other. Once we edit it, we have some cool video!

Dad is doing a GREAT job of caring for the kids. He brought a fish in, and there was still left overs visible in the nest.

We also saw more proof of another adult Osprey flying by to check things out. Dad was having his brunch on a nearby pole when an adult female flew by low and slow again.

Hungry chick

Check out the wing action

Both feet off the deck!

Sister does not look impressed!

Dad has a quiet brunch.

A female adult flies by

Dad finally delivers brunch

The fish does not look happy.

July 15--The Chicks are growing!

2011-07-19T20:53:00.000-07:00

It is getting harder and harder to tell the chcicks from the adults. All we seem to be able to do is zoom in when we get home and look at the eyes and size of the beak. The chicks have red eyes and the beak is smaller.

They are doing well, and seem to be able to ignore the world around them. Until dad shows up, then they make noise!

July 10 makes some flap..

2011-07-19T20:43:00.000-07:00

July 10 was the first day we all had some time to go visit. We had seen alot of flapping and had hope of some early hovering. It had also been a while since we had been able to watch closely enough to be sure dad was able to keep up.

One obervation we had was one female had seemed to assume a dominant positioning. She is the one we call Winkin. Most of the flapping was from her. The other female was also visible alot. The male seems smaller and he is rarely visible. But he does make appearances.

All of these shots are of the dominant female flapping away...

Note the necklace coming in...

Balancing on one foot

July 6-9 updates

2011-07-19T09:55:00.000-07:00

We kept a close eye on the nest, checking almost daily making sure everything went well. There was a follow up article in the paper, Whig-Standard cause of death article. And life moved on. The only drama left was trying to sooth some of the ruffled feathers of the people who were involved when others may have said some things that did not help.

We wrote a letter to the editor thanking those involved:

Thanks to those for assisting ospreys

Re: "Chicks stranded in nest" (July 5).
We would like to thank all the parties who banded together to help the Amherstview osprey family. This was not a one-person task, and a lot of work was done to get it accomplished.
First, Sue Meech from Sandy Pines is obviously well respected in the wildlife community. I think every person we contacted asked if we had talked to her. She was there to help from the first phone call and was a pleasure to work with.
Then, we would also like to thank Amherstview Mayor Bill Lowry and his team, who stepped up to the plate and tracked down an appropriate truck and made all the arrangements with Hydro One. Thus far their efforts have gone almost unnoticed, which I feel needs to be rectified.
We obviously would like to thank Hydro One, both for the management who made the truck available and the actual employees who had to deal with the unpleasant task of removing the carcass. We know when they showed up for work they had no idea what they were in for.
We would also like to thank both the Whig- Standard and CKWS for their coverage. Now the people of the Kingston area will have the chance to join us in watching these three chicks grow and mature.
There are many others I would like to thank, but the list is too long. I do not think there was a single person we contacted who did do everything in their power and more to help.
And maybe the next time someone decides to celebrate with fireworks, they will think it through a little better about where they are doing it, and not directly under a nest.
Jean-Guy Pitre and family Kingston

There were not many photo's in this time. The chicks were laying low from the heat, and all we were able to do was confirm all three chicks were alive, and that dad seemed to be showing up.

Three happy Chicks July 6

Nest at sunset July 7