Fly with the Ospreys

Part 8: Off the Nest

7/20/2022

This osprey season is coming to and end. The hurry and flurry of mating, laying eggs, and raising chicks has given way to a quiet time together before migration. Out of three eggs, one didn't hatch and one chick died at 7 weeks, leaving one offspring to fledge and begin to start its new life. Right now, Brooks is flying adroitly, going off then returning and eating fish provided by her parents. Rosie and Richie spend less time on the nest but have been returning at night and during the day just to drop off a fish.
It has been a rather rocky ride and we hope the next month or two will be calmer, with the ospreys remaining healthy, plenty of fish caught, and successful migration later in the summer. As every year, the chatters and lurkers have learned much from the ospreys.

Week 10: July 18-24 Brooks on the nest

Corvid hanging out on the nest in Brooks' absence. July 18, 2022. cap by lurker

Richie and Rosie on the nest at 4:30 am. July 19, 2022. cap by dinnae ken

Gull harassing Brooks. July 19, 2022. 9:43 AM cap by lurker

Richie and Rosie just hanging out together. July 18, 2022. cap by FW

Brooks is hungry. July 19, 2022. at 8:56 am. cap by MW

Brooks screaming at intruder July 19, 2022. at 11:17 am. cap by dinnae ken

Gull annoying Brooks. July 19, 2022. at 12:23 pm. cap by lurker

Brooks resting and tug. July 19, 2022. cap by FW

Life has settled down at the nest. Brooks has mostly been staying on the nest waiting for someone to bring her fish, which she eats readily. Rosie has been supplying most of the fish with Richie bringing an occasional striper. Rosie is spending the nights on the rail. Richie spends some nights there. Brooks flies off for a short flight occasionally but returns quickly to the nest.

Brooks taking flight from the rail. July 20, 2022. cap by lurker

Fish for Brooks. July 20, 2022. cap by FW

Brooks mantling over her fish. July 20, 2022. cap by MW

On the rail with Mom. July 21, 2022. cap by FW.

Eating a goldfish at 8:51 am brought by Rosie. July 22, 2022. cap by MW

Brooks on rail. July 22, 2022. cap by Dinnae ken.

Time for a little exercise July 21, 2022. cap by dinnae ken

Brooks at sunset. July 21, 2022. cap by lurker

Brooks and Rosie on the rail. July 22, 2022. cap by FW.

Richie returns to spend the night after being gone all day. July 22, 2022. cap by MW.

Richie has not been spending time on the nest. He quickly dropped off a fish on July 23. Rosie has faithfully been bringing fish to Brooks, a jacksmelt and a pfm on July 24. She has a spot right by the pier where she can catch a pfm quickly. (see the Fish counting Matrix for more information).

Week 11: July 25-31 : An Interloper and an exchange

Rosie takes off and gets a pfm from by the pier in a few minutes, then delivers it to the nest. July 25 at 6:15am. video by craigor. Not long after, a juvenile visitor came to the nest. Brooks expertly defended the nest but then deferred to the visitor and left. Richie dropped off a fish, apparently without noticing the changing of chicks.

Juvenile visitor to the nest, July 25, 9:30 am. video by B.

Juvenile visitor . 9:56 am July 25

The visitor, dubbed Trudy by some chatters, stayed on the nest, chatting up a storm. Interestingly, both Rosie and Richie responded by dropping off fish. Brooks made some attempts to retake the nest but was rebuffed.
It is known that the bird is young due to the white marks on the feathers. It is assumed that she is a female due to certain behaviors, her heavier size and her speckled chest. It is also assumed that she fledged from a nearby nest recently and is now exploring.She still expects to have a fish brought to her but can eat one by herself.

Trudy gets a fish from Richie and loudly claims it as her own. July 25 at 10:08 am cap by lurker.

Trudy heads for the boom. July 25, 12:11 pm. cap by FW

A quiet moment. July 25, 3:31 pm. cap by MW

Trudy mantling. July 25 11:41 am cap by FW

Rosie brings Trudy a goldfish. July 25 at 5:44 pm. cap by FW.

Instead of rebuffing the visitor, Richie and Rosie upped their fish bringing. Below is the statement from the Fish Matrix Master at 5 pm. More fish came later.

"Four for Rosie today ties her season best. Highest total for a day this year is eight, six for Richmond and two for Rosie. Would not be terribly surprising to see that exact ratio reversed today. She just needs to bring two more by nightfall.
Six fish today and the last four have been eaten by some kid from down the block."

Trudy still squawking at night. cap by MW

At 5pm, a smelt was delivered by Richie. At 5:46, a goldfish was delivered by Rosie. Trudy flew off. Brooks flew in to claim a fish and Trudy came back to reclaim the fish. They had a struggle over the goldfish. At 7pm, Brooks was on the nest again and Trudy landed on her, still clutching the goldfish. Brooks was mantling over the herring that had been brought earlier. Trudy attacked Brooks and Brooks went into a submissive position.

Trudy spent the night at the nest and Rosie slept on the rail nearby. In the morning, the calls for fish started. Brooks has made several attempts to retake the nest but has been rebuffed.

Trudy with a new fish. July 26, at 7:13 am. cap by J

Quiet time but still queen of the nest. July 26, 12:52 pm. Cap by MW.

To add to the confusion, at one point an adult female appeared on the nest, first alone, then with Trudy.

Not Rosie. July 26 at 4:47 pm. cap by J.

Trudy on nest and not Rosie on rail. July 26 at 4:47 pm. cap by J

Richie. Rosie and visitor Trudy on the rail July 26, 2022 at 9 pm.

Rosie and Richie spent the night with their new stepdaughter Trudy on the rail.Trudy later moved to the nest to sleep. By morning, all were gone off on their own ways.
The morning of July 27, Rosie delivered a pfm to the nest. Trudy immediately came rushing in to claim it, screaming all the while. She then flew off again. Brooks has not been seen on the nest but may be nearby and may be fed off the nest by her parents.

Trudy eating pfm from Rosie. July 27, 2022. at 8:14 am

While the nest is empty, the gulls and crows take advantage and come in to clean up the fish bits.

When the ospreys are away..... July 27, 2022. 8:12 am. cap by Dinnae ken

Crow clean-up crew. July 27, 2022. 9:14 am. cap by MW

Rosie and Trudy spent time on and off the nest throughout the day. There were only two fish brought to the nest, however. Brooks has not been seen but there is indication that Richie and Brooks are nearby and that she is possibly being fed off nest.

Trudy on the nest quiet. 7 27 22. at 11:18 am. cap by MW

Rosie and Trudy on the nest and rail. 7 27 22 8:15 pm. cap by Dinnae ken

Two chatters Dianne A and Ali went to visit the area in person. They discovered a banded juvenile on the Wharf Street nest off Canal Blvd. This has to be Brooks. So apparently she is well and fed on another nest. They also found Richie probably on a light pole, conversing with Rosie across the air.

Brooks on Wharf Street nest 7 27 22 photo by Dianne A

Another chatter saw this same nest 2 days earlier, with an osprey, possibly Brooks.

Richie calling to Rosie? July 27 2022. photo by Dianne A

Osprey on Wharf Street nest. July 25,2022. photo by B

On July 28, another chatter Leah went to the area by the nest to look for Brooks. She confirmed that Brooks is staying at the Wharf Street nest, along with another juvenile, probably born on that nest. All seems to be going well. Meanwhile, Trudy is queen of her nest, being fed by Rosie and an occasional fish from Richie. Richie appears to be around the area and communicating with Rosie.

Crows on the nest, July 28 at 9:09 am. cap by MW

Close-up of the pfm

Rosie delivers a pfm. July 28 at 9:38 am. cap by Robin

Early Afternoon, a quiet time of day

Trudy quiet on the nest July 28, 2022. 12:09 pm. cap by FW.

Richie and Rosie on the crane. July 28, 2022. 12:16 pm. cap by craigor.

Exciting views of Brooks from the ground: all photos taken by and property of Leah. leahsteinbergphotography.com

And a quiet night with Rosie and Trudy on the rail. There is a new order on the nest.

Trudy on the rail. July 28, 2022 8:30 pm. cap by Dinnae ken.

Rosie and Trudy sleeping on the rail. July 28, 2022 at 10:11 pm. cap by midi

July 29 was the start of a new order on the nest. In the morning, the nest was empty, so the gulls and crows came to clean up. Around 8 o'clock, Rosie brought a striped bass to the nest and Trudy flew in screeching "Mine, mine." She then proceeded to eat the fish, squawking all the while. Finally Rosie flew in with a goldfish to exchange for the striper. Rosie held onto the now stiff striper while Trudy ate the softer goldfish. At one point, she flew off with it. Richie put in a quiet appearance in the morning.

A striper for Trudy. 7 29 22 7:57 am. video by B

2 ospreys on the nest, 1 on the rail. 9:40 am. cap by PP

I'm sleepy but it's still MY fish. July 29, 2022. 10:34 am. cap by MW

Richie on the rail. July 29, 2022. a little after 9:30 am.

Rosie brings a goldfish and takes the striper. Trudy likes the goldfish. July 29, 2022. 11:45 am. cap by craigor.

Is Rosie trying to get the striper back or cleaning up after Trudy? July 29, 2022. 10:04 am. cap by Dinnae ken

Meme by FW

Trudy eating her goldfish on the rail. July 29, 2022. 12:15 pm. cap by Dinnae ken.

Trudy takes the fish with her. July 29, 2022. 12:08 pm. cap by Dinnae ken

All three were on the rail in the evening, At one point, Trudy flew in and sat on Richie's back! Later, Rosie was left alone on the nest while 2 birds, presumably Trudy and Richie were sitting together on the ROV cable. FW's meme says it all!

Three birds on a rail. July 29, 2022. 8:12 pm. cap by FW

Trudy landing on Richie July 29 evening. video by B

Rosie alone on the wire at 9:30 pm. July 29, 2022. cap by MW

Meme by FW

Order has been restored to the nest again and a pattern has been set. The nest is often empty as its residents go about their daily business. The crows and gulls come to take advantage of their absence. A fish is dropped off sometime during the day by Rosie and perhaps Richie. Trudy appears to partake of the fish. She appears to be well fed and is perhaps being fed elsewhere as well. One day she arrived with a fishtail from somewhere. Perhaps she is learning to fish for herself. The nights are spent, in different configurations, on the ROV cables or the nest rail. In contrast to previous years, when Rosie and Richie would be sleeping together either on the ROV cable or the nest rail, Rosie often sleeps alone now.
Migration time is fast approaching. The human observers never know when this actually happens as the juveniles fly around, going farther and farther away from home, then one day in August they are gone. We do usually see Rosie and Richie together one last time before she migrates, usually in September. Keep your eyes peeled for blue bands around the East Bay!

Week 12: August 1-7 It's All About Fish

Rosie brings a pfm at 15:51 pm to the nest, July 30, 2022. cap by Dianne A

Trudy sleeping on the rail. July 31. at 10:01 pm. cap by MW

Trudy is hungry and vocal about it. August 1 at 10:5o am. cap by MW

Richie on the ROV wire. August 1, 2022. 12:06 pm. cap by FW

A pattern has established itself. Trudy has a full crop, has appeared wet, and seems to be well fed somehow, somewhere. Richie and Rosie are bringing her fewer fish. The three spend their time apart or sometimes together, but seem to always be in the area, on a light pole, on the ROV, on the nest rail, or fishing somewhere.
Chatters too have quieted down and are showing up less. They seem to have accepted the state of affairs, now that Brooks has been located. The osprey season is winding down.
Craigor, the Fish Matrix Master, made a wise statement recently:

Somebody has probably mentioned this, but all these intruders, plus our faux-Rosie and faux-Richie (remember?) visitors this year, and chicks swapping nests... is probably all a sign of a healthy and growing local community of O's. There's just more O's around than there were a few years ago so they run across each other more often and have to change their behavior accordingly.
And I even seem to recall reading that O's will act territorial and defensive up to a certain population density, but when they get really numerous (as on Cape Cod back east) they shift to more of a colony-type behavior with more comfortable and flexible sharing of territory. And I suspect we're seeing evidence of reaching that density.
I did note from Tony\'s remarks that it is now the Richmond shoreline and not Mare Island that is the epicenter of Bay Osprey life.

August 3
Just when life on the nest seemed to be calming down, Trudy surprised everyone by bringing a fish to the nest. And not just any fish, but a shark! And it appears she may have caught it herself. She brought it quietly, not screaming as she does when offered a fish by Rosie. She ate it to the last bite. It is thought that she caught it herself by Brooks Island. See video on Youtube.

Trudy's shark. August 2, 2022 9:12 am. cap by craigor

Trudy's shark. August 2, 2022. video by VA

Then on August 3, Rosie flew in with a big striper for Trudy. As she was eating it, however, it became clear that there was fishline and a hook attached. Chatters watched with bated breath, but Trudy skillfully ate around the hook and line, and it fell to the ground, to everyone's relief. All that practice with eating around a fish spine had paid off.
Fish Matrix master craigor said: "Sensible. Just had to eat around the hook until it pulled loose, then there was nothing holding the line to the fish anymore. So, lift it off the nest, give it a good shake, presto!"
Birdbrain remarked: "It's funny how what we had deemed 'bad table manners' (spitting out the skin, leaving the spine hanging on a wire) turned out to be what saved the day."
Many chatters changed their opinion of Trudy that day, no longer a spoiled screecher but, as more than one said, a Warrior Princess.

Rosie with a large striper. August 3, 2022. 1 pm.

Striper with fishline and hook, August 3, 2022. 3:36 pm. cap by MW

Taking the fish to a light pole to eat. August 3, 2022.

Rosie and Trudy sharing the fish gut. 8:11 pm. cap by Dinnae ken.

Fishline and hook on striper. August 3, 2022. 2:47 pm. cap by Honored Guest

I'm tired. This is a big fish! But it is my fish. August 3, 2022. 7:22 pm. cap by jest

August 4: The drama continues. Today Trudy and Brooks appeared at the same time on the nest and a tussle ensued. It was rather fierce but nobody appears to have been harmed. By evening, Brooks was gone and Trudy was on the rail alone for the night.
In others news, word came back that both Brooks and Molate, who were given a DNA test while being banded, are male. Trudy did not receive a test so we can only go by appearance at this point. Most seem to think she is female.

Skirmish between Trudy and Brooks. August 4, 18:05 pm. cap by FW

Skirmish between Trudy and Brooks. August 4, 2022. 18:04 pm. cap by B

Above: Skirmish. around 6pm. video from VA

Below: Interloper arrives and leaves, then Rosie comes in with a fish. 6:25 pm. August 4.

And Trudy slept alone in the night. August 4, 2022. 22:15 pm. cap by MW

Life goes on mostly off the nest now. Trudy shows up now and then to call for a fish. Rosie comes by with a fish and drops one off for Trudy or if she is not there, flies on to eat it herself. Richie has perhaps visited the nest once that we know, calling against intruders. Rosie can sometimes be seen on the crane up high. We see ospreys sitting on the ROV wires, where Rosie and Richie usually sit off season, usually just one now. Where is Richie and how is he doing with his hurt talon? Trudy remains the Queen of the Nest when she chooses to appear. The season is definitely drawing to a close. If you visit the area, watch for blue bands, check the nest and the surrounding areas and get on chat to tell us if you see any ospreys.

Rosie brings a pfm to an empty nest. August 5 at 12:29 pm. cap by craigor

Rosie on the crane. August 5. at 2:52 pm

A quiet moment alone for Trudy. August 5 at 4:41 pm. cap by midi

Trudy alone at night. August 5, 2022. at 9:13 pm. cap by MW

Trudy sleeping. August 6, 2022 at 19:53 pm. gif by Robin

Rosie on the crane. August 9, 2022. cap by Dianne A.

Trudy and sailboats. August 6, 2022. 15:15 pm. cap by FW

Richie on the crane. August 9, 2022. cap taken from VA video.

Week 13: August 8-14

August 10: Richie and Rosie seem to be keeping close to the nest, often perched on the crane where they can watch. Richie will fly in to chase off an inquisitive intruder. Trudy has flown the nest and hasn't been seen in several days. An osprey has been seen on the Wharf Street nest but a band wasn't sighted, so we can't know if it is Brooks or not. We assume the fledglings are exploring the area and getting ready for their migration.

Empty moonlit nest. August 11, 2022. cap by FW

Osprey with fish August 13, 2022. video by VA

Richie on the ROV ship. photo by Chaya. August 12, 2022 copyright to Chaya.

Rosie on rail, Richie on nest. August 13, 2022. cap by C

Rosie on the rail. August 13, 2022 cap by MW

Rosie at night on the rail. August 14, 2022. cap by MW

Rosie with a fish. August 13, 2022. 8:39 am. video by J

Richie on the nest. August 14, 2022. cap by C

Richie moving sticks. August 15, 2022. cap by PP

Week 14-16 August 15-31 Richie and Rosie

The two juveniles, Trudy and Brooks, have not been seen to identify in a while. Observers from the ground have seen an osprey on the Wharf Street nest, where Brooks took up residence, but they have not seen a band. An occasional osprey flies to the nest for a moment, but they are unknown to us. Rosie and Richie have taken to spending the night together as in the past. They can usually be seen from the ATN cam roosting on the ROV wires. Rosie spends much of the day on the nest rail. Richie puts in an appearance occasionally. Both have been seen eating fish, usually on a lightpole. The crows and ravens come to the nest occasionally to clean up tasty tidbits buried amid the sticks. They are tolerated for a while then sometimes Richie or Rosie will chase them off.

Richie on the nest. August 16, 2022. gif by Robin

Richie and Rosie on the rail, night of August 16. Cap by PP.

Raccoon below. August 16, 2022. Cap by CdA. For a video go to ggas youtube channel.

Rosie on nest alone night of August 23, 2022 cap by MW

Richie on the nest Augustt 22, 2022. cap by CdA

Richie on the nest August 28, 2022 cap by PP

Rosie and Richie on the nest together. August 22, 2022. cap by CdA

Rosie on the nest alone. August 23, 2022. cap by MW

Rosie defending the nest August 26, 2022 cap by J.

Rosie on the rail. August 28 2022. cap by J

Interloper to the nest. August 23, 2022. video by VA

Osprey, possibly Rosie, on ROV wire in early morning of August 29, 2022. cap by MW

Osprey on a lightpole, Rosie? August 31, 2022. cap by Dinnae ken

Osprey eating on light pole photo from the ground by Toaster 28. August 2022

Who is on the wire? August 31, 2022. Video by VA

One is a lonely number. Richie alone on the wire? September 2, 2022. cap by Judi

Ir is presumed that Rosie left on her migration at the end of August, the earliest she has ever left. The last photo of her on the nest is August 28. An osprey is observed almost every night on the ROV wires. We assume that is Richie. We have also seen him on the crane.

September. Richie alone?

Osprey on the ROV September 6, 2022. cap by Dinnae ken.

Richie on the crane. September 4, 2022. gif by Robin

"Pretty Sure that's Richmond". September 6, 2022. cap by FW

Plenty of Activity around the nest still. September 6, 2022

The empty nest. September 3, 2022 cap by MW

Farewell to Rosie and Brooks and Trudy the intruder. May the winds in your wings be fair and you arrive safely in your Winter home. Perhaps one day, we will learn where you spend the winter. We await Rosie's return in the Spring and hope to see Brook's XA band in a few years.

And to Richie: we will be watching for you over the Winter. Please visit the nest occasionally. We hope your talon heals or that you at least adjust to it, so you can fish successfully.

Zoid on the empty nest. September 16, 2022. cap by PP

Richie on the wire. September 17, 2022. cap by Robin

We think it is Richie who sleeps on the ROV wires each night, often leaving very early in the morning. Nobody has sighted him elsewhere in the day, so we don't know where he is hanging out. On the sand spit as he did in the past? Or at Meeker Slough, where late chatter SailMonkey often saw him fishing. Or perhaps at the San Pablo Reservoir, taking advantage of the trout that were planted there?

Probably Richie on the wire. September 19, 2022. cap by MW

1 Comment

Part 7: Learning To Fly

6/22/2022

1 Comment

Week 6: June 23-29. Developing and using their wings

The chicks have been banded and named. The oldest is XA, Brooks and the youngest WM, Molate. More information on their names can be found in Part 6.
Their feathers have come in, they have grown, and they have developed talons and strong legs. In short, they are ready to start practicing flying. And learn to be independent. They will spend the next few weeks doing just that. Their development is a bit behind the chart because they hatched later this year.

This week is all about food. Richie and Rosie must up their game to provide for their teenagers, who need sustenance to grow, develop and start flying. Richie had a few off days when he wasn't bringing as many fish, but this week, he and Rosie have provided up to 7 fish a day. XA, the eldest, is always the first to be fed, while WM hangs back, but eventually WM gets its turn. Both have become quite vocal about calling for fish. They have found their voices!

Waiting for supper. June 24, 2022 cap by FW

WM gets a bite. June 26, 2022. cap by Dinnae ken

What's This? is it good to eat? June 25, 2022. cap by midi

WM being fed by Rosie. June 28, 2022, cap by midi

My fish, says XA. June 28, 2022. cap by Dinnae ken.

More fish please. June 28, 2022. cap by midi.

The chicks are being left alone on the nest more. Sometimes one or both parents are right on the rail or crane boom. Other times they are off fishing and the chicks are alone for a while. They are well camouflaged and the parents are alert, coming whenever there is a threat.

Alone on the nest. June 25, 2022. cap by midi.

Rosie protecting the nest. June 24, 2022. cap by midi

Rosie feels the need to protect her growing chicks as they begin flapping. So she is bringing sticks to build up the rails. One such stick was so big she had trouble but she persisted and finally found a good place for it.

Rosie brings in a big stick. June 29, 2022. cap by midi

Rosie arranging the stick. June 29, 2022. cap by midi

Although the chicks are more independent now, like all teenagers, they still need family time, they need their parents nearby and they are most comfortable at night at home on the nest, where they are well protected and loved.

Afternoon siesta June 24, 2022. cap by midi

All covered including Eggie. June 28, 2022. cap by C

Bookends, looking out June 23, 2022. cap by FW

The entire family on the nest. June 24, 2022. cap by midi

Trying to fit under Momma. June 24, 2022 cap by midi

Still like to cuddle. June 24, 2022. cap by midi

So here's a lullaby for the chicks before they get too old for such things.

Osprey Lullaby Season 6  intro: CFC

   C                         F        C
Go to sleep now in the nest,
         C F        C
Just lie down and take a rest.
     Dm G7 C
And I will tell you a tale
  Dm           G7        C
Of a boat that once set sail.

C F C
That boat flew the chicks way up high
    C                 F                 C
To the blue moon in the sky.
C              Dm                G7       C
The moon rocked them on its swing
    C     Dm    G7    C
And a lullaby did sing.

C                         F       C
So they soon fell fast asleep
C                         F           C
A sleep so soothing and deep
  C             Dm         G7        C
That they fell right off that swing
  C           Dm             G7       C
Back under their mother’s wing.

  C                               F               C
There they slept all through the night
   C                              F            C
‘Neath the shining moon so bright
  C              Dm          G7       C
Under mother’s speckled breast
     C            Dm        G7       C
On their very own sweet nest.

    C             Dm        G7            C
Sleep now ospreys, sleep and dream
    C                 Dm        G7         C
Sleep and dream, sleep and dream.
F         Dm       F         Dm      C
Sleep, dream, sleep, dream ,sleep

Midi 2022

Week 7: June 30 -July 6. Getting Ready to Fly

The chicks are quickly becoming adult and independent. They stand on their legs now and they are self-feeding. They are becoming quite proficient at tearing off pieces of fish, but still want to be fed as well. XA tends to dominate but will usually back off after a while and let WM have a turn. XA has only become belligerent a few times. WM caught on and takes a submissive position while XA is eating, trying to hone in when possible. They participate in yelling at intruders and calling to Richie for a fish.

Standing to poop. June 21, 2022. cap by FW

Taking turns being fed. June 28, 2022 cap by Dinnae ken

Feeding pecking order. June 30, 2022. cap by midi

Molate takes from Brooks June 29, 2022

XA fed first. June 29, 2022. cap by midi

WM self-feeding. June 28, 2022. cap by Dinnae ken

WM fighting back. June 30, 2022. cap by B

Brooks takes from Molate. June 29, 2922

Fish Tug o' War. July 4, 2022. video by B

Both parents are bringing fish, but Richie's fishing skills appear impaired this year. Is it his damaged talon or some other issue? He is bringing fewer fish and often seems tired after fishing. Rosie is taking up the slack. She knows a place to get Plainfin Midshipmen and can fly off the nest, catch one and return in under a minute. Her fishing place seems to be near Brooks Island by the sand spit. The daily fish count has been as high as seven, so the chicks are not starving. And one day, two fish were on the nest at the same time. Rosie has also been to the San Pablo reservoir and brought back trout. See the fish charts on chat for more information.

A surplus of fish. JUne 28, 2022. cap by PP.

Rosie offers the fishtache June 28, 2022. cap by PP

Rosie takes off and fetches a fish from near Brooks Island in record time. Video by VA

Rosie's flight path to the fish. June 28, 2022. cap by VA

Rosie brings a golden trout. June 29, 2022. cap by VA

XA (Brooks) eating the trout. June 29. cap by VA

There are many quiet times on the nest. The chicks show more awareness of each other. They now sit and watch out over the Bay just like their mother. They sleep. They exercise their wings, stretching and flapping. They're close to lifting into the air.

Sibling Love July 2, 2022.cap by C

Wing stretch by XA. June 29, 2022 cap by guest 420

Sibling kiss. July 2, 2022. cap by J

Tracking JUly 2, 2022. gif by Robin

XA flapping. June 29, 2022 cap by midi

Helping Mom chase an intruder. July 4, 2022. cap by midi

WM wingercizing. June 28, 2022. gif by B

XA wingercizing. JUne 27, 2022. gif by J

With all this flapping, Rosie feels the need to build higher rails. One day she brought in a large stick that caused her no end of trouble. In the end, she found a place for it.

Rosie brings in a large stick. June 29. at 10:05 am. cap by midi

Arranging the stick. 10:05 am. cap by midi

Rosie found a place for the stick. June 29 at 10:07 am. cap by midi

For a video of the stick delivery, see sfbayospreys youtube channel

EGGIE or EGGBRO: The first egg laid never hatched. Rosie left it on the nest and would even sleep with it under her. The chicks used it as a pillow or an armrest. It abided. Finally it cracked and Rosie picked it up and moved it, and the shell got buried in the nest material. The VA made a moving memorial video to the egg, complete with music and posted it on the GGAS youtube channel.

Rosie and the egg. JUne 24, 2022. cap by Leah

Egg pillow. June 28, 2022. cap by midi

Goldfish July 7 2022. cap by lurker

New Type of Fish: With Richie impaired and not brining as many fish, Rosie has been going out more. She seems to be opportunistic and, not wanting to be gone long from the nest, fishes nearby. Although she has gone to the San Pablo Reservoir for trout. She has a place to get PlainFin Midshipmen near Brooks Island and now she has been bringing an orange fish believed to be an introduced goldfish. They are bright orange and quite distinctive when she flies in. (Garibaldi are another possibility but they don't usually live this far North, as they prefer warmer waters and kelp, such as in Monterey Bay.) All are speculating as to where she might be catching these fish, as she is gone for only 6 minutes.

Eating the goldfish that Rosie brought July 6, 2022. Video by J

Richie fish delivery, using both feet. July 5, 2022. video by B?

Week 8 July 7-13. First Fledge

Brooks, the oldest, had been flapping, then hovering and finally fledged on July 11, flying and landing successfully on the railing. (S)he showed the ability to fly back to the nest and now flies to the rail and back with ease. Next will be to take a real flight somewhere.

XA flapping. July 6, 2022. cap by C

Hey, sib, where are you going? Brooks hover. July 9. 2022. cap by lurker.

Hover by XA. July 8, 2022 gif by Robin

Brooks' wingspan. July 7, 2022. cap by lurker

Brooks' wing display. July 6, 2022. cap by lurker

Brooks Fledge July 11, 2022. cap by lurker

Brooks fledge July 11, 2022.

On the railing. July 7, 2022. cap by lurker

Returning to the nest. July 11, 2022. cap by lurker

On the rail again. July 12, 2022 cap by lurker

Question in the sky. July 9, 2022. cap by FW

Brooks on the side rail, July 12, 2022 cap by lurker

Whispering secrets. July 9, 2022. cap by lurker

There have been some intruders but they are easily chased off. One, however, actually landed on the nest, looked around, showed submissive gestures, then flew off. The two chicks just watched curiously. This pair does not pancake often. And they join in the chorus to ward off defenders.

Harmless visitor to the nest. July 11, 2022. cap by midi

Visitor landing. July 11, 2022. cap by Dinnae ken.

Right now, it is all about fish. Growing youngsters need plenty of nourishment. As the eldest, Brooks has been fed first but Rosie sees to it that Molate gets his share. He has some obstruction, however, and eating is difficult for him. Also, fewer fish are coming this year, due to Richie's lack of ability to bring them in. Rosie has been valiantly supplementing with pfm's and goldfish. Richie mostly brings smelt.

Long awaited fish, a trout, arrives. July 9, 2022. cap by lurker

Brooks gets fed first. July 9, 2022 cap by midi

Molate left out while Brooks is fed. July 9, 2022. Cap by midi

Later: Two fish. Molate gets his share of the trout while Brooks tackles the smelt . cap by midi

Molate, as the youngest, and suffering from some obstruction to his breathing and swallowing, is lagging behind Brooks in size and flying ability. But he is valiantly hanging in there. He has hovered a few times. He still likes to snuggle under Momma and to be fed, but is beginning to self feed and to sleep standing up.

Sleeping standing up. July 9, 2022. cap by midi

Brooks sleeping standing up, Molate snuggled under Rosie. July 12, 2022. cap by midi

Maybe I could do that too? Molate watching Brooks hover. July 13, 2022. cap by PP

Molate hover. July 13, 2022. cap by lurker

Molate hopping. July 13, 2022. video by VA

Week 9: July 14-20 Sad week: Brooks flying and Molate dying

Brooks' fledging: After fledging to the rail, Brooks began to explore more. She got stuck in the "basement" for a while but managed to get out. She flew to the boom of the crane. And one day, the day after Molate died, she just took off and flew towards Brooks Island. She stayed away until July 19 when she returned to the nest, yelling for food. Rosie brought a fish. Richie came by briefly.

Brooks hovering. July 14, 2022. cap by lurker

Brooks on the sheave. July 15, 2022. cap by PP.

Brooks continued to dominate on the nest, but Molate valiantly held his own, despite labored breathing and swallowing. Rosie made up for Richie's lack of fishing. She has a knack for finding fish nearby: pfms and goldfish.

Three on the rail seen from below. photo by chaya. July 15, 2022.

Molate says, "Maybe I should try." July 15, 2022. cap by midi

Entire family on the crane. July 15, 2022. cap by VA

Rosie, Molate and Brooks on the nest. July 14, 2022. cap by midi

Molate hover July 15, 2022. cap by Dinnae ken

Where did everybody go? Molate alone on the nest, July 15, 2022. cap by midi

Fish stand-off. July 14, 2022, cap by midi

Fish tug of war. July 15, 2022. video by J.

RIP Molate May 18-July 16, 2022

On July 15, Molate was still fighting his sibling for fish. And Brooks was flying around, exploring, but returning to the nest. In the early afternoon of July 16, Molate dozed, his chest heaving for air. He took a last gasp and tumbled off the nest onto the platform below. It appears that he died instantly, possibly before falling.

July 15, 2022. Brooks on the rail, Molate on the nest. cap by midi

July 15, 2022 in the early afternoon. Molate gets some of the fish.

Rosie and the chicks on the nest. July 15, 2022. Around 4:30 in the afternoon. cap by lurker

The entire family on the nest. July 15, 2022. around 9:30 pm

July 16

Rosie brought a large striper to the nest about an hour after Molate fell and fed it to Brooks, baby-style. Then she and Richie stayed through the night and Brooks stayed on the nest.

Richie and Rosie on the rail in the evening of July 16, above Molate's body on the platform below.

Rosie on the rail evening of July 16

July 17 and 18

In the early morning of July 17, Brooks took off, flying proficiently. Rosie brought a fish to the rail, but there was nobody there to receive it. Rosie faithfully kept the fish all night, finally finishing it herself.

Brooks on the nest with parents nearby. 5:51 am. July 17. cap by Tweeter

Rosie on rail with a trout. July 17 at 2:41 pm. cap by midi.

Brooks flying off at 6:15 am July 17. cap by Tweeter

Rosie with trout, Richie on the nest. Jluy 17 at 2:48 pm. cap by midi

Rosie sleeps with her fish, beside Richie, July 17. at 9:55 pm.

July 18 and 19

There was little action on the nest on July 18. Chatters began to say the season was over with a sudden thump. Then on July 19. at 8am, Rosie was sitting on the rail when Brooks came flying in, chased by a gull and landed on the nest. And there she stayed, seeming a bit tired. Richie flew by once, looked startled and disappeared.
See video below by VA.

There has been some disagreement with how the authorities are handling Molate's body and many varied opinions. I have posted below the statement from Wildcare, who takes in injured animals, and GGAS , which is in charge of the nest. It should be noted that there are stringent rules from Fish and Willdlife and laws governing the handling of wild raptors. These must be respected and adhered to. These laws exist to protect the birds as a species.

From GGAS:

Dear Osprey friends:
We have watched with growing concern as the younger of the two Osprey offspring, Molate (band WM), shows signs that they might not be thriving. We are keeping our fingers crossed that they will survive to fledge in the next week.
Like many wildlife species, Ospreys live vulnerable lives. Typically 10-20% of nestlings don’t survive to fledge, with the majority of deaths caused by lack of adequate food (Poole, 1984). Their highest risk of death is around 4-5 weeks after hatching, and it is unusual for nestlings older than that not to survive through fledging (Hagan, 1986). But even once they’ve fledged, they face steep challenges. Research suggests that fewer than 50% of young Osprey fledglings survive their first year.
We can’t know whether Molate’s apparent decline is related to a lack of food resources or some other illness or injury. We do know that both chicks appeared healthy when they were banded last month.
It is Golden Gate Audubon’s policy to minimize human intervention in the lives of wild birds. That includes reducing risks to birds from buildings and glass, pesticides and herbicides, and badly sited energy projects. Despite our deep personal connections to Rosie and Richmond and their offspring, they are not pets. We will not impose upon their wildness, nor will we make efforts that may inadver- tently harm otherwise healthy and productive individuals.
That does not mean we will stand by idly. We will maintain vigilant observation of the nest, and should Molate end up somewhere in trouble, outside of the nest, we will make every effort to get them to care at one of our trusted partners, WildCare or Lindsay Wildlife, as only a California Department of Fish & Wildlife permittee is legally allowed to handle wild Ospreys.
We share your concern for Molate, and hope our fears don’t come to pass. Moments like this remind
us how precious and fragile life is – both human life and wildlife. Getting to know individual birds like Molate and Brooks (band XA) makes us more committed than ever to protecting our local birds, every- thing from magnificent raptors like this Osprey family to the towhees and finches in our backyards.
With our thoughts on Molate and their family,
Glenn Phillips Executive Director

From the Asst. Director of 07-10 11:36
Wild Care: "Lucy shared your email with me
regarding the osprey chick in Pt. Richmond.
After checking the live feed, it does appear
that one of the chicks is not as strong as the
other and is having some signs of labored
breathing. The bird seems to be alert and
standing normally at times as well.
Unfortunately, as long as WM is in the nest,
we have no ability to intervene. Because of
their ages, the other osprey, who is healthy
and doing well, would likely jump from the
nest and this would cause significant injuries
or death. Sadly, ospreys are a very high
stress species and have very specific feeding
and housing needs that are incredibly
challenging to minic in captivity. For that
reason, it is much better to keep the young
bird in a natural, reduced stress setting, with
parents who know how to care for him/her.
Right now, WM looks weak, but otherwise is
showing many positive signs and has a much
better chance for a healthy life in the nest. If
the osprey does come out of the nest, needs
medical attention, and it is safe to intervene,
WM should be taken to the closest wildlife
hospital, which may be WildCare or Lindsay

For similar reasons, it was decided to leave Molate's body where it is, in order not to disturb the remaining chick Brooks or deter Richmond and Richie from tending to their chick.

The bottom line is that these are wild animals in an urban environment. Our role is to watch them, enjoy them and learn from them. We are not to disturb them or turn them into pets. They need to live wild and free. The human role is to assure that they may do so, even though they're in an urban environment, by removing any impediments such as trash, undue noise and activity below the nest, and any other dangers that can be mitigated within this urban environment.
So far, this has been done successfully in the Richmond area and the osprey population is increasing. Let's keep it that way!

-MW

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Part 6: Developing Chicks Week 2-5

5/25/2022

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After only one week, the chicks are coming out from under Rosie to look around. They can lift their heads and track movement. And they have learned to open their beaks to get fish. Their development will be quick now, as they develop their wings, talons, and tails. They will learn to stand and to move around the nest, keeping their parents busy. And they will demand more fish than ever. We hope Richie is up to the task of providing fish this year. He has been doing a valiant job but seems to come empty taloned more than in the past, due probably to his missing talon. Stay tuned for a wild ride on the Whirley Nest!

Week 2 Becoming aware, developing wings and standing.

Developing wings. May 25. cap by midi

They have wings and goosebumps now. May 25, 2022. cap by midi

Standing erect and aware. May 25, 2022. cap by midi

Chick A beginning to wander off. May 26, 2022. cap by midi

Sibling awareness. May 27, 2022. cap by FW

awareness of surroundings. Chick A. May 30, 2022. cap by midi

Bay talons. May 27, 2022. cap by dinnae ken

Two growing chicks require sustenance and Richie has had to up his game lately. He has responded valiantly, although he catches fewer fish than in past years and Rosie has done more fishing. For a few days, she was finding pfm's close by, leaving and returning to the nest in just a few minutes. Fishermen bait, one wonders?

A Striped Bass feast. May 26, 2022. 19:26 pm. cap by FW

Oopsie daisy. Chick B topples over. May 27, 2022. cap by ES.

Full crop. May 27, 2022. cap by J

The chicks' appearance seems to change daily. First down, the white pimply skin, then the second dark down and now feathers beginning to show. Which makes them itchy.

May 29, 2022 cap by FW

Fish to the nest. May 29, 2022. cap by dinnae ken

Time to eat. 9:40 am. May 30, 2022. cap by midi

Chick B falls upside down then rights itself. Rosie is unperturbed. VA.

After a fish meal, the chicks fall asleep. Often Richie and Rosie both rest on the nest in the mid afternoon. A quiet family time.

Chicks napping under Rosie after lunch. May 30, 2022. cap by midi

One chick for each parent for their afternoon siesta. May 30 at 1:32 pm. cap by midi

Chick A decided it would grab the fish intestine for itself. But the gut got caught in its beak. It valiantly tried to swallow the intestine bit by bit and Rosie helped a bit, finally getting the chick free from the gut. See the entertaining video on the sfbayospreys Youtube channel.

Chick A eating a fish intestine. Photo from VA video, May 31, 2022

Rosie tries to help, resulting in a gut tug-of-war. May 31, 2022 cay by FW.

Week 3 Exploring, awareness of the world around them

The chicks are sleeping in the open more and are beginning to wander around the nest. Rosie is bringing in sticks to build up the nest rails, so that her wandering chicks will be safe. They are also more aware of their surroundings and beginning to watch for Richie to bring a fish. And getting proficient at poops shots away from others. They have little tussles but on the whole get along quite well, compared to previous chicks.

Rosie nestorating. June 2, 2022 cap by midi

sibling tussle. June 3, 2022. cap by C

Chick B bullied into submission by Chick A. June 10, 2022. cap by midi

Rosie nestorating. June 3, 2022. cap by midi

poop shot. May 31, 2022. cap by Tweeter

Looking out at the world June 6, 2022. cap by midi

The chicks' appearance is changing to a darker down, and their feathers are beginning to come in, making them itchy. Their wings are developing and they are beginning to flap them, as well as to use them to get around on their knees.

Itchy feathers coming in. June 3, 2022. cap by midi

Black down coming in and feathers. JUne 2, 2022. cap by midi

Close-up of black down. JUne 2, 2022. cap by PP

Wing flapping by Chick A. June 5, 2022. video from VA

Despite his damaged talon, Richie has been bringing plenty of fish to the nest, mainly striped bass and jack smelt. He and Rosie have also both brought some Plainfin Midshipmen. And a first-ever Lingcod. The Fish Matrix below the Live Chat has a full report on all fish brought to the nest. The chicks have learned when the fish are coming and also to tell Rosie they are hungry. Richie also babysits while Rosie goes to bathe, eat or just have some alone time.

Mama, I'm hungry. June 1, 2022. cap by midi

Feeding time. June 7, 2022. cap by midi

Richie on duty. June 1, 2022. cap by midi

Two stripers! May 31, 2022 cap by PP

Watching for Richie to bring a fish. June 6, 2022. cap by midi

Full crops but still eating. June 7, 2022. cap by midi

The chicks are becoming quite adept at eating. They sit ready to take bites, reach for fish and even take the long gut and try to swallow it. Rosie seems to be showing them some tricks such as how to eat a fish tail. They have also become adept at shooting their poop off the nest.

Chick B gets the gut. June 10, 2022. cap by midi

Adept poop shot. June 7, 2022. cpa by Dinnae ken

The chicks are growing rapidly. Rosie was spreading her wings to keep them covered at night, but now they squirm out from under her, wanting to peek out.

Rosie trying to cover the chicks at night. June 5, 2022. cap by midi

The first egg, which never hatched, is still on the nest. Sometimes, Rosie carefully rolls it and sits on it.

Peeking out at night. June 9, 2022. cap by midi

There are occasional intruders but Rosie and Richie ably defend the nest. One visitor seemed to excite them but it turned out another osprey was flying around as well. The egret was not a threat and was let be.

Egret visitor. June 6, 2022. cap by craigor, enhanced by FW

Weeks 4 and 5 Developing adult features and behavior

In week 4, the chicks are developing wings and beginning to use them to stretch and to flap. They are learning to walk, using their oversized feet. They have tail buds. And they have learned to track and now take interest in the world beyond the nest, sitting and watching out over the Bay. They take more initiative when feeding and are learning to eat guts and skin, as well as the nice white fish flesh.They have also become quite proficient at sending their poop over the edge, although Rosie has received several hits. This pair has been quite calm and there have been few squabbles. They have also become too big to fit under Rosie and sleep out in the open more. They do still cuddle against each other.

Tailbuds. June 10, 2022. cap by FW

Chick talons. June 12, 2022. cap by midi

wing stretch. June 14, 2022. cap by Tweeter

Sleeping in the open. June 11, 2022. cap by midi

wingercize. June 12, 2022. cap by C

poop shot. June 14, 2022. gif by craigor

Rosie regards the egg. June 13, 2022. cap by FW

The first egg, never hatched, remains on the nest. Sometimes it is ignored, other times the chicks rest against it, and sometimes Rosie tends to it, fluffing up the nest material around it, even sitting on it.

One interesting incident was when Rosie flew in a dead bird. After much discussion, it was decided that the bird was a gull. The chicks had little interest in eating it and Rosie eventually flew it back out.

Rosie brings in a bird. June 12, 2022 cap by Dinnae ken

Momma, what is this Do we have to eat it?

The chicks have been banded and have official names! They were banded early Saturday, June 18, off camera. The bands are the eldest XA and the youngest WM. Their names, chosen by the powers that be from names suggested on Facebook and chat, are Brooks and Molate. Brooks for the island and Molate for the point and other locations with that name in the area.

The name Moleta was applied in Mexican times to the island known as Red Rock, probably because its conical shape resembles the conical stone (called moleta in Spanish) used by painters to grind colors. Beechy in 1826 misspelled it “molate,” and this version was adopted in 1851 by the Coast Survey when it used the island as a secondary triangulation station. Point Molate was named by the survey in 1854.
More Information on Pt. Molate's history and the name can be found at:

https://www.ci.richmond.ca.us/DocumentCenter/View/45313/Point-Molate-History-PP?bidId=

Brooks Island is an East Bay Regional Park, accessible only by park tours. The name Brooks goes back to the 1850's but the origin has never been found.

The chicks continue to develop adult features and behavior. Their feathers are coming in and they're losing that baby look. They have talons and walk upright. Their wings are large. they stretch them and soon will be flapping and learning to fly. Their eyes have turned golden and they use them to track moving objects over the Bay. They are showing more awareness of their parents, each other, and intruders, as well as boats and people. But at night, they are still babies, sometimes struggling to fit under their mother to stay warm.

NIght time huddle. June 16, 2022. cap by midi

What do you see, Sis? June 17, 2022. cap by midi

Looking out over the Bay. June 14, 2022. cap by midi

Rosie staying alert to protect her chicks. June 14, 2022. cap by midi

Mama Rosie teaching her chicks and making sure they don't go off the edge. They're watching the ship go by. Dad is on the crane, resting,watching for fish. June 21, 2022. cap by midi

New tails developing. June 20, 2022. cap by midi

Feathers coming in. June 17, 2022. p by midi

Chick eye. June 17, 2022. cap by Dinnae ken

The osprey family, including Eggie, who just stays the same. June 16, 2022 cap by Dianne A.

Home alone. June 18, 2022. cap by midi

While the two chicks grow rapidly, the first egg lies on the nest unchanged, never growing. But it is still there. As it is natural and doing no harm, the powers that be left it when they cleared the nest of such hazards as the two ropes that were there on banding day.
Rosie feels comfortable leaving the chicks alone on the nest now, but she stays nearby, ready to step in when necessary. Richie, too, though he may not be seen by the cam, is usually nearby and shows up quickly when an intruder approaches.

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Part 5: Week 1 Hatching May 18-25

5/18/2022

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The eggs have hatched! The first egg went past its due date and is probably not viable. The second egg hatched on May 17 at 16:00 pm. It is quite an active chick already, sitting up asking to be fed. The third egg hatched on May 18 at 16:35 pm.

Three eggs May 16. cap by J

Richie performs a dance. May 16. cap by dinnae ken

Egg id by Robin. Egg #2 hatched first and is Chick A.

Rosie and Richie looking a their eggs. May 16. cap by Tweeter.

Chick A from Egg #2 showed a pip at 15:33 on May 17. It hatched at 4 pm.

Crack in egg #2. May 17. 15:38. cap by dinnae ken

Rosie removes the shell. ay 17 at 15:59. cap by lurker

Chick A and two eggs. May 17. 20:06. cap by dinnae ken

Daddy, feed me. May 18. at 6:41 am. cap by dinnae ken.

Hatchling. May 17 at 17:05. cap by lurker

"The Kiss" by Hank Ezra. May 17

Chick A on its back May 18 at 641 am.cap by dinnae ken

hungry chick. May 18 at 643 am. gif by J

Chick A. My 18, 2022. 6:39 am. cap by dinnae ken.

Egg #3 had the shell of Egg #2 over it, but it persisted and pushed its way out to hatch on May 18 at 4:35 pm. It is wobblier than its older sibling and not as outgoing, but it is also a day younger.

eggshell over Egg#3. May 17 2022 cap by lurker

Crack in Egg #3 May 17, 2022 at 21:23 pm. cap by dinnae ken

Pip on Egg #3 May 18, 2022. 11:27 am

Waiting for little sibling May 18, 2022 cap by benjamin

Egg #3 pip hole May 18, 2022 16:04 pm. cap by C

Food coma while waiting for little sibling to hatch. May 18, 2022. 16:35 pm. cap by lurker

Hatch #2. Chick B. May 18, 2022 at 1633pm. cap by Chappy

Hatch #2. Chick B hatches at 16:45 pm on May 18, 2022

First feeding for Chick B. May 18, 2022 at 19:32 pm. cap by lurker

food coma. May 18, 2022 1939 pm. gif by B

Two chicks and Egg#1. May 18, 2022 1749 pm. gif by J

Where's breakfast? May 19, 2022 7:54 am cap by dinnae ken

Here's the fish! May 19, 2022 8:37 am. cap by midi

Where's breakfast? The kids are hungry. May 19, 2022. 8:16 am. cap by midi

Morning feeding. May 19, 2022 8:37 am. gif by J

Post prandial heap May 19, 2022. 9:31 am. cap by dinnae ken

May 20

Daily life with chicks has established itself. Richie has been bringing fish in regularly. Rosie feeds the chicks then they fall into a food coma for a while and she rests. Richie takes over for a while so that she can take a short break. This repeats two or more times a day.

Waiting for breakfast. 8:30 am.

Breakfast is served. gif by B

On Friday, May 20, an unusual event occurred. First, chatters thought that Richie and Rosie were arguing over a fish remnant, then they realized that there was an intruder on the nest trying to steal that piece of fish. this went on for quite a while. Unlike usual intruders, this one was allowed on the nest. A young female perhaps? She had no band.

Intruder trying to land to get a fish Richie delivered. 9:40 am. from VA

The intruder on the nest, waiting. 10:33 am. cap by dinnae ken.

Tug of war between intruder and Rosie. 10:37 am. cap by lurker

Eventually the intruder left, after Rosie gave it the stinkeye.
And it was time for lunch. No fish were delivered after the lunchtime fish.

Waiting for lunch. 12:24 pm cap by FW The egg is the first one laid and presumed to be unviable.

Post prandial snooze with Richie on guard. 12:54 pm. cap by midi.

May 21-23. Quick development. The chicks are learning to eat properly and to track movement with their eye. They are in the bop'em stage and have proto wings. . They still have their egg tooth. Their main job is to eat and to sleep. They are beginning to peek out from under Rosie.

Waiting for breakfast. May 22, 2022. 7:41 am. cap by Dennae ken

First fish of the day. 5 22 2022 9:55 am. cap by dinnae ken

Close-up

Plain Finn Midshipman for lunch. May 21 2022 12:18 pm. cap by J

Hi Mom. May 23, 2022. at 9:09 am. cap by midi

Rock 'em, sock'em. May 21 2022. gif by B

Quiet time 5 23 2022. at 9:08 am. cap by midi

This behavior was explained by one chatter as the chicks learning to track movement. But there also seems to be a certain sibling rivalry as well, which continues for a while. Whichever it is all a learning experience.

Rosie and her chicks. May 23, 2022. 12:23 pm. cap by midi

Two chicks. May 23, 2022 643 am. cap by Tweeter

Rosie and one chick. May 23, 2022. 1536 pm. cap by J

Two chicks upright. May 24, 2022. 7:54 am. cap by midi

Finally supper! May 23, 2022. 1949 pm. gif by J

chick pillow. May 24, 2022 8:57 am. cap by nidi

evening striper May 24, 2022. 19:23 pm. cap by dinnae ken

Unviable egg still here, acting as a pillow. May 25, 2022 cap by FW

Family on the nest. May 24, 2022. cap by MW

Incoming nest material. May 25, 2022. 8:57 am. cap by dinnae ken

flopping fish May 25. gif by B

Rosie flies in with a Plain Fin MIdshipman. 20:06 pm. May 25, 2022. cap by dinnae ken

meme by FW

There has been some concern about Richie's left rear talon. It was noticed by chatters that he had poor footing then one chatter saw that a rear talon was missing. It could grow back in, but so far it is a stub. It could be just a broken talon that will regrow, much as our fingernails do, or it could be an injury that doesn't allow regrowth, or it could be a fungus. We can only watch to see.
He has been a bit lax in delivering fish this year and has not visited the reservoir. He often comes back from fishing empty-taloned. So it would seem that the missing talon does impair his fishing ability, catching and/or transporting a fish.

Richie's talon nub. May 24, 2022. cap by chappy

Handsome Richie, proud father May 24, 2022. cap by C

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Part 4: Eggs!

4/6/2022

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Rosie laid her first egg on April 5 at 6:01 pm.

Egg coming. April 5, 2022. 6:01 pm. cap by lurker

egg close up. April 5. 6:03 pm. cap by chagin

Rosie and egg. 4 5 22. 6:03 pm. cap by chagin

Both ospreys got right to work, Rosie sitting on the egg and Richie flying in for a CK to assure a second egg.

Richie in for a CK. Really, Richie? Don't you think she might be tired? gif by J

Rosie sleeping, tired after laying her egg. April 5, 2022. 10:33 pm. cap by midi

Rosie and Richie on the nest the morning after, April 6, 2022. cap by seabiscuit

Airing the egg. April 16. cap by midi

Airing the egg at night. April 6. cap by midi

Airing the egg serves two purposes. First of all, on hot days and nights, the nest bowl can get hot. Secondly, exposing the egg to lower temperatures can retard its hatching, so that the three eggs hatch close together. If they don't, the third chick hatched is smaller, less developed, and subject to bullying by its siblings.

No, Richie, it's not your turn yet. April 6, 2022. cap by midi

Richie incubating. April 7, 2022. cap by midi

Richie loves to incubate the eggs. He will land and nudge Rosie to let him take over. Sometimes she does, other times she resists his nudges, which can become more pronounced, until she relents or he gives up. An easy way to get his turn is to bring her a fish. He is a bit nervous when incubating and looks around a lot.

Both doing their jobs. April 7, 2022. cap by midi

Richmond brings a fish. April 6 2022. cap by lurker

Both looking at the eggs. April 7, 2022. cap by lurker

This is a real team effort by the ospreys. Rosie does most of the incubating. Richie brings fish and helps incubate when Rosie needs to eat or take a break. They both defend against intruders. Sometimes they look at each other and seem to be communicating about the process and what they should be doing. Other times, Rosie is quite vocal about Richie's duties, calling loudly for a fish.

Richie flying in a fish. April 7, 2022. cap by midi

Defending the nest. April 7 2022. cap by midi

The fish arrives.

Rosie and Egg 1. April 7, 2022. cap by lurker

Move over, it's my turn. 9:52 am. April 8, 2022 cap by midi

Can I help? April 8, 2022 at 15:24 pm

Rosie in egg laying position. April 8, 2022. at 16:54 pm

Egg #2. April 8, 2022 cap by lurker

Egg number 2 April 8, 2022 at 16:56

Egg Number 2 arrived on April 8 at 16:56. See the humorous interactions with Richie earlier that day, trying to help Rosie, who was getting ready to lay an egg.

Rosie and two eggs. April 10, 2022 cap by lurker

Close-up of the two eggs April 8, 2022. cap by lurker

A quiet moment on the nest. April 11, 2022. cap by midi

With two eggs in the nest, Richie decided a special gift was in order, so he brought a tree to Rosie. See the video by VA to enjoy the interactions with this tree. A still photo does not do it justice.

Egg 3 finally arrived on April 11 at 8:42 pm after dark. Chatters had been watching and waiting for hours. then it arrived without fanfare.

Three eggs! Well done, Rosie and Richie. April 11, 2022. at 20:42 pm. cap by C

3 eggs. 4 12 2022. cap by lurker

3 eggs close-up. April 11, 2022. cap by lurker

Richmond and the eggs. April 13, 2022. cap by lurker

The white egg appears to be Egg #3. It can be hard to tell them apart as Rosie rolls them.

Richmond egg sitting. April 14, 2022. cap by lurker

Three eggs close up. April 16, 2022. cap by lurker

Rosie's job now is to sit on the eggs and keep them warm, rolling them periodically and airing the nest bowl by rearranging the nest material. Richie's job is to give her a break once in a while by sitting on the eggs, a job he loves. And to bring her fish. This year, he seems to be lagging a bit in bringing her fish. He catches a fish, eats it first, then brings her the leftovers. While she doesn't need as many calories while sitting on the eggs, the hope is he will up his game once the eggs hatch. They also bring more materials to build up the nest or make the newt bowl softer.

I'm sorry I didn't bring a fish. April 14, 2022.

Rosie eats her long-awaited striper, April 12, 2022. cap by lurker

Tuckered-out Rosie. April 12, 2022. cap by midi

Richmond brings a stick. April 17, 2022

Richmond and branch. April 17, 2022. cap by Dianne A

One persistent intruder keeps coming around but Rosie and Richie are adept at sending any intruders away.

Bold intruder osprey sitting on the rail April 15, 2022. cap by lurker

Rosie protecting her eggs from intruders. April 15, 2022. cap by Tweeter

Richmond has not been bringing as many fish as in the past, but Rosie goes out to get her own when needed, while he egg sits, which he loves. He tends to fish, eat most himself then bring her the leftovers, which can be just a fishtail at times. One day though, he caught a great big striper, which fed them both a long time.

Richmond's striper. April 15, 2022. cap by lurker

Almost an hour later

Rosie's fish that morning. She takes her fish to the spar, also known as Rosie's Café often.

Later on the nest. Don't touch my striper! caps by lurker

Three eggs. April 16, 2022. cap by lurker

Life on the nest right now is all about the eggs. Keeping them warm, turning them, aerating them, keeping them safe from intruders. The eggs are quite distinctive this year. The dark spotted one was the last laid.

Iconic picture of the nest with an osprey, a tug and Brooks Island. cap by midi April 19, 2022

Angelic Rosie. April 29, 2022. cap by Dianne A

Co- incubating April 20, 2022

Both Rosie and Richie seem to like incubating. Each will nudge the other to move off the eggs to give them a turn. Richie is more alert while incubating, seeming nervous. It is his job, of course, to defend the nest. Rosie is more focussed on the eggs themselves and lies quietly and sleeps at night, while getting up periodically to air the nest bowl, turn the eggs or just check them.

New nest material in the way. April 20, 2022. cap by lurker

Arrranging the sticks. Note the nice curved stick rail. May 4, 2022. cap by Jest.

Clump to the nest. April 29, 2022 cap by lurker

When not fishing, Richie is always nearby, keeping watch on the nest. If he spots a possible intruder or Rosie calls, he comes to the crane and he and Rosie work as a team to chase away the intruder.

Defending the nest. April 25, 2022. cap by chaya

Chasing the intruder away. April 25, 2022. cap by chaya

Rosie defending the nest from an osprey intruder. April 19, 2022. from video by VA

Other visitors to the nest are left alone, if they pose no threat. These are usually small birds.

Small finch visitor. April 30, 2022. cap by lurker

Well, hello there. cap by FW.

Fish, of course, are important to the osprey pair. Richie was slow to start providing this year, often keeping the fish he caught to himself, or bringing Rosie the tail only. There is the possibility that a lost rear talon may have made fishing harder for him and he caught fewer fish and needed more for himself. This is only a surmise by chatters at this point. At any rate, it appears that he is doing better now and bringing fish to Rosie. When he doesn't, she quite capably goes to catch one for herself, while he happily incubates the eggs. True partnership. She often takes her fish up to the strut, a protrusion from the crane.

April 26, 2022. cap compilation by FW

Rosie's big fish. May 3, 2022. cap by kinnae ken

Then there are the quiet times. Nights have been quite restful this year so far. Often Rosie naps on the eggs in the late morning or afternoon. Richie spends less time on the nest this year, preferring the boom, where he can keep watch.

Rosie asleep May 4, 2022. cap by midi

Rosie awake. April 26, 2022. cap by midi

Rosie in the fog. May 4, 2022. cap by Dinnae ken

After some speculation about Richie's possible leg injury and his less active fish providing to Rosie this year, an alert chatter noticed a missing talon. This talon is now growing back in but could have hampered his fishing ability.

Richmond's talons May 5 2022. cap by lurker

Richmond on rail, broken talon.

Cooperation May 5 2022. cap by lurker

Flounder for Rosie. May 6 2022. cap by lurker

caps by Dinnae ken May 6, 2022

piece of rubber on the nest. May 10, 2022. cap by Robin

Fish. May 9, 2022. cap by dinnae ken

Three eggs May 10, 2022 cap bu lurker

Mama Rosie in golden sunlight. May 10, 2022. cap by ES

Eggspected hatch dates: 1. May 12-15; 2. May 13-16; 3. May 16-18. | The eggs were laid April 4, 8, and 11.

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Part 3 Season 2022. Ready to Nest

3/28/2022

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Things have settled down. The female intruder has not appeared lately or is being warned off. The nest has gone from a termite mound to a well-designed osprey nest with sticks defining the nest area and soft grass and gracillaria lining the nest bowl. All is ready. Rosie is spending more time on the rail and on the nest. And Richie has started bringing her fish. Also, several CK's have appeared to be successful. All is in place for egg laying soon.

Rosie on rail March 23 cap by midi

Rosie sleeping on the rail. March 27. cap by midi

Rosie and Richie on the nest. March 27 cap by midi

Big curved stick comes in. March 27. cap by PP

Incoming clump. March 26. cap by lurker

Placing the log. March 27. cap by J

Draped clump. March 26. cap by lurker

Progress on the nest. March 27. cap by midi

Teamwork. March 29. cap by midi

Rosie and Richie on the nest. march 29. cap by midi

The nest in progress, March 27. cap by J

Tall stick incoming. March 29. cap by craigor

The nest is almost ready. March 30, 2022. cap by midi

the nest's progress. gif by craigor

Along with the nest's progress, Richie and Rosie have been bonding. They chase away any intruders and Richie regularly requests a CK. There have appeared to be several successful CK's, leading chatters to expect an egg soon, in early April. And Richie has begun bringing fish to Rosie, although she catches her own as well.She lets Richie know quite vocally that he is supposed to bring the fish to her. Rosie is staying close to the nest, either on the rail or on the nest itself. She spends every night there.

Successful CK? March 23, 2022.. cap by J

CK on railing. March 29, 2022. cap by J

Richie jumped on Rosie's back and stayed there for two full minutes in the photo to the left. What was that about? Meanwhile, Rosie held onto her fish.
April 1, 2022. cap by lurker. See also video by VA.