HHI Osprey Watch
Description
It is located off Plantation Drive in Sea Pines next to the 12th tee of the Heron Point Golf Course. The nest is on the left side of the tee box even with the start of the water pond and the start of the golf waste bunker.
2 Monitoring Group Affiliations
2026 Season Data
Nest Status
productive
Clutch Status
hatched
Young Status
fledged
Clutch history milestones
March 3, 2026
unknown
March 15, 2026
Brood history milestones
May 4, 2026
June 29, 2026
unknown
2
Activity log
| Date | Watcher | Adults | Eggs | Young | Observations | Photo | Edit |
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| January 7 | HHI Osprey Watch | 0 | N | N | |||
| Note: | Kathy A reports: The nest is still there. | ||||||
| February 18 | HHI Osprey Watch | 0 | N | N | |||
| Note: | Kathy A reports: 2/17/26 So far I haven’t observed any activity at the nest. The 7858 osprey typically arrive mid February but were delayed last year, maybe because it was a cold winter, so I’m thinking that may be the case again this year. The nest needs a lot of repair. | ||||||
| February 28 | HHI Osprey Watch | 0 | N | N | |||
| Note: | Kathy A reports: No sightings of any Osprey yet at the nest as of February 28. I’ve checked many times and do not believe that I’ve missed seeing them as the nest is still in disrepair. Fingers crossed it’s just the cold weather delaying their return. | ||||||
| March 4 | HHI Osprey Watch | 2 | N | N |
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| Note: | Kathy A reports: Good news, the pair of osprey at 7858 have returned, I saw both of them together briefly at the nest and then separately - and although I did not see any nest restoration going on while I was there, it's evident they have been busy and making some progress rebuilding! Here's Mom in a tree by the nest and Dad in the nest. (see photos) | ||||||
| March 5 | HHI Osprey Watch | 2 | N | N |
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| Note: | Kathy A sent two photos from 3/4 so the second is posted here. | ||||||
| March 11 | HHI Osprey Watch | 2 | N | N |
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| Note: | Kathy A reports: Nest 7858 - In the past two weeks I've seen a lone osprey in the nest multiple times but only twice have I seen the pair together. About a week ago, March 11, Dad was delivering a fish to the nest just as I got there (I missed the shot) but he soon left with Spanish moss trailing in his talons. See photos attached. I have not seen the pair together since - just one at a time. Attached Photo shows Dad delivering a fish to Mom in the nest. | ||||||
| March 11 | HHI Osprey Watch | 2 | N | N |
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| Note: | Kathy Armstrong reports: Additional image of the pair. | ||||||
| March 20 | HHI Osprey Watch | 1 | Y | N | incubation |
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| Note: | Kathy A reports: Nest 7858 - I haven't seen both osprey again at the nest since the last report but I always see one in the nest. This evening I didn't think there were any osprey there but after a while I spotted a white head bobbing up and down barely above the rim of the nest. I believe she was eating a catch. It appears that the nest is rebuilt, possibly wider and/or deeper than before since I could barely see her above the edge when she was eating. See the attached photo of her sitting/standing in their big fluffy nest! NOTE: Based on the recent observations of Mom down in the nest and barely visible, it is assumed that incubation is underway. It probably started between the 11th and the 20th and will be recorded as starting the 15. This is just our best estimate. | ||||||
| March 24 | HHI Osprey Watch | 0 | Y | N | incubation | ||
| Note: | Christine B (Subbing for Kathy A) reports: March 24, 2026 Nest #7858 Today I sat for 15 minutes and did not see any activity at this nest. This nest is large and deep. | ||||||
| March 28 | HHI Osprey Watch | 1 | Y | N | incubation | ||
| Note: | Christine B (subbing for Kathy A) reports: March 28, 2026 Nest #7858 Today shortly after arrival at this nest I am happy to report I observed the top of one Osprey head popping up several times from deep inside. NOTE: Based on this observation, we are confirming the incubation behavior observed previously and estimated to have begun about 3/15. | ||||||
| April 1 | HHI Osprey Watch | 2 | Y | N | incubation | ||
| Note: | Christine B reports subbing for Kathy A: April 1, 2026 Nest# 7858 I observed one Osprey sitting low in the nest, her head popping up every once in a while. After a short period of time another adult osprey flew into the nest dropping a fish. He quickly flew away and then it was obvious that she was enjoying her meal. Note: Great observation clearly confirming incubation previous reported. | ||||||
| April 19 | HHI Osprey Watch | 2 | Y | N | incubation |
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| Note: | Kathy A reports: Nest 7858 - all appears well at this nest, each time I visit I see Mom down low in the nest and head barely visible above the rim. I've only seen the mate one time recently - as I was leaving he flew down the fairway toward the nest carrying a big fish! (My observation spot is currently invaded and overtaken by tussock moth caterpillars so I'm not spending as much time there right now but will again once they subside.) | ||||||
| April 30 | HHI Osprey Watch | 2 | Y | N | incubation |
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| Note: | Kathy A reports: Nest 7858 - I have not observed any sign of nestlings yet - i.e. no feeding behavior or standing in the nest or shifting around, however I did see something different a couple of evenings ago. I didn't see Mom's head above the rim of the nest as usual and was wondering if either osprey was there. But then I detected a barely perceptible movement which was a tail feather coming up slightly and briefly. Shortly thereafter the mate arrived at the nest - without a fish even though it was dinner time - and it was clearly Mom with her very defined brown chest. After a short greeting, Dad exchanged positions with her then quickly left the nest appearing glad to be relieved of his duties! See photos attached. Another evening Mom was waiting in the nest, head barely visible and waiting patiently, but then began urgently calling. Within a couple of minutes Dad appeared with a big fish and dropped it in the nest. I think he must have been already snacking on it in a nearby tree in order to respond to her plea so quickly | ||||||
| April 30 | HHI Osprey Watch | 2 | Y | N | incubation |
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| Note: | Kathy A: a second image showing Dad delivering a fish | ||||||
| May 3 | HHI Osprey Watch | 2 | Y | N | incubation |
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| Note: | Kathy A reports: - After about 15 minutes of observation, seeing Mom's head barely visible above the rim of the nest, Dad flew in with dinner. At first I thought they were both eating together but turns out Dad was just tugging at some sticks and doing a little tidying up instead of eating. Mom ate heartily - head quickly down, then up - and chomp, chomp - swallow. Several times she shook her head side to side as if something was stuck in her mouth/beak - perhaps a bone? I did not see any sign of her feeding nestlings at all and I waited and watched for about a half hour after dinner arrived. Hopefully soon. This nest usually has indications of nestlings by Mother's Day so I'm hopeful the tradition continues! | ||||||
| May 8 | HHI Osprey Watch | 2 | U | Y |
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| Note: | Kathy A reports: Nest 7858 - Last evening (5/7) when I arrived I didn't see any sign of osprey in the nest, however after about 10 minutes Mom appeared upright near the front of the nest. She maintained this position of a long time occasionally looking down in the nest in front of her. After a while she began calling for dinner. She called and called and Dad finally appeared and perched at the tip top of the tall pine across the lagoon from the nest and she quieted down. Dad was on the hunt and soon dove into the lagoon for a fish but was not successful. I waited until nearly dark but he did not return and Mom began calling again - and still looking down into the nest occasionally. I hope he returned to the nest with dinner because based on Mom's upright posture and her looking down into the nest I believe there is a hatchling! Hoping to see feeding behavior the next time! See attached photos NOTE: Based on this description and mom looking down into the nest, we are assuming that hatching has occurred although feeding was not directly seen. We will guess that hatching took place around the 4th. | ||||||
| May 8 | HHI Osprey Watch | 2 | U | Y |
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| Note: | Kathy A reports: Second image showing Dad fishing observed on 5/7. | ||||||
| May 10 | HHI Osprey Watch | 2 | U | 1 | feeding |
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| Note: | Kathy A reports: Nest 7858 - Hurray! And just like clockwork I got my very first glimpse of a baby osprey in the nest today - on Mother's Day! When I arrived Mom was standing in the nest - with her back to me for most of the time- but I could tell she was eating (I saw pieces of fish in her mouth as she occasionally turned her head to the side) and she may have been feeding as well but I was unable to see what she was doing from my perspective. Dad was also at the nest but barely visible to the left, behind limbs and pine needles - I was only aware of his presence by the subtle movement of his white head through the limbs. After a long while Mom gradually repositioned while tugging at some sticks and material in the nest and that's when I saw the baby peek his head barely above the rim of the nest. I got a glimpse of a tiny head pop up several times in the same spot in the nest so right now I can confirm that there is one baby. See photo (baby is at the bottom left of Mom) | ||||||
| May 17 | HHI Osprey Watch | 2 | N | 2 | feeding, young standing |
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| Note: | Kathy A reports: Nest 7858 - More good news! This evening I spotted 2 babies in the nest with Mom as they patiently waited for Dad to bring dinner and he did not disappoint! He arrived with a half eaten fish and Mom immediately began feeding the little ones - each one politely waiting his turn. Dad stayed in the nest behind Mom most of the time. This little family is doing well so far. See photos (it's too hard to choose just one to send) ? A side note, as I biked over to my observation point, an osprey was loudly and repeatedly calling - extremely loud - and I assumed it was Mom being anxious about their dinner. But then I saw an osprey on a limb behind the nest doing the frantic calling. Mom wasn't upset or disturbed and Dad didn't react to it after he brought dinner, even though the calling continued -but not as frequently - so I'm not sure who this third osprey was so close to Nest 7858. | ||||||
| May 17 | HHI Osprey Watch | 2 | N | 2 |
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| Note: | Kathy A sent additional images of the nest from the 5-17 observation. This is a great shot of Dad bringing in a fish for Mom and the two youngsters. | ||||||
| May 22 | HHI Osprey Watch | 1 | N | 2 | young standing |
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| Note: | Kathy A reports: Nest 7858 - When I arrived Mom and one nestling were near the front of the nest and patiently and eagerly waiting for dinner - calling occasionally. I started to worry when I didn't see the second nestling for a long time. Mom suddenly left the nest for about five minutes and shortly after she returned and settled back in, the second baby appeared! I was so relieved to see this little one! Wow they're getting so big! Dad didn't visit while I was there, but I'm hoping he brought a big dinner to this hungry and growing little family. Image shows Mom and both young. | ||||||
| May 22 | HHI Osprey Watch | 1 | N | 2 | young standing |
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| Note: | Kathy A submitted a second photo from the 5/22/26 observation. Mom and Junior | ||||||
| June 4 | HHI Osprey Watch | 1 | N | 2 | feeding, young standing |
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| Note: | Kathy A reports: Nest 7858 - I've been waiting to send a report because I've only seen one nestling since all the rain and wind last weekend - I've been so worried. FINALLY last evening I saw both nestlings with Mom and all appeared well. Mom was feeding the one nestling in view and after about 30 minutes the other nestling came to the front of the nest and took his turn being fed. I've missed seeing Dad recently but it always appears that dinner is already there and being enjoyed by Mom and babies when I arrive. See photo attached (best I could get of all together) | ||||||
| June 13 | HHI Osprey Watch | 1 | N | 2 | young standing |
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| Note: | Kathy A reports: Nest 7858 - All is well. Mom was eating dinner barely visible to the left of the nest and the two nestlings were just hanging out patiently waiting. Maybe she fed them before I got there - no chirping or calling, just patiently waiting.They appear very well fed and are growing up rapidly. I haven't observed much wing flapping or stretching of the wings yet - they seem perfectly content in the nest. See photos attached | ||||||
| June 14 | HHI Osprey Watch | 1 | N | 2 | young standing |
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| Note: | Kathy A submitted a second image from the 6/13 observation | ||||||
| June 20 | HHI Osprey Watch | 0 | N | 2 | young standing |
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| Note: | Kathy A reports: Oh they're growing up so fast! This evening was a little different - it's the first time I have observed that only the siblings were in the nest and no adults with them - and for quite some time. The youngsters were waiting patiently for dinner - up to a point - and spent their time stretching their wings over and over - sometimes it looked like they were flying in place! It was quite a show - no branching yet though. | ||||||
| June 20 | HHI Osprey Watch | 2 | N | 2 | feeding, young standing |
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| Note: | Kathy A reports (part 2 of 6/20 observation): After about an hour, both juveniles began earnestly calling for dinner and searching the skies for Mom and Dad. Soon I heard two distinct ospreys calling nearby and then Mom flew into the nest and then shortly thereafter Dad delivered dinner! Mom began feeding one sibling while the other waited patiently and Dad quickly left the nest. What a privilege it is to watch this beautiful family! | ||||||
| June 20 | HHI Osprey Watch | 2 | N | 2 | feeding, young standing |
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| Note: | Kathy A sent a third photo from the 6/20 observation. | ||||||
| June 29 | HHI Osprey Watch | 0 | N | 2 |
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| Note: | Kathy A reports: Well Nest 7858 has certainly surprised me - and has fledged for sure! When I arrived it was so quiet and no Osprey at all the nest. I waited for a good while and didn’t see any activity either. Sometimes they’re hanging at the back of the nest or behind limbs and it’s too hard to see them, but then usually spot some movement and know they’re there. But I never saw movement or heard them. So I left and came back about an hour later and while no osprey were at the nest, I could hear at least two distinct Ospreys calling and chirping - I searched and searched the trees nearby but couldn’t spot them while their calling continued. Around 7pm one fledgling flew regally into the nest and continued calling for dinner while another called from the nearby trees. After about 15 minutes the fledgling left the nest and flew down the fairway before soaring up above the trees and disappeared. As I write this, I can still hear them calling for dinner, which kind of hurts my heart, knowing they’re hungry and that Mom or Dad has not come. It’s always bittersweet knowing I won’t see them regularly from now on or how they will fare. But I’ll keep checking and hope to see them again soon. | ||||||
| July 3 | HHI Osprey Watch | 1 | N | 2 |
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| Note: | Kathy A reports: Again this evening I heard at least two distinctive ospreys near the nest but none in or right by the nest. The first osprey I heard was in the trees somewhere behind me and I finally spotted him when s/he flew over the lagoon then perched in the pines not too far from the nest. It was definitely one of our juveniles - hanging out on the limb for a long time and calling a lot - but not in a panicky way. I could hear another osprey, and I assumed it was the other juvenile, and I saw this osprey eventually fly up the lagoon but couldn't see where s/he landed, if at all. After about an hour I saw an osprey fly into the thick branches of the pines between the tree where the nest is located and the other pines where the juvenile was still hanging out. | ||||||
| July 3 | HHI Osprey Watch | 1 | N | 2 |
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| Note: | Kathy A also sent a photo of the adult: I spotted this osprey which I believe was Mom or Dad, based on the smooth brown feathers (i.e. no white spots - and maybe yellow eye color.) Neither osprey ever went to the nest or approached the other and the juvenile stopped calling and eventually left. So maybe they were just checking in with one another this evening and assuring one another that all is well. | ||||||
| July 9 | HHI Osprey Watch | 0 | N | 2 | young standing |
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| Note: | Kathy A reports: Nest 7858 - I'm so excited to see BOTH juveniles in the nest this evening - so now I know they're both safe - at least for now! At first I only saw one juvenile in the nest but later I saw a white head bobbing up and down behind some branches on the left side of the nest. After a while it became clear this was the other juvenile and it certainly appeared s/he was eating something based on the up and down motion but I could never see for certain. Meanwhile, the juvenile on the right called frantically over and over the whole time and eventually joined the sibling on the left side of the nest but didn't stay there long. Perhaps there were some leftovers from a prior meal but not enough to share? Soon both juveniles were in plain view calling out plaintively. I never saw Mom or Dad - possibly heard another osprey in the area but no sightings. Poor babies, I hope they don't go hungry tonight! | ||||||
| July 16 | HHI Osprey Watch | 0 | N | 2 |
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| Note: | Kathy A reports: Nest 7858 - One fledging was already in the nest calling (see photo) when I arrived about 5:30 pm and then I thought I heard an overlapping call but wasn't sure if there were actually one or two ospreys calling. Shortly thereafter an osprey flew up the lagoon and perched somewhere in the back of the same pine where the nest is located - but I never got a good look at him/her to know if it was the other fledgling or an adult - my guess is it was the second fledgling. I was hoping that by now they'd seem more independent but for now it appears they appreciate the comforts of home. NOTE: We will assume that Kathy's instincts are correct and the other was the 2nd youngster. Just confirming that they do remain around the nest for 4-5 weeks after fledging. | ||||||
| July 20 | HHI Osprey Watch | 0 | N | 1 | |||
| Note: | Christine B subbing for Kathy A reports: Nest# 7858 July 20,2026 I arrived this morning and there was no activity observed in the nest. I decided to sit and enjoy the view and about 15 minutes later I heard an Osprey chirping behind me in the tall pine trees. A few minutes passed and he took off soaring in the opposite direction and soon was out of sight. I hung around for a while longer but he did not return. NOTE: We assume this was the juvenile who fledged in late June. | ||||||
| July 28 | HHI Osprey Watch | 0 | N | N | |||
| Note: | Christine B subbing for Kathy A reports: I observed this nest this evening . The nest was empty . I sat on the bench and after a brief moment I heard an Osprey chirping briefly behind me in the tall pines. I tried to find him but no luck. I sat for a while but no other activity to report. | ||||||
This nest has 93 reference photos. View Photos
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