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Greetings
and Welcome
SOAR (Saving Our
Avian Resources) is a non-profit organization that was established
in 1999. SOAR is dedicated to saving our avian resources through
raptor rehabilitation, education, and research.
Osprey 2007
ID Tags: EC, EN, EP, HA, KE and
ER (aggressive and temporarily removed)
..
The Camera is working!
After sending the video server back to the company and some further instruction
the web cam appears to be working!! Click
here to open watch the web cam. Enter "osprey" as the
username, leave the password box blank and watch to see who comes to eat.
You may have to tell internet explorer that you will allow your computer
to do this. Watch in the morning when Jan goes to feed, tune in at midafternoon
(1-3) and again in the evening around 5-6 when Kay or another volunteer
leaves fish.
Sept. 13, 2007 - Vulture Party!
Watching the web cam this morning was fun! At 7:00 a.m.
on the nose an osprey flew in, grabbed a snack and flew off. While taking
the kids to school I think I missed Janet putting fish on the tower.
It looks like she cleaned up the old fish and now the vultures, there
are as many as 5 munching away this morning, are making good headway
on breakfast.
Sept. 12, 2007 - Janet sees/hears Osprey
This was a brisk morning to say the least. When I first
arrived at the pond there was quite a bit of fog on the pond. I drove
back to the tower, but didn’t hear or see anything. I placed the fish
on the roof of the tower and there was still the food that Kay placed
last night. I added the fish I brought, climbed down and drove out to
the north end of the pond. Canada geese were flying overhead. I set
the scope up and sat and waited. Pretty soon I heard ospreys. It sounded
like three to four, but I waited and the first one came to the tower,
grabbed some fish, and off that quick. Then a second one came almost
immediately after the first. They were too quick for me to identify
but hopefully Kay will be able to pick them up on the camera. That is
all I have to report.
Sept. 11, 2007 - Have They Headed South?
This morning was another cool morning. When I arrived
at the tower, only a vulture was sitting on the tower. I did not see
or hear any ospreys this morning. Plenty of food was up on the roof
when I placed the carp that I brought. I went to the north end of the
pond and waited but nothing came while I was there. It will be interesting
to see how the next few mornings go. They may have started south.
Sept. 10, 2007 -
This morning was cool and clear. I only saw one osprey.
Only one came to the tower.
Sept. 9, 2007 - Quiet
A cool brisk morning I might add. I entered the conservancy
and drove back to the tower. A vulture was sitting on the tower eating.
It didn’t want to leave and I was able to drive right up to the tower
before it finally flew off. It continued to fly above the tower while
I was there and then went and landed in a tree. I placed the carp on
the roof and like yesterday morning there were still pieces of fish
left over from last evening. I climbed down and drove to the north end
of the pond and waited. I waited 30 minutes and the vulture or a vulture
came to the roof. I sat and waited another 10 minutes and one osprey
came, grabbed a piece of fish and took off with it. I continued to wait
but nothing more came to the tower. I observed one Canada Goose and
two Pied-Billed Grebes in the pond this morning. Two Kingfishers chasing
each other and other than that it was too quiet at the tower.
Sept. 8, 2007 - Fog!
It was incredibly foggy this morning. There were places
I couldn’t see anything let alone the tower. I drove back to the bridge
and two ospreys were flying overhead. I went to the tower and climbed
up to the roof. There were still plenty of uneaten pieces of fish. I
left the pieces I had brought on the roof and drove out a ways, stopped
and waited a bit. Only one flying over the tower and I could hear two
others, but the fog made it impossible to see much. So that is all I
have for this morning.
Sept. 7, 2007 -
This was a very nice morning, a bit of wind but cooler
and clear. I drove to the tower this morning and two were flying overhead.
I placed the fish on the roof, climbed down and back out to the northern
end of the pond and set up the scope and watched. Four total came to
the tower. I don’t know if any were repeats but I don’t think so. Kay
feeds tonight so it will be interesting to hear how many come to eat
this evening.
Sept. 6, 2007 - Reports of the birds catching their own fish!
Nothing really new to report today. I went to the tower
as usual and placed fish up on tower roof. Spotted two ospreys over
west in a tree and then I drove out to wait. Only two came to the tower
this morning and then nothing more. The ones that were there grabbed
their fish and headed off south. We have been told that different individuals
who have come to the pond have observed the ospreys capturing bullheads
out of the pond. I have not personally been able to catch this but I’m
hopeful that I will before they go south.
Sept. 5, 2007 - Everyone's hungry!
Fog and haze were the order of the morning. It was sticky
and humid and about 70 degrees when I got to the tower at 6:55a.m. this
morning. One osprey was on the tower, it flew over west when I drove
back. Another came to the same dead tree and stayed there while I placed
food up on the tower roof. There were some pieces left from last evening
but I went ahead and placed all of the carp I had on the roof too. Climbed
down and got into the car and went to the north end of pond as usual.
Set up my scope and waited and this morning I saw between 4-6 I would
say. They come so fast and leave just as fast that I have a hard time
figuring it out some times. Definitely plenty of activity on top of
the tower. I saw a couple grab fish from the roof and fly way off south
with it.
Sept. 4, 2007 -
It was really nice out this morning. The breeze was cool
and the skies were bright. Upon driving to the tower I spotted one osprey
perched up on top. Of course he/she flew away as I approached. Drove
back to bridge where Kay had left food on the bridge. A young vulture
was sitting there eating. I drove closer to it to see if I could spot
any ospreys in the dead tree west but there were none. The vulture didn't
budge and stayed on the bridge the entire time I was there. I drove
to the tower, placed the fish on the roof and drove away to the north
end of the pond and waited. Nothing came and so I headed home. So I
only say one osprey thsi morning, however, Kay and Victor saw between
four and five last evening.
Sept. 3, 2007 - Grab it and Go!
Well, it's feast or famine at the tower. Yesterday I saw
one osprey fly over and today I observed 6-7 come to the tower. So you
never know one day to the next. I drove in to the conservancy and drove
back to the bridge. There I saw two ospreys in the dead tree west of
the bridge. One was EP and I didn't make out the other tag on the other
osprey. I saw a Mother deer and her two fawns. They were not disturbed
by my comings and goings. They hung around the entire time. Then I drove
to the tower and placed the fish up on the roof, climbed down and drove
to the north end of the pond to set up my scope and wait. It wasn't
long and the ospreys started arriveing. I only identified ER who flew
in. The rest were too speedy for me. It was interesting, after 5-6 had
come to the tower I could still hear one crying like it wanted to come
to the tower too, it just didn't while I was there. I waited till 8:00,
but it kept crying, but no show. When one of the osprey would come to
eat there would be one trying to chase it off. So they are not exactly
playing nice. But the majority did get fish and flew off.
Sept. 2, 2007 -
This morning was nice and cool and bright. Driving back
to the tower I didn't see or hear any ospreys. It was really quiet.
I usually hear vocalizations when I arrive but there was none. I drove
over toward the bridge but there were no ospreys sitting in the dead
tree that they have been frequenting. So I drove back to the tower and
placed fish up to the roof. I see there was some fish (three pieces)
left from last evenings feeding. Finally I happened to look south and
I saw one osprey flying toward the north. It didn't stop or act like
it even cared about the tower or fish. That was it. It just kept going
and that was all I saw. I went to the north end of the pond and set
up my scope and sat and waited but nothing came to the tower. It really
felt odd. Victor called me last evening and said when he fed there was
no birds. However, he said the food was all gone that I had placed on
the tower. Kay thought she may pull the digital card out of the motion
camera to see what is going on. Then we may know if they are still coming
and going to the tower.
Sept. 1,2007 - All present and accounted for!
I enjoyed this morning, it was so cool and nice and the
fog was starting to dissipate so I could see the tower and ospreys.
I drove back to the bridge and saw three ospreys in the dead tree top.
I didn't place fish on the bridge this morning because I haven't seen
vultures or the eagle now for a few days. I just wanted to get a peek
to see how many ospreys were in the tree. I drove to the tower then
and placed two cut up carp on the tower roof. I climbed down all the
while listening to the ospreys vocalizing to the west. I drove out and
parked north of the pond, set up my equipment and waited. I hardly got
situated and the first osprey came and went so fast it's a good thing
I didn't blink. then one after the other the other ospreys came to the
tower, grabbed a piece of fish and took off with it. I saw six total
this morning. Very pleasant morning and it got quiet after all of the
ospreys had gotten their fish.
Aug. 31, 2007 -
This was another very pleasant morning over at the tower.
Cool and wet. Driving to the bridge I could see three ospreys in a dead
tree top. I placed fish on the bridge and headed back for the car. I
could hear another osprey off to the southwest. I drove to the tower
and placed fish on the lower roof only. Kay put out the game camera
so we could monitor who is coming to the roof. So I’m sure there were
four and possibly others. Nice morning and the fog lifted quicker this
morning.
 Aug.
30, 2007 -
This was a very foggy morning. I couldn’t see the tower
at all. I just drove back and didn’t see but one osprey upon going to
the bridge. I couldn’t make anything out in the trees either because
of the fog. One I placed the fish on the bridge I could hear other ospreys
vocalizing to the west. I drove to the tower and placed fish on the
upper and lower roofs. Climbed down and drove north on the path but
I didn’t go completely out because I wouldn’t be able to see any ospreys
fly in. As it was I only saw three, and I think a fourth flew to the
bridge where I had placed fish. I didn’t see any vultures this morning.
It was cool and damp and spider webs were all decked out in morning
dew. Quite pretty. I believe fall is upon us.
Aug. 29, 2007 - Adult Osprey is released!
This was quite a morning. I arrived at the tower around
7:00a.m. Drove to the bridge where I spotted 3 ospreys in the top of
a dead tree. They called out as I placed food on the top of the bridge.
I then drove to the tower where they were flying overhead, anxious for
me to get the food on the roof. I went to climb the tower and noticed
the aluminum ladder that we use to climb to the final portion of the
tower was missing. I looked around and found it about 20 feet to the
north along with a half a jug of water. I then climbed up with the fish,
ladder, and water and put everything back where it was suppose to be.
The winds were pretty strong in this area last evening. Well, I placed
the fish on the roof; there was nothing on the roof when I looked. I
climbed down and drove to the north end of the pond, set up my equipment
and waited. My cell phone rang and it was Kay wondering how things looked
at the tower. She said that Kim was not able to feed them last evening,
so that is why they were so anxious for me to get the food up on the
roof. Kay said she was still planning on bringing the osprey from SOAR
to release and so I told her I would be here. Well, I waited a while
then drove home and  got
some coffee and then headed back to the tower. Colton came along and
Victor arrived right after we did, then Kay came a few minutes later.
Kay and Victor went to the tower with the osprey and Colton and I stayed
at the north end of the pond to observe in case she bolted from the
tower, we could see where she went. All went well. Kay and Victor got
her placed into the tower with food and water and she stayed put. We
all observed from the north end of the pond for some time. She stayed
well to the front where the gates open and later, she went and got herself
a piece of fish and ate it right in front of the open gate doors. Content.
Later EP arrived and sat on the roof for a while and then he/she grabbed
some fish and took off. Pretty nice morning. I have some pictures and
I know Victor took some really good shots that I will send your way
for the blog.
Aug. 28, 2007 -
This was certainly a most pleasant and enjoyable morning.
Nice cool breeze and clear skies. I drove to the bridge and one vulture
and four ospreys were in a tree. I placed the fish on the bridge and
backed up. The Ospreys were waiting for their fish. I drove to the tower
and put the rest of the fish up on the roof and promptly got down and
drove to the north end of the pond. I started setting up and saw one
osprey dive down and grab some fish and then a second flew in and grabbed
a piece, and then two young vultures landed and started to eat. They
were there for the morning it seemed. Another osprey came and tried
to get the vultures to leave, but it wasn’t going to happen. Finally
the osprey jumped down onto the roof with the vultures grabbed a piece
of fish and took off. I saw all ospreys and perhaps a sixth. I can’t
be certain but pretty sure. I don’t know if an adult is flying through
or what. I reported this to Kay so they can be watchful of perhaps a
sixth osprey. She is hoping to release the adult osprey that she has
rehabilitated at Soar tomorrow morning if things go according to plans.
This was this mornings findings and a very nice morning it was.
Aug. 27, 2007 - All five still accounted for
Another pleasant morning at the tower. On arriving I didn’t
see any ospreys. It wasn’t until I drove back toward the bridge that
I noticed an osprey up in a tree. I placed fish on the bridge and went
back to my car. Two deer jumped up and ran and startled me completely.
They were so close and I hadn’t even seen them. When I looked back at
the osprey in the tree a vulture had joined him. I could hear others
vocalizing over west but couldn’t spot them. I drove to the tower next
and placed the fish on the roof. Climbed down and drove out to the north
and set up my scope and was ready to observe. The ospreys came quickly
this morning. All to quick for me to get but glimpse of three and ER
was the only one that stayed a while on the tower. I only saw the four
until I started driving out toward the highway and I noticed an osprey
coming from the north of highway flying toward the tower south. So I
did see all five this morning. They seem to be venturing farther and
farther. Won’t be long before they take a notion to fly south.
Aug. 26, 2007 -
This was certainly a very pleasant morning. 68 degrees
at the tower and a nice cool breeze. I didn’t spot the eagle this morning
anywhere. I did see a vulture in the tree west of the tower and then
an osprey that was sitting on the tower went over and sat in that tree
too. I went to the bridge and placed the fish on top, climbed down and
backed up and waited for 15 minutes to see if perhaps the eagle might
show up, but he/she didn’t. I then drove to the tower and started to
climb up and two ospreys were flying overhead calling out. I placed
the fish on both roofs and climbed down and drove out immediately, because
them seemed hungry. I could hear vocalization over west in the trees.
I believe all 5 came to the tower. I can’t be positive because the only
band #’s I could read were ER and EP. ER sat on the tower and ate there
for an hour. The others came and went too fast to identify them. There
was one other E on a band I could make out but the osprey wasn’t positioned
right for me to see the second letter. All in all a very nice morning.
Watched the bank swallow skim the pond. I decided to drive home at 8:00.
Aug. 25, 2007 -
This morning there was fog over the pond. One osprey was
on the tower when I arrived but picked up a piece of fish and headed
south. I drove back to the bridge first, but I didn’t see the eagle.
I saw one osprey in a tree west, but other than that I only heard vocalizations.
Once I had placed the fish up on the bridge for the eagle I went to
the tower and placed fish on the lower and upper roof of the tower.
I climbed down and one osprey was flying overhead. I drove to the north
side of the pond and watched with my binoculars. Only three came and
grabbed fish and took off with it. I could here them vocalizing over
west but only saw the three that came to the tower. That makes four
accounted for this morning.
Aug. 24, 2007 -
This was a wet morning. I drove to the bridge first. I
didn’t see the eagle, just three ospreys and one vulture. They looked
about as miserable as I. I was soaked just walking to the bridge to
put fish up for the eagle. I then went to the tower as usual and placed
fish there. There were a couple pieces left from the feeding last evening.
I drove to the north end of pond and watched with binoculars because
it was raining to much to fuss with the scope and camera. Only three
ospreys came for food while I was there. I waited to see if any others
would come, but nothing showed up. I finally decided to head home and
hope for a sunny day tomorrow, and perhaps I will be able to see more
clearly.
Aug. 23, 2007 -
It was pretty dark yet when I arrived at the tower. The
eagle was waiting in a tree and I saw three of the ospreys. I put the
fish on the bridge for the eagle and then moved on to the tower where
I placed the remaining fish. Only two came to the tower while I was
there and I wasn’t able to stay and observe because I had an appt. to
keep. Nice morning, however I may have to wait and arrive around 7:00
so there is more daylight.
Aug. 22, 2007 -
This morning was horrible sultry. I felt like my clothes
were sticking to me, it was so humid and hot. Not pleasant out at all.
I drove back to the bridge and saw the eagle perched in a tree just
north of the bridge. I placed the two large hunks of fish on the top
of the bridge and then backed up and sat a while. Sure enough the eagle
flew to the bridge and commenced eating. Then he grabbed a chunk and
flew off west with it. So then I went to the tower and put the fish
on the roof. Several ospreys came and went but so quickly I’m not sure
if I saw four or five. Then while I was waiting a vulture came to the
roof to eat. I couldn’t find my scope lens cover and remembered putting
it on the hood of the car when I was watching the eagle, so I waited
a while and then drove back to see if I could locate it on the ground.
That made the vulture leave the tower, but he just flew over to the
bridge and the eagle was back eating again. So the vulture and eagle
were rubbing elbows so to speak. I found my lens cover and came on home.
Other that the humid and uncomfortable weather, things went well.
Aug. 21, 2007 -
It was a pleasant morning over to the tower today. I drove
back and saw the eagle perched in dead tree. One osprey flying overhead.
I drove to the bridge first thing and the eagle watched me place the
fish on the top of the bridge. I went back to my car and observed for
a while. He/she flew to another tree. I went to the tower then and placed
fish on the roof of the tower and came down. Two ospreys were flying
around at the time. I went to the north end of pond to set up and watch
the osprey’s morning activities, but they were too interested in the
Eagle to come get anything to eat. Only two came to the roof for fish
and it was so quick that I only got a picture of one and that was it.
So I finally packed up at 8:00 and came home.
Aug. 20, 2007 -
It was another pretty morning. Nice cool breeze. I made
it over to the tower around 7:00 and drove straight for the rusty bridge
west of the tower. I didn’t see the Eagle sitting anywhere that I could
see. All five ospreys were present this morning. I was only able to
read ER’s band number, but when I first arrived they were all sitting
in the same tree. Of course when I went to put the fish on the bridge
for the eagle they all flew off but one. I climbed the tower and put
fresh fish up on the roof, climbed down and drove out to the north end
of pond. I set up the scope and watched as two ospreys were chasing
another osprey that had attempted to get a piece of fish. They all three
flew off to the south. Two others came and grab fish and left and only
ER came and got fish and stayed on the tower to eat. I headed home about
8:00. I never did see the Eagle.
Aug. 19, 2007 -
This morning was nice and clear. I drove into the conservancy
and back to the tower where two ospreys were waiting on the tower. They
flew west as soon as I started getting close. I spotted the Eagle on
a branch in the tree just west of the tower. I decided to go to the
bridge first, so that perhaps the eagle would get his food and then
leave the tower roof for the ospreys. He/she waited for me to place
the fish on the bridge and I hardly got turned around and the Eagle
was on the bridge and ready to eat. I caught photos of this. The ospreys
were in a tree further west along with a couple of vultures. They were
waiting for me to get the fish on the tower roof, so that’s what I proceeded
to do. All the while I was placing fish on the tower the Eagle stayed
put on the bridge. I climbed down and drove out to north side of pond
and the osprey started coming one after the other. I can report that
I was able to identify all 5 ospreys from their bands this morning.
They all made it to the tower and either ate there or grabbed a piece
and stayed long enough for me to catch a glimpse of their bands. Victor
told me last evening that Shaun, was observing the ospreys and actually
saw one rake the top of the water in the pond. How exciting. I remember
you were able to observe it last year Terrie. I hope I will be able
to witness them hunting before they go south. Have a great day and I
will update tomorrow morning. Janet (I’m a bit concerned about ER’s
feathers. The photo makes it look as though there may be some problem
with a couple of his feathers. I noticed it when taking a picture of
him/her eating. I will bring this to Kay’s attention. He/she appears
to be using them o.k. Have to try and observe that again.
Aug. 18, 2007 -
This was certainly a very pleasant morning. Nice and cool
with a gentle breeze. I almost needed a jacket. I arrived at the tower
at 6:30 this morning. There was nothing on the tower, however the Eagle
was flying around the tower and landed in a tree to the NW. I went ahead
and placed fish on both the upper and lower roofs and since I saw the
Eagle I went ahead and placed some on the top of the rusty old bridge
west of the tower. I drove back out and set up on the north side of
the pond as usual. 30 minutes went by and the first osprey showed up,
grabbed a piece of fish and took off with it. Another osprey did the
same, and then third. Then I waited about 30 minutes more and an osprey
came and grabbed a piece of fish and took it onto the beam above the
gate opening and sat there and ate it. I was able to identify HA. He
sat for 15 minutes eating, always watching his/her surroundings. Finally
HA flew off. Then there was nothing for quite a while. I then heard
crows and took my binoculars to see what they were upset with and found
that two ospreys were chasing the eagle. It wasn’t long after I spotted
this that another osprey came to the tower. This time I was able to
identify ER. He/she also stayed and ate off the top of the tower. Although
I didn’t capture a picture of the eagle, it was there.
Aug. 17, 2007 -
I have very little to report to you this morning. I couldn’t
hardly see to drive over to the tower the fog was so heavy and thick.
You could have cut it with a knife. Honestly, I couldn’t see anything.
I drove right to the tower, because you couldn’t see the tower or much
of anything else from the pond. I didn’t see anything on the tower,
but when I drove to the old rusty bridge and went to put some pieces
of fish on it, one osprey flew overhead and I could hear others vocalizing
to the west of the tower. I mainly put the food up on the tower roof,
climbed down and drove home. You couldn’t make the tower out from the
north end of the pond and it was going to be an hour or two before the
fog cleared away for me to see anything, so I headed home. Hope you
have a very lovely day.
Aug. 16, 2007 - The Eagle
It was another hazy and wet, rainy day at the tower. Nothing
was waiting for me at the tower this morning, but I could see the eagle
over west in a tree and an osprey pestering the eagle, trying to nose
dive over its head. When climbing up to the roof I found there were
quite a few pieces of fish. I went ahead and left fresh fish and climbed
down and drove to the north end of the pond to observe. I wanted to
try and figure out what was going on. Well, it didn’t take long to figure
it out. The ospreys are so busy keeping the eagle in check that I don’t
think they are taking time to eat. I watched them harass that eagle
quite some time. The eagle would fly and the ospreys would go after
it in flight. This went on quite a while. Finally after the eagle landed
over west somewhere, two of the ospreys came in for a piece of fish.
They each grabbed a piece and flew way off to the SE. I waited a while
longer and another osprey came and grabbed a piece and went to fly away
with it but dropped it. He flew off to a tree near by. Then the eagle
attempted to land on the top most part of the tower, but a couple of
the ospreys wouldn’t leave it alone, and it flew off. I saw three more
ospreys come get food. I know one must have tried again to hold on to
a piece. So I know I say four and possible all five of the ospreys.
One osprey was sitting way over to the NW of the tower in a dead tree.
I will send the picture but it isn’t the best due to the weather and
distance.
Aug. 15, 2007 -
This morning was a very hazy morning, fog rolling through
and the clouds were so thick and dark that I couldn’t get a decent picture.
The Eagle was waiting on the tower when I arrived. I went ahead and
drove back because I figured we have been feeding pretty good so that
if he flew off it would be o.k. He/she remained on the tower until I
had parked my car under the tower. I watched as the Eagle flew away.
He/she flew to the south and then came and landed on the metal bridge
just west of the tower. The eagle stayed there the entire time I was
placing fish up on the upper and lower roofs of the tower. I then took
a couple of quick photos, but as I said the conditions outside were
so poor for visibility I’m surprised anything turn out. I then drove
to the north end of the pond and waited. The first osprey showed up,
grabbed a piece of fish and kept on going, next HA came to the tower,
grabbed a piece of fish and ate it while on the tower. HA stayed quite
a while and then the eagle returned to the upper roof, grabbed a piece
of fish and proceeded to eat it there on the roof. After that piece
was eaten he/she grabbed another piece and this continued for about
20 minutes or so. The eagle then flew off to the west and that was it
for a while. Then in about another 10-15 minutes, an osprey came, but
just took a piece and flew, so quickly that I barely had time to see
him/her. I waited a while longer to see if any more of the ospreys would
come to the tower, but they didn’t. I left, knowing there was plenty
of fish left for all of them.
Aug. 14, 2007 - 
This morning when arriving over to the tower, I pulled
my binoculars up and looked and there on the roof of the tower were
not the ospreys, but a juvenile eagle. A nature enthusiast, Doug Ramsey
was at the north end of the pond observing the eagle when I drove in.
I got out of my car and went over to talk to him and he told me that
the eagle had been there last evening when he was there watching for
the ospreys. It was pretty amazing to say the least. No bands, when
looking through the scope. I waited until the eagle flew off before
I approached the tower. The osprey were vocalizing all the while and
waiting for the fish to be placed on the tower. I drove back and climbed
the tower and placed the fish and came down and drove out and set up
on the north end of the pond. It wasn’t long and one  osprey
came and grabbed a piece of fish and left with it. Next thing you know
the young eagle was back and eating the fish I had just placed on the
roof. The ospreys were close by and really wanting to get something
to eat. The eagle was not inclined to go anywhere. After some time waiting,
approximately 7:45 or so, one osprey started flying overhead and trying
to get to the eagle. He just would fly over top of him and the eagle
was a bit nervous but not enough to fly off. He continued to eat, and
then when he/she had their fill, flew off. It  wasn’t
long before EN was on the tower. He grabbed a piece of fish and took
off. I knew I was gong to have to come home and cut up more fish for
the osprey and take it over to them so there would be a plenty. So that
is what I did. On the trip back the tower there was an osprey on the
tower and when I approached he jumped down onto the roof, grabbed a
piece of fish and flew off west. Another osprey was on the tree west
of tower and waiting. I climbed the tower for the second time and placed
fish on both the upper and lower roof tops. Then I climbed down drove
back to the north end of pond and waited. One osprey came shortly, grabbed
a piece and flew off. I waited a little while but when no more came,
I decided to come home as it was getting quite warm. I talked to Kay
and she was going to call the other volunteers to put double the amount
of fish on the tower. I wouldn’t be surprised if our eagle friend will
be a part of the picture for a time.
Aug. 13, 2007 -
I didn’t make to the tower as early as I usually do because
Joe and I had grapes ready in the vineyard and had to get them picked
and we worked late into the night getting them crushed and into the
start of their first fermentation. Plus Kay wanted me to stop at Dr.
Davis to get some medication for a young eagle that is ill at the Soar
Facility. I didn’t get to the tower until about 7:00 and one osprey
was on the tower with a piece of fish. When I drove back he/she picked
up their fish and flew off with it. After I left the fish on the tower
roof I went back to wait at north end of the pond like usual but only
two others showed up. They all just grabbed a piece of fish and took
off. I wasn’t even able to catch a band number they were in such an
all fire hurry. Perhaps I will have more time tomorrow morning and be
able to get there earlier.
Aug. 12, 2007 -
This morning as I headed over to the tower, there was
quite a bit of fog in the low areas. It didn’t stay long once the sun
was out. I placed food on the tower and went to the North side of the
pond and within a few minutes the first osprey flew to the tower, landed
long enough to grab a piece of fish and then flew away with it. That
is what the next three did also. The only one that I waited on for a
lengthy amount of time was EP, the last osprey to leave the tower. He/she
didn’t come as quickly as the others, matter of fact I had packed up
my scope and was going to head home thinking I would only see four this
morning, but then when I looked one last time I saw an osprey flying
to the tower, so I drug everything out again and sat it up, to find
EP perched on the front portion of the tower. He never jumped down for
food while I was there, but you could tell he wanted to. He/she acted
as if it may have been their first trip to the tower roof. I will never
know, but just from EP’s behavior that’s what I would guess.
Aug. 11, 2007 -
This was a nice morning for the public to come and view
the ospreys. I Vick and myself arrived early. I had my scope out and
watching the ospreys on the tower. When I arrived there were three,
but one flew away and that left ER and HA eating on the tower. I didn’t
get a view of the other ospreys leg band. People started arriving around
7:00 a.m. Kay asked me to wait and feed around 7:30, so I did. When
it was time to feed Kay and myself both drove back to the tower. I put
the fresh fish up on the tower roof and then Kay removed the camera
from inside the tower to the outside on the roof so we may view the
ospreys as they come and go, if we get it going. It still isn’t working.
Then we returned to the crowd of viewers. A nice little group. There
were scopes set up for people to view through, and refreshments were
going to be served. I came on home.
Aug. 10, 2007 -
This was an exhilarating morning for me. I was so happy
to see all five ospreys together again. Four were on the roof and EP
is still inside the tower. I was able to get video from my camera. I
was able to get some shots of all of them on the roof, and then even
after they flew away when I went to the tower to feed, when I returned
to the north end of the pond, they all came back to grab some fish and
eat. HA had to grab his to go because the other ospreys were not all
that receptive with him/her. But they were hungry and ready to eat.
I will be going back at noon and putting out more fish, because at the
rate they were eating they will have what I left them this morning eaten
up in no time.
Aug. 9, 2007 -
Today wasn’t quite as hot and muggy. I arrived at the
Conservancy about 6:30 a.m. One osprey was on the top of the tower roof.
He/she flew off when I got close. He/she flew to the tree west of the
tower. I could hear another over west but couldn’t spot him/her. I climbed
the tower and found EP inside the tower. Last evening when Kay went
to feed, there were no ospreys in the tower. Kay said that three were
on the tower roof, and when she went to climb up to the tower, there
was EP on the ladder going up to the tower. She carefully picked up
EP and placed him back in the tower. When I finished with the placing
of fish into the tower and the roof, I came down and drove to the north
end of the pond like I always. I set up the scope and grabbed my binoculars
and sat waiting. Within a half hour one osprey came to eat, then a short
while later a second osprey, and then again a third, so that I could
see three ospreys eating on the roof at the same time.
Aug. 8, 2007 -
This morning I arrived at the Conservancy at 6:15. It
was so foggy you couldn’t see too far in  the
distance. I couldn’t see the pond when I first arrived. I drove back
toward the tower, and could make out just one osprey on the tower and
it flew off. I couldn’t see well at all. I went to the top and there
are still two birds, EN and EP in the tower. I removed the old fish
and replaced with four or five new fresh pieces. Also put some on top
of tower. I changed water, and climbed down. I looked around the best
I could but it was so foggy you just couldn’t see far. I drove to the
north end of pond and set up my scope and just waited on the tail gate.
Around 7:00 an osprey flew to the top most part of the tower, then it
jumped down where the fish is put. He/she started eating immediately.
I watch him for an hour and he/she ate the entire time. Kay came around
8:00 and was going to hook up the camera on the tower and then observe
and check out the two ospreys in the tower. They did a lot of wing flapping
this morning after I fed them and left the tower area. EC I am sad to
report died. We believe it was perhaps endoparasites. Won’t know for
sure until a necropsy is preformed. But his may be the reason for the
display of extreme possessiveness of EC over his food. We just need
to monitor the others closely in hopes that they remain healthy. I am
attaching a few photos that I took this a.m.The osprey on the top of
the tower eating is EK. I was able to read the band number.
Aug. 7, 2007 -
We had three tenths rain last night. The lightning and
thunder kept me from sleeping. I wondered how the ospreys took the banging
and clashing of the storms that went through last night. When I arrived
at the Conservancy this morning there was a Red tail hawk on the east
nesting platform. I drove back to the tower and spotted two ospreys
in the tree directly west of the tower. One flew off after I got the
first photo, but the other stayed put. Once I unloaded my scope I found
it to be EK or KE, however you like to call it. I climbed the tower
and found two ospreys in the tower. EN and EP. Once if finished doing
the routine chores, I climbed back down and took some photos of EK.
I looked around for the 5th osprey, but I didn’t see, nor did I hear
any vocalization. I drove to the north end of the pond and waited till
7:45 and nothing came to the tower. I did notice that either EN or EP
was doing a lot of wing flapping. Maybe they will venture out today.
That is about it for today. I could account for 4 for sure. Hope you
have a very good day, and I will update you tomorrow.
Aug. 6, 2007 -
This morning was such a hot and uncomfortable morning
outside. So humid. The air was so heavy that it was hard to breath.
I felt like I had just stepped out of the shower. My glasses kept steaming
over to the point I couldn’t see through my binoculars or scope. When
I arrived at 6:30 this morning at the tower, two ospreys were on the
tower. I was able to get pretty close before they flew, but they took
off right before I got there. Climbing up to the tower nest, I found
two ospreys standing inside. EP and EN. I removed some old fish and
replaced new both inside and on top of roof. Vick said that the one
osprey landed on the tower while he was there three times. Those photos
I sent to you last evening were from Vick. Just excellent. After feeding
and changing water, I climbed down and looked around at trees and snags
for another osprey but I didn’t spot one. I drove to the north side
of the pond and waited an hour, but no ospreys returned. So I could
account for four this morning. Vick accounted for 3 last night. Two
in the tower, and one flying and landing on tower.
Aug. 5, 2007 - The Return of ER, EC appears ill
 This
was a beautiful morning at the Conservancy. I got there at 6:30a.m.
I was to meet Kay this morning because she was going to bring ER back
and put him in the cage, plus I needed more fish. So she called me around
7:15 or so and said it would be around 8:00 before she could make it.
Kay has an eagle that is need of much care and she had to tend to him
before leaving. I said I would go to the north end of the pond and observe
the goings on. Around 7:40 a.m. an osprey flew to the tower. It wasn’t
there but a few seconds and flew off. A few minutes later about 7:54
a.m. or so, the osprey returned. Landed on the front portion of the
tower and then on down to where the fish are, looked to me like he grabbed
a piece and flew off with it. I never saw him/her again this morning.
When Kay and Jon (Kay’s husband) arrived, we drove back to the tower.
Jon and I went on up because Kay needed to cut up some fish first and
Jon needed to secure the one gate door open, it flew shut during the
night. Probably when the storm went through. I went ahead and changed
the water. While I did that one of the birds flew off, KE, I believe,
and he flew north over the pond and back east and then came back west
and landed in a tree on the south end of the pond. When Kay had the
fish ready she then came up with ER and before putting he/she in she
watched one osprey in the NE corner of the tower. His/her eyes were
partially shut and not vibrant as they normally are. She decided to
go in and pull him out; she could take him back to Soar where she could
look him over better and give him extra attention. She handed EC off
to me and then proceeded to place ER inside the tower very slow and
carefully. Jon watched the door. She opened the carrier and ER walked
out, looked around and went to the east open area of the tower and that’s
where he stayed. We watched a little while and then we all proceeded
down out of tower. Kay said EC was really thin. She may need to worm
him but she will know more after she gets him back to Soar. We drove
to the north end of the pond and watched through the scope and binoculars.
ER seemed to be staying put. Kay and Jon went on home then so that Kay
could take care of EC. I stayed and observed until around 10:10 a.m.
and then I decided to come on home also. ER seemed to be staying put
as was KE in the tree to the south. An eventful morning.
Aug. 4, 2007 -
This morning we had a little thunderstorm. I wasn’t sure
I wanted to go climb the tower in this storm, but when I arrived in
Coon, there was no storm, no rain. So I worried for nothing. When I
arrived an osprey was sitting on top of the gate door. As I approached
he/she flew off to the west and landed in a tree. The other four were
inside the tower. I think they like room service, because they are still
here. All in good time I guess. So nothing much to report than all is
well at the tower this morning.
Aug. 3, 2007 - The nest box is comfy
What a difference a day makes! This morning I was at the
Conservancy at 6:15a.m. Vick (volunteer) was coming at 6:30 to watch
for the osprey after I fed them this morning. Wouldn’t you know he/she
never came to the tower. That’s usually how it goes. Vick said when
I was up in the tower, HA flew back behind west. I missed it, but he
said it was definitely the osprey. All four others were inside the tower.
Kay called me last night to tell me one of the ospreys that had flown
out yesterday had returned to the tower. So there were four when she
fed last night and four yet this morning. So whoever left yesterday
returned to the comforts of the tower. Interesting. I was not able to
capture a glimpse or photo of HA. I waited around till 8:30 and decided
it was time to pack up and go home. At least he/she is accounted for.
So that is all I have for this morning.
Aug. 2, 2007 - Two Flying!
This has been quite a day already. I made it to the tower
a bit after 6:15a.m. It was a bit dawn, and not to bright yet. I saw
an osprey on the tower, so rather than drive right in, I waited and
allowed him/her to eat. Because usually when you drive in they will
fly off the tower. After I thought I had waited plenty long enough I
drove on back and the osprey on the roof did fly. I climbed the ladder
and checked the other four that were still inside the tower. All seemed
well with them. I changed water, removed fish leftovers and placed in
fresh fish chunks. Then I climbed the ladder to the roof and placed
two pieces of fish. I climbed down and drove to the north end of the
pond, started to set up scope and noticed my camera was missing. Oh
joy! Anyway I figured I left it up in the tower so I drove back, climbed
the tower but no camera. I looked around and couldn’t find it so decided
I just as well come home because all were accounted for. Later I talked
to Kay and she gave me the web address for the cam of the ospreys. I
went on and sure enough there they were, but it looked like there were
only three. The picture of them is so tiny I couldn’t know for sure,
so I decided to drive back to the tower, sure enough there were only
three. Believe me it was getting warm by 10:00 already. I did find my
camera on that trip back. I called Kay again and talked to her. I told
her I would go back around 1:00 and spray them with water. It was around
1:00, maybe closer to 1:30, I’m not sure. Anyway one of the ospreys
were flying around the big tree to the west. I set up my scope and took
a look and it was HA. I never did see the other one. I sprayed off the
other three ospreys in the tower, put two more chunks of fish on the
roof, seeing how there are two out now, and then decided to come on
home. Hopefully tomorrow will be better. Attached some photos. You can
read HA’s band number. Oh and one of the band numbers I gave you early
on was wrong. I believe HE, is actually EK or KE however you want to
read it. I know for sure because I just read it on one of the bands.
There is no HE, My mistake. Went back in the afternoon and sprayed the
birds and added more fish.
Aug. 1, 2007 - Eating off the top of the nest box
This was an exciting morning for me. I arrived at the
tower at 6:20 a.m. and climbed the tower. The four ospreys were still
there, enjoying their morning sitting up close to the opening. I did
my routine of changing water and removing dead fish, and replacing with
fresh fish. I then climbed the ladder to the roof of the tower where
I removed some pieces of fish scraps. Not much left on them. I put up
two fresh pieces of fish and then climbed down. I noticed that the  tower
to the east and south had something on them. Further investigating found
a red tail hawk on each tower. I then drove to the north end of the
pond where I set up my scope and waited. I scanned the horizon and tree
tops as well as dead snags in trees and the pond but saw no sign of
the “flown” osprey. Pretty soon, about 6:45 or so I could hear vocalization
to the far southeast. I kept looking but couldn’t find him/her anywhere.
I continued to wait and watch other wildlife and then finally at 7:35a.m.
here comes our wayfaring stranger. He flew to the very top portion of
the tower and looked all around, cocking his head this way and that
making sure all was o.k. It took him 2-5 minutes before he was ready
to jump down and eat. Again, I got some shots (digiscoping) but they
are not the clearest due to the distance. It was a very satisfying morning.
Just knowing that all is well with the ospreys is exhilarating. (Also
saw the Green Herons, wood ducks, Eastern Kingbirds.)
July 31, 2007 - Hanging Around
This morning I was able to get over to the tower by 6:30a.m.
It was extremely hazy and heavy fog over the pond, so much so that I
couldn’t see the tower from the north end. I climbed the tower and found
the remaining four ospreys quiet and sitting and standing in front of
the gate. I moved slowly and quietly while changing their water and
removing the old pieces of fish to replace with the new hunks of fish.
I put another piece of carp on the roof for the osprey that took off
yesterday. I could see no sign of him while I was at the  tower,
Once I had everything done up on the tower, I climbed down and drove
to the north end of the pond where I set up my spotting scope and I
scanned the tops of the trees and dead branches in the trees for the
1st osprey who took flight. It wasn’t until 7:00 o’clock that I first
spotted him. He flew behind the tower on the west and appeared to be
following the river, but once behind the trees I couldn’t see him. In
the mean time I observed the other activities on and around the pond.
I think I took a picture of a grebe or a coot. It was too foggy for
me to make it out for certain. I also spotted the Green Herons again
today, and what I mistook for cliff swallows were in reality bank swallows.
Also caught a photo of momma Eastern Kingbird feeding younger juvenile
Kingbird. Then I noticed something flying south of the pond and noticed
it was the osprey again. It was 8:00 by this time. I followed it with
my binoculars and he finally landed way south of the tower in a tree.
It was hard to make him out at first but with the help of my scope I
was able to. I will attach a photo. It isn’t as clear as I would like
but it’s even a wonder I could get anything as far off as he was. I
was just elated that he/she is still close by. That is a comfort. Kay
spent last evening at the pond observing and watching on the screen
in her car. When I was there we never spotted him but he is certainly
around. The other ospreys seem content in the tower for now.
July 30, 2007 - One is flying!!
Well this is the morning we have been anticipating. Kay
and I met at the gate about 7:00 and drove back to the tower. Kay’s
son Ian and my son Colton helped with getting the shade cover down and
then Kay and Colton opened the gate doors. It all went quite smoothly.
It wasn’t long and the first one flew out. We are not sure but think
it was probably HA, as he has been acting ready. Not only did I put
food in the tower, but Kay put pieces of fish on the top of the tower.
This way there will be food there when the osprey makes its return.
Kay and I both stayed around until about 11:00 a.m. She watched them
 on
her screen from the back of her car and I went over east of the pond
and set up my scope and sat and watched from this view. About 10:45
this morning when I was watching I could see one osprey with its beak
open and so they moved farther in to the point I could no longer visualize
them. (Moved back into the shade of the box so Janet could not see them).
However I’m sure Kay could. I never did see the osprey after its departure
this morning. He/she flew around over the pond and then headed south
and finally disappeared over west. So that is how the morning went.
I think it was rather successful. Now we will watch diligently to see
when the other four decide to make their first flight from the tower.
A blowup view of possibly HA taking off! How exciting to see the very
first flight of a young bird!
Besides watching the osprey you get the opportunity to
observe nature. It is a relaxing and  pleasant
experience. This morning I caught photos of the ducks, and Green Heron.
Activity was plenty on the pond. Many cliff swallows flying above the
pond. Also a couple of shots from across the pond at the tower with
open gates.
July 29, 2007 - Gate to Open Tomorrow!!
It was another hazy morning. The fog was heavy throughout
the Conservancy. First thing we spotted were the wood ducks on the pond.
Momma with six little ones and then three other wood ducks further south.
Kay called yesterday and I believe she is planning on opening the gate
tomorrow morning. It will be a day filled with excitement, hesitation,
apprehension and too many other feelings mixed in to consider. Of course
you always hope they do well. But we will be waiting around and focusing
our attention on all that may leave the tower. Wish you were able to
be here. Hope things are coming along smoothly with your new home. The
ospreys were all doing fine this morning. Four were up toward the gate
and one behind the walk-in door. Attached a few photos. I’m sure tomorrow
will bring forth much news as the gate is opened.
July 28, 2007 -
This morning I made it over by 6:30a.m. Guess I got around
quicker. Anyway everything was fine at the tower. I saw momma wood duck
with her little ones and other than that, wildlife was quiet this morning.
The ospreys were even a bit laid back. They were all up near the gate.
No wing flapping but I’m guessing they’re doing more than we’re seeing.
Gave them fresh fish and fresh water, removed some old fish, they were
not impressed. I believe Kay thought they would have the internet link
ready yesterday. I haven’t heard anymore from her since yesterday morning.
So all is quiet on the tower front this morning.
July 27, 2007 -
This was a wet and humid morning. The air is heavy with
moisture. I wondered if I would have problems driving back to the tower
on account of the rain we got last night. We received 1 ½ inches.
But as I drove out on the path it was o.k. I didn’t have any problems.
I was met at the pond by a Canada goose. I only saw one but there may
have been one sitting some where. The ospreys were fine this morning.
Nothing out of the ordinary. Hopefully the humidity will not be too
bad this day. I sprayed them before I left.
July 26, 2007 - 
This morning all was quiet at the pond. No birds that
Icould see and no activity. The ospreys were all in good form today.
I removed the old fish and replaced with fresh carp steaks. They were
ready for it this morning. Gave them fresh water and observed them briefly
to see if there would be any wing flapping but as you can see from the
pictures they were staring at the food I just threw into them. Oh well,
each day we are getting closer. They all looked and acted healthy. I’m
sure Kay told you about Marla losing another osprey from illness. Kay
said they would do a necropsy on it so maybe they will have a better
idea as to what the problem was.
July 25, 2007 -
I had an enjoyable morning at Whiterock Conservancy.
Kay and I have been noticing something on the east nesting platform
the last couple of days. I took my binoculars this morning and it looks
to be a red tail hawk. Kay said she saw two on the tall tower used for
cell phone reception I believe, I’m not a technical person so don’t
know what it’s called. I know there were two birds on the nesting platform
yesterday but I couldn’t tell what they were. This morning things were
quite relaxed in the tower. All the ospreys seemed content. 69 degrees
in tower. I removed some pieces of old fish and changed the water as
usual and then threw in some fresh cut carp pieces. They are standing
near the gate more and more. I still haven’t been able to witness the
wing flapping yet but hopefully soon. Kay is meeting with the computer
tech, and electrical tech to get the osprey’s internet ready. I sure
hope they can get it hooked up soon. Then we can see them through out
the day.
You may be wondering about ER, who was removed from the tower
because of his (or her) aggressive behavior towards the other birds. ER
is doing fine at the SOAR facilities. You may be interested to know that
ER has had company, with another young osprey from Red Rock who also was
bigger and meaner then the other birds. Both birds are doing well and
spending time with the adult osprey that Kay has had since last fall.
She could not release the adult as it was too late for it to make the
migration. She has observed the adult holding fish and allowing the young
birds to tear pieces and eat. Pretty neat.
July 24, 2007 -
Everything was fine at the tower this morning. Two of
the ospreys were eating when I got there. The temperature in the tower
was 70 degrees. Really nice and comfortable. The grate that Kay put
on in place of the vent has certainly made a difference. She said she
may replace the one on the east side also. Nothing really remarkable
to report. All were fine and seemed to be doing well. Attached one photo
today.
July 23, 2007 -
I know you are thinking I’m slow. I had a doctor’s appt.
early this morning and so Kay went in my place. She called me around
11:00 and said the osprey were doing fine. She also said she removed
the one vent below the one way window and applied a grate there to allow
for more air flow. She said it was quite noticeable the change. I told
her that I would check them at noon if it got to be too warm. Well,
around 12:30p.m I stepped outside, and even though the temperature was
85, the humidity was high also and it felt so hot and sticky that I
decided to go check on the ospreys and spray them down. The thermometer
read 85 also, but the ospreys were all looking pretty good and none
of them appeared to be suffering from the heat. It was quite pleasant
and a cool breeze up on the tower. I came on home then and will go back
in the morning as usual.
July 22, 2007 - Beautiful Day
Very refreshing morning. I love these cooler days and
so do the ospreys. All was quiet at the conservancy. I can’t believe
how many rabbits there are when we drive back. Joe, my husband went
along today to help with the gate and ladder. It’s nice to have the
help some days. All the ospreys were doing fine this morning. I am anxious
to see them flapping there wings like Kay saw HA doing. Once they start
flapping then it isn’t long till Kay will open the gate and then we
will really have to watch on that day. It is always exciting. Certainly
hope we have a successful fledging and another migration. Well, there
isn’t much to report this morning, but that’s a good thing. Means all
of the ospreys are coming along as they should.
July 17 - 21, 2007 - Heat
July 21: Good morning! It was another beautiful morning
over at Whiterock Conservancy. All
was quiet and crisp! I saw ducks on the pond as I drove back to the
tower. All of the ospreys were doing fine this morning. EC is very possessive
with his fish. He doesn’t like me to remove any of the old fish. I left
it this morning and added a couple more hunks of fish. Just a couple
of pictures this morning to be sure all was fine.
July 20: I can tell just the way the ospreys are behaving
that they enjoy this cooler weather. It was chilly this morning when
I went to Whiterock Conservancy. There was a foggy haze over the grasses
and pond but it cleared away quickly once the sun came out. The ospreys
were in  fine
form this morning. I removed the dead fish and put in the fresh pieces
and one of the ospreys just kept heading for the next piece and standing
over it. He wanted it all. They can be quite comical at times. They
all looked good and that is the main thing. I cleaned out their water
pan, put in fresh water, checked them one more time and headed down
out of the tower. This should be a nice day for them. You have a good
day too. Catch you tomorrow morning. Janet
July 19: Today was uneventful. Cloudy and wet. Another
quiet morning. Only saw a heron fly across the pond. The ospreys were
quiet and just taking the day as it comes. I removed the fish that was
uneaten and placed fresh pieces of carp for them. Kay didn’t make it
over this morning, so she will probably go over around noon or so to
check on them.
July 18: Good Morning! It was nice to wake up to overcast
skies and a nice breeze. I’m hoping it will stay this way all day as
the heat and humid weather is dangerous for the ospreys. I made it to
the tower at 7:05 a.m. everything was quiet and I didn’t see anything
stirring other than a rabbit or two. It was peaceful and quiet up in
the tower also. The ospreys were just looking around quietly. All were
standing, one was eating. I cleaned out their water pan and put in fresh
water. When I threw the fish in they all took a hunk and hovered over
it. They were ready for their morning feeding. A good thing! All looked
fine so I took by leave and left them to their morning routine. I talked
to Kay this morning and last evening when we talked she had the cam
working. However this morning it isn’t coming in, and she doesn’t know
if it is because of the overcast skies and the solar panel isn’t charging
or if the connections may need tweaking. She will be going to the Whiterock
Conservancy and to the tower around noon. So hopefully all will be running
soon. It is very valuable in watching the goings on in the tower.
It is another very warm afternoon. My car said 95 degrees.
When I reached the tower around 12:30p.m. the thermometer read 95
degrees also. I open the large and small doors to get air flowing
through. I found only one with beak open and sitting in the  corner
with its head right on top of a hole that is cut in the floor. I imagine
air comes flowing through there. Anyway I misted them all really good
and went ahead and removed some old fish, but pretty much everything
I had put in there this morning except one piece had been eaten. I
brought more fresh and cold carp and put it inside with them. I stayed
by the door until 1:45. Temperature was about 88 and so I closed the
doors and waited awhile to see how they did. They started moving around
a bit and so I decided to head home and check on my animals here at
home. Attached a few pictures of this afternoon. Hope your afternoon
was a cool one. Janet (Sharing a picture of a barn swallow that has
her nest in the tower. She is not bothered by me or the ospreys.)
July 17: Good Morning. A lovely morning to start the day.
Thank goodness it cooled down a bit over night. Kay called me yesterday
afternoon and said the ospreys were really stressed from overheating.
She had Allia (intern) go and spritz them at noon, but she didn’t realize
just how stressed they were from the heat. It was a good thing Kay went
and checked on them again.  She
had to open the walk-in door a while to give them some relief. This
morning Kay moved the shade guard so more air could pass through but
still give them some shade around 11:00. I will be going back at noon
and checking on them and we are both working on ideas to help keep them
cooler in this horrendous humid heat. If I need to, I will stay up on
the tower by the door to help get air moving. The wind is blowing today
so maybe that will be enough, but yesterday was so still, and no air
at all. I found them to be fine this morning and only took one picture
through the glass. I changed the water and gave them just one hunk of
carp because Kay wants to see if they will eat some of the smaller fish.
If they don’t I will go in and remove them and leave more carp. Another
problem yesterday was flies. Kay said hordes of them. She cleaned up
the fish and cleaned the floor to help get rid of the fly problem and
I will do the same today at noon. We want to keep them as cool and comfortable
as we possible can. Red Rock lost the osprey that broke its wing. Kay
did what she could for it but it was badly injured and lost blood. They
believe raccoons were the cause. Too sad! Attached one picture. Have
a great day and stay cool! Janet
I went back over to the tower at 12:15 p.m. I took
some fresh fish and more water. When I got  to
the tower, only one by the slotted gate seemed warm. The others all
seemed to be tolerating the heat so far. It was 93 degrees when I
went and 98 when I left. I misted them with water about 3 times more
while I was there. I stayed until 2:15p.m. I opened the large door
and sat on the ladder quietly. That allowed a very nice breeze to
flow through.They were not bothered by this in the least. I only got
a little excitement from EC when I went to remove some old fish. Other
than that they stayed quiet and reasonably cool. Kay called to check
on them while I was there and I called her again right before I came
home. All the ospreys were doing well at 2:00. I attached some photos.
Volunteer Allia will be going at 5:00 p.m. to check on them and mist
them again. Kay will be going also to check on them and see if they
can get the cam to working again.
July 16, 2007 - News from Coon
Today, Kay called around 6:45am and asked if I could come
a bit later than usual because she  had
a chicken hook that she wanted me to use to remove the large fish heads
from the box. Also she wanted to watch the osprey on the cam after I
had fed them. I removed the fish heads and changed the water and fed
them fresh fish, I had climbed down and here comes Kay. The cam wasn’t
working. So upon investigating we found a wire wasn’t hooked up. So
we went back to the gate and she hooked her dvd player to my car cig.
lighter connection. We were able to watch them a while. They were very
calm and seemed content. I took just a couple pictures by putting my
hand inside the little door. I couldn’t see one of the birds and that
was the only way I could check on him. He was fine. Took a picture of
the cow birds in the prairie at the entrance. Also the new sign on gate!
July 15, 2007 - Today's note from Janet
Good Morning! This morning on our trip into the Whiterock
Conservancy we spotted a deer. We also spotted 3 others while going
in and out from the tower. Kay called me early this morning and said
she had to take the largest osprey, ER out of the tower because he was
being too aggressive to the others. Kay had called me yesterday afternoon
telling me that ER was being aggressive against the others and would
go over to one of them grabbing them in the back of the head pulling
out feathers. She asked if I had some fish thawed out which I did, and
asked if I could bring it over. She thought perhaps they may be fighting
over food because all the carp I had given them this morning they had
eaten. So if they had more food perhaps they would settle down. However,
even with the extra food provided ER continued his aggression. So Kay
removed him from the tower and put him with the rehabilitated osprey
at SOAR. This morning when I went to feed Kay was there so she could
watch how they behaved after I fed them. She could only see three in
her cam, so we proceeded to the tower and upon examination all five
were there. Two were just up close to west wall and couldn’t be seen.
I changed their water and gave them carp steaks and one large head,
sprayed them with water and came back down. When we got back to Kay
at the gate, she was watching and they all seemed to be content. We
watched them until she no longer had battery life for the cam. We both
headed for home. Have a great day, Janet
I love Janet's notes. Nobody tell her I am using her emails
for the blog. :)
July 14, 2007 - A great group of volunteers showed
up to help place the osprey in the tower. Janet Pulver helps Kay everyday
and sends me photos and email everyday so I can post them on the web.
(My name is Terrie and I live in Ames). Janet's photos and descriptions
are fabulous so I will be posting her wonderful notes here on the blog.
Here is what she wrote about placing the birds in the nest box.
Everything went well. There was a nice group that showed
up. I had the carp and water all ready to take up and I got it situated
before we started to transfer the ospreys up the ladders. Kay took them
from the car and handed them off to someone on the first landing then
they brought it up to the top and handed it off to me and I placed them
in the tower. They all handled it very well. Kay and Vick were able
to get the shade screen up on the east side so that will make it more
comfortable for them. Once the ospreys (6) were placed in the tower,
we locked up and Kay drove to the north side of pond where she would
watch the web cam. A few others stayed to observe.
As you can imagine it gets hot in the nest box so hopefully
the shade screen that Janet mentions will help them stay cooler on these
hot days. Quite often Kay or a volunteer will climb the tower and squirt
the birds with water to help cool them off. The web cam is working but
we don't have the power and other details worked out yet to where we can
offer streaming video of the birds. We hope to have that soon. As always
we appreciate any technical advice.
If you would like to volunteer to help with the birds, donate
fish or funds, or would like to have SOAR do a program for you,
please don't hesitate to call or email. The contact info is at the top
of every page!
July 11, 2007 - Kay Neumann, Executive Director of
SOAR returns from Minnesota with six birds!
Usually only five birds are given. The birds were placed in a flight pen
at SOAR for observation. Kay wanted to make sure that all were eating.
If you visit this web site you may have noticed that we have an adult
osprey that came to SOAR last fall. Kay still has this adult osprey, who
did not have leg bands so it is not a released bird, because she had to
keep it over the winter. (Osprey migrate to Central and South America
every winter) She placed the young with this adult. Everyone did well.
More Information:
Facts
about Osprey
Osprey
reintroduction in Iowa
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