Maps & Data
| ID | Nickname | Substrate | Coords | Last Watched | Status | City/County | State | Postal Code |
|---|
Recently watched nests
Unwatched nests
1 Monitoring Group Affiliations
Activity log
| Date | Nest | Watcher | Adults | Eggs | Young | Observations | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| December 31 | 3530 | CyclistBarb | 0 | N | N | ||
| March 24 | 8507 | CyclistBarb | 1 | N | N | ||
| Note: | 2:05 p.m. I approached northbound on Princeton Pike. The Eco facility is closed today, Sunday, but I pulled in and thought I saw movement on the tower. It is impossible to see the tower top from this close up unless a bird is near the edge of the nest. I pulled over on the shoulder of Princeton Pike but could see nothing. I proceeded to the Fackler Rd farm driveway where I can see the nest, but from at least 1/4 mile away. I took a photo of an adult. In the scope, and on my computer screen after photos were downloaded, the adult appears to be an eagle not an osprey. I did not have time to stay longer but will return to watch in the next week or two. | ||||||
| April 7 | 8507 | CyclistBarb | 0 | N | N | ||
| Note: | 10:50 a.m. No osprey adults seen, but there is definitely an eagle pair which seems to have taken over this osprey tower nest. | ||||||
| April 9 | 8507 | CyclistBarb | 2 | N | N | ||
| Note: | 8:20 a.m. The eagle pair was flying over the tower together. The male flew off to the east, but the female landed on the nest and stood for a while before fussing with the bottom of the nest and then wiggling down. Are there eggs? I watched for quite a while and saw her stand, appear to roll the eggs, then wiggle down again. This was repeated twice while I watched. | ||||||
| April 13 | 7663 | CyclistBarb | 0 | N | N | ||
| Note: | 1:15 p.m. There was nesting material on this motor housing, but I did not see either adult of the pair that has nested at this site in past seasons. | ||||||
| April 13 | 9269 | CyclistBarb | 0 | N | N | ||
| Note: | 1:20 p.m. I did not see any sign of either adult at this nest although the nest itself still looks intact. | ||||||
| April 13 | 3525 | CyclistBarb | 0 | N | N | ||
| Note: | 1:35 p.m. This nest is difficult to see. I could see no sticks from the driveway off Stryker Rd and did not go all the way around the cell tower to the south gate of the solar farm. I also saw neither adult perched nearby. | ||||||
| April 13 | 7416 | CyclistBarb | 1 | N | N | ||
| Note: | 1:45 p.m. From the back of the truck stop I could see an adult on the nest. While I watched, no other adults appeared and this adult did not move except for looking around, moving its head. | ||||||
| April 13 | 8767 | CyclistBarb | 0 | N | N | ||
| Note: | 1:52 p.m. No ospreys were seen at or near the tower. The nest still looks large, intact, and secure. This surprises me because last fall, the cell company asked Kathy Clark's permission to remove the nest in order to install their 5G equipment. Kathy told them it must be done during the non-nesting season: Sept 1 through Feb. 28 I believe. Either they were able to work around it and preserve this nest or they have not begun the work yet. This nest was productive last year, and it was new so I was sorry that this pair might be disturbed, and their nest removed. | ||||||
| April 13 | 3033 | CyclistBarb | 0 | N | N | ||
| Note: | 1:55 p.m. No birds were seen on the tower or nearby. | ||||||
| April 13 | 7662 | CyclistBarb | 0 | N | N | ||
| Note: | 2:00 p.m. No birds seen at or near the tower. | ||||||
| April 13 | 9806 | CyclistBarb | 2 | N | N | ||
| Note: | 2:00 p.m. At the request of Kathy Clark, who had gotten a report that this was an eagles' nest, I decided to check it out since there are at least 5 osprey nests nearby. Sure enough! It was a big nest all right, but not an eagles' nest! The osprey pair were both up on top vocalizing. The male flew off as I watched and returned with a talon-full of grasses. Then the pair mated. While I watched they continued their nest-building and courtship behavior. | ||||||
| April 13 | 7406 | CyclistBarb | 1 | N | N | ||
| Note: | 2:30 p.m. The female was standing on the nest, which, as usual, was full of plastic! I did not see the male during the brief time I watched. | ||||||
| April 13 | 2930 | CyclistBarb | 1 | N | N | ||
| Note: | 2:45 p.m. This is always one of the earliest nests to incubate. The female was on the nest, and while I watched, she stood, rolled the egg(s), then sat back down again. | ||||||
| April 13 | 7407 | CyclistBarb | 2 | N | N | ||
| Note: | 2:55 p.m. From the NJ side, along the road, I could see the pair nest-building. While I watched I also saw them mate, always a good sign!! | ||||||
| April 13 | 7414 | CyclistBarb | 2 | N | N | ||
| Note: | 3:10 p.m. The adult pair was on the tower, next to where the nest was before it fell. Last season, after fledging, the nest blew off. There were no sticks left after the windstorm caused the nest to drop. Thus, the few sticks I saw must have been recently brought by the pair to rebuild their nest. | ||||||
| April 13 | 9219 | CyclistBarb | 1 | N | N | ||
| Note: | 3:20 p.m. I drove by and stopped in front of the Firehall on my way home from other nest checks. There was an adult which appeared to be female (dark "necklace" feathers on breast), sitting high up on the nest. | ||||||
| April 13 | 3289 | CyclistBarb | 1 | N | N | ||
| Note: | 12:50 p.m. One adult was perched on this tall tower nest. It was alone and did not move much during the short time I watched. | ||||||
| April 15 | 8507 | CyclistBarb | 1 | N | N | ||
| Note: | 9:40 a.m. The adult eagle was still incubating. I saw an egg roll. I have seen no sign that either osprey adult has returned or been in the area. | ||||||
| April 22 | 3662 | CyclistBarb | 2 | N | N | ||
| Note: | 11:42 a.m. As I passed en route to the water gap, I spotted one of the adults perched on the nest. The other flew off just as I parked, so I only got a photo of it in flight from quite far away. I couldn't tell which was the male and which the female. | ||||||
| April 23 | 8507 | CyclistBarb | 0 | N | N | ||
| Note: | 9:30 a.m. No eagle was on the nest while I watched. I wonder if the nest has failed. | ||||||
| April 29 | 3289 | CyclistBarb | 0 | N | N | ||
| Note: | 9:30 a.m. The nest appeared to be empty. I saw no birds on this nest nor in the area. | ||||||
| April 30 | 8507 | CyclistBarb | 0 | N | N | ||
| Note: | 12:00 p.m. Again, the nest is empty. No sign of eagles or ospreys. I expect that the eagle pair was a new pair "housekeeping" and have now moved on. It will be interesting to see if the osprey pair returns as it is not too late for them to move in and lay eggs. | ||||||
| May 7 | 3289 | CyclistBarb | 1 | N | N | ||
| Note: | 2:15 p.m. One adult was on the adjacent electrical tower; I saw no bird on the nest. | ||||||
| May 7 | 7663 | CyclistBarb | 1 | N | N | ||
| Note: | 2:46 p.m. There was an adult sitting low on the nest as if on eggs. Only time will tell if this is actually incubation or not. | ||||||
| May 7 | 9269 | CyclistBarb | 2 | N | N | ||
| Note: | 2:50 p.m. The pair was on the nest. The male was on the post but as I watched, he flew down into the nest where the female was sitting low. The male then flew off the nest at the top of the tower, circled the tower, and perched on a post on the lower tier. From the Richline Rd viewpoint, the female's back was visible. | ||||||
| May 7 | 3525 | CyclistBarb | 1 | N | N | ||
| Note: | 3:10 p.m. One adult, which appeared to be the male, was perched on one of the posts below the level of the nest. The stick nest looked as if it had been added to since the last time I checked. This time I did drive around the tower and turned around half-way to the south gate of the solar farm. I still could not see if the female was sitting on the nest. It is difficult to get far enough away and to still be able to see around all of the tower's equipment. | ||||||
| May 7 | 7416 | CyclistBarb | 2 | N | N | ||
| Note: | 3:35 p.m. One adult was on the nest, and one was perched one tier lower, on the structure. The one sitting on the nest (the female I presume), stood, appeared to fuss with the bottom of the nest, then sat down again as I watched. | ||||||
| May 7 | 3526 | CyclistBarb | 0 | N | N | ||
| Note: | 3:45 p.m. This nest, which has been active in the past, appears to be gone. I saw no ospreys in the area. I checked from the upper observation field, and from several locations along Beatty's Rd. I did not see any sticks on the tower. The nest appears to have been cleaned off and the birds have not attempted to rebuild it. | ||||||
| May 7 | 7415 | CyclistBarb | 1 | N | N | ||
| Note: | 4:00 p.m. The female was perched on a post next to the nest, preening. | ||||||
| May 7 | 8768 | CyclistBarb | 0 | N | N | ||
| Note: | 4:15 p.m. I saw no birds at this nest. I hope they are around as this is a really nice, productive nest! | ||||||
| May 7 | 8767 | CyclistBarb | 0 | N | N | ||
| Note: | 4:30 p.m. No birds were seen. Nest did not appear to have changed. | ||||||
| May 7 | 3033 | CyclistBarb | 0 | N | N | ||
| Note: | 4:35 p.m. No birds were seen at or near the nest. | ||||||
| May 7 | 7662 | CyclistBarb | 1 | N | N | ||
| Note: | 4:45 p.m. One adult was sitting low on the nest so that only its head showed. | ||||||
| May 7 | 7406 | CyclistBarb | 2 | N | N | ||
| Note: | 5:00 p.m. The female was sitting low on the nest; only her head showed. After I had watched for less than a minute, the male flew in, and they mated. He immediately flew off again and she remained on the nest, wiggled down low as if on egg(s). | ||||||
| May 7 | 7407 | CyclistBarb | 1 | N | N | ||
| Note: | 5:20 p.m. From the NJ side, I watched one adult standing on the nest. It was flapping its wings. Was it getting ready to take off? Or had it just arrived? The view from NJ is not great and is impossible once the leaves are fully out. Unfortunately, it was late so I couldn't go over to the PA side. I could not tell if the mate was sitting low or if this was the only adult at the nest. | ||||||
| May 7 | 9806 | CyclistBarb | 0 | N | N | ||
| Note: | 5:00 p.m. After seeing all the action here on April 13, today it was quiet, no sign of the osprey pair. I wonder if they moved on. I hope they stayed. The nest still looks good sitting on top of the fake pine tree! | ||||||
| May 7 | 2930 | CyclistBarb | 1 | N | N | ||
| Note: | 5:10 p.m. The adult (female I assumed), stood, rolled egg(s), then sat back down low as I watched. | ||||||
| May 7 | 7414 | CyclistBarb | 2 | N | N | ||
| Note: | 5:35 p.m. The male was perched on top of the nest tower. The female was on the nest. As I watched, she got up, changed positions, then wiggled down. | ||||||
| May 7 | 8506 | CyclistBarb | 1 | N | N | ||
| Note: | 8:40 a.m. After I set up my scope and camera it appeared that an adult was sitting on the nest in the incubation position. This nest is hard to see and is best seen from quite a distance. | ||||||
| May 7 | 6887 | CyclistBarb | 0 | N | N | ||
| Note: | 8:50 a.m. I saw no ospreys or any other birds near the tower. I drove to the municipal building and looked up. The top of the tower looked cleared off of all nesting material. | ||||||
| May 7 | 3662 | CyclistBarb | 1 | N | N | ||
| Note: | 9:25 a.m. One of the pair was perched on a post to the left of the nest. I didn't see the mate. | ||||||
| May 7 | 3032 | CyclistBarb | 1 | N | N | ||
| Note: | 9:45 a.m. One adult was perched on a post. I did not see the mate. | ||||||
| May 17 | 9219 | CyclistBarb | 1 | N | N | ||
| Note: | 1:45 p.m. On the way out to the Delaware north of Frenchtown I swung past the Firehall and saw the adult female again just standing high on a post of the nest tower. | ||||||
| May 17 | 7414 | CyclistBarb | 1 | N | N | ||
| Note: | 3:14 p.m. One of the adults was sitting so low in the nest that I could just see the top of its head. It moved slightly. I did not see the mate. | ||||||
| May 17 | 7407 | CyclistBarb | 1 | N | N | ||
| Note: | 3:25 p.m. From the parking lot of The Narrows restaurant in PA, I could clearly see one adult sitting low on the nest as if either incubating or brooding. I did not see the mate. I could see that (s)he -- the bird on the nest, presumably the female--was opening and closing her beak, calling. I could hear her when there was no passing traffic. | ||||||
| May 17 | 7406 | CyclistBarb | 1 | N | N | ||
| Note: | 4:02 p.m. The female was on the nest. She is incubating egg(s). I did not see the male. | ||||||
| May 17 | 2930 | CyclistBarb | 2 | N | N | ||
| Note: | 4:15 p.m. The female was sitting low, incubating, while the male was sitting next to her on the nest. He flew off after a minute or two and then she stood, rolled the eggs, and then settled back down. | ||||||
| May 17 | 9806 | CyclistBarb | 1 | N | N | ||
| Note: | 3:30 p.m. One of the adults was sitting low on the nest, apparently incubating. I did not see the mate but didn't stay long. | ||||||
| May 17 | 7662 | CyclistBarb | 1 | N | N | ||
| Note: | 4:35 p.m. The adult female was perched on a post accompanied by a smaller songbird that I did not recognize. The nest seemed to have no bird sitting on it. | ||||||
| May 17 | 3033 | CyclistBarb | 2 | N | N | ||
| Note: | 4:45 p.m. Finally, I saw the adult pair nest building. I am sure they have been here earlier in the year, and my timing just did not match with their presence until this afternoon. | ||||||
| May 17 | 8767 | CyclistBarb | 0 | N | N | ||
| Note: | 4:55 p.m. From town I thought I could see the head of an adult on the nest, but from my closer viewpoint, the nest still appeared empty. See photo. The light was not ideal, and I was quite far away so I can't be sure this is the head of an adult. | ||||||
| May 17 | 7415 | CyclistBarb | 2 | N | N | ||
| Note: | 5:10 p.m. The adult pair was on the nest. They were nest-building. The female was very vocal. | ||||||
| May 19 | 3289 | CyclistBarb | 0 | N | N | ||
| Note: | 1:00 p.m. Again, the nest appears to be empty. | ||||||
| May 19 | 9269 | CyclistBarb | 1 | N | N | ||
| Note: | 1:20 p.m. One adult, probably the female, was on the nest sitting low as if incubating or brooding. | ||||||
| May 19 | 7663 | CyclistBarb | 2 | N | N | ||
| Note: | 1:30 p.m. The female, tail toward the camera, was sitting low in the nest as if incubating. The male was standing on the nest behind her. The male flew off and down. The female stood and appeared to fuss with something low in the nest then wiggled down. I would say that they may have hatchlings or at least are incubating. | ||||||
| May 19 | 8768 | CyclistBarb | 2 | N | N | incubation | |
| Note: | 1:45 p.m. The male was perched on the railing. The female was sitting on the nest; only her tail showed. | ||||||
| May 19 | 7880 | CyclistBarb | 2 | N | N | ||
| Note: | 2:00 p.m. I had almost given up on this nest/tower. The nest is huge and always seems to be intact. Often, early in the season, a pair will be seen there, but usually they don't ever initiate incubation, and I have never seen chicks produced. The location is horrible with the tower very close to interstate 78 on one side and NJ route 173 on the other side. I pass this nest frequently when coming from one of the other sites to the north and heading south, so then I glance at it. Today, the adult pair was on the tower, and both were nest building! Only time will tell if they lay eggs or if this is only "practice" as in years past. | ||||||
| May 19 | 9219 | CyclistBarb | 1 | N | N | ||
| Note: | 2:20 p.m. On may way south toward Stockton after checking nests north of Milford, I took the 1/4-mile detour to see the Firehall nest. Once again, only one adult was on the nest. This time it was possibly the male as I could not see any brown necklace on its breast. It was not as clear a view and I did not see a mate anywhere in the area. | ||||||
| May 19 | 8506 | CyclistBarb | 1 | N | N | ||
| Note: | 8:15 a.m. The adult was still sitting on the nest in what appeared to be the same location. | ||||||
| May 19 | 3662 | CyclistBarb | 0 | N | N | ||
| Note: | 8:45 a.m. From the shoulder of I-80 I can see nothing in the nest. I plan to approach on the service road off of Mt Hermon Rd after checking the eagles in the water gap. | ||||||
| May 19 | 3032 | CyclistBarb | 1 | N | N | ||
| Note: | 9:00 a.m. One adult was sitting so low in the nest it was almost impossible to see even through the scope. | ||||||
| May 19 | 3354 | CyclistBarb | 1 | N | N | ||
| Note: | 11:50 a.m. I saw an adult, which I came to realize was the male, perched on the tower eating a huge fish and vocalizing! Perhaps he was calling his mate. He flew off, circled the tower, and landed again. I never did see the female. | ||||||
| May 19 | 3032 | CyclistBarb | 1 | N | N | ||
| Note: | 12:15 p.m. From the farm road near the nest, off Linaberry Rd, I saw an adult perched on one of the posts. I could not see a mate in the nest from that location however. | ||||||
| May 19 | 3662 | CyclistBarb | 1 | N | N | ||
| Note: | 12:35 p.m. From Mt Hermon Rd, I turned into the service road. The tree that fell across the lane last season was still there, untouched. Someone had driven around the tree, but the lane was really grown up with weeds and appeared to have little traffic on it. However, from that side of the tower I could see the head of an adult sitting on the nest. | ||||||
| May 23 | 7406 | CyclistBarb | 2 | N | 1 | young laying down | |
| Note: | 10:30 a.m. Eric, the farmer on whose property this tower stands, emailed me to say that at 9:30 this morning a violent wind, part of a short-lived thunderstorm, broke off the tower in two places: at the base and at the top where the platform attached to the pole. One dead chick was found. Eric and Amita are very sad. They asked for help. I told them I would do the best I could to organize a crew, but that we here in the north, don't usually install wooden platforms since most of the nests are on cell or high-tension towers. He said he had a helper who could meet us tomorrow but that he is just beginning his produce season and is very busy! It could not have happened at a worse time. | ||||||
| May 24 | 7406 | CyclistBarb | 2 | N | 2 | young laying down | |
| Note: | 8:30 a.m. Dennis Peterson went with me to meet Eric's friend, Chris, and we sorted through the fallen nest material. We found TWO DEAD CHICKS. One was soft and fluffy and about a day or less old. The other had not had a chance to dry off before it died and was either still in its egg or partially hatched. We found lots of eggshells. Dennis and I removed all the plastic so Chris could put the platform in the bed of the pickup truck and put nesting material in it. The adult pair was still flying around and perched nearby and watching the entire time. It is very sad. Eric and family have gone away for the weekend. He wants to get the tower up as soon as possible so that the adults have a place to stay in their territory. I told him there was no chance for a second clutch until next season, but I agree, getting the tower up as quickly as we can is desirable. This is sad beyond belief! | ||||||
| May 24 | 2930 | CyclistBarb | 1 | N | N | ||
| Note: | 10:40 a.m. As I was in the area, I stopped by to check on this nest and found the female sitting up rather high in the nest. That probably means she is brooding rather than incubating. We will see on future visits how many chicks are in the nest with her. | ||||||
| May 29 | 7414 | CyclistBarb | 0 | N | N | ||
| Note: | 1:35 p.m. On another errand, I passed this nest on the PA side and managed to get over far enough to snap off a couple photos. Neither adult was seen in the photos. I did not see either on the tower. It is possible that one was so low in the nest, which leans a bit toward the NJ side, that it could not be seen from PA. | ||||||
| May 29 | 2930 | CyclistBarb | 2 | N | N | ||
| Note: | 11:00 a.m. The male was on the high perch and the female was sitting high in the nest, brooding new, small, unseen chicks. There was a pair of ospreys flying overhead and I wondered if this was the displaced pair from the fallen Holland nest platform just 2 miles upriver. The male on the post was calling constantly as if warning off these interlopers even though they were high above and did not seem to make any attempts to come too low or be threatening. The female was sitting so high that I believed she must surely be on nestlings which would explain why this Phillips pair was so nervous about the interlopers. | ||||||
| May 29 | 7406 | CyclistBarb | 2 | N | N | ||
| Note: | 11:15 a.m. The adult pair was still flying around the area and perching in nearby trees. I discussed with Eric, the property owner, what to use for a pole and to rebuild the platform using Ben Wurst's plans for construction. The only difference would be to use a 40-foot pole rather than a 20-foot x 6" x 6" that is used on the shore where there are no higher structures or trees. The existing pole--a tree from the property that broke after about 10 years and had broken twice before--was also 40 feet tall. The idea is to replicate the installation since the ospreys are used to this and like the location. Eric says he has a system and heavy equipment to lift the pole/platform. I called Claudia Rocca of PSEG and she thought they would be able to donate and deliver a used telephone pole. | ||||||
| June 3 | 7406 | CyclistBarb | 0 | N | N | ||
| Note: | 10:00 am - 7:00 pm Today I went to Niece Lumber in Lambertville, bought lumber and hardware, took it home and built the platform which we will install on top of the pole. Hopefully we can get a telephone pole delivered by PSEG. | ||||||
| June 8 | 7414 | CyclistBarb | 0 | N | N | ||
| Note: | 11:15 a.m. I did not see either adult in the nest nor anywhere in the area on either of the towers. It is possible that this nest has been abandoned. That is too bad since it is normally productive, and especially because the pair did a great job rebuilding their fallen nest and appeared to begin incubating. | ||||||
| June 8 | 7407 | CyclistBarb | 1 | N | N | ||
| Note: | 11:59 a.m. From the parking lot of The Narrows restaurant in PA I could see the female sitting low on the nest. Is she brooding or still incubating? I could not tell and did not see the mate. Time will tell. | ||||||
| June 8 | 2930 | CyclistBarb | 1 | N | 3 | ||
| Note: | 12:25 p.m. I was delighted to see three nestlings when I set up my gear!! Three! I hope they all survive. I was not surprised to see them and to see how old they already are because this nest is usually first to hatch. Also, I had suspected there must be hatchlings as early as 2 or even three weeks ago based on the adults' behavior. I was surprised by the three as more commonly this nest has had two. This nest will be crowded when the chicks are big enough to fledge. | ||||||
| June 8 | 9806 | CyclistBarb | 1 | N | N | ||
| Note: | 12:15 p.m. As I discovered during the last visit that the nest is more visible from Mt Joy Rd, I parked there and saw an adult which I believe was the female, calling and shading the nest. I could not see any nestlings. I did not see her mate. It is a very hot day and this nest, as are almost all nests on these utility towers, is very exposed to the hot sun. | ||||||
| June 10 | 8506 | CyclistBarb | 2 | N | N | ||
| Note: | 8:00 a.m. When I arrived, one adult was perched on a post to the right above the nest. 8:20 a.m. After a few minutes the mate flew in with a stick and proceeded to arrange some of the nest sticks while the perched bird watched. After watching the pair, I had the impression that the perched osprey was smaller, and its breast appeared white. That would indicate that it was the male who was perched and the female who flew in with a stick. Nothing changed while I watched. The pair remained at the nest, building it. It was a warm day even at 8:20 a.m. If there are chicks, they are still too small to see. | ||||||
| June 10 | 6887 | CyclistBarb | 0 | N | N | ||
| Note: | 8:40 a.m. I saw neither of the ospreys that OspreyBabs has seen building up the nest. The nest, on the top tier, looked much bigger and more substantial than the last time I was here. We both are hoping the pair will stay and lay eggs next season. | ||||||
| June 10 | 3662 | CyclistBarb | 2 | N | N | ||
| Note: | 9:00 a.m. One adult was sitting high on the side of the nest closest to route 80. It then walked into the nest and disappeared. I did not know until the male flew in with a stick, that the female had been the one I saw first. The were both busy arranging the nest once the male flew in. It did not seem as though they had eggs or nestlings yet. | ||||||
| June 10 | 3032 | CyclistBarb | 0 | N | N | ||
| Note: | 9:30 a.m. The nest appeared empty. I did not see either adult. | ||||||
| June 10 | 3289 | CyclistBarb | 1 | N | N | ||
| Note: | 10:50 a.m. The nest was empty. There was one adult perched on the nearby electrical tower, which appeared to be the male based on its white breast. | ||||||
| June 20 | 9277 | CyclistBarb | 2 | N | N | ||
| Note: | 3:00 p.m. This nest is now established on the new PSEG monopole which was installed about a year ago to replace the older high-tension towers on this and other PSEG lines. The nest itself, is on top of a cell service add-on. I had checked out the presence of ospreys at this location late last season after an article in the local paper mentioned that there was a nesting osprey pair delaying the completion of the new tower installation. When I went to check, on Sept. 10, 2023, it was long after the season and there was no sign of the ospreys. There was a temporary cell tower which has since be removed, and then there was the new PSEG monopole. I did not want to create a new nest in Osprey Watch until I was sure the pair would be back, establish a territory, build a nest and lay eggs. There was a small pile of sticks on top of the new high tension/cell tower structure last Sept. Today, I observed the adult pair on the tower. The male was perched near the now very substantial nest, the female was on the nest and appeared to be shading chick(s). It was a very hot day, and this nest is completely exposed to the hot sun. | ||||||
| June 20 | 8768 | CyclistBarb | 1 | N | N | ||
| Note: | 10:00 a.m. I am shocked and saddened by what I see at this lovely, productive nest. One of the adults is dead, wedged between the nesting material and the metal railing surrounding the nest. The adult's wing is unfurled and moves slowly with the wind. What horrible incident happened here? How recently? Was it a challenge by an intruder osprey? An attack by a GHO? If the mother tried to defend her chicks from a threat, perhaps she died in the process. I also thought about the adult being shot while on the nest which seems unlikely as the people at this hunt club love their ospreys. I wish I had visited more often but other emergencies prevented me for coming here for over a month. I will check with my contacts who live in the farmhouse to see if they had heard or seen anything unusual. This is an awful end to the season for this pair/nest. | ||||||
| June 20 | 7663 | CyclistBarb | 0 | N | N | ||
| Note: | 10:20 a.m. From the upper viewpoint on Good Springs Rd, the nest appeared to be empty. I moved down along the usual viewpoint on Edison Rd, directly across from the silo and nest. The nest looked as if it had lost a lot of its sticks, and I could see no adults at this site or nearby. I regret that it has been over a month since I visited. I was unable to get back here as there have been several other "raptor emergencies" which took up my time. I have no idea what could have happened here, but I wonder if the storm we had on May 23 with high winds and lots of rain, might have blown the nest apart. This storm blew over the Holland osprey nest platform and two chicks were lost. I will continue to watch to see if there is any change or if the adults are still in the area. | ||||||
| June 20 | 9269 | CyclistBarb | 1 | N | N | ||
| Note: | 10:30 a.m. It was already getting very hot in the sun--80 degrees! The mother was on the nest and appeared to be shading--probably--nestlings. I could not see the chicks, but the mother was clearly spreading out her wings in protection. The heat waves were already blurring the photos. | ||||||
| June 20 | 3525 | CyclistBarb | 1 | N | N | ||
| Note: | 10:45 a.m. The adult sitting on the nest is mostly hidden by the structures when viewed from the entrance lane. I tried to drive around the tower and position myself half-way between the tower and the south gate of the solar farm. However, the grass and brush were really high. No one had cleared the area, and it appeared that neither the cell company nor the solar company had driven this lane!! I decided I would not bushwhack in there with my car. I might come back with a weed whacker later this summer, when it is cooler. In the photo, the head of a bird is just visible and is marked with a yellow arrow. I could not see enough of this bird to tell whether it was a chick, or one of the adults. | ||||||
| June 20 | 7417 | CyclistBarb | 2 | N | N | ||
| Note: | 11:10 a.m. This is the first time I have observed this nest which is on top of the cell tower for the second year in a row. It is far away, but because it is on the top of the structure, if the light is right, one can observe the birds. It is already very hot today, in the upper 80s, and this nest is completely exposed. I suspect chick(s) have hatched here as the male was on one of the posts and the female was sitting high in the nest as if shading nestlings from the brutal sun. | ||||||
| June 20 | 7416 | CyclistBarb | 1 | N | N | ||
| Note: | 11:30 a.m. It was a very hot day. Already it was over 80 degrees. The adult on the nest appeared to be shading yet unseen nestlings. I did not see the mate. | ||||||
| June 20 | 7415 | CyclistBarb | 1 | N | 1 | young laying down | |
| Note: | 11:40 a.m. It was a very hot day; already it was well into the high 80s. This was worrisome for the young ospreys in their unshaded nests. When I arrived, the mother had her wings out obviously shading her chick(s). When she stood, I got a good view of one chick. There did not appear to be others. This chick already has scalloped feathers and looks to be at least 4 weeks old. | ||||||
| June 23 | 8506 | CyclistBarb | 2 | N | 2 | feeding, young standing | |
| Note: | 9:00 a.m. I saw an adult, which turned out to be the female, and one chick sitting up tall to the left of the adult. At 9:34 the male flew in, and it appeared he had something very small in his left talon. I could not be sure. He arranged some sticks while the female immediately began picking at the prey and feeding it to a second chick that was behind her and more difficult to see. The chick in front also ate. The male did not stay long but flew off while the female continued to feed the chicks. The meal didn't last long as the small prey was consumed quickly. | ||||||
| June 23 | 6887 | CyclistBarb | 1 | N | N | ||
| Note: | 9:50 a.m. I watched an adult osprey fly in carrying a stick, land on the nest and proceed to arrange it somewhat. I could not be sure, but it looked like a male with its all-white breast. After a few minutes it flew off. I did not see the mate. | ||||||
| June 23 | 3662 | CyclistBarb | 1 | N | N | ||
| Note: | 10:25 a.m. One adult flew in with a stick and placed it, arranged it. I know this is an active nest, but from route 80, nothing can be seen yet. Perhaps when any chicks become more active and larger, I can watch from this viewpoint. I did not have time to go around to watch from the service road off Mt. Hermon Rd. | ||||||
| June 23 | 3032 | CyclistBarb | 1 | N | N | ||
| Note: | 10:30 a.m. on June 10, I saw neither adult and wondered if this nest was active this year. This morning I saw an adult sitting on the nest and not moving much. I still wonder if there will be chicks here this season. | ||||||
| June 23 | 3354 | CyclistBarb | 1 | N | 2 | young laying down | |
| Note: | 10:45 a.m. I was surprised to see an osprey, which turned out to be the female, sitting on the nest. As I watched I was even more surprised and pleased to see two chicks! This osprey pair are using the nest that was originally built by an eagle "housekeeping" pair in July of 2022! Historically, this tower was an osprey nest tower before I began working for the osprey project in 2019, but until the eagles built this nest, the tower was cleaned of all nesting sticks and no osprey had been seen on it for years. At 10:55, the female jumped up and perched on a post above the nest and preened. | ||||||
| June 23 | 3289 | CyclistBarb | 0 | N | N | ||
| Note: | 12:25 p.m. The nest looked abandoned. I saw no adults perched on any of the nearby towers or wires. | ||||||
| June 24 | 7880 | CyclistBarb | 1 | N | N | ||
| Note: | 7:10 a.m. One adult was on this substantial but usually unproductive nest. It did not move much and I never saw the mate. I did not stay long. | ||||||
| June 24 | 7415 | CyclistBarb | 2 | N | 2 | young standing | |
| Note: | 7:20 a.m. While waiting at the one-way light below the nest tower, I heard chirping. As I parked on Creveling Rd I saw one of the adults fly off which turned out to be the male. The female remained on the nest. I saw two big chicks standing up tall on the nest. At 7:36 a.m. I heard the female chirping and saw the male soaring high overhead. | ||||||
| June 24 | 7417 | CyclistBarb | 2 | N | 2 | feeding, young standing | |
| Note: | 7:55 a.m. The lighting was perfect for once! And the low humidity meant clear photos! Both adults on the nest appeared to feed the two chicks. The male flew off at 8:07 and the two chicks sat up tall next to the mother. They already have scalloped feathers on backs and wings. | ||||||
| June 24 | 7416 | CyclistBarb | 2 | N | 2 | feeding, young standing | |
| Note: | 8:20 a.m. The male was perched above the nest on a post. The female was in the nest to the left of two chicks which were hidden at first, but then stood and seemed to eat some bites offered by Mom. Dad flew off at 8:26 a.m. | ||||||
| June 24 | 3526 | CyclistBarb | 0 | N | N | ||
| Note: | All osprey nesting material has been cleared off this tower and I have not seen any ospreys in the area this season which is too bad since it was an active, productive nest in the past. There are a few sticks lower on the tower platform, and a raven was perched on a post, so perhaps the ravens have moved in! | ||||||
| June 24 | 8767 | CyclistBarb | 2 | N | N | young laying down | |
| Note: | 8:45 a.m. After seeing no sign of ospreys at this nest on previous visits, today I saw the adult female. I saw no chicks, but she seemed to be fussing with something way back and low in the nest where I could not see. I definitely heard chirping by the female in the nest even when I couldn't see her. I saw an adult soaring overhead, probably her mate. The female stretched her wings and preened. | ||||||
| June 24 | 3033 | CyclistBarb | 2 | N | 2 | young laying down | |
| Note: | 9:15 a.m. The adult pair was sitting on the nest edge side by side. At 9:19 I saw the wing of a chick pop up in a stretch. I saw another chick wing stretch at 9:21. At 9:22, the male flew off. Almost immediately one chick, then a second, sat up tall. In a video when the two chicks plus the female are sitting tall, another wing came up behind the two chicks and I assumed it was a third chick, but I couldn't confirm it today. | ||||||
| June 24 | 7662 | CyclistBarb | 1 | N | N | ||
| Note: | 9:35 a.m. As I maneuvered into place, I heard chirps and saw an adult fly off the tower. I could see nothing in the nest. At 9:55 a.m. there still had been no movement at the nest although I was sure there must be chick(s) in the nest that were chirping. It is impossible to see up into this very high nest. I can get closer but that puts me lower. There doesn't seem to be any higher ground than the pull off on Shire Rd. The parts of the structure often obscure a clear view of the nest occupants. | ||||||
| June 24 | 9806 | CyclistBarb | 1 | N | 1 | young laying down | |
| Note: | 9:55 a.m. From Mt Joy Rd I saw the female sitting on the edge of the nest. The female stood, stretched out her wings in the wind and I saw one and possibly two chicks. I was parked across from Jim Gonow's home. He, retired from JCP&L, had a camera with a big lens on his deck and knew all about the ospreys. I talked to him a long time about trying to get a pole donation from PSEG and about ospreys and eagles. Gave him my card and an osprey brochure. While we talked, the female flew off, then back to the nest. I heard chirps but also warning vocals. | ||||||
| June 24 | 2930 | CyclistBarb | 1 | N | 3 | young laying down | |
| Note: | 10:50 a.m. The chicks were lying down with Mom sitting next to them on the nest. They must have been resting after being fed. I did not see the male. | ||||||
| June 24 | 7407 | CyclistBarb | 1 | N | 1 | young laying down | |
| Note: | 11:15 a.m. An adult I thought was the female was on the nest as I observed from the parking lot of The Narrows restaurant in Pennsylvania. I saw the movement of at least one chick in the background, behind the adult. The adult flew off, then back, then off, then back again. It was on the nest with its back toward me so I could not be sure it was the female. At 11:35 a.m. I saw movement under the adult and saw one chick head and beak. There are probably at least two chicks, but I can't confirm until I see two or more at once. By the time I left, the sun was quite warm, and the adult had its wings out providing the nestling(s) with shade. | ||||||
| June 24 | 3530 | CyclistBarb | 0 | N | N | ||
| Note: | This tower has had no nesting material nor ospreys on it for as long as I have observed it--2018 or 2019. The pair may have moved across the river as there is a pair on the same electric line on the Red Cliff Village nest/tower in PA. | ||||||
| June 27 | 9277 | CyclistBarb | 2 | N | 3 | young laying down | |
| Note: | 8:55 a.m. I drove to the cul de sac off Milltown Rd and asked permission from a resident to back into their driveway in order to observe this nest. The very nice lady gave me permission and I gave her my card and the osprey brochure. When I had set up my scope and camera, I saw that the male was on a post. Then I saw the female fly in with a big stick. Two chicks popped their heads up. The female flew off again but was not gone long before she returned with another stick. The two chicks look quite advanced. Mom vocalized and the chicks moved up and down, quite active. As I continued to watch I saw not only two, but THREE big chicks pop their heads up! | ||||||
| June 27 | 3248 | CyclistBarb | 0 | N | N | ||
| Note: | Since 2018 or 2019 all nesting material has been removed and not replaced on this tower. I have never seen any ospreys on or near this tower. | ||||||
| June 27 | 3662 | CyclistBarb | 1 | N | 1 | young laying down | |
| Note: | 11:10 a.m. I approached this nest from the service road which still has a downed tree across the entrance and very high grass in the field. There have been other vehicles that have driven in over the high grass so that there is a track through the high grass! I could see the adult (probably the female) on a post. At 11:25 a.m. one chick stretched its wings then sat up tall and I was able to get a photo of its head and neck. There was probably another chick behind it, but I could not confirm this. The (probable) female was calling regularly. | ||||||
| June 27 | 3354 | CyclistBarb | 2 | N | 2 | young laying down | |
| Note: | 11:25 a.m. The ospreys were on the side of the nest away from the road. It was impossible to see the chicks from the route 94 viewpoint although I could see an adult on the nest. I moved to the Knowlton Municipal Bldg parking lot and saw that the other adult was perched on a structural post, next to the nest so both adults were there. The two chicks were partially hidden by the structure and the parent, but I saw one chick clearly (head and beak) and a wing stretch from the other which was mostly behind the structures. | ||||||
| June 29 | 8507 | CyclistBarb | 0 | N | N | ||
| Note: | 11:00 a.m. No birds were seen at this tower from either Princeton Pike, the Eco Facility, or Tillmann's on Fackler Rd. The agent at the booth at the Eco Facility said they have not seen birds at the tower this year. This is a big nest, but it is difficult to see! It will be interesting to see if either the eagle pair or the osprey pair return next season. | ||||||
| July 1 | 2930 | CyclistBarb | 1 | N | 3 | young laying down | |
| Note: | 1:05 p.m. When I first arrived, the female adult was sitting up high on the nest and the three nestlings were lying down. One nestling got up and stretched at around 1:08 p.m. Then this active nestling wing-flapped vigorously and continuously for a few minutes before lying back down to rest after its efforts! It appeared to be a male with a pure-white breast. | ||||||
| July 1 | 7407 | CyclistBarb | 1 | N | 2 | young laying down | |
| Note: | 1:30 p.m. The female was shading the chicks from the sun, which was already very warm. I saw one chick for sure and movement that would indicate there are two. I watched from the NJ side this time. I need to go out early morning to observe all of the nests along the Delaware River south of route 78 in order to get accurate chick counts. Once the sun is out, the mother blocks the chicks from the hot sun, and also from a clear view! | ||||||
| July 1 | 7414 | CyclistBarb | 0 | N | N | ||
| Note: | 2:40 p.m. I saw no ospreys. This nest has been abandoned unfortunately. | ||||||
| July 1 | 8768 | CyclistBarb | 0 | N | N | ||
| Note: | 7:55 a.m. The remnants of the dead adult were still seen at the edge of the nest. This nest has failed for this season because of the demise of one of the pair. | ||||||
| July 1 | 7663 | CyclistBarb | 0 | N | N | ||
| Note: | 8:10-8:15 a.m. The nest appeared to be abandoned. I saw no sign of either adult. | ||||||
| July 1 | 9269 | CyclistBarb | 1 | N | N | ||
| Note: | 8:30 a.m. From the pull-off on route 57, I saw one adult but couldn't tell the gender. It was sitting up on the nest, partially hidden by the structure. The nest looks pretty small and flattened as if not well maintained. I saw no sign of offspring. I moved around to the farther viewpoint off of Richline Rd but saw no definite sign of chicks and could not see the breast of the adult which was still just sitting on the nest tower. I thought I saw the head of a chick pop up behind the adult but from the distance, with heat waves, I could not be positive. | ||||||
| July 1 | 3525 | CyclistBarb | 2 | N | N | ||
| Note: | 9:00a.m. There were two vehicles parked under the tower. I stopped just a few yards up the lane from Stryker Rd and watched a very distraught adult encircling the tower and vocalizing alarms. I could not see any chicks or eggs in the nest. There were three men walking under the tower near the vehicles; one had a dog on a leash. At 9:17 a.m. the male came from the direction of the river, carrying a fish. I believe it dropped the fish at the nest, but then both adults began circling the tower with warning vocals. At 9:28 a.m. one of the vehicles started up and drove toward me and the exit (I was off to one side). I got out, spoke to them. They were waiting for T-mobile technicians and were very aware of the osprey and the nest and mentioned the T-mobile people had a drone and would check for nest activity. I assured them it was active, offered them a copy of the Migratory Bird Act, but they knew the rules already and had copies of the Act. Told them no work could be done until Sept. 1, which they already knew. They said they would inform T-mobile and also call their companion still parked under the tower. A few minutes after they left, I spoke to the third man. He was also very aware of the birds, the rules and all protections and he assured me they would tell T-mobile all work would have to wait until Sept. 1. Once they left, both adults came back and perched on the tower, but I left almost immediately not wanting to continue to disturb them further. | ||||||
| July 1 | 7417 | CyclistBarb | 1 | N | 2 | feeding, young standing | |
| Note: | 9:50 a.m. The adult (female) was standing on the nest, the two chicks were not as visible at first, as they were behind her and lying down. I saw a wing stretch, then they stood up. The female flew off and then back with what looked like a stick but could have been an eel or some item of prey. I saw the mother feeding the two chicks after they stood up. As they were back away from the camera, they still appeared to be down, but I assume they were standing to be fed. | ||||||
| July 1 | 7416 | CyclistBarb | 2 | N | 2 | young laying down | |
| Note: | 10:20 a.m. As I parked, one adult, probably the male, flew in, but flew off again before I could set up my camera. I could not see if prey was delivered but after he flew off again, I saw no feeding and the chicks did not seem to ask for food. The female was sitting on the nest along with one chick. I saw a big wing stretch and knew that the second chick was lying down. It wasn't long before the second chick lifted its head and moved around although it was back farther away from my viewpoint. It is at least possible that I saw a wing stretch from a third chick. | ||||||
| July 1 | 7415 | CyclistBarb | 1 | N | 2 | young standing | |
| Note: | 10:50 a.m. The adult female was sitting up on the nest next to one female chick that was as big as the mother with her scalloped plumage and orange eyes. The second chick stretched its big wing, so I knew it was still there. At 11:05 a.m. the female nestling flapped its wings and jumped vigorously, then lay down so that both nestlings were almost hidden. At 11:16 the second nestling stood up, let loose with a slice, and flapped equally vigorously. Finally, at 11:20 a.m. both nestlings and Mom were all sitting up tall. It won't be long before these two fledge. | ||||||
| July 1 | 3526 | CyclistBarb | 0 | N | N | ||
| Note: | No ospreys have been seen here, but there was a small pile of sticks and a raven seen on the tower so perhaps ravens have taken over for this season. I looked at this tower through my binoculars as I passed on my way from the Truck Stop nest to the Bloomsbury nest. I spent about a minute doing this. | ||||||
| July 1 | 8767 | CyclistBarb | 1 | N | N | young laying down | |
| Note: | 11:40 a.m. One big wing stretch told me there was at least one nestling at the nest. I could see movement through the nest rails as well. The adult (presumably female) sat on the edge of the nest with her breast facing away from me so I could not confirm the gender. The adult was vocalizing. At 11:46 a.m. the nestlings were still down, out of sight. There was no action at the nest, so feeding took place. | ||||||
| July 1 | 3033 | CyclistBarb | 1 | N | 2 | young laying down | |
| Note: | 12:00 p.m. The female was perched on the edge of the nest and the 2 nestlings were lying down out of sight. At a little after noon, one of the chicks sat up and preened, and its head showed clearly above the nest rails, behind the female. I then saw the big wing stretch of its sibling. This nest is difficult to see. I need to observe it earlier in the morning during a feeding when the nestlings are active and sitting or standing tall. | ||||||
| July 1 | 7924 | CyclistBarb | 0 | N | N | ||
| Note: | This nest was productive in 2020, the year I discovered it. At the end of the nesting season the nest was removed from the farmer's building. The osprey pair began to add sticks to rebuild in early 2021 but these were removed, and a great horned owl statue placed up there to ward off any attempt to rebuild by the osprey pair. This continues to be the situation. | ||||||
| July 1 | 7662 | CyclistBarb | 1 | N | 1 | young laying down | |
| Note: | 12:15 p.m. As I arrived, an adult was just landing. I have seen very little activity at this usually productive nest and have seen no evidence of incubation or nestlings. Today, however, one chick popped its head up and then sat up so that I could see part of its back and wings with the white scalloped plumage. It was not newly hatched! I could not tell if the adult was the male or female. It seemed to have all white on its breast, but at this hour, it would be more usual for the female to be staying at the nest. I saw only the one nestling and it was big enough that had there been two or three, I surely would have seen them. When the nestling was lying down it was hidden, but surely a 2nd or 3rd would have been up and active at least after its sibling was moving around. | ||||||
| July 1 | 9806 | CyclistBarb | 1 | N | 2 | young laying down | |
| Note: | 12:35 p.m. The adult was sitting on the edge of the nest. One chick's head popped up and was also seen. At 12:36 I saw a big wing stretch by the second nestling. 12:45 p.m. The adult (female) flew off and both chicks popped their heads up. At 12:46 the female adult flew back into the nest and she and the two nestlings preened. There could possibly be 3 nestlings, but I can only confirm 2 so far. Those two don't show up much of their bodies, just their heads over the top of the rails on this high tower. | ||||||
| July 1 | 7033 | CyclistBarb | 0 | N | N | ||
| Note: | All nesting material has been cleaned off and no ospreys have been seen this season. | ||||||
| July 6 | 7141 | CyclistBarb | 1 | N | 2 | young standing | |
| Note: | 8:45 a.m. The female was sitting up tall along with two fairly mature nestlings. The young were not lying down nor standing but sitting tall in the nest next to the mother. Already this morning, it was quite warm, and the rising sun made the temperature seem even warmer. It is supposed to get up into the 90s today. | ||||||
| July 8 | 9277 | CyclistBarb | 2 | N | 3 | young laying down | |
| Note: | 8:45 a.m. I backed into the driveway of the kind homeowners whose permission I have to watch from their property. The adult female was on the right and the 3 nestlings were laying low in front of her. It was already hot especially exposed to full sun at the top of the tower. Mom was shading the chicks. One chick was vocalizing loud enough for me to hear it. At 9:24 a.m. the female also began calling and I saw another osprey, presumably her mate, circling/soaring high above the tower. | ||||||
| July 10 | 7880 | CyclistBarb | 2 | N | 2 | young laying down | |
| Note: | 6:00 a.m. As I approached heading southwest on route 173, I noticed an adult perched on one of the posts, so I pulled into High Power Electric, took a photo of the adult, which appeared to be the male (no "necklace" of brown feathers on the breast). I saw nothing in the nest. I then saw another adult circling the tower, high above, and heard lots of vocals so I drove back northeast, turned and pulled into a small pull-off, set up my scope and camera. I was amazed to see one chick put its head up!! In all the years I have been watching this tower, I have yet to see any young hatched here! At 6:51 a.m. a second chick poked its head up. Then the adult which had been circling and vocalizing, landed and turned out to be the female. I caught a glimpse of adult feathers behind the structures indicating that the male was still perched on the post to the southwest. At 7:02a.m. one of the chicks (the second one) stretched big wings showing sprouting feathers. After getting plenty of photos of Mom and the two off-spring, I returned to the parking lot of High Power Electric and saw that the male had not moved, but I also could not see the female or the 2 chicks from there even though I knew they were active. In the photo, the head of one chick is marked, clearly seen. The second chick is to the right of its sibling and mother, partially behind the structural post and also lying low, so hidden. | ||||||
| July 10 | 7415 | CyclistBarb | 2 | N | 2 | feeding, young standing | |
| Note: | 7:15 a.m. One of the two chicks (both are females), was sitting up tall at the left of the nest, while the adult female was perched on a post above and to the right of the nest. Almost at once, I saw the second chick do a big wing stretch confirming that she was down in the nest. 7:19 a.m. The female's vocals alerted me to the arrival of the male with a big fish, both chicks were up, Mom dropped into the nest and began to feed the chick which had been lying down. The chick sitting up to the left at first just watched. She already seemed to have a big crop and I deduced this was not the first prey delivery of the day! Dad soon moved to the post where Mom had been perched. Mom continued her non-stop vocals. At 7:28 a.m. the chick to the left moved over to the right and Mom shared some fish with her as well as her sister. Mom had a few bites also. The entire family was still there finishing up the fish when I left. | ||||||
| July 10 | 7416 | CyclistBarb | 1 | N | 2 | young laying down | |
| Note: | 7:55 a.m. The female adult was perched on a post above the nest and one of her chicks was sitting up and preening. The second chick could be seen moving but mostly hidden. Both chicks were way back at the opposite side of the nest from my viewpoint, and they were not sitting up tall, especially the 2nd chick which seemed to be mostly lying down. At 8:02, the adult female flew off. The photo was taken before the mother flew off, while one chick was up preening. | ||||||
| July 10 | 8767 | CyclistBarb | 1 | N | 2 | feeding, young laying down | |
| Note: | 8:15 a.m. The female was in the nest and appeared to be feeding the 2 chicks and eating bites for herself. She was intermittently quite vocal because at least a half dozen vultures were circling above the tower and in the area. I did not see the male. After eating and feeding the female flew off and back at least 6 times, each time returning after less than a minute, carrying a stick. All during the action I could see movement of 2 chicks in two locations through the nest sticks. At one point, Mom came in with a large stick and was arranging it. One of her chicks grabbed a smaller stick with its beak and imitated the mother, moving the stick. Finally, when Mom returned with a stick, I got a pretty good glimpse of two chick heads popping up to see what Mom was bringing in. I saw a crop drop and a slice--indicating that both chicks were fed well this morning. The photo shows the female returning with a stick while her two chicks stick their heads up above the nest rails. | ||||||
| July 10 | 3033 | CyclistBarb | 1 | N | 2 | young standing | |
| Note: | 8:55 a.m. The adult female was sitting on a post to the west side of the nest when I arrived. She flew off at one point. Sitting up tall on the edge of the nest was a female chick. I did not see the other chick or even a wing stretch so I assumed was not lying on the far side of the nest, away from me. The chicks seemed quite advanced even on July 1 although they are difficult to see on this nest which is very high and tipped away from the best viewpoint. I could not stay long enough to determine if the 2nd chick was just lying low having eaten earlier, or whether it really had fledged and was off the nest. I will return early morning as soon as I can to check up on this nest. | ||||||
| July 10 | 7662 | CyclistBarb | 1 | N | 1 | young standing | |
| Note: | 9:10 a.m. As I approached this tower driving on Cyphers Rd, I noticed the silhouettes of two ospreys out of the nest, on the structure. When I parked in the usual observation spot, I could only see one adult clearly perched on a horizontal bar between posts above the nest. It had its back to me. Then I noticed the tail feathers and wing tips of another osprey mostly hidden behind a post on the opposite side of the nest. When it roused, I saw that it was the juvenile! It was branching.... or else it had fledged. I have only ever seen a single chick here although in past years this nest has had multiple chicks. I also shot of photo of the adult from almost under the tower and upon downloading it, realized that its breast was almost pure white. Was this the male? Or is the female at this nest mostly lacking in the brown feather "necklace" that is so common among female ospreys? | ||||||
| July 10 | 9806 | CyclistBarb | 1 | N | 2 | young standing | |
| Note: | 9:30 a.m. From the parking lot across from the Fire Station, I saw one of the two big female chicks plus the adult female, sitting up tall. The nestling began to vigorously flap her wings, exercising in preparation for her first flight which will probably be soon. This aroused her sibling, also a female and the three big, full-size females sat together facing south. All three appeared to have full crops! Well fed! While I was parked, Jim (from Mt Joy Rd) stopped by. We chatted about this nest, and he asked about other ospreys' nests in the area and eagles' nests. He has a great view of this nest from his deck. | ||||||
| July 10 | 2930 | CyclistBarb | 1 | N | 3 | young standing | |
| Note: | 9:50 a.m. The mother sat tall with her three big chicks on this very crowded nest! Standing room only and especially when one of the nestlings decided to do some vigorous wing-flapping. One or all of these may have already fledged as this nest is usually ahead of others in the northwest quadrant. At this nest two of the offspring are males and one is female. Many of the other nests seem to have all or most females. | ||||||
| July 10 | 7407 | CyclistBarb | 2 | N | 2 | young laying down | |
| Note: | 10:15 a.m. From the NJ side I saw the female fly in, followed by the male. I saw the movement of a single chick to the left and in front of the female. Then movement of a second chick to the right of the parents (photo). I then drove back to the Riegelsville bridge crossing and made my way to the much better observation post on the PA side. The nest tilts away from PA now so the chicks have to be fairly large to be seen. At 10:40 a.m. the female was sitting on the nest. I saw the male (apparently, as the female was calling softly) flying, circling overhead. The chicks seemed to be younger than other chicks in this area although I have yet to get a really good look at them. When I downloaded a video, I could see two chicks moving. | ||||||
| July 10 | 9219 | CyclistBarb | 2 | N | N | ||
| Note: | 10:50 a.m. I stopped on the way south toward home after checking nests north of Milford. I was surprised to see a pair of adults flying back and forth to the nest with sticks and then diligently arranging them on this nest! If there were chicks, I did not see them and at this late date they would have been ready to fledge and as large as the adults!! Strange timing! | ||||||
| July 10 | 7408 | CyclistBarb | 2 | N | 2 | young laying down | |
| Note: | 11:00 a.m. Since I am going right past, I stopped to look and saw the female on the nest with two big chicks. While I was watching the male flew in then out. One chick was vigorously wing-flapping. The other chick was laying down but did a couple wing stretches. This nest is right across the river and on the same power line as the now defunct Alexander Twp nest in NJ. It is possible that it is the same pair and they just moved to PA. | ||||||
| July 11 | 3031 | CyclistBarb | 0 | N | N | ||
| Note: | 1:10 p.m. I try to check this platform once a season. However, for all the years I have been watching osprey nests in the northwest quadrant of the state, I have never seen nesting material on this platform. Only once, several years ago, did I see a lone osprey perched on the platform late in the season. | ||||||
| July 11 | 9277 | CyclistBarb | 2 | N | 3 | young standing | |
| Note: | 2:20 p.m. On my way home after checking nests in northern Warren County, I stopped by this nest and saw the male on a post. The female was on the nest with wings unfurled, shading two of her chicks which are behind her and hidden. The third chick was to Mom's left. | ||||||
| July 11 | 8506 | CyclistBarb | 1 | N | 2 | young standing | |
| Note: | After exiting at route 80 I arrived at the viewpoint at 10:07 a.m. A very large chick (as big as Mom and also female) was standing and preening on the left of the nest. Mom was sitting still to the right. The second chick was way back and down, hidden. At 10:12 the chick began vigorous wing flapping and flapped right into Mom's personal space. She flew off. More wing flapping ensued until Mom returned with a big stick at 10:13. Both the adult and the nestling proceeded to arrange sticks. One of the sticks apparently disturbed/hit the second chick and it stood up. After that both chicks (both females) and Mom sat up tall, arranged sticks, preened, and the chicks exercised their wings. As I was getting ready to take down my equipment and leave, I noticed a man walking down the long driveway toward me. It was Barbara's husband Rich. He knew about the ospreys and some local eagles (lake behind their house), knew about my job, etc. We visited a while, and I gave him an osprey brochure. | ||||||
| July 11 | 6887 | CyclistBarb | 0 | N | N | ||
| Note: | 10:35 a.m. No osprey seen today. Nest is still in one corner of the tower, but no chicks this season. | ||||||
| July 11 | 3662 | CyclistBarb | 1 | N | 1 | feeding | |
| Note: | 11:05 a.m. One adult was on a post, and I saw movement of a chick through the nest sticks. At 11:15 the male flew in with prey and the female (on the post) hopped down into the nest. One chick popped its head up. The male then perched on one of the posts with one of his legs up! The female walked back away from route 80 (I was watching from the grass beyond the shoulder) and appeared to be feeding her chick(s). | ||||||
| July 11 | 3032 | CyclistBarb | 1 | N | N | ||
| Note: | 11:30 a.m. One adult was on a post, but the nest looked empty. Usually, I have seen one adult present at this nest, either on a post or sitting in the nest. I have not seen two. I wonder if something happened to the mate. When I have been able to see the breast of the one adult, it has been a female with a brown necklace. This time, the adult had its back to me until it flew off shortly after I arrived so I could not see the breast. | ||||||
| July 11 | 3354 | CyclistBarb | 2 | N | 2 | young standing | |
| Note: | 11:40 a.m. At first from both route 94 and from the parking lot of the Knowlton Municipal Building, the nest looked empty. I thought I saw an adult flying way off in the distance. Soon I heard vocals and saw an adult fly into the nest at 11:45. It was the male. He may have brought in prey, did not stay long, but flew off again. Then I spotted another adult in the nest, the female, who was probably there the entire time, but way back hidden, or perched on a structure behind the nest. The leaves of the trees in the hedgerow between me and the tower camouflage most of the tower but I can position myself to see just the nest. The posts of the cell structure also hide parts of the nest and whichever osprey is sitting or lying in the nest. The female was standing and had moved to where I could see her. She appeared to be arranging the bottom of the nest or eating the prey that the male may have delivered (I did not see it and did not have the video running). At 11:51 I saw the top of a chick's head pop up in front of Mom. The chick had been laying down. At 11:50 a.m., both chicks were up and flapping their wings. At 11:55 one of the chicks that had been flapping (to warm up apparently!) flew off and down to the right (northeast). In a flurry of flapping wings the mother and the second chick flew off toward the back of the tower, toward the north, and disappeared! I realized the entire family of four had flown off, the chicks following their parents! FLEDGED! At noon, Mom was back on a post under the upper level, but Dad and the two offspring were not around--perhaps the chicks followed Dad to the nearby Paulinskill River for a fishing lesson. I spoke to Doreen, my contact who works in the Municipal Building and she confirmed that she had seen four ospreys flying to and from the nest tower for about a week! Surprise! | ||||||
| July 11 | 3662 | CyclistBarb | 2 | N | 2 | young standing | |
| Note: | 12:30 p.m. This time from the overgrown and partially blocked (by a fallen tree) dirt service road I saw the female on the side of the tower closest to I-80. The chicks were both on the side closest to Mt Hermon Rd. One chick was sticking its head up, then stood. I saw the second stretching its big wing. Both chicks were up, and Mom flew off at 12:39 p.m. She flew back in on the route 80 side of the nest at 12:40 p.m. carrying a big stick. All three, two chicks and the mother, are all female. I heard vocals from Mom and saw Dad flying, circling high above the nest. Mom flew off and joined Dad soaring above the nest. | ||||||
| July 14 | 7407 | CyclistBarb | 1 | N | 2 | ||
| Note: | 9:20 a.m. It was already very hot in the sun and the female had her wings spread out shading her offspring. From the PA side I could see at least one in front of Mom and a second under her tail and behind her. The chicks kept low so I could never see two heads at one time. At 9:30 I saw a wing stretch, but from the glimpses I have been able to get, I believe these chicks are younger than the other nests in the immediate area. I crossed to the NJ side and from there, it almost appeared that there could be three. I don't know for sure how many chicks are in this nest. | ||||||
| July 14 | 9806 | CyclistBarb | 1 | N | 2 | young standing | |
| Note: | 10 a.m. As I passed by this tower, I pulled in for a quick look and saw that the two large chicks and their mother were standing on the nest, visible from the parking area in front of the Fire Station. | ||||||
| July 14 | 2930 | CyclistBarb | 1 | N | 3 | young standing | |
| Note: | 10:20 a.m. The adult was perched on the pole overlooking the nest. Of the offspring, one female and one male chick were standing in the nest. The third chick, also a male, which had fledged, was perched on the adjacent electrical tower not too far from the nest. The other two chicks may have also fledged as this trio seemed to be somewhat advanced in age from the first time I saw the chicks. I believe the adult was the female, although she does not have the noticeable brown necklace on her breast, possibly just a couple tiny dark spots. | ||||||
| July 14 | 7662 | CyclistBarb | 1 | N | 1 | young standing | |
| Note: | 10:55 a.m. The single chick here, which I saw perched above the nest on the structure "branching" on July 10, was standing in the nest self-feeding this morning. The adult (female presumably) was perched on the horizontal bar of the structure, over-looking the nest. I am going to assume this chick has fledged and flown off the tower recently. | ||||||
| July 14 | 3033 | CyclistBarb | 1 | N | 2 | ||
| Note: | 11:00 a.m. It was already 87 degrees. The sun was beating down on the nest and I saw no birds up on the nest! However, I heard a lot of vocals and saw at least 3 ospreys flying, circling high over the nest tower and assumed they were all part of this osprey family. At least one seemed to have left the nest on July 10, and now I assumed that two of the birds overhead were the two chicks. I never could confirm a 3rd chick. I expect they were flying around with one of the adults. | ||||||
| July 14 | 8767 | CyclistBarb | 1 | N | 2 | young laying down | |
| Note: | 11:15 a.m. The female was on the edge of the nest. I clearly saw two chicks that she was shading. It was already very warm. The two chicks were now easier to see as they have grown and appeared to be sitting up tall. They aren't as old as chicks at several other nearby nests where the chicks have already fledged or are already standing up and are almost as large as the adults. | ||||||
| July 14 | 8723 | CyclistBarb | 0 | N | N | ||
| Note: | 12:25 p.m. The first year this was reported, there were a few sticks on the cross piece of a phone pole. I also saw an osprey eating a fish across the road from this park. It was the year after a nearby nest had been cleared off a cell tower by the company. However, this "nest" was never completed, and the few sticks blew down. The ospreys have moved on and have not been seen in the area for several years. There is no nest here. | ||||||
| July 14 | 7823 | CyclistBarb | 0 | N | N | ||
| Note: | 12:30 p.m. This nest was cleared off the tower by the cell company several years ago and the osprey pair have not returned. I have seen no ospreys in the area for about 3 years. | ||||||
| July 19 | 7880 | CyclistBarb | 1 | N | 2 | young standing | |
| Note: | 6:45 a.m. The female and one big chick were sitting up tall at the east side of the nest. The male was perched on the west side and not visible from my observation post--a pull off along route 173. I could see him clearly from the parking lot of the electric company. From the pull off I also got brief glimpses of the 2nd chick who was way down and back away from my viewpoint mostly hidden by a post on the structure. I could see its head when it moved and sat up. | ||||||
| July 19 | 7415 | CyclistBarb | 1 | N | N | ||
| Note: | 7:15 a.m. One adult was perched on a post on the structure. It had its back to me. After watching for some sign that the chicks were still in the nest, I moved to the park where I could see that the adult on the post was the female. The entire time I watched, I saw no heads or wings pop up and thus concluded the two had fledged and were off the nest. | ||||||
| July 19 | 9269 | CyclistBarb | 1 | N | N | ||
| Note: | 7:40 a.m. From Richline Rd I saw one adult eating something while perched on one of the posts. I saw nothing in or on the nest which appeared a bit more built up than at the last visit almost 3 weeks ago. I drove around to the other side of the nest and pulled into my viewing spot on route 57. From there I had a much better view of the adult which was still eating. I couldn't see the breast, so I can't say if it was the male or the female. I also heard what certainly sounded like a chick calling, but the calls seemed to come from nearby but not at the tower. I did not see any offspring, nor did I see an adult mate. I still can't confirm that there were any chicks hatched at this nest. I can't say for sure what was making the calls. | ||||||
| July 19 | 3525 | CyclistBarb | 1 | N | 1 | young standing | |
| Note: | 8:00 a.m. The last visit I was unable to drive very far up the overgrown dirt lane toward the tower and on all visits this season I have been unable to drive around the tower and toward the gates to the solar farm. Thus, it has been impossible to really see into the nest. Today I saw a single chick perched on the top level of the tower, above the nest, flapping its wings vigorously. The mother was perched on a lower level. As I approached the tower a bit closer, the chick flew off and I realized it had probably taken a first flight at least a week ago! Mom also flew off and they both circled above the nest, vocalizing alarm. After less than a minute, the fledgling returned to its perch on top and the adult female also returned and perched on a post at the top of the tower. I did not see the male. I also did not see other fledglings. I did not stay long as the alarmed vocals continued, and I did not want to upset this family any longer than necessary to count chicks. | ||||||
| July 19 | 7416 | CyclistBarb | 0 | N | 2 | young standing | |
| Note: | 8:20 a.m. One of the chicks sat up tall and was preening. The other was hidden, lying down low at the far side of the nest. Soon, the second chick also sat up and after stretching a few times, started vigorously wing-flapping and jumping high above the nest. The first chick continued to preen, ignoring its athletic sister. Both chicks are female. I did not see either adult although the mother may have been perched somewhere on the structure hidden from my viewpoint. | ||||||
| July 19 | 7417 | CyclistBarb | 1 | N | 2 | feeding, young standing | |
| Note: | 8:40 a.m. The female was on a post at the top of the tower, next to the nest. Her two big female chicks were standing and appeared to be self-feeding the entire time I watched. It has been almost three weeks since I visited this nest and these two could very well have taken their first flights. (Based on their size, and the dark feathers under their beaks, I believe the two chicks are female.) | ||||||
| July 19 | 8767 | CyclistBarb | 1 | N | 2 | young standing | |
| Note: | 9:10 a.m. The adult female was perched on a post at the corner of the tower, above the nest. One chick was standing up tall and vocalizing. I did not see the second chick until it took a couple of big wing stretches and I realized it was lying down low, way back in the nest, and hidden. It did not stand up while I was at the site, so I never got a good photo of the three together. I did not see the adult male. | ||||||
| July 19 | 9277 | CyclistBarb | 1 | N | 3 | young standing | |
| Note: | 9:50 a.m. One of the three chicks was standing up tall, not moving much while the mother was perched across the nest from her chick, on a post. After a couple minutes I saw the back of one move, but it remained lying down. Its movement prompted the third chick which was the farthest to my right, stand up, stretch, and begin to wing-flap vigorously. I saw that all three chicks were fine and apparently well fed and being cared for by Mom. | ||||||
| July 26 | 8506 | CyclistBarb | 2 | N | 2 | feeding, young standing | |
| Note: | 8:30 a.m. I began my Volunteer Osprey Day at The Raptor Trust. I arrived at Riverview at 9:45 a.m. As I was setting up, I saw a bird fly off and wondered if it could be one of the chicks. After I set up my scope and camera, I immediately saw one of the big chicks on the left side of the nest from my perspective. The mother was to the right. I assumed it was the father who had just been there and flown off. I did not see the 2nd chick at first. Then, at 9:49, Mom moved a stick, the 1st chick backed up to the edge and shot a slice, and the 2nd chick stretched her big wing up. It was lying back and to the left. Both chicks at this nest are females and now are as big as the adult female. At 9:56 a.m. Mom flew off and then back in with what appeared to be a wad of grass. Not too long after that the male flew in with empty talons and immediately flew off again. He returned again in a minute and this time he had a very small fish! One of the chicks immediately mantled it, claiming a meal for herself! She proceeded to self-feed. The chick without the fish lay back down and was mostly out of sight to the back left. The mother sat calmly to the right. After the other chick finished off the fish it remained standing next to its mother and preened. | ||||||
| July 26 | 3662 | CyclistBarb | 1 | N | 2 | young standing | |
| Note: | 10:25 a.m. One big chick was standing tall at the edge of the nest, and another osprey came to the nest, but just did a "touch and go" before taking to the air again. I managed to get a shot of the action, but I couldn't see the back and wing feathers of this bird so I couldn't confirm that it was one of the chicks, although that is my best guess! Then I watched that osprey soar high above the nest along with a third. I can't be sure that it was not a fledged chick soaring with an adult. I could not tell for sure even after viewing the photos on the computer. If it wasn't one of the two female chicks, then it was the mother perhaps soaring with her mate while keeping an eye on her nest. The chick which had been sitting high on the edge of the nest next to route 80, walked back and lay down so that only its head remained visible. | ||||||
| July 26 | 3032 | CyclistBarb | 0 | N | N | ||
| Note: | 10:50 a.m. From I-80, the nest looked abandoned. No adults were present. I saw none flying in the area. | ||||||
| July 26 | 3662 | CyclistBarb | 0 | N | 2 | young standing | |
| Note: | 11:00 a.m. I drove to the I-80 exit at Columbia, then drove to the service road off Mt Hermon Rd. From there I could see the two chicks standing tall, wing flapping and the one closest to me was preening. If one, or both have fledged, I can't prove it! I assume if they haven't already fledged, they will soon. The high grass in the field and on the dirt-track was somewhat matted down as if another vehicle had been driving back the lane. | ||||||
| July 29 | 3286 | CyclistBarb | 0 | N | 1 | young standing | |
| Note: | 1:45 p.m. From the shoulder of route 29 I could see one large chick sitting upright and panting. I heard it call occasionally also but never saw siblings nor parents. I did not stay long as this is not the best viewpoint for this nest. Much of the nest was hidden from view. | ||||||
| July 29 | 7407 | CyclistBarb | 2 | N | 2 | feeding, young standing | |
| Note: | 2:00 p.m. It was sunny and getting hot, the adult female had her wings spread wide. I saw one chick with its light scalloped dark feathers sitting behind the mother, on the downriver side of the nest. I saw movement of a second chick which seemed to tucked way under the mother who occasionally stood and roused her feathers. The chick which was not under the mother flapped its wings and stretched. At 2:30 p.m. the other chick came out from under the adult toward its sibling on the downstream side. At 2:42 the male flew in with a big fish and stayed for a while. The mother began to feed the two (not three) big chicks which were standing erect. At 2:46, Dad flew off, but Mom continued to feed the offspring. The photo shows the male just after landing with the fish, the female, and the two chicks. | ||||||
| July 29 | 9806 | CyclistBarb | 1 | N | 2 | young standing | |
| Note: | 3:10 p.m. One chick was sitting up tall next to the mother on the nest. At first, I couldn't see the second chick until it moved way back in the nest, and I could see the movement, but not the head. The mother was on the left as I watched from the parking area across from the fire hall. The offspring was on the right. Then I moved to Mt Joy Rd where I could still see only the adult and one chick. After talking for a few minutes with the homeowner who also has a camera and watches this nest, I noticed an osprey circling above the nest and heard constant vocals. When the flying osprey finally landed in the nest, I was surprised to see it was the second chick. It flew very strongly, and I believe both have probably fledged sometime in the last two weeks since my last visit. Both chicks are in the photo along with the mother in the background partially hidden by the chicks. | ||||||
| July 29 | 2930 | CyclistBarb | 0 | N | 3 | young standing | |
| Note: | 3:50 p.m. Two of the big chicks (already fledged) were standing in the nest, calling (probably for a fish delivery). One fledgling was perched on the high-tension tower not far from the nest tower. At least one of the chicks in the nest was a male. I couldn't see the breasts of the others, so I don't know if it was the single female perched on the adjacent tower and the second male was in the nest, or if the female was next to her brother in the nest. | ||||||
| July 29 | 7414 | CyclistBarb | 0 | N | N | ||
| Note: | Still no osprey seen in this area as I passed by on the way home from northern nest checks. | ||||||
| July 29 | 3287 | CyclistBarb | 1 | N | 1 | young standing | |
| Note: | 1:35 p.m. I pulled into the back parking lot of Artie's and set up my scope. The female flew from the nest up to a post revealing a single, fairly mature chick with light-scalloped dark feathers. It was sitting up tall, back on the nest. The photo shows the mother on the post and her chick behind. The photo was taken from quite far away and thus is not completely in focus, but it does show the mother and the single offspring that I saw. If there is a second chick, it was hidden from that viewpoint by the structure... | ||||||
| August 2 | 9277 | CyclistBarb | 0 | N | N | ||
| Note: | 9:50 a.m. The nest appeared to be empty from both viewpoints. I expect the family was all out flying around and fishing with the fledglings following the adults. | ||||||
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