Cell Tower Information

E-mail from Dick Tuttle:

There is still time for more Osprey nests since the lastest first egg for a successful Osprey nest in Delaware County is May 17 for Delaware Lake Nest in 2003.

Also, Jed Burtt sent me the following information identifying the OWU students that first saw the cell phone tower Ospreys:

Jack Stenger and Dana Owen were the two who initially saw the osprey collecting sticks and carrying them to the cell phone tower on 24 April.

Raptor on, Dick Tuttle

Osprey Nest at the Cell Tower - Horseshoe and Leonardsberg Rds.

E-mail and photo from Jim Martin:

Attached is a photo of the beginnings of an Osprey nest at the corners of Horseshoe & Leonardsberg Rds. in Delaware County. I used an 180mm lens to take this photo, so the true height of this massive cell tower is very much distorted. As you can see it is a meager start for the 2-4 Osprey that have been seen there since April 24th by the two OWU students.

Dick Tuttle told me that it is not too late for an Osprey pair to start/have a viable nest. We'll keep a close watch. It would be good to have another pair (or two) take-up housekeeping/homestead in Delaware County, Ohio.

Best Wishes, Jim Martin

Sunday Hogback Road Osprey Quiet

Watching the osprey on Hogback Rd. Sunday morning from about 11:30 am till 1:30 pm, things with the osprey were quiet, except when I first arrived the male from nest #1 went from a tree to the nest and started squawking. I saw the 5th wheel heading north on Hogback Rd.

I decided to try and catch the carp jumping out of the water, I got 2 photos. The water has warmed up enough that the turtles are sunning themselves. Just north on the curve a turkey vulture was enjoying a red squirrel and a hawk soaring over the lake.

Sunday afternoon I went up to Big Island in Marion County. That sure is a nice place to see wildlife. Meet a couple from Delaware County watching 2 of the 3 eagle nests on Route 203. I took about 150 photos, hope to put together a gallery or slide show later. The two nest I saw are less then 1 mile apart. Looks like they both have young. Saw a pair of geese with there new goslings close enough to get a couple of real nice photos.

On the way home I found the eagles nest on the Scioto River and took a few not so good photos, though I was able to get pictures of two killdeers and a bi-plane. Looks like the eagles are feeding young!

Frank Germann

"FOUR" Osprey at the Cell Tower - Horseshoe and Leonardsberg Rds.

E-mail and photo from Jim Martin:

Hello Fellow Naturalists and Conservationists:

This morning Dick Tuttle & I visited this possible new Delaware County Osprey nesting site. Much to our surprise the was not a pair of Osprey, rather four Osprey. They soared around the cell tower that is very high and there were a few minor encounters, sparing only. All four were persistent and stayed near the tower for the hour or so I was there. Occasionally they flew to the North over the swamps near the cell tower. When Dick & I left two were on the platform and the other pair over the swamp areas. All four Osprey appeared to be mature (size and coloring).

As a point of curiosity, is this two paired Osprey or four "Floaters" (non-paired). I'll work on their sexes in the near future.

The nest is very immature as it has only a few twigs scattered on one of three large cage-lined platforms atop the tower. Not enough to qualify as even a small start of a viable nest. What is most interesting is that there are four Osprey there that are unknown to the Osprey observers. Interestingly, at least two of the four Osprey are banded with two bands each. One blue and one silver, however the blue bands are swapped left and right (Photo: note the bird in the air above the nest and the one below on the right for bands). This photo shows 3 of the 4 Osprey). Also note that I had just driven from the Alum Creek Osprey site and all four Osprey were there, so I am confident that these Osprey were not from Alum Creek.

Much thanks to the two very observant students from OWU & to Jed Burtt for this terrific new find.

Conditions:
a.. Date: April 29, 2007
b.. Duration: 0910 - 1004 Hours,
c.. Skies: Full Sun,
d.. Wind: Light, Gusts at 10+ MPG
e.. Temperatures: 54° - 59°.
f.. Other Birds: 2 "Extra" Osprey,
g.. Equipment: Nikon Digital Camera, 600mm Lens, 35-50mm lens, 180mm lens and binoculars.
h.. Other Observers: Dick Tuttle.

Best Wishes, Jim Martin & Dick Tuttle

Cell Tower Ospreys - Tuttle

E-mail from Dick Tuttle

Hello Everyone,

Saturday, April 28, 2007:
Before I monitored my bluebird nest boxes in Delaware State Park, I drove to the Delaware Wildlife Area to check out the cell phone tower at the intersection of Leonardsburg and Horseshoe Roads. At 0900, two ospreys were standing on the huge triangular grid at the top of the tower. I pulled onto the hunter's parking lot near the intersection and watched for any action. The ospreys were content to stay put.

As I left to drive west into the wildlife area, I noticed that a unique view occurs when you are under the tower from the road; you can see up through the steel mesh. Even though stick carrying was observed on April 25, today, not much material is on the NE corner of the tower's "pad" where the Ospreys have carried their materials. Gazing upward will be one good way to tell if these birds are serious about this site. So far, the small amount of sticks tells
me that the courtship is in its earliest stages, at best.

Since my favorite and most enlightening graduate course was "The physics of Waves," I have strong opinions about living organisms near structures that radiate. I will never own a cell phone and have only talked five times on one, and only when one was handed to me. I will also never own a microwave oven, since I don't trust their ability to catch and stop the microwaves. So, I really hope the fish hawks find a better place to start a family. DNA is a fragile chemical and the inverse square law has stacked the cards against these birds.

Raptor on in good health, Dick Tuttle

Fifth Opsrey nest in Delaware County?

E-mail from Dick Tuttle:

Hello Everyone,

Tonight, Friday 27 April 2007, I received a telephone call from Jeff Hayes of Cincinnati and Raptor Inc. Jeff reported that information is circulating among email that Ospreys were seen on April 25 delivering sticks to a cell phone tower near the intersection of Leonardsburg and Horseshoe Roads.

Tomorrow and Sunday, I will be working to reinstall Prothonotary Warbler boxes to the Green Tree Marsh near this site and I will attempt to confirm. According to Frank Germann's blog, extra Osprey have been floating around and if the cell tower is active with a pair, then we may see fewer extras at Alum Creek and Hoover.

It might be wise to scout the 1982/1996 platform in Delaware State Park to check on its status.

In the meantime, look up, way up, and check out those cell towers.

Raptor on with microwaves, Dick Tuttle

Short Reprot Tues PM & Wed AM

Tuesday evening was quiet. The male on #1 did spent more time on the nest, but we did see a nest exchange. There were a few minutes when there was no geese yapping. That was refreshing.

Wednesday AM, lots of rain, I saw the #1 female in the tree over Hogback. Before I could get the camera out she went back to the nest and exchanged places with the male (TM).

Geese happy on nest #2.

The pair on #4 still sitting tight.

Frank Germann

The Leg Bands on the Female - Platform #1

E-mail and photo from Jim Maritn

Gents:

The Female Osprey on Platform #1 is indeed banded on both legs. the Left leg is a blue band, the right leg carries an Aluminum band. It took us this long to get a good enough "shot" that made the question/answer "conclusive". This means that she is most likely the returning Female from last year.

PS: She is also the "victor" in the recent fight for the nest.

Jim.

Male (TM) on Nest #1 more then Female

Tuesday Morning, Jim Martin and I spent about a hour at nest 1. The male spent more time on the nest than the female. I hope that does not mean there is a problem.

I caught the male eating a large fish at #4. Hope he took some to his mate.

There were a few turkey vultures sunning themselves.

No sign of the 5th wheel or eagles.

Frank Germann

Re: Skermish At Platform #1 - Hogback Rd.

E-mail from Dick Tuttle:

Jim and Frank,
Maybe someone should put a sign on Platfrom No. Three that reads "Open for Occupancy." The extras at Hoover that Frank photographed, and the troublemakers at Alum Creek, need to find each other to determine if chances for another pair exist.

Raptor on, Dick Tuttle

Skermish At Platform #1 - Hogback Rd.

E-mail and Photo from Jim Martin

Hello Fellow Naturalists and Conservationists:

This morning Frank Germann and I were viewing the Osprey activities along Hogback Rd. - Alum Creek. There was a fair amount of activity at platform #1 as the "extra" female was making her presence known and felt. For the entire ~hour that we were at this location the "seemingly unwelcome" female was being monitored by at least two other Osprey. One of the chaperons was always either the Male (TM) or his Female partner from #1. The other chaperon may have been the Male from platform #4. This threesome sailed along and over Hogback Rd. at low to quite high distances. There were a few minor incidents while in the skies - nothing out of the ordinary - until.

The Female on the egg(s) on platform was in that position for most of the viewing time. Eventually the Male (TM) returned to the nest with a fish for the Female who departed. The male was sitting on the eggs when the "rogue" female attacked the nest. See the attached photo which shows the Male responding to her encroachment. This fight did not last but a few seconds and ended with the male dispatching the female. The nest was without an Adult for only during the brief encounter.

Take note of the position of the talons on the incoming female above the Male on the nest. Looks like she met business.

Conditions:
a.. Date: April 23, 2007
b.. Duration: 0813 - 0858 Hours,
c.. Skies: Heavy Overcast,
d.. Wind: Moderate to heavy, Gusts at 15+ MPG
e.. Temperatures: 61° - 64°.
f.. Other Birds: 1 "Extra" female Osprey, several Turkey Vultures, & C. Geese,
g.. Platform #4: The adult female was on the nest incubating the entire time we viewed.
h.. Equipment: Nikon and Canon Digital Camera and binoculars.

Best Wishes,
Jim Martin & Frank Germann

Hogback Rd. still in turmoil!

As Dick Tuttle reported in his e-mail Sunday the pair on nest #1 on Hogback Rd. are sitting tight. I was there Sunday evening with Troy Alpeter till after dark. We saw a nest change.

This Monday morning the female was nesting, the male was on the perch. About five after 8 o'clock the male took off to join the male from nest #4 to confront the fifth wheel hanging around the area. They few around and around the area for at least 15 minutes. The male from #1 disappeared, showing back up with a fish, which he took to the west bank to eat. Jim Martin shows up and says he followed TM down Hogback Road from St Rt 521.

Jim sets up his camera, and we watched the 5th wheel and male from 4 continual to circle, every once in a while the 5th osprey lands deep inside the trees on the east side of Hogback Rd., but the male from 4 dives in and gets her in flight again.

The male from #1 had his fill of fish, and takes it to the nest where the female grabs it and takes it to her normal tree to eat. The male (TM) takes over on the nest like a good osprey should.

A few minutes go by when the 5th wheel comes swooping down and tries to land on the nest. He jumps up and gets behind her and starts chasing, the female then comes in behind him. (Shes the blur in the photo above.) The 5th wheel takes off to the east side where the male from #4 is still waiting. The #1 pair go back to what they were doing before, male on nest and female in tree eating. When the female goes back to the nest, TM goes right back into the chase of the 5th wheel.

Both Jim and I pack up. I headed to the parking lot at the top of the hill to turn around. On the way back north I stop to observed nest #4, the female was still setting tight, but she is squawking, I believe she was trying to get her mate to return, as the male was chasing the 5th wheel well for over an hour.

I head half way down the hill directly across the empty nest #3, where the male from 4 had landed. I took a few photos of him and the other osprey who was circling above me. Then the squawk tone change to a warning, both osprey on #1 flew off the nest and were squawking! I look across the water, and low and behold there is a mature eagle crossing right over me. I start shooting photos as it passed, the male from #4 gives a brief chase. The eagle continued NE. The male from #4 went back to the chase of the unwanted osprey. The pair on #1 went back to sitting on the nest.

I believe the 5th wheel is the unbanded female that TM meet on his arrival back from South America. The female who is on #1 now is the same female from last year. The unbandded 5th wheel was trying to win him back and the nest. I don't believe she was attacking him. I saw them bonding for a few days until the big female fight.

Also note that Hogback Road will be closed today until Thursday just north of Howard Road for road repair. You will have to enter Hogback Road from St Rt 521.

Frank Germann

Hoover Ospery Nest Plus 2 Strangers?

I got down to Hoover Reservoir Osprey Nest Sunday morning about 9:30. This sight is on the south side of Galena where Columbus Road/Old 3C/Sunbrury Rd./ Front Street come together.

Link to Google map: Galena Osprey Nest

Every thing was quite for 10 minutes, then the male in the tree just west of the nest started squawking, a unknown osprey crossed over the nest and proceed west to the trees near the shore. Another 10 minutes go by and the males squawks again, this time another unknown osprey goes north up the river! All the while I can still see the other on the west bank and the two at the nest.
2 + 1 + 1 = 4 ! Maybe if one of they is a male, we could coach it up to Hogback Road.

After watching the osprey for a while I turned left onto Columbus Rd./Old 3C to Wiese Road, about a third of a mile. Wiese Road dead ends with a couple of spaces to park. You can walk the west shore of Hoover maybe a mile or two. It's a overgrown, tree lined lane with lots of birds.

Frank Germann

Predicted dates for Delaware Ospreys - Tuttle

E-mail from Dick Tuttle:

Hello Everyone,

Once again and for the third time, the Ospreys at Alum Creek No. One appear to be incubating. Between 1005 and 1031 today, Sunday 22 April 2007, I observed the female adjust her position three times, all with egg rolling behavior, followed by rocking back and forth with weak tail wiggles. Lets hope the competing females at this site have settled their argument for good.

Since all four known nests in Delaware County show incubation, I offer the following predicted dates based on 37 days of incubation and 55 days of nestling time before fledging. I also added when the young would be five weeks old when planning leg banding events are planned.

Delaware Lake Nest: April 18, incubation; May 25, hatch; June 29, 5-weeks; July 19, fledge.

Hoover Nest: April 10, incubation; May 17, hatch; June 21, 5-weeks; July 11, fledge.

Alum Creek #1: April 22, incubation; May 29, hatch; July 3, five-weeks; July 23 fledge.

Alum Creek #4: April 15, incubation; May 22, hatch; June 26, five-weeks; July 16 fledge.

Of course, the above dates are predictions and anything can happen, but many people are watching these nests so accurate updates will not be a problem.

Raptor on, Dick Tuttle

Osprey Open House Report

"Awesome Osprey" t-shirts were seen on more then a few of the visitors at the "Osprey Open House" Saturday. Not sure what the total turn out was. I arrived late, after fixing a plumbing problem with our shower. I'm sure the crowed appreciated that. I did not get over to the McCoy Nature Center, hope someone will let me know, and I will post the turnout.

There were four or five from "Preservation Parks", plus Dick Tuttle, Dick Phillips and Jim Martin answering question on the south cliff at the parking lot at the top of the hill. They had a osprey wing and a pair of claws for show and tell. Everybody got to see the ospreys close up thanks to the telescopes setup and focused. I showed some of the photos I had taken in the last week or so. The visitors ages ranged from 3 to 90 something, and everybody had a smile on their faces.

They also got to see the 5th osprey come by and make the male on nest #4 squawk, a cormorant trying to down a big fish, turkey vultures, herons, ducks and of course geese.

Frank Germann

Raccoon & Don King Ducks

This Friday AM was much quieter then Thursday AM.

There was a raccoon on the west shore, the same place as the deer Thursday. He had the geese all upset.

I did see what was probably a hawk in the trees on the west side, but he was to deep in the trees to be sure.

I got a few photos of the ducks above. Not sure what breed, but I now know where Don King fashioned his hair style from.

Don't forget about the Osprey Open House Saturday, from 1 to 4 pm starting at the
Hogback Ridge Preserve on Hogback Road.

Link to Delaware County Preservation Parks Web Site

Preservation Parks of Delaware County
2656 Hogback Road
Sunbury, Ohio 43074
Phone: (740) 524-8600

Here is a link to a Google map:

Frank Germann

American Kestrels - Delaware Co.- Tuttle

E-mail from Dick Tuttle, Photo Frank Germann

Hello Everyone, Today, Friday 20 April 2007, Dick Phillips and I monitored 18 American Kestrel nest boxes hanging from utility poles (mostly) in Delaware County. We found ten active nests with eggs or females sitting on eggs. Among the eight remaining boxes, we found four with "kestrel cups" showing falcon activity in the wood shavings, three with grass added by starlings, and one with two kestrel eggs and the remains of two broken eggs at the foot of the box.

Aluminum flashing protects all of the boxes from climbing predators this year and muddy prints and scratches on one pole shows that the flashing has repelled one raccoon already this year.

Interestingly, at this time during the 2006 year, the boxes also contained ten active nests. Ultimately, kestrels raised 12 families (57) from 15 attempts last year. Keep your fingers crossed for a good year for our roadside falcons.

Raptor on, Dick Tuttle

6 Birds with big wingspans in 1 hour!

This morning at Hogback Road was a good day. From 8 AM to 9 AM I saw: 1 white egret, 3 blue herons, 5 osprey, a goose attacking a deer, 2 mature bald eagles and turkey vultures. (besides the usual ducks, the yapping geese, 3 or 4 cormorants, Cliff swallows King Fishers...

The adult eagles were in a tree to the south at the parking lot at the top of the hill. I moved to 4 different locations to get close as I could. The closet was from the parking lot through the trees before they took off (about 100 feet).

The fifth osprey was bothering nest #4 for awhile.

The turkey vulture was in a small tree east of the bridge on Howard Road. (about 20 feet, took picture through the passenger side window.

For one hour this morning, it couldn't get much better.

Frank Germann

Incubation for Delaware Lake Ospreys - Tuttle

E-mail from Dick Tuttle:

I added the photo which was taken Wednesday evening (4/18/07). I finally drove up there to see how things were going. She was setting tight, while the male sat on one the warning signs eating a fish. One thing I notice about the area is that except for the traffic noise, there were no geese yapping or fighting, no ducks or herons to be seen. The only other birds were the black birds under the bridge. The photos was taken on the north side from the parking lot looking under the bridge. Frank Germann

Hello Everyone,

I observed incubation today, Thursday 19 April 2007, at the Delaware Lake Osprey nest south of the Rt. 229 bridge. From 0821 - 0832, I watched the female settle in the nest cup twice; each time she wiggled her tail after a rocking back and forth, meaning she is sitting on eggs. The male delivered rootlets for the cup once to interrupt her.

The MALE wears a blue band on his LEFT leg. Last year's male wore a blue band on his right leg and he disappeared just before the eggs were due to hatch, causing the nest to fail. For these two reasons, the 2007 male is a new male to this nest.

The FEMALE wears a blue band on her RIGHT leg.

Both birds have brown specks on their breasts, but the female's design goes up her neck. Unlike Delaware Lake nests in previous years, I see no plastic bags and other trash in the 2007 nest.

I left my Osprey observation to finish monitoring 162 bluebird nest boxes in Delaware State Park. Over the last two days, I have not found any bluebird eggs in the rare nests there. Finally, the Tree Swallows are regaining their vigor. It has been a very stressful winter and spring for our birds, the worst in 39 years.

Raptor on, Dick Tuttle

Photo Gallery April 17, Hogback Rd

Here are more pictures taken Tuesday when the eagle visited, Enjoy.

www.osprey.rabbitquick.com/Hogback41707/

Frank Germann

No incubation at Alum Creek #1 - Tuttle

E-Mail from Dick Tuttle:
Photo by Frank Germann

Hello Everyone,

This will be short since I am in-between checking two bluebird trails -- trying to find eggs.

TM and his females have failed once again to sustain incubation at Alum Creek No. One. It did not look good Monday; then Frank Germann, Dick Phillips and I agreed last night at sundown that they were not incubating; and they certainly were not incubating this morning (Wednesday, April 18, 2007).

As was the case last night, this morning a third Osprey appeared and TM pursued it but not in a hostile fashion. They sat in separate trees in a "stand off" when I left this morning. If TM remains friendly with a second female, I will name her Carmen, and if these birds continue to show behaviors that remind me of humans, I will abandon them and go back to fishing. (Just kidding)

Raptor on, Dick Tuttle

Eagle Visits Hogback Road, the theif losses!

(taxes done!)

This Tuesday AM, a immature eagle tried to take TM's fish!

Dick Tuttle and I were watching nest #1 at Hogback Road, the male had just came back from fishing and had landed in a tree on the west side of the small island south of the nest. We could barley see him. He came flying out with a eagle on his tail. He headed south above the middle of nest #2 and #3, dodging and climbing to avoid the thief. Within 20 seconds the female from nest #1 headed right at the mugger. The eagle is chasing the Male (TM) and the female is chasing the eagle. (Dick wants to call her Warrior Princess (WP for short)). They all crisscrossed the sky, with the male zigzagging, holding tight onto his breakfast. The male kept climbing till he was just a speck in the sky. The female (WP) catching up and bugging the eagle. She kept after him/her down and across Hogback Road till they both disappeared to the east. The male headed back to the nest and munched on his breakfast. WP was gone about 3 minutes, she went right back to the nest cup.

That was quit a show.

I was going to post photos of some 3 white egrets, a meeting of cormorants, a really fancy duck and the female osprey taking exceptions to geese to close to her nest. Will post later or create a gallery with a link.

Frank Germann

April 21 "Osprey Homecoming" Celebration

E-mail from Dick Tuttle (photo by Frank Germann)

Frank, I copied and pasted this from the Preservation Parks website. Please post it on your blog for those not reading the newspapers.

Thanks, Dick Tuttle.
Hope to see you there.

April 21 Special Event: “Osprey Homecoming” Visit the McCoy Nature Center for information and Power Point presentation of last year’s successful Osprey pairs, then continue to Alum Creek Reservoir for viewing of the Ospreys. 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM Hogback Ridge Preserve

Delaware Osprey updates - Tuttle - 4-15-07

E-mail from Dick Tuttle:

Hello Everyone,
Here are some updates:

DELAWARE LAKE OSPREY: As of 4-15-2007, they are not incubating. The female was standing in her nest today as the male was perched along the western shore. 0848-0900.

On Friday 13 April, I observed blue bands on both birds. Later, I will make better observations with my telescope to try to read the numbers and confirm leg combinations.

ALUM CREEK NO. ONE. I suspected incubation on Friday, April 13. Incubation was confirmed on Saturday, April 14 after I observed copulation, an egg roll, followed by a weak tail wiggle. Good incubation posture by the female followed -- she sat low in the nest.

Sunday, while watching No. One and No. Four with my scope and binoculars (35x, 8x) between 1422 and 1444, the female of No. One was standing a lot but ultimately assumed the incubation posture. I drove my car to sit directly across from No. One at 1446 and the male delivered soft material for the nest cup, after which the female resumed incubating at 1450. I left at 1456.

Alum Creek No. Two: Canada Geese continue to incubate after claiming the platform on April 1.

Alum Creek No. Three: bare platform

Alum Creek No. Four: Incubation has started on this platform. This morning, the female sat in incubation posture at 0826. I returned in the afternoon to observe between 1422 - 1444. I observed the male incubating, followed by a delayed nest exchange of two minutes since the male did not want to give up his duty. After the female lowered her head and rolled (unseen) eggs, she settled on the nest with a weak tale wag. Within a minute, a third bird arrived to have
the male meet it and drive it away. When the male returned, the female stood up, and the pair completed two copulations over the nest cup. She settled again with a weak tail wag.

It was extremely windy today with temperatures near fifty degrees and I am glad to see and feel the sun.

With this year's weather extremes, behaviors can change daily. If for any reason, these conclusions turn out to be wrong, we can try for definite dates by trying to determine hatch dates. Also, I hope all the extra Osprey at Alum Creek find mates so a third platform can be used by fish hawks. Also, the geese should be done with No. Two sometime in mid-May. We have endured continued bad weather and Mother Nature owes us.

Raptor on, Dick Tuttle

TM eating a fish video Sunday

I captured video of the male from nest #1 (TM) eating a fish above me on Hogback Road, Sunday.

He then flew back to the nest and gave the fish to the female, who then took of with it and just flew around for about 10 minutes in the wind. The male sat on the nest while she was gone.

Here is the link to the Male eating:

http://www.osprey.rabbitquick.com/tmeating/Movie.html

I also got video of the nest exchange, which I Will upload in the next couple of days. (As soon as I get Elaine's and my taxes done.)

I also saw a nest exchange on #4 Sunday.

It was very windy Sunday, there were foot high waves.

Frank Germann

Osprey at Buckeye Lake

E-mail and link to Photos from Nonda Surratt

Good morning Frank

I know your primary interest is the Osprey in Delaware Co. but you all might find this interesting.

We spotted and Osprey in a tree about 300' off the parking lot at Liebs Island the first 3 photos in the link are that one, no legs bands (4/11). On the 13th we went back out and assumed (last 3 shots) we were observing the same Osprey until the 1st one came back to the tree and we heard that bird calling. Saw the one and heard the other one yesterday.

So we have two at the lake neither banded. They are quite active, fishing wise and calling wise, not sure what it all means will keep you posted.

http://thusie.smugmug.com/gallery/2713840/1/143855429#143855429

Planning on getting back up your way next weekend and will help out anyway I can with photos.

Take care
Nonda

Osprey Fight At Alum Creek - Columbus Dispatch Article

E-mail with link for Jim Martin:

Hi All:

Here is a link to the Osprey article from today's (4/15/2007) Columbus Dispatch.

http://www.dispatch.com/dispatch/content/sports/stories/2007/04/15/out15.ART_ART_04-15-07_E11_LK6COUB.html

This, along with the Delaware Gazette article from yesterday, should improve the Preservations Park April 21st "Osprey Homecoming" get together.

Best Wishes,
Jim Martin.

Photo of Female on Nest #1 Hogback Rd.

I got down to hog back road about 1 pm today, Saturday in the rain. I used the hatch on the back of the mini van to keep dry.

From nest #1, I got to see the male (TM) come to a tree within 50 feet of me with a fish and I was able to take about 40 photos. (This was the same branch that Jim Martin and I got great photos last week.) He then went back over to the other side and eat his fill. He then took the fish to the nest. The female took the fish off to a far tree and ate. The male took her place on the nest. There must be an egg or two!!!

See photo of the bands on the female, which girl is this?

On nest #2 the geese look to be doing fine.

On nest #4 there was 1 osprey setting tight. I did not see the other mate the half-hour I was there. (probably eggs on 4 also)

I would like to thank the couple from southern Delaware County that stop and gave my car a jump. (I left the head lights on!). You meet the nicest people watching the osprey! Thanks again!

Frank Germann

PS: the Delaware Gazette printed a front page article in Fridays paper about the osprey and the goings on with nest #1 on Hogback Road with a photo of Jim Martin's. I hear there will be a article in the Sunday Columbus Dispatch.

Who's on First?

This Friday AM, Dick Tuttle and I observed a fifth osprey flying around Hogback Road. He/she was upsetting the pairs on #1 and #4. The male on 1 flew back to nest #1 and covered the female with his wings. One of the ospreys on #4 went to #3 and squawked. When the flying osprey was closer I shot about a dozen photos. There were two bands visible, a blue on the right and a silver on the left. Now I am not sure which female in on nest #1 the last 2 days?

When I first arrived about 8 am, the male from nest 1 was attacking a tree to the north, maybe trying to get more sticks, and a little later was seen in a tree to the west with-in five feet of what I believe was a red-tail hawk.

The last two mornings the female on nest #4 has been setting tight and low in the nest, eggs maybe?

This morning was very cold with the wind cutting thou me. I was chilled to the bone.

Frank Germann

Green Heron Photo

E-mail & photo from Jim Martin: (and a correction)

Hello All:

Here is a recent photo of a Green Heron taken at the edge of our pond. This a largest GH that has visited us in past seasons.

Best Wishes,
Jim Martin

Oops! - The photo is not a Green Heron, Rather a "Bittern". Sorry and thanks to Donna Daniel for the correction.

Jim.

Ospreys (Link to more great Pictures!)

E-mail from Nonda Surratt, with a great link with fantantic Photos!!!
Jim Martin and I met Nonda and Don on Hogback Road 4/3/07. Both had Canon cameras. Nonda was using a new lens on a tripod and Don was hand holding his camera.

Hi Frank,

You might not remember me? Hubby Don and I met you and Jim at Osprey platform 1 back on April 3rd, we had a yellow and white Toyota and I had the big white hunk of Canon glass:-)

Thanks for the tip on the opening at platform 4, I still went over the guardrail!

It is sad to read about the tree swallows, while I didn't find any dead ones the numbers at the canal right across from the Hebron Fish Hatchery are way down.

Enjoy your blog and hope to get back up to Alum Creek soon.

Here are some of my shots of P-4 and a couple from P-1

http://thusie.smugmug.com/gallery/2672235#141452238

It was great to meet you both!

Nonda Surratt

Another photo Of The Osprey Battle

E-mail and Photo form Jim Martin

Note: this photo taken 4/1/07

Gents:

Here is a better photo of the Female Osprey battle below Platform #1 along Hogback Rd.  

Jim Martin

More pics Tuesday evening

I Stop back to Hogback Road Tuesday evening and shot a few new pictures.

Muskrat came by to say hello again, and male on #1 went fishing and then teased female before taking his catch to a tree to eat alone. She squawked the whole time.
One of the osprey on nest #4 did the same thing, but he took the fish way south to eat. (He went to a tree real close to the parking lot at the top of hill.)

Everything else quite.

Frank Germann

Re: Hoover Osprey Nest

E-mail from Jim Martin:

Dick:

My observations concur with yours - for those at Alum Creek (both Platforms 1 & 4).

At platform #1 the status was "quo". Both adults were behaving with customary pre-incubation actions, including bringing nesting materials, rearranging the nest, and cupping the nest cup. The female was especially active with several multi-min. flights around the Northern end of where Alum Creek feeds the reservoir. I am reasonably confident that copulation has taken place (my attached photo from April 3rd) so incubation should be quite close.

At platform #4 "things" appears to have slowed down. With the geese disruptions, working on platform #3, and coupled colder weather they seem less active on #4 but are both present at the #4 nest quite often. At the outset I thought this pair on #4 had a head start over the pair at platform #1 - Now time will tell.

Both pairs appear to be subdued by the very cold nights. With warmer weather approaching I hope to see incubation kick-in at Alum Creek.

Thanks for your update,
Jim Martin

Hoover Osprey Nest

E-mail from Dick Tuttle:

Hello Everyone,
I believe the Ospreys at the Hoover Nature Preserve are incubating. I believe even though the erratic behavior of the Ospreys at Alum Creek No. One have shaken my confidence.

Tuesday, April 10, 2007, between 1925 and 1945, I observed three egg rolls with WEAK tail wiggles, one nest exchange with the male replacing the female, and the male flying from the nest to chase a loud Canada Goose. The male settled on the eggs twice with weak tail wiggles, after the exchange and after the goose chase.

The Hoover nest is a new nest built over last year's for a total height of ten inches. It is also deep, providing a bunker for the incubating parents. This is a good nest feature since this nest is very popular. It should be easy for parents to "feel hidden" from the overly curious boating public.

Other observers, please let us know if you agree or disagree with my analysis of my observations.

I did observe one set of Osprey legs but I will wait until I make more accurate observations with my telescope (82x) to announce the status of leg bands. I was observing at 35x last night -- higher powers with my spotting scope were too dark.

On my way to and from Hoover, all Alum Creek Osprey pairs were standing
on their nests or perches. No incubation postures were observed there on April 10. Both nests had pairs sitting side-by-side on the perches during observations during the day -- a good sign.

Raptor on, Dick Tuttle

Adding to nest #4 and geese walk on water

Dick Tuttle and I observed the Hogback Road area still trying to figure out which female on nest #1.

This Tuesday 8 to 9:30 am there was ice coverage of about 70%.
Both osprey on nest #1 on or about nest, saw they trust mounting.

Nest #2 still with goose setting tight.

Small muskrat moving under extremly clear water near shore.

Nest #4, both on nest, then one left and brought back more nesting materal.

Frank Germann

Update -No incubating Osprey at Alum Creek-Tuttle

E-mail from Dick Tuttle:

Hello Everyone,
In my last email on Sunday, April 8, 2007, I had declared that the Ospreys on Alum Creek No. One were incubating. By 1807 that afternoon, the status had changed and incubation has ceased and remains so, as of this morning, Tuesday, April 9.

Remember, that I observed the female being buzzed by another Osprey that Sunday morning, and the first female from No. One wore no bands. The female observed and photographed by Frank Germann and observed by me on Monday, wears a blue band on her left leg. Last year's female also wore a blue band on her left leg (and an aluminum band on her right).

Have we missed a chapter to this story?

The only incubation going on at present are Canada Geese throughout out the area, including those using Platform No. Two. The Ospreys of No. Four are quite active on their platform but have not started incubation.

I am presently back in the bluebirding business. For the first time this year, yesterday, I monitored three small trails to find only one bluebird nest and eleven dead Tree Swallows. I could give Al Gore more to think about since I have seen more winter-killed bluebirds (64) and spring-killed swallows (11) this year than in any of the last thirty-nine, and I am not done counting. I will leave this email and start counting at Delaware State Park. I will provide more tallies later.

It is hard to keep my "science hat" on when things are so depressing. I found four mounds of swallows yesterday in boxes at the Olentangy Environmental Control Center. The birds were sharing body heat since no insects were flying for them to catch. The birds on top were alive, but I am not so sure about the ones on the bottom. I gently closed the boxes without stressing the birds further. I will return to the OECC later this week for the final body count.

Global on, hot or cold, Dick Tuttle

Pictures from 2006

Here are some of my photos from 2006.

http://osprey.rabbitquick.com/Osprey06PicsWeb/Site/Photos.html

Frank Germann

Which Female Nest 1 ????

Dick Tuttle and I were at Hogback Road about 8 am this Monday morning.

It is now unsure which female has control of Nest #1!!!
The 1st pick shows a band on the left, she was the female there this Monday morn. The female that the male first meet when retuning to Hogback Road had no bands. We know that there was a big fight with 2 females, as the great photos Jim Martin took 4/1/07.

There may well be 3 different females vie-ing for nest #1!
Dick Tuttle hopes a new male will show up and claim one of the two losing females and the empty nest #3.

The geese still claim nest #2.

Nest #4 pair seem to be OK.

We also had a muskrat come up to the road to greet us.

Frank Germann

A quick Question

E-mail & photos from Jim Martin

Dick:

Is there a possibility that this is copulation - photo #7832? As I took this photo I recall seeing his tail (TM) wrap low behind the female on #1. If this copulation, it occurred on April 3, 0826.

I checked several of my photos of the female where her leg ban(s) were showing. I was certain of a band which was silver/aluminum colored (see attached Pix #7827, largely exploded). With your observation of a blue band that opens up a bunch of questions. In the past three years, the only female (as I recall) with a blue band was the 2005 female on #1. She was also banded with a silver band that June 2005. She was reported as dead in S.A. on her return to Central Ohio. Who is this lady? Where did she come from? Is she the 2005 female without her transmitter (rotted off and survived)? Is TM Two-timing the ladies swapping nest appearances?

I'll be there in the morning (Monday) with camera and spotting scope in tow to see what I can get. I'll report back if I can capture her band(s). If she has two bands - what intrigue! If she is on eggs, it may be a while before were can snap her again.

Jim M.

Report on the Hoover Reservior Ospreys

E-mail from: Jeanna Burrell

This is not about the Hogback Osprey, but we saw 2 osprey working on their nest at the Hoover Reservoir site off of the Hoover Boardwalk in Galena on April 3 around noon. I have not heard any one else mention that these osprey had returned. It was a very, very windy day on the lake, but they were diligently working on their nest. It's a very nice site for viewing if you take binoculars. - Jeanna Burrell

A.C. No. One female wears a blue band

E-mail from Dick Tuttle:

Gentlemen,
  Aim your lenses at the female on No. One (as you have been) since I
observed a blue band on her leg late this afternoon (Sunday, April 8, 2007). I have
more detailed observations to pass on to the "group" but I have too little to
pass on at this time. The soap opera might have some missing chapters.
   Ah, the violence of it all.

  Raptor on,  Dick Tuttle

  Frank, I like your blog. It is going to do much to spread the
conservation ethic of the area.

Ospreys-two confirmations-Tuttle

E-mail from: Dick Tuttle

Hello Everyone,
Two confirmations on this Easter Morning, April 8, 2007.

DELAWARE LAKE OSPREYS: Yes, I finally observed both birds on the nest after seeing only one of each gender in the past. As I drove across the bridge, the Ospreys were engaged in a “trust landing” or copulation, I could not tell. I enter the woods with my scope to try to see leg bands - I was unsuccessful. Hint for observers: Under overcast skies, think chocolate. Males are dark chocolate, females are milk chocolate. I observed the birds from 0910 - 0915.

To safely observe at this site, as you travel east on Route 229, cross the bridge and pull off and park in the wide gravel parking space. Less than 20 yards from the end of the guardrail is a foot path into the woods. Follow it to several observation spots.

For quick observations using a window mount, pull into the parking lot at the NE corner of the bridge and you can see the nest above the willows as you look under the bridge. You can launch canoes and kayaks here and the site is almost always used by bait fishermen. Point out the nest to them so they know what you are doing if they don’t know.

NOTE: the below observation on Hogback Road will be revised as per Dick Tuttle when I talk to him this Monday morning (6-9-07), Frank Germann

ALUM CREEK NESTS off of Hogback Road.
TM’s (transmitting male) nest - INCUBATION IS CONFIRMED. I am convinced that incubation is in progress on Nest No. One. Between 0955 and 1050, I observed egg rolling by the female with a tail wag, and TM delivered a headless shad which was aggressively grabbed by the female. She immediately flew to a tree to eat, whereupon TM took one minute to assume the incubation posture with a final tail wag as he adjusted his feathers around the eggs.

At 1005, an extra female buzzed the No. One female as stood defending her nest. Please, girls, no more chick-fights, now that incubation has started. Think of your species! According to the literature, the birds are bonded more to their nest sites than to each other, so even if a new male should appear, it will take time for the extra female (likely, the 2006 female at No. One that arrived too late this year) to move on. A little soap opera music, please.

WATCH ALUM CREEK NO. FOUR. I had started my observations at platform No. Four and the female stood in the nest facing west from 0945-0950, then I drove on to observe No. One. As I left the area, I returned to No. Four, and the female was in the incubation position. I may return later today after an Easter get-together to check on the status of this nest.
In 2006, all four Osprey nests in Delaware County initiated incubation within the same four days, April 18 - 21, 2006. Are this year’s birds this early or are they just sitting in their nest cups to stay warm?

Look for tail wags and nest exchanges to confirm incubation.

Also, a drake and hen Wood Duck were feeding within 25 yards of WODU cylinder No. Two, the one that Frank Germann has taken photos of with Wood Ducks.

Raptor on, Dick Tuttle

Goose at home on Nest #2

This goose has been on & off nest #2 for the last few days.
The pair from last year started a good nest on #4, but had trouble with a pair of geese, so they went to #2 and started a new nest. The geese that were on #4 must have moved on, so the pair of osprey are back on #4 again. They have added allot of sticks in the last few days, and seem to have complete control now.

Note: The same thing happened last year with this pair of osprey. They built a complete nest on #3, then for some reason moved to #4 and built a new complete nest there. They raised 3 young with no problem. The geese raised their young on #3 last year. (two years ago geese raised young on #2, that nest had never been cleared from the year before.) (Word is all the nests with be cleared off before the osprey return each year.)

Frank Germann

Bikers Welcome

Here is a picture of a painted direction sign that was put on Hogback Road last year to let the bikers know about the Osprey. It is near nest #4.

Frank Germann

Alum Creek's Mating Ospreys

E-mail from: Dick Tuttle

Hello Everyone,
I thought the cold spell would cool things at Osprey sites in Delaware County.
I was wrong.
Thursday, April 4, 2007.
Alum Creek No. Four: The Ospreys mated on the perch at 1852. Alum Creek No. One: TM and his warrior princess mated on their nest at 1902. No activity on the other two platforms -- no geese.

Delaware Lake: What appeared to be a male Osprey was perched in a tree along the western shore. (8x) A cold, harsh wind persuaded me to return to my car at 1830 after a short visit to the area.

Hoover Nature Preserve: I visited the board walk yesterday, Tuesday, April 3, and the wind and waves caused so much vibration in the structure that I could not see any definition at the platform with my scope. I did see two Ospreys in the area at the same time. The nest is nine to ten inches tall, the largest in the County so far. I use the two by two’s along the side of the platform as a gauge -- they are eight inches long.

Raptor on,   Dick Tuttle

Nest #1 pair bonding

The pair are still bonding on nest #1. Same male from last year, and a new female.
See photos below about the big fight. The male has been adding more sticks.

Frank Germann

Nest #1 Hogback Rd.

This AM, Male with transmitter, keeping away from female without leg bands.

Close up of the Male from Platform #1

E-mail & Photo from Jim Martin

Dick T. & Frank: If I were ever to copyright© a photo - this would be the one.
Frank Germann & I got a unique photo opportunity at 0835 this morning (4/3/2007) as the Male from Platform #1/Alum Creek (TM) landed above us and gave us a 30 second window to snap a few. This is my best of the group. This is a small version and does moderate "justice" to what Frank & I viewed.

This photo will hang in Elaine's & My home.

Best Wishes, Jim Martin

Fight Sequence - Update & Identification

E-Mail and photo from Jim Martin:

Hello:

I was unable to determine if the second female at platform #1 along Alum Creek was last year's mate to the Male (TM).

The attached photo does show a silver band on the Female's leg. There is still a chance that she is last year's mate. I'll pursue.

Notice the talons at the throat of the Osprey. These two were serious combatants.

Best Wishes,

Jim M.

Osprey - Unusal Fight Sequence

E-mail and photo From Jim Martin:

Fellow Naturalist & Observers:

High Drama at Alum Creek Osprey Site.

Dick Tuttle reported that two females showed-up at platform #1 at the Alum Creek Osprey nesting site yesterday - 4/1/2007. Dick predicted a potential battle - he was correct.

This morning after a two hour wait both females were MIA. The Male awaited as we (Tuttle & I) departed after two hours+. This afternoon I decided to take another look to see if the Females returned. After a short wait, the two female showed and with vengeance. After a few nest fly-bys the two locked talons well above the platform and plunged into the reservoir still with talons locked onto each other. Once locked together they were not flying. The Ladies were very serious about the territory, the nest site, or the Male.

In the past, a territorial skirmish lasted a just a few moments and the dominant Osprey soared in victory as the less worthy Osprey disappeared into the horizon. This fight sequence was much different this time. They fought what seemed to be forever - in the waters, fourteen min and 29 seconds. They float just fine. It was not a casual confrontation. Their talons were locked for the entire time and at times one of the Osprey was completely underwater. Neither Osprey would give quarter to the other as they beat one another with their 4.5 - 5+' wingspan. They did not hesitate to "peck" wildly at each other with ferocity and purpose. After the fight the dominate Female soared above the nest as the lesser flew East out of sight. The dominate Female then landed on platform #1 next to the Male who was casually eating a fish. During the sequence the Male (TM) never left the nest. I am still researching my 192 photos but I am quite certain that the 2nd female could be the Female from last year (2006) as she has two leg bands (Blue - Ohio, & Sliver - US F&G).

As the fight continued several Canadian Geese were overcome with curiosity and surrounded the Osprey as spectators. The photo I attached does not do justice to this the battle scene.

Observation Conditions:

Skies: Clear - Heavy Sun,

Temperature: 71° to 73°,

Winds: Gusty, Over 15 MPH,

Other Observers: None,

Time Of Day: 1612 - 1652 Hours,

Notes: Unusual Osprey Fight Sequence -Two Females,

(Jim Martin)

Osprey and Kestrel updates - Tuttle

E-mail from Dick Tuttle:


Hello Everyone,

    In Delaware County there are four pairs of Osprey that have claimed platforms and are working on nests and are acting out "trust landings" where males land on the females' backs during an early stage of courtship. The exception is the Delaware nest where I have only seen one bird. I report the following:

    Delaware Lake. On two short visits, each time I have seen only one Osprey at this location, once a female stood on the perch. However, the nest shows a new layer of material, evidence of an active pair. 

    Hoover Nature Preserve.  Dick Phillips, Troy Alpeter and I straightened this platform for the most part. It leans just a few degrees to the West. A willow tree provided an anchor point for 150 feet of rope as we worked from a wide canoe and a kayak with two winches and multiple knots.

    A pair of Osprey appreciated the adjustment and have been working on their nest. Today, I witnessed something for the first time; one of the birds excavated a "grab" of material from the core of last year's nest.

    Alum Creek Lake. After an ice flow wiped out No. 4 and 14 of 16 signs, five volunteers reinstalled No. 4 at a location just to the west and south of its original site. Hopefully, future ice flows will have a lesser chance to collide with this platform. 

   Some signs were located and reinstalled during winter drawdown and I installed six signs and four sign posts from my canoe after storms filled the lake to above summer pool level.

    Presently, five Ospreys are claiming nests and a soap opera is in progress.

 First, news of the earliest pair. The earliest Ospreys, both have bare legs with no bands, started out on No. 4 on March 21. After building a good base on No. 4, they moved their activity to No. 2, and during the last several days, they moved back to No. Four.

    At times, Canada Geese try to claim No's. 4 and 2 as the Ospreys have done a good job building a good foundation for goose nests.

    TM, the transmitting male, returned from migration on March 27 and immediately had a new barelegged mate on No. 1. His 2006 mate wore an old dark blue band that could not be read by anyone. No animosity between the Osprey pairs has been seen by any of the observers on site.

    Today, at 1300, much chirping alerted me that something was wrong near No. One. A third bird, that turned out to be a female, was competing with the new female for the nest. TM delivered several sticks as the females had an aerial cat fight (Am I politically correct here?) over the lake. Occasionally, TM would join in but the hostility was definitely female/female. 

   Has the 2006 female returned? I tried to see a band as the birds cruised above the road but no one was allowed by the other to land on the perch or nest long enough for me to see. Time will tell. 

    American Kestrels.  Dick Phillips and I checked the fifty-mile-long roadside nest box trail on March 25. Our mission was to add a 20 inch wide strip of aluminum flashing below each box to make the electric pole safe from climbing raccoons. Our mission was accomplished and we found that 16 of 18 boxes showed evidence of falcon activity by having "kestrel cups" in the bedding. A kestrel cup fits the shape of a roosting kestrel. 

   Two of the boxes had been excavated clean by starlings and we added white pine bedding to them. Most boxes held pellets of mouse remains and several had bird remains, including one with bluebird feathers.

    Many locations had kestrels, most were pairs. The boxes will be checked again during the second week of April. 
    
    This concludes a very condensed report (for me). I will report on winter-killed bluebirds later. 

    Raptor on,   Dick Tuttle

Alum Creek Platform #1, Adult Male and "New" Female.

E-mail & photo from Jim Martin:

Dave:

I believe this is a better photo for your website. If you need anything else, just ask.

Observation Information:

Date: April 1, 2007

Time: 1003- 1131 Hours,

Skies: Heavy to Moderate Overcast,

Temperatures: 57°-60°,

Precipitation: Rain, stopping later,

Birds: Two adult Osprey, Cormorant flock, Two GBH, Kingfisher, C-Geese,

Observers: Dick Tuttle, Bob Bordan, several cars.

Activities: Nest Building.

Notes: Mike Maier examined his photos from 2006 and determined that last year's Female was definitely banded (silver). Therefore this is a different Female - His third mate is as many years.

Best Wishes,

Jim Martin.