Poets in the Garden
  • Poets in the Garden
  • About
  • Contact
  • Fly with the Ospreys
  • Pensive Oasis Press
    • New Page

Fly with the Ospreys

This is a page about  the Whirley Crane Osprey nest in Richmond. CA. Its purpose is to provide information to those who are new to the cam.  It also proffers osprey related poetry, songs and stories. If you have a poem or song or chart you'd like to see on this site, please contact Midi.
All writing and personal photos are the property of the authors and may be shared only for non profitable purposes. Courtesy would dictate letting this site know if you do so. 
All photos captured from the camera are the property of and used by permission from the Golden Gate Audubon Society. They are not to be copied from this site without permission from GGAS. If you enjoy this site, please consider sending a contribution to:
​

www.goldengateaudubon.org ​

Part 2: 2021 Season - The Eggs

3/25/2021

0 Comments

 
Picture
First egg March 24 cap by PP
First Egg Laid  March 24 at 7:12 in the evening
Rosie laid her first egg, without fanfare, on March 24 at 7:12 in the evening. (19:12). This was earlier than usual and took  viewers by surprise. But her return was earlier this year as well, so possibly it is just an early season. 
​Richie immediately took on dad duties and asked for his turn at incubation. 
Picture
Richie and Rosie on the nest the morning of March 24 cap by midi
Picture
Richmond incubating March 25 in the morning cap by Crow
Picture
Time to make another egg, Rosie. March 25 at 9:42 am.
Picture
Tired Mama Rosie the night of her first egg, March 24. Cap by midi
Picture
Richmond and egg #1 March 25 in the morning cap by lurker
Richie has brought a female friend to visit, but Rosie will have nothing of it! Or was Richie trying to chase the female away? Who can know?
Video by VA on sfbayospreys youtube channel
Picture
Bird Decoration March 26 cap by Diann a
Another osprey predilection that the humans don't understand: bringing desiccated bird carcasses to adorn the nest. Perhaps because there are no human made plush toys available  this year? Insulation? Soft pillows? we humans can only groan and guess. 
Picture
Shift change March 26 cap by lurker
Picture
Richie on guard March 26 cap by midi
Picture
Waiting for Egg #2 March 27 at 4:42 pm cap by C
Egg #2 Arrives at 6:00 pm  on March 27, right on schedule at 70 hours 48 minutes after Egg #1.
Picture
Egg # 2 under Rosie March 27 at 6:04 pm. cap by lurker
Picture
2 eggs March 27 6:21 pm cap by lurker
Picture
Rosie sleepy after laying her second egg March 27 at 7:08 pm cap by lurker
Picture
Airing the two eggs March 28 cap by midi
Picture
Rosie and two eggs March 27 cap by Dianne A
Picture
Checking up on the eggs
Picture
Rosie gets a fish break March 28 cap by midi
Picture
CK March 29 cap by J
Picture
Close-up of 2 eggs. March 30
Picture
March 30 cap by midi
Picture
Richie on Standby for egg #3 March 30 at 3:18 pm cap by midi
Egg #3 arrived March 30 at 7:29 pm. Chatters have become quite adept at identifying the signs of impending egg lay and many were watching the entire sequence. Rosie cooperated by putting herself in a position where  the viewers could see well. The interval between this third egg and the second was 73 hours and 29 minutes. 
Picture
First sight of third egg March 30 7:29:42 pm cap by lurker
Picture
Rosie right after laying her third egg March 30 at 7:29:49 pm cap by lurker
Picture
3 eggs 3 30 21 cap by Crow
Picture
Rosie is tired after laying her third egg March 30 9:03 pm cap by Crow
​The calendar below by craigor shows what to expect next and when. 
Picture
Now begins incubation. Both Rosie and Richie incubate. In fact, Richie is noted for demanding his time on the eggs. This year, Rosie seems to be ceding him more time and he appears more relaxed in his duties. In his fifth season on this nest, he is an experienced Dad. (There is evidence that he was at the RTYC nest a year prior to this nest, so we don't know his entire mating/nesting history). 
Richie's other duties are to guard the nest, flying to the nest anytime he sees an intruder, to bring fish to Rosie, and to bring nest items Rosie will also bring items. Unfortunately, both have begun bringing HMO's (human made objects) to the nest lately: two plastic bags, a hard red plastic thing and a rope. More information on these objects can be found in the Fish Matrix, logged along with the fish. 
Picture
2 sticks at one April 3 cap by PP
Picture
Plastic bags on the nest April 1 cap by PP
Picture
Rosie brining a rope April 1
Picture
Pink bag on nest April 1 cap by lurker
Picture
Picture
And green eggs delivered to a green nest! Oh, wait, that was on April 1st. Happy April Fool's Day!
Picture
The bag thankfully blows away. April 3 cap by PP
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Fish delivery in three caps on April 5. Caps by PP and C.  And a glimpse of the eggs, cap by C
0 Comments

Part 1: Season 2021                               Rosie's Return February 18, 2021

2/18/2021

0 Comments

 
Picture
Rosie flying in, from video by VA Feb. 18, 2021 at 16:38.
A new osprey season starts when Rosie returns to the nest. There is always much anticipation and anxious waiting by the humans for her return. This year, she returned, without fanfare, earlier than anyone anticipated. An osprey had been seen on Marker 12 recently but no one knew if it was Richie. A male osprey was seen on the nest this week but it did not look like Richie. Then Rosie flew in and immediately those watching knew it was Rosie. She looked around for Richie, then flew off. 
Picture
Rosie on boom Feb. 19 cap by lurker
Picture
Rosie protecting her nest Feb. 19 cap by C
Picture
Rosie's night roost Feb. 19 cap by Judi
Picture
Rosie close-up Feb. 20 cap by PP
Rosie has been staying near the nest, either on it or on the crane each day. She keeps looking for Richie and has made some calls. There have been no confirmed sightings of Richie. One person saw two ospreys flying high near each other. There has also been an osprey on Marker 12 periodically. We assume, however, that if Richie were near, he would visit the nest to see Rosie as he has in past years. Where are you, Richie? If an chatter visits San Pablo Reservoir, please keep an eye out for ospreys and especially Richie. He appears to have visited the reservoir regularly to catch trout last season. 
Picture
Picture
Picture
Three caps of a visitor to the next on February 16, before Rosie showed up. Was this Richie? Or someone else? Noe the odd stance. Richie usually stands with his legs together. 
Picture
Picture
Rosie and corvids  Fab. 21.  cap by Lurker.
Picture
Rosie February 23 cap by lurker
Picture
Rosie February 23 cap by lurker
Rosie continues to hang around near the nest, on the crane or on the ROV wires. She has been seen eating fish that she presumably caught herself. Twice, two ospreys have been seen flying together, or one chasing the other off. There has also been an osprey on Marker 12. Richie? or other ospreys? The female osprey at the RYC nest has returned. 
 Richie possibly came to the nest February 24. But did not find Rosie. On February 25, the couple finally hooked up. A quick CK then off again.Rosie has been on the nest more and bringing sticks. Still, she leaves after a while and Richie is still mostly absent. But it is still early in the season and perhaps hormones haven't kicked in yet.
Picture
Richie flying in. Feb. 24
Picture
Rosie preparing the nest. Feb. 25 cap by lurker
Picture
Richie on Feb. 24 Note the dot under his wing.
Rosie is preparing the nest. Richie is more interested in a CK. Why isn't he bringing Rosie any fish? Of course, she can catch her own quite ably and has been seen eating fish every day. 
Picture
Richie landing for a first? CK Feb. 25 at 7:15 am gif by J
The couple is slowly getting ready for the season. They spend a lot of time off the nest but do connect during the day. Richie tries for a few CK's and Rosie has been busy bringing nesting materials. Richie has not shown much interest in helping her or in bringing fish. 
Picture
Close-up of Rosie on Feb. 26 cap by Robin
Picture
Patient Rosie watching for Richie Feb. 28 cap by PP
Picture
Rosie places a stick FEb. 28 gif by J
After a slow start, the past few days, Richie has upped his game. He and Rosie spend some time together each day, just looking out over the bay. Both are bringing sticks and grass now. And he is bringing fish to Rosie now. And asking for CK's. March 2 was a five fish day! The season has started.
Picture
Richie with a fish March 1 at 15:37 cap by lurker
Picture
Richie hands off a fish to Rosie. March 2 cap by midi
Picture
Talons tucked, Richie goes for a CK Feb. 26 cap by lurker
Picture
Richmond and Rosie together on nest Feb. 28
Picture
bringing sticks Feb. 28 enhanced cap by Robin
Picture
Still spending nights elsewhere, not on the nest. Rosie on wire probably. Feb. 28 cap by PP
Picture
CK on March 1 cap by lurker
CK stands for cloacal kiss, when the reproductive parts of each bird touch and Richie can transfer semen to Rosie. That is considered a successful CK and should lead to an egg. 
Sometimes it looks like the pair are fighting over the fish. But that is not what is happening. The talons lock onto the fish or stick and need to be unlocked. the other party helps with this. For a scientific description of this see Poole's book or ask our expert Tony\ to explain it. 
​

A Day in the Life of Richmond and Rosie.  March 2  Fishing and Nesting and Mating
Picture
Richie brings nesting material March 2 cap by lurker
Picture
Richie brings a stick March 2 enhanced cap by Robin
Nest cupping is when they use their body to help form the bowl where the eggs and then chicks will lie. Richie seems to enjoy this activity. 
Picture
Richie nests-cupping March 2 cap by lurker
Picture
CK March 2 cap by J
Picture
Rosie flies off with the fish Richie brought her. March 2. cap by Crow
Picture
Richie brings a salmonid, eats the head then delivers it to Rosie. March 2 cap by lurker
Picture
Quiet Watching March 2 cap by lurker
March: Rosie and Richie have fallen back into their daily routines. Richie brings a fish to Rosie, who takes it to the crane to eat, Rosie catches her own fish at times, they sit together watching the bay from the nest, chase off the occasional intruder, and Richie asks for a CK periodically. They spend the nights off the nest and apparently apart from each other. Richie appears to be going to San Pablo Reservoir to fish. At least, he is bringing in rainbow trout. Are there any trout  close by? So far mostly sticks have been brought to the nest as rails. There has been some nest cupping but not a lot of eelgrass brought yet. Thanks to clean up efforts at the port and Pt. Isabel, human objects are not being brought in a lot, although a wooden plank with nails came and went. And a plastic bag was brought and incorporated into the nest. There are also two bird carcasses.
Picture
CK on the crane, a balancing act. March 3 cap by PP
Picture
Osprey, probably Rosie, on ship wire at night March 3 cap by midi
Picture
Rosie's plank March 5. cap by lurker. The plant subsequently fell off the nest in the storm.
Picture
Richie's perch March 6 cap by craigor
Picture
Rosie with fish, fending off an intruder March 3 cap by lurker
Picture
Richie's fish March 3 cap by lurker
Picture
Rosie brings a stick March 5 cap by craigor
Picture
Richie brings a fish to Rosie March 6 cap by lurker
PictureRosie sitting on plastic March 19 cap by midi





Intruders: There are always others birds wanting to explore the nest and take it over. Or just to partake of the leftover fish. Crows are easily dispatched by Rosie and Richie. The peregrine falcon that visited was ignored as no threat. Other ospreys elicit a full on defense attack. 
Picture
Crow harassing Rosie March 8 cap by lurker
Picture
Chasing off intruders March 5
Picture
Chasing off intruder March 15 cap by lurker
Picture
Peregrine falcon and crow on crane March 5 cap by lurker
Picture
Intruder fight March 15 cap by guest
Picture
Unown female osprey visitor March 24 cap by PP
Rosie is sleeping closer to the nest at night at times. Getting ready for nesting time? Richie sleeps elsewhere and we're never sure where he is.
Picture
New night roost for Rosie March 8 cap by midi
Picture
Cold night on the nest for Rosie March 10 cap by C
Picture
Both on the nest March 18 cap by midi
Rosie and Richie brought in sticks first to make the perimeters of the nest. They are working more on the nest bowl now. This is made with grass, moss and seaweed that they pack down. The end result is soft and warm. Richie likes to sit in the nest bowl himself. But soon he will have to share it with chicks.
Picture
Rosie brings two clumps. March 11 cap by lurker
Picture
Richie's clump March 8 cap from video
Picture
Incoming Stick March 5
Picture
Rosie in nest bowl March 8 cap by midi
Picture
Rosie flips a stick March 11 gif by Robin
Picture
Richie in nest bowl March 8 cap by lurker
Rosie has begun spending more time on the nest. The nest is ready, with a deep soft bowl for the eggs to come. Richie has been spending more time on the nest with Rosie but usually spends nights elsewhere and during the day goes fishing.  Lately, he has brought a starry flounder, jasksmelt, a striped bass, and only a few salmonids. The weather has been cold and windy. 
Picture
Rosie in nest bowl March 23 cap by midi
Picture
Rosie on the nest at night March 21 cap by midi
Picture
Rosie in the rain March 18 cap by midi
Picture
Richie and Rosie together on the nest at night March 22 cap by C
Picture
Listening to the music at Riggers March 20 cap by midi
Picture
A quiet moment together on the nest March 20 cap by J
Picture
CK March 8 at 13:34 cap by PP
Picture
CK back view March 10 cap by lurker
And of course, the CK's continue. And we wonder which one will be the one to make the first egg.
Fish caught and brought to the nest February to March up until egg laying. Chart by Matrix Master craigor
The trout presumably come from the San Pablo Reservoir.  
Picture
0 Comments

End of Season 2020

9/30/2020

0 Comments

 
Lassen was last seen on August 7. Shasta was last seen on August 28. Rosie was last seen on September 17. Richie was seen around the area a few times but hasn't been sighted lately. He has not been seen at Meeker Slough as in past years. Perhaps he is hanging around San Pablo Reservoir catching trout? 
Please let us know on chat if you see Richie anywhere or any banded ospreys. 
Watch for Rosie in late February or early March.

For season summaries, see the FAQ sheets on the GGAS osprey cam site. 
​
Farewell, Osprey Family. Safe travels. We hope to see Rosie in the early Spring and Lassen and Shasta in two years. May Tam rest in peace above his mountain namesake. 
Picture
Moonrise on the nest enhanced cap by Robin
Here is a link to a wonderful video collage of the past years of the ospreys. Poetry and art by our talented Ali. 
0 Comments

Empty Nest Concert 2020 by craigor

9/20/2020

0 Comments

 
0 Comments

The Osprey Season Concert                         Aug. 7, 2020 with Midi

8/14/2020

0 Comments

 
The Osprey Season 
Songs written and sung by midi
 

The Osprey
 
The osprey how graceful, magnificent and regal
As he sits upon his nest looking out over the Bay.
His great talons outstretched, his keen golden eyes searching,
He glides over the blue water to search for his fish prey.
 
And I would too be an osprey just as he.
I would fly over the Bay to catch my own prey.
Alas I have no wings to fly, no talons, no eagle eye.
So I will just stay here on Earth with you dear.
 
 
Richie’s Song
 
From this Great Bay they say you have flown.
I will miss your golden eyes and keen gaze.
For they say you have taken the sunshine
That brightened my summer days.
 
Do you think of me sometimes, dear Rosie?
Do you even remember me?
Won’t you come back to visit,
For I am so very lonely. 
 
I will watch for you in the Springtime.
I will visit the nest every day.
And when I finally see you fly in,
I will bring you a bright red bouquet.
 
Would you please return to me, Rosie?
Every day I’ll bring you a treat:
A big branch, eel grass, a red hat,
And a big striped bass to eat.
 
You’ll lay eggs and they’ll hatch out.
Every day, I’ll bring the chicks fish,
A pillow for their little heads,
And whatever else they might wish.
 
The chicks will grow, fledge and fly,
They’ll migrate to Southern lands unknown,
Then the nest will be empty once again, 
And you and I will be alone. 
But you do not need to migrate.
You can stay right here as I do.
I will show you a great place to roost,
And I’ll always be near to you.
 
From this Great Bay they say you have flown.
Dear Rosie, don’t you hear me calling you?
I am waiting at the Whirley Crane
And will always be true to you.
 
From this Great Bay they say you have flown,
Dear Rosie, don’t you hear me calling you?
I am waiting at the Whirley Crane
And will always be true to you.
 
 
Over the Rainbow
 
Somewhere over the rainbow, way up high
I see an osprey flying, soaring  high in the sky.
Somewhere over the rainbow, by the Bay,
Rosie is flying home to us, flying home today.
 
She’s flying through the Golden Gate 
And at the nest her loyal mate
Will meet her.
We’ll also hurry to the nest 
To see our Rosie we love best
So we can greet her.
 
Somewhere over the rainbow, ospreys fly
They fly over the rainbow,
Why then, oh why can’t I?
If osprey fly beyond the rainbow,
Why oh why can’t I?
 
 
Rosie’s Return
 
An osprey flew to the crane, early one Spring day.
Sat and chirped in the misting rain, all the livelong day.
Rosie, Rosie, my mate, where are you today?
How much longer must I wait? Are you on your way?
 
Then when it had grown late, so dark he could not see,
And he had not seen his mate, he flew to the RYC.
Rosie, Rosie, my mate, where are you tonight?
I am waiting here for you, until the morning light. 
 
Late the next day from the West, in Rosie flew.
She went straight to the nest to find her Richie true.
Richie, Richie, my mate, I am now here.
But it is growing late, are you somewhere near?
 
Richie, fishing o’er the Bay, heard her loud and clear,
So he flew straight away to his Rosie dear.
Rosie, here I come, to you I will be true.
We can build ourselves a nest and raise a family too.
 
We now eagerly await a new osprey year,
Watch for the couple to mate, eggs and chicks appear.
Rosie, Richie too, our own osprey,
We are glad to see you, welcome back, today.
 
 
 
 
Fishing Song
 
You get a fish and I’ll get a fish, Rosie.
You get a fish and I’ll get a fish, Richie.
You get a bass and I’ll get a sole,
We don’t need no fishin’ pole,
Rosie, Richie mine. 
 
You get eel grass and I’ll get sticks, Rosie.
I’ll get eel grass and you get sticks, Richie.
We’ll get eel grass and we’ll get sticks
To build a nest for our chicks,
Rosie, Richie  mine.
 
You get a hat and I’ll get a snake, Rosie.
No, no hats, and no snakes, Richie.
But dear mate, the snake is fake.
Cindy says nothing fake, 
Richie, mate of mine.
 
Then I’ll bring something real, Rosie.
I’ll bring something real, Rosie.
How about a harbor seal
Or a big slippery eel,
Rosie, mate of mine?
 
I’d rather have a great big fish, Richie.
I’d rather have a striped bass, Richie.
Then I’ll bring you a fish, 
And whatever else you wish,
If you’ll only be mine.
 
 
There is an Egg on the Nest

There is an egg on the nest, on the nest, (bis)
That can’t be right, I was watching all night,
But there’s an egg on the nest.
 
There are two eggs on the nest, on the nest, (bis)
I just saw Rosie lay her second egg today,
There are two eggs on the nest.
 
There are three eggs on the nest, on the nest, (bis)
Oh golly gee, there are really three,
There are three eggs on the nest. 
 
Well there be four eggs on the nest, on the nest? (bis)
Will there be any more, will Rosie lay four?
Will there be four eggs on the nest
 
Oh, wait, now there are only two eggs!
 
There are two eggs on the nest, on the nest, (bis)
There are two eggs and one chick, someone is playing a trick,
There are two eggs on the nest.
 
There is one egg on the nest, on the nest, (bis)
There is one egg and two chicks, they’re still playing tricks.
There is on egg on the nest.
 
There are no eggs on the nest, on the nest, (bis)
There are no eggs but three little bobbleheads,
Just wait for what lies ahead!
 
 
 
 
 
Lullaby for Rivet Alone on the Nest
 
Sleep now, osprey chick, on your nest.
Just lie down and take a rest.
You worked hard today on your flight,
Now it’s time to say good night.
 
Momma will stay nearby, do not fear.
Poppa is also quite near.
No need to watch, no need to fret.
Just sleep snugly on the nest.
 
Dream of flying in the sky,
Your strong wings lifting you high. 
Dream of diving into the Bay,
To catch your very own fish prey.
 
Rivet’s sleeping now, let him sleep, 
Dreaming of his life to be.
Rivet’s dreaming now, let her dream.
Dream on, Rivet, sleep and dream. (bis)
 
 
Summertime
 
Summertime and the living is easy.
Fish are jumping and the tide is high.
Your Mommy’s here and your Daddy’s gone fishin’
So hush little Brisa, don’t you cry.
 
One of these mornings, you’re gonna rise up singing,
Then you’ll spread your wings and take to the sky.
But till that day, there’s nothing can harm you
With Daddy and Mommy standing by. 
 
 
Fledgling to its Mother (Follow the Wind)
 
When I leave the nest, which way is the best?
How do I know which way I should go?
Can’t I follow you, go where you go too?
 
No,my fledgling, no, trust the wind and go.
Follow the wind, follow. Follow the wind, follow.
 
Such a long way, how will I know the day
I have found the place where I should stay?
Will there be a sign, says this beach is mine?
 
Follow the sun’s ray, it will show the way.
Trust the wind and go, follow the wind, follow.
 
When I fly back to this nest I love the best,
Can I live with you, stay on this nest too?
I don’t want to leave home, be on my own.
 
Trust the osprey way, fly up and down the Bay,
Trust the wind and go, follow the wind, follow.
 
Fly and soon you’ll find an osprey of like mind,
Together build a nest you’ll love the best.
In the Fall one day, again be on your way.
 
Trust the osprey way, follow the sun’s ray,
Trust the wind and go, follow the wind, follow. (bis)
 
 
Rivet’s Song
 
I have no home to call my own, no place to stay at close of day.
For I have travelled long and far, following my lone star. 
 
I once had a nest I called home, a place where I was loved and known.
Then I fledged and away I flew. Now I am just passing through.
 
I flew down South all alone, to live down there on my own.
To fish and fly every day, and learn to be an osprey.
 
Then I flew back to my nest and asked my parents could I rest.
But they said no, that I had flown, and I was now on my own.
 
In the nest was a new family. There was no longer space for me.
So now I just find my own way, flying up and down the Bay.
 
One day at a later date, I will seek my own mate,
Build a nest and call it home, a place that is all my own.
 
But for now I roost at night, wherever I happen to alight.
I fly here and I fly there, at home nowhere and everywhere. 
 
 
Osprey are Born to Fly
 
Osprey are born to fly,
To soar in wild blue sky.
They grow, they fledge, they mate,
Lay eggs, raise young, migrate.
And when it’s time to say good-by,
They do not cry,
They do not wonder why.
 
But you and I,
We were born to laugh and cry.
We worry and we fret,
We doubt, hope and regret.
And when it’s time to say good-by,
We sigh and cry
And forever ask why.
 
So when the osprey fly,
If you must, then cry.
If you must, wave good-by.
But then let them fly free,
Away from you and me,
Free just to be, free just to be.
Fly high in wild blue sky,
Away from you and me,
Free just to be, free just to be. 
 
 
 
 
Trust the Osprey
 
How many miles must the osprey fly
To their Southern land?
Yes ‘n how will we know when they have reached
A welcoming winter strand?
Yes’n, how many months must we all wait
Before we see their blue band?
The answer, my friends, is trust the osprey.
The answer is Trust the Osprey.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
0 Comments

Season 2020   Part  5: Family on the Nest

5/12/2020

0 Comments

 

First Week: Bobbleheads

The first week or so is all about sleeping and eating. The chicks spend most of their time sleeping. When hungry or awakened, they crane their necks and open their beaks for food. Rosie, and sometimes Richie, provide them with little morsels of fish. When sated, they fall down in a stupor and Rosie covers them once more. At this point, they are still quite wobbly. Richie provides the fish and any necessary nesting materials. What he considers necessary is quite idiosyncratic and the source of much amusement to human chatters. Each year seems to have a theme. The first year was red things (except for purple Snakey), the second year teal, last year and this, dead things. This was the first year for a mammal carcass. 
Picture
The family on the nest May 12 cap by Dianne A
Picture
The Three Siblings May 12 in the morning cap by SaMo
Picture
Where's our fish? May 13 at 11:51 am cap by midi
When there is no fish and the chicks are begging, Rosie will faux-feed them for a bit. But they prefer the real thing. She proffers a small bite and this prompts them to open their beak wide. If one chick doesn't, she moves to another. But she makes sure all three get their share.
Picture
A fish for the chicks May 12 at 5:55 am cap by SaMo
Picture
Rosie feeding chicks May 12 3:23 pm cap by midi
Picture
May 13 at 12:48 pm cap by midi
Picture
May 13 at 5:39 pm
Picture
Richie feeding Rosie May 11 at 2:58 pm cap by SaMo
Picture
May 13 at 5:34 pm cap by midi
Picture
Number 3 (Tres) getting his share. May 15 at 7:55 am cap by J
Picture
Giving the chicks some air May 15 at 9:04 am cap by midi
Picture
A bit of air May 14 at 10:07 am cap by midi
Picture
Home Alone (for two minutes) May 12 at 7:36 am cap by midi
As the chicks get older and stronger, the parents give them more air time, especially when the weather is clement. They will even leave them alone for a moment. But rest assured, there is always one adult close by to step in when necessary.
Picture
Moving the plastic bag around. May 14 at 2:30 pm cap by midi
Picture
Wrestling with the plastic. May 14 at 2:30 pm cap by midi
Before the eggs were laid and while they were incubating, Rosie and Richie would bring soft material such as eelgrass or other grass for the nest bowl. This made a soft bed for the hatching chicks. And supposedly, the bird and skunk carcasses made soft pillows. Now they begin to bring larger sticks to build crib rails. With Richie, however, one never knows what to expect. It is fun to watch them try to maneuver the large sticks into place. Less fun is the plastic that remains on the nest at this point.
Picture
Richie brings a log May 15 cap by midi
Picture
Trying to maneuver the stick into position May 15 cap by midi
Before the cam was set up, little was known about the ospreys' activities at night.. It was assumed that they stayed on the nest and slept. Now that there are chatters watching 24/7, we know more. Richie rarely sleeps on the nest but is nearby. When there are chicks, Rosie sleeps on the nest all night. But she awakens  several times during the night and may fly off to take a bathroom break or to stretch. With the chicks, she awakens and feeds them at night. 
Picture
May 13 at 11:22 pm cap by midi
Picture
Rosie awake May 13 at 11:21 pm cap by midi
Picture
Late night snack May 11 at 11:42 pm cap by midi

 Second and Third Weeks :Dinosaur Stage

By week 2, the chicks are beginning to grow down. This gives them a bumpy appearance and makes them itchy. They grow stronger and spend more time out in the air. They begin to stand up and move around the nest bowl. And they become more effective at feeding. This year, all three chicks are eating well. While the third chick, nicknamed Tres, is still smaller and less developed, it is getting in there for food and downs large bites. It has even been seen snatching a bite from its sibling. 
Picture
Getting Downy May 14 cap by J
Richie is kept busy delivering fish. His daily delivery increases up to 6 fish a day. Often a large fish will be delivered, eaten then taken away by Richie to eat by himself, then redelivered to the nest for another feeding (see the fish matrix for the story of a given fish). Rosie will also keep a piece of fish in the nest for a late night feeding. She always cleans up the fish bits after the chicks have eaten. 
Picture
pin feathers May 18 cap by SaMo
Picture
Id of the three chicks by J May 18 Note the lack of pin feathers on Tres, the youngest.
Picture
Fish delivery May 18 at 9:26 am cap by C
Picture
Mealtime May 18 at 2:59 pm cap by midi
Picture
Tres gets its share May 18 at 7:03 pm cap by midi
Picture
Home alone with Momma nearby May 19 at 7:31 am cap by midi
Picture
Venturing out May 20 at 7:49 am cap by midi
Picture
Learning to walk May 18 at 1:18 pm cap by midi
Picture
Becoming independent May 20 at 12:52 pm cap by midi
Picture
Mom, I'm going out to explore (Uno) Tres stays home by Momma Note the difference in appearance May 19 at 12:07 pm cap by midi
Picture
Waiting for a Fish May 21 at 9:41 am cap by midi
Picture
Here's Daddy with the fish! May 21 at 9:43 am cap by midi
Picture
Building up the railings to keep the growing chicks safe. May 19 at 7:53 am cap by midi
Picture
Getting too big to fit under Momma May 20 at 7:27 am cap by Robin
Picture
May 21 at 12:06 pm cap by midi
Picture
Now kids, don't fight May 21 at 12:41 pm cap by midi
The cams are down temporarily due to radio malfunction. But on the nest, life goes on as usual. A few clips captured from the camera directly. Note the change in appearance as the chicks emerge from their dinosaur stage. There seems to have been less fighting among the three than in previous years, at least to this observer.
Photos are from May 26 in the afternoon, taken directly from the camera video. For the video, go to sfbayospreys youtube channel.
Picture
May 26 at 2:46 pm
Picture
Picture

 Weeks 4-5: Awareness and Growing Bodies

When the camera came back on on Thursday, May 28, the chicks were already into their new phase, even though it was still the third week. They are a bit ahead of the chart. They are losing their down and developing pin feathers (the beginning stage of the real feathers). They are also developing awareness of and interest in the world around them. No longer gaping beaks, they look at their mother.They walk around the nest on their knees (Uno is just beginning to walk on feet) and they sit looking out over the Bay. They watch whatever flies overhead and crouch down if it is a stranger. And they watch Richie as he flies around fishing. So now their life is eat, sleep, watch, repeat. (much like my dog).
Picture
What's Up,Mom? May 29 at 8:53 am cap by J
Picture
Mealtime May 29 at 10:22 am cap by J
Picture
Cuddletime May 29 at 7:49 am cap by Robin
Picture
Close-up of pin feathers
Picture
tail feathers June 1 gif by Robin
Picture
What's that up there? May 28 cap by midi
Picture
Richie brings a fish May 29 at 5:33 pm cap by SaMo
Picture
Post prandial collapse May 28 2:56 pm cap by midi
Picture
Feeding Time June 1 cap by SaMo
Picture
Siesta time May 29 at 12:43 pm cap by midi
June 8-14
​
The chicks are entering the teen-age stage. Their bodies are changing and they're not quite sure what to do with that. Uno and Dos are standing on their feet now and Tres is just beginning. Their feathers have mostly grown in and they've lost the downy look. And their wings are growing. They often stretch their wings, often laying the wing over their sibling. They also have begun wingercizing, flapping their long wings, and they stretch more. The new feathers seem to cause itching and/or they are learning to preen. They spend much time probing their wings with their beaks. 
Rosie and Richie are preparing for this stage by bringing more sticks to build up the nest rails. Both adults can be rather clumsy with the sticks, landing them on the chicks, who don't seem to mind too much. 
This year's trio has been quite cooperative, taking turns to eat. Sometimes one will eat its fill then move aside for the other to edge in. Or they line up, each asking for a bite but not fighting over it. They are taking larger bites and can even swallow the guts now. They also swallow the fish tail. Richie is kept rather busy, sometimes bringing in seven fish (see fish matrix below the cam view for exact information). 
Picture
feeding time May 29
Picture
Tres gets its share. May 28 at 3:10 pm cap by midi
Picture
Mmm, guts. June 3 at 6:37 pm cap by midi
Picture
full crop June 3 cap by J
Picture
full crop June 3 cap by J
Tres gets a fishtache.
Picture
Picture
Watching the Bay June 4   caps by midi
Picture
3 chicks: Dos, Tres, Uno cap by SaMo
Picture
3 chicks: Uno, Dos, Tres cap by Robin
Picture
Picture
Picture
Wingercizing June 8  caps by SaMo and J
June 6   Rather awkward building of the nest rails. 
For more videos see youtube channel sfbayospreys
Picture
Rosie and her chicks June 9 cap by SaMo
Picture
Uno, Dos, Tres? June 9 cap by midi
Picture
Watching for Poppa to bring a fish June 9 cap by SaMo
Picture
Richie pretends to be a chick June 9 cap by midi
Chick trying to self feed. June 10, 2020   Video by VA.Posted at sfbayospreys on youtube
See that site for almost daily short video summaries.
Picture
Wingercizing June 10 gif by J
Picture
Close-up of the three chicks June 9 cap by midi
   Banding Day June 14    days 34-37  
On June 14, around 6 am, chatters noticed the cams were down. Many conjectured that this was banding day and sure enough, a few hours later, the cams came back on, and Tony\ confirmed that the banding had taken place and all had gone well. He left a fish in the nest as consolation and this year, the ospreys immediately paid attention to it. The chicks and their parents did not seem particularly distressed. The chicks slept on the nest and Rosie ad Richie sat watching on the crane cable. The fish, a large bass, went back and forth for a while. And there was some self-feeding by the chicks.
The table below shows their weights and band initials. Their ages are 37, 36 and 34 days. 
Picture
The chicks have also been named, via a vote open to all  on Facebook. Apparently over 400 votes were gathered:Gender id. is based on weight and is the best bet at this point, not absolute.
First born is Lassen band ZD  male
Second born is Shasta band WU female
Third born is Tam  band XV   male
Picture
Meme by Dianne A
Picture
Post banding meal 7pm June 14 gif by J

Weeks 7-8 Learning to Fly

The chicks have reached most of their adult weight. Their feathers have grown in (but are not fully developed) and their wings have grown long. Now they need to strengthen their wings, which they do by wingercizing them. They will practice flapping their wings, then one by one they will start to hover and finally one chick will fledge(fly off the nest to another landing spot). They will also become more vocal and more active on the nest, walking around on their feet now and spending less time sleeping. They will learn to self feed but will still depend on Richie to bring the fish of course. 
Picture
ZD Shasta wingercizing June 17 cap by C
Picture
Late Night Exercise June 15 10:58 pm cap by midi
Picture
Wingercizing June 17 cap by SaMo
Picture
Three chicks WU, ZD, XV June 9 cap by midi
Picture
WU, ZD, XV June 15 cap by C
Picture
Three chicks June 22 cap by J
Picture
Chick helping to nestorate June 18 cap by J
Picture
Here comes the meal June 20 cap by midi
Picture
Mealtime June 17 cap by midi
Picture
Quiet Watching June 19 cap by midi
Picture
ZD almost hovering June 19 gif by J
June 26: ZD, the oldest chick, has been working hard and is beginning to hover. The other two are just thinking about it, while wingercizing. Look for fledging to begin this week sometime. A fledge means the chick has flown from the nest to land off the nest somewhere. Our chicks are lucky as there are landing places very near the nest. Usually they fledge to the cables of the crane, sometimes to the platform below the crane. 
Picture
ZD hovering June 25 gif by J
Picture
WU wingercizing June 25 cap by midi
Picture
Hover by XV June 28 cap by Crow
Picture
ZD prolonged hover June 26 cap by SaMo
Picture
Hover by ZD June 28 cap by Crow
Picture
Poppa demonstrates how the experts land in the wind. June 28 cap by SaMo

Fledging

On June 29, the first born chick ZD (Lassen) fledged. He quite successfully flew to the crane then around back to the crane and finally and back to the nest, with a fine landing. Rosie flew to the crane to support him, flew off then returned. XV (Tamalpais) has been wingercizing quite a bit but not going to the edge of the nest yet. 
Picture
Picture
WU and XV watching their brother cap by Dianne A
ZD has also been sleeping sitting up like his mother this week. And he calls loudly against intruders or for fish. His little brother still pancakes at signs of danger and sleeps with his head low on the nest. What a difference a few days in age makes. But Tam became very excited when his brother fledged, hopping up and down and flapping his wings too.
Picture
ZD on crane July 1
Picture
Fish tug of war June 30 cap by midi
Picture
Whoops! ZD landing on Rosie July 1 cap by Anna Tinsley
Picture
The whole family on the nest. ZD sleeping upright with his back to us. June 28 cap by midi
Picture
ZD practicing his flight July 1 cap by midi
Picture
WU and ZD sleep standing up July 2 cap by midi
Picture
WU hovering June 29 cap by Crow
On July 3, in the morning, the second chick Wu fledged. First she flew a few steps to the cable.  Later, WU flew to the lower platform below the nest and stayed there a few hours. Rosie kept a careful watch on her. When a fish came, she gladly flew back to the nest. 
Picture
Picture
Two chicks on boom July 3 7:09 am cap by J
Picture
WU in basement July 3 7:13 am cap by J
Picture
WU and Rosie July 3 3:37 pm
Picture
WU on lower ledge July 3 1:29 pm
Picture
XV alone on the nest July 3 at 9:47 am cap by midi
Picture
All three back on the nest July 3 at 6:39 PM cap by Anna Tinsley
Picture
Fish tug of war July 3
Picture
XV alone on the nest July 3 at 12:36 pm cap by midi
Picture
Back on the nest for the night July 3 cap by C
Picture
XV alone on the nest July 3 at 9:48 am cap by midi
Picture
The three chicks were on the nest the night of July 3 while many local fireworks were going off. They were awake and alert, listening, but luckily not too distraught. 
Early in the morning on July 4, the youngest chick XV fledged. After getting excited about his siblings flying, he just had to try. First he  hovered then flew to the bottom of the boom, just a hop, skip and jump from the nest. Later he flew farther. 
Picture
XV fledging on July 4 at 6:53 am cap by midi
Picture
XV at 6:54 am cap by midi
 ​Unfortunately, the following day, XV did not do so well. He landed awkwardly, got stuck in part of the crane, and one chatter on site heard and saw him possibly hit his head. He was missing from the nest and later found behind Riggers Loft. From there he was transported to Wildcare. They found no obvious wounds but there may have been some head trauma. He was then found to have a leg fracture. After several weeks of care, he took a turn for the worse, was losing weight, and the decision was made to euthanize him. The assumption was that he had more damage from the beginning than had been evident. 
Post from Wildcare:
It is with heavy hearts that we share the news with the community that Tam is no longer with us. After another successful splint change on Thursday, we had a new update written and ready to post today. However, over the weekend, Tam’s condition took a serious turn for the worse.
Even since he was first weighed and banded in the nest, Tam had been underweight and not as strong as his older siblings. During his brief time in our hospital it was an ongoing challenge to get him to eat enough to keep on weight, much less gain it. Earlier in the week, for reasons unknown, Tam began regurgitating all of the fish he would eat.
Diagnostic tests were inconclusive as to a cause. We placed Tam on 4-times-a-day tube feedings and subcutaneous fluids so that we would not lose any more ground, but he still became weaker. By late evening, Saturday, he was no longer able to stand.
After numerous consultations with colleagues at wildlife hospitals that treat a high volume of Osprey, and with recognition that Tam’s condition was rapidly deteriorating, the decision was made to end Tam’s suffering and humanely euthanize him.
Of course everyone who cares about Tam will want to know the reasoning behind this incredibly difficult decision. We want to share the primary considerations through which our team worked, in consultation with the other Osprey experts.
First is an understanding of the medical concerns Tam faced even before his admission to the wildlife hospital.
Even recognizing that Tam was the smallest of the three Osprey chicks in this year’s Whirly Crane nest, the fact that he spent around 18 hours on the ground after his test flight was not normal, nor was it normal that he was able to be easily picked up by his rescuer. A truly healthy young Osprey should have been able to hop-fly his way back to his nest after his aborted test flight.
Tam’s weight and body condition on intake was below normal and his mentation was not 100%. Despite that, and after we saw improvement to the symptoms of possible head trauma with which he was admitted, our plan was to get Tam back into his nest with his family as soon as possible to let his parents continuing doing their best for him.
Those plans were delayed for a day due to the neighboring crane construction and, during that time, Tam fractured his leg. We still do not know why the fracture happened, but its occurrence points to severe underlying metabolic issues within Tam’s body. The fact that he was never able to gain and keep on weight as a sedentary, growing bird being hand-fed in care is further evidence that something was not right with him.
We have sent Tam’s body to the state lab for a necropsy in hopes that we will be able to glean answers as to what underlying conditions led to his failure to thrive and recover. We hope that the necropsy results will also provide knowledge that will help us with future Osprey patients. If we receive any helpful findings we will share them with the group.
Picture
Picture
Photo from Wildcare. See their Facebook page for more information.
Picture
Picture
XV on rail July 5 at 10:24 am cap by PP
Meanwhile,  ZD and WU continue to do well. They fly off then return to the nest for meals and to sleep. Richie, and sometimes Rosie, provides them with fish. They are becoming quite vocal. Rosie spends some time with the fledglings. Richie tends to bring a fish then leave. Richie brought in a child's robe, which engendered much amusement among the chatters, who remember the snake and the monkey. While it is a child's robe, chatters named it Blankie, as WU particularly adopted it as her personal lovey. Rosie spent quite a bit of time arranging it. Then WU slept against it an entire night. One can only imagine the reason behind this item. It has now been removed from the nest, along with a piece of twine, as such human made objects can be hazardous to the birds. 
Picture
Mother and child on strut together July 6 at 4:27 pm cap by midi
Picture
Three on the crane July 6 at 4 pm cap by midi
Picture
Richie brings a "blanket" to the nest July 5 (for the absent Tam?)
Picture
WU with blankie July 8 cap by C
Picture
WU napping against blankie July 8 cap by midi
Picture
WU using blankie as a pillow night of July 8 cap by C
Shasta and Lassen are off the nest quite a bit now. But they return when they are hungry. They have been seen wet and are probably trying to fish on their own. But when they are hungry, they return to the nest. Shasta especially, like her sisters before her, has a loud demanding voice. Richie and Rosie drop fish off regularly for their offspring. Usually one chick will grab the fish and eat it, leaving the other to look on. Occasionally Rosie will feed a chick. Rosie often spends the night on the rail and the two chicks spend some nights on the nest. A barn owl has also been seen on the nest at night, when the ospreys are not present.
Picture
Three ospreys on the crane July 6 cap by midi
Picture
Rosie feeding chick July 21 cap by SaMo
Picture
The whole family on the nest July 5
Picture
Richie brings a fish July 13 cap by midi
Picture
WU July 22 cap by SaMo
Picture
Picture
Chick with long fish July 17 cap by midi
Picture
WU mantling over her fish July 24 gif by J
Picture
Two fish. Which do I choose? July 24 cap by Crow
A fun new development is that Richie is bringing trout, possibly from San Pablo Reservoir. Then he brought his first Lightning Trout which seals the deal. Those trout were planted in the reservoir this year. They are not in the Bay. There had been surmise in previous years that Richie might be fishing there during the off season. It is only a few miles as the osprey flies. 
Picture
Richie brings a Lightning Trout July 24 gif by J
Picture
Poster by Robin
Picture
Three osprey on the ROV July 26 photo by Lisa the Lurker
Picture
ZD tries to get a fish and instead gets Richie's talon. Ouch! gif by J July 26
Picture
Richie delivers two fish but nobody's home July 24
Picture
Moonlight on the Nest Robin Aug. 1, 2020
Picture
Quiet moment on nest for ZD August 4 cap by C
​August: ZD started spending most of his time off the nest and hasn't been seen in a while It is assumed that he is still in the area and perhaps he is the osprey that his sister WU chases away from the nest. Meanwhile, WU comes to the nest daily, although she no longer sleeps on the nest.She shows up several times during the day to call loudly for a fish. After a while, either Rosie or Richie will show up with a fish that they just drop off. WU mantles and squawks over her fish as she eats it.
Picture
WU's hissy fit August 7 cap by Crow
Picture
Fish delivery to WU August 13 cap by C
Picture
Richie brings a fish August 4 cap by midi
Picture
Incoming fish August 19 cap by craigor
Picture
WU on nest at night 10:33 pm Aug. 3 cap by midi
Picture
WU on nest at night 11:24 pm Aug. 9 cap by midi
Picture
WU on nest at night 10:13 pm Aug. 17 cap by midi
The night of August 15/16 there was an unseasonable storm with lightning and thunder and some rain. The ospreys knew how to deal with the storm. There were no little chicks that needed guarding so Richie and rosie could shelter wherever they wished and WU weathered the storm on her own. 
Picture
6:17 am on August 16 cap by J
Picture
Sunrise after the storm 6:30 am cap by craigor
Picture
Hon. Henry Jackson and WU on nest August 18 cap by midi
Picture
eye focussing gif by omjonli
A fun time was had by chatters on August 24. Rosie dropped off a lively fish to WU, who let it escape. She tried for a long time to retrieve it, screaming all the while. Finally her persistence paid off and she was able to pull the fish up through the branches back up to the nest. She really enjoyed that fish after that! Still photos don't do justice to the situation, so watch the video below by our video assistant:Shasta Saves The Fish
It appears that WU has migrated. She was last seen in the area on August 28. Rosie and Richie perch together some nights on the Red Oak Victory ship cables. Other times, they are nowhere to be seen. On August 31,, Richie brought a long branch of pampas grass and planted it on the nest. One wonders about his thoughts. He has visited the nest and done some nest cupping, ensuring his ownership of this prime property. Today, September 10, a chatter saw an osprey dive for a fish right in front of the cam. It is impossible to know who it was, but we can assume it was either Richie or Rosie. Other birds have visited the nest some but not as much as in the past. 
Picture
Picture
Who belongs here? Gull and crow vying for the nest. August 26.
Picture
Rosie and WU on the nest together for the last time. August 27. Cap by Crow
Picture
Nest, tug, and pampas grass flag September 1 cap by PP
Picture
Crows playing land on the flag game Sept. 1 gif by J
Picture
WU's last day on the nest? August 28 cap by midi
Picture
Richie on nest with pampas grass August 31 cap by J
Picture
Richie nest cupping September 1 gif by J
The  last days of the ospreys in the area were lowkey as usual. They don't announce their leave-taking. One day they are just not there any longer. And no one knows if an osprey has left the area or is just not around the nest where we can see them. Lassen was last seen at the nest on August 7. Shasta was last seen on August 26. Rosie hung out together at night on the ROV wires but not as much as in past years. Rosie was last seen by chatters on September 17. Richie (likely) has been sighted on the sandbar a few times but less than in the past and has not been seen at Meeker Slough. Perhaps he is hanging out at San Pablo Reservoir catching trout to eat? 
Picture
Last picture of Rosie, Richie and Shasta date unknown by Lurker
Picture
Rosie and Richie on wires at night September 10 cap by midi
Picture
osprey on crane September 14 cap by Local
Picture
September 15 cap by midi
Picture
osprey on spar September 14 cap by lurker
Picture
Rosie and Richie on the wire September 16 cap by Dianne A
0 Comments
<<Previous

    Midi

    is a poet and writer of children's stories who has been watching the adventures of the ospreys on the Whirley Crane Nest in Richmond, Ca. for the past two years. The ospreys and attached chat group have inspired poems and songs, some serious and others in fun. 

    Archives

    March 2021
    February 2021
    September 2020
    August 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    June 2019
    May 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    October 2018
    September 2018
    July 2018

    The Archive will not let me keep posts except by date. So before 2020, the dates are not accurate. The subjects of posts before then are listed here:

    May 2019 Life of an Osprey in Nuce
    March 2019- chapter by chapter for years 2017-1019
    February 2019- Rivet's Diary
    January 2019- The Nest
    October 2018- The Boats
    Sept. 2018- The Fish
    July 2018 In Memoriam 
    andThe Red Oak Victory ship

    Archive

    March 2021
    February 2021
    September 2020
    August 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    June 2019
    May 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    October 2018
    September 2018
    July 2018

Proudly powered by Weebly
Photos used under Creative Commons from Björn S..., Governmentality