RE: Alum Creek Fish Kill - answer from Donna

E-Mail from Donna Daniel to Jim Martin's Question about the fish kill:

Hi Jim,

The spill poses no danger to the osprey. The fish are dying from oxygen deprivation. Even if fish in the immediate area of the platforms were to be affected the osprey still have the ability to forage elsewhere.

Donna

Re: Alum Creek Fish Kill - Question SECOND ARTICLE

E-mail from Jim Martin:

Here is a second article. In this article the estimated number of fish killed is much greater

http://www.dispatch.com/dispatch/content/local_news/stories/2007/06/29/z-apoh_fishkill_0629.ART_ART_06-29-07_B7_SO75KMT.html

Alum Creek Fish Kill - Question

Here is a E-mail and map sent to Dave Sherman and Donna Daniel From ODNR:

Dave and Donna:

Here is the link to the article discussing the 30,000 fish kill at Alum Creek's - West Branch. The article is the second one on the page.

The Link to the Delaware Gazette no longer good. (Frank)

http://www.delgazette.com/local.asp

I attached a map that shows the affected area. The distance to the Delaware Osprey site is about 7 miles to the Northwest. The distance to the Alum Creek Osprey Site is about 5 miles South. The attached map shows the Delaware and Alum Creek sites in relation to the where the fish kill occurred.

Are there any concern regarding the Osprey sites? Food?

Jim Martin

Alum Creek - Platform #1: June 2007 Update

E-mail and photo from Jim Martin:

Hello Fellow Naturalists & Conservationists:

Attached is a photo that shows the two adult Osprey with their two healthy youngsters. The two have grown significantly since my last update of a few weeks ago. A high Resolution photo is available for the asking - just RSVP.

It was a very hot afternoon for the little guys and the female spread her wings over the kids to protect them from the heat of the day. It was about 90° with a small breeze under mostly sunny skies on June 27, 2007. The female flew into the water to cool off for a few mins. as the male took over nest duties. They adults seem to feed the kids constantly at this stage of their development.

Platform #4, with it's three youngsters is also doing very well too.

Banding of the Alum Creek five babies will take place on July 3rd in the morning.

Best Wishes, Jim Martin.

PUBLIC INVITED TO OSPREY BANDING - News Release

News Release:

Go to: http://www.ohiodnr.com/wildlife/News/ospreydistrictone.htm


PUBLIC INVITED TO OSPREY BANDING
Osprey chicks to be banded at Alum Creek Lake

COLUMBUS , OH – Five osprey chicks at Alum Creek Lake in Delaware County will be banded at 9:00 am on Tuesday, July 3rd, allowing the public a close-up look at this state endangered species, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife.

Wildlife biologists will retrieve the osprey chicks from their nests on platforms in Alum Creek Lake and bring them to shore where the public may observe the banding process. The “fish hawks” will be given a brief health examination and be fitted with metal leg bands that will be used to identify them in the future. Once the banding is complete, the chicks will be returned safely to their nests.

To reach the site, go north from Columbus on Interstate-71 to the US-36 / OH-37 Exit. Turn west onto US-36 / OH-37 and proceed about a half a mile. Turn right onto N. Three B’s and K Rd. and go a mile and a half. Turn left on Howard Rd. and after a half a mile, turn right on Hogback Rd. Attendees should meet at the State Park parking lot on the left side of the road located 1.7 miles north of Howard Rd. Download a map of Alum Creek State Park.

Osprey are a state endangered species and feed primarily on fish. Their adult wingspan measures over four feet. Prior to the ODNR Division of Wildlife’s reintroduction efforts, which began in 1996, the last ospreys hatched in Ohio were at Grand Lake Saint Marys in 1913. Last year at least 46 osprey nests produced 75 chicks statewide.

Osprey management in Ohio is paid for by donations to the Wildlife Diversity & Endangered Species Fund. The Fund is supported by sales of cardinal license plates. Plates can be obtained from any deputy registrar’s office, by visiting www.oplates.com, or by calling 1-888-PLATES3. Ohioans can also contribute to the Wildlife Diversity & Endangered Species Fund by checking the appropriate box on their Ohio income tax return form or by visiting the Division of Wildlife’s web site at www.wildohio.com.

Directions:
Go north from Columbus on Interstate-71 to the US-36 / OH-37 Exit. Turn west onto US-36 / OH-37 and proceed about a half a mile. Turn right onto N. Three B’s and K Rd. and go a mile and a half. Turn left on Howard Rd. and after a half a mile, turn right on Hogback Rd. Attendees should meet at the State Park parking lot on the left side of the road located 1.7 miles north of Howard Rd.

Parking Map for the Osprey Banding (PDF)

Osprey Nestling Count - Tuttle (& correction)

2 E-mails from Dick Tuttle with correction:

Hello Everyone,

Here is a count of Delaware County's Osprey nestlings:

Delaware Lake nest:
One nestling. Confirmed and observed on 15 June from 1935 - 2020 and on 22 June from 1435 - 1507.

Alum Creek Lake
Platform No. One: Two nestlings
Platform No. Four: Three nestlings

Hoover Reservoir nest:
One nestling
I easily counted two nestlings on 10 June 2007.
I observed only one nestling on 22 June 2007 between 1946 - 2025, and again on 23 June between 0830 - 0852. This is the first time that a decrease in nestlings has occurred since the first Delaware County nest in 2001. Of course, I hope that I am mistaken but feeding took place both times, and a second nestling did not show.

Seven Osprey nestlings among four nests appear to be thriving and growing toward fledging.

Raptor on, Dick

Correction to last Osprey email - Tuttle (6/24/07 at 8:o7 AM

Hello Everyone,

In yesterday's email, I mistakenly mentioned that the Hoover nest was "the first time that a decrease in nestlings has occurred since the first Delaware County nest in 2001." Apparently, I have been out in the sun too long. What I meant was it was the first time that a nest remained active after the number of nestlings decreased. Of course, some extremely young nestlings most likely have been lost in past years, and since they were never seen to be counted, the actual hatch remains unknown. An example would be this year's Delaware Lake nest where only one nestling is found. Most likely, the Delaware Lake nestling had siblings or possible siblings that never hatched. We will never know.

A young pair of Ospreys nested on Platform No. Three at Alum Creek in 2005 and were the latest Osprey family in Ohio that year. They had a nasty habit of leaving their nest unattended. Early on the morning of July 15, either a Great Horned Owl or a Bald Eagle carried off the nestlings. The young Osprey parents were subsequently cured of leaving their nest unattended. This was an event that abruptly changed the tally from two to zero.

I would guess that most nest deaths are slow and drawn out and are the result of many factors, especially among raptors. Always think positive and hope for the best.

Raptor on, Dick Tuttle

June 20 - 21- Kestrel and Prothonotary Updates - Tuttle

E-Mail and Photos Dick Tuttle:

Hello Everyone,
Here are some updates.

AMERICAN KESTRELS: 21 June 2007 - Dick Phillips and I checked ten of 18 American Kestrel nest boxes to band four families and to confirm the status of six families over due to fledge.

While attaching U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service bands to the young falcons, what remained of one nestling was found in a box as the other nestlings showed signs of being undernourished. Nestling kestrels will consume a sibling's remains when food is in short supply. Perhaps, this nest has only one parent, or young parents, or the habitat lacks adequate prey. Nestlings in other boxes were vigorous and nasty as they lay on their backs and tried to bite and grab. Of course, that's what wild animals are supposed to do.

Six boxes were found to be empty, revealing that Delaware County has 27 new kestrels. In fact, at Box No. 15 that Frank Germann has been following with his lenses, we watched five falcons in the air at once, and we heard one chirp from the waist-high corn.

Presently, 32 nestlings are scattered among eight other boxes while two additional boxes hold three and four eggs, respectively. So far, 2007 is a good year for the American Kestrel in Delaware County.

PROTHONOTARY WARBLER NEST JARS ALONG ALUM CREEK. 20 June 2007 - Early Wednesday morning I launched my canoe from the Kilbourne parking lot along Rt. 521. I used a Kayak paddle to propel my stable craft and checked ten pairs of nest jars along a one-mile stretch of Alum Creek and Alum Creek Lake.

I found that three warblers had fledged from Jar No. 8. Later, I banded five Prothonotaries from the last jar on the lake located at least 300 yards south of Osprey Platform No. One. The nestling warblers appeared to be six days old, which fits my observations of parents feeding on June 14. With a nestling period of only 11 days, they are due to fledge on June 25 - 26.

To see them from Hogback Road, you will need a spotting scope. That said, the golden swamp warblers put on a good show as both parents visit their nest every five minutes or so.

A family of Tree Swallows also fledged on time from Nest Jar No. 15, which proves that well ventilated nest jars are safe for their tenants, even during ninety-degree weather. But, of course, I had placed the jars where they are shaded for most the day, especially during the afternoon.

Raptor and Warbler on, Dick Tuttle

June 20, 2007 Osprey Progress Report - Alum Creek PLatform #4

E-mail and photo from Jim Martin:

Hello Fellow Conservationists & Naturalists:

It has been about one month since my last update. The growth of the three youngsters on platform #4 along Hogback Rd. - Alum Creek has been astonishing - as the attached photo shows. Both parent Osprey each had a fish in the nest and the little one's appetites equaled the available breakfast.

The two babies on platform #1 have also grown, but are quite smaller that those on #4. The parents were also feeding the two on platform #1.

All is well at both platforms.

Enjoy and best wishes,
Jim Martin.

2 Young on Nest #1 and 3 on #4 can be seen!

You can now see the young on both of the nests on Hogback Road with binoculars.

The 3 on #4 have tripled their size since they hatched. The pair on #1 can be seen while feeding.

Frank Germann

13 June 2007 - American Kestrel Update - Tuttl

E-mail from Dick Tuttle, Some photos by Dick Phillips and
some from Frank Germann by
Going Here

KestrelPics607

Hello Everyone,

Dick Phillips and I monitored seven or our 18 American Kestrel roadside nest boxes and were pleasantly surprised to find our sixteenth active nest. A male falcon had been seen at the site since May 2 and he finally attracted a mate. Today, a female kestrel flushed as we prepared the ladder for the climb up the electric pole. The nest chamber sheltered three chocolate speckled eggs with one much lighter than the other two, indicating a completed clutch.

For now, only two of the sixteen nests have eggs. Of 14 nests with young, we have attached leg bands to ten families and four boxes hold nestlings younger than 13 days, too small to be sexed with certainty. Females show brown wing feathers, and males have slate-colored wings.

Five of the families are old enough to fledge and will be fed by parents for 12 -14 days once they leave the nest. Sometimes, fledglings return to the shelter of their natal site for up to 12 days according to The Birds of North America, Species Profile No. 602, by John A. Smallwood and David M. Bird. We found no starling eggs in two kestrel-free nest boxes since European Starlings do not lay eggs after the first week in June.

We are noticing more poles with scratches left behind by raccoons trying to climb to the nest boxes. June is the time when masked mothers lead their adolescent gangs on nightly food-gathering adventures. Too bad for them that 20 inches of aluminum flashing stops their ascents just short of our kestrel families. Unfortunately, the beginnings of a drought are making it harder for raccoons to find food, which makes them desperate and bold.

Next week, we will begin checking nest boxes that have launched their tenants. We will check for nestling remains and possible second nesting attempts. Hopefully, all stories will have happy endings, but today, one family of five had several smaller members that appeared stressed, possibly from the heat.

For now, we are amazed that North America's smallest falcon has accepted sixteen of eighteen nest boxes. An occupancy rate of 87% is something to be excited about.

Raptor on, Dick Tuttle

TM & WP relaxing & Other Pixs - Jim White

E-mail and photos from Jim White, 6/14/2007, Thursday afternoon.

• Warrior Princess with the chick. Platform 1, Hogback Rd. TM was on the perch the whole time, preening, and watching the area. 3:00 pm.
• Great Blue Heron at Hogback Road. Located near the empty osprey platform. 4:30 pm.
• TM & WP relaxing at the nest. 1 chick was seen in the nest. Looks like they need to do some maintenance with those sticks.

7 June 2007 - PROW nest jars along Alum Creek - Tuttle

E-mail and 2 photos of nests from Dick Tuttle.
Photo of Prothonotary with inch worm for the young by Frank Germann.

Hello Everyone,

The lake was angry, my friend, as I launched my canoe from Hogback Road to check ten pairs of Prothonotary Warbler nest jars along a one-mile stretch of lake shore and creek bank. The lake crossing was exciting and challenging since I had to battle a stiff wind from the southwest in order to reach my first set of jars along the calm waters of the shelter shore. There, I found my prize, a flash of yellow as a female warbler flushed from her nest of five eggs. Using known incubation periods of 12 - 14 days and an unknown first egg date, the eggs are expected to hatch between June 14 - 19, then the parents will put on quite a show as they feed their growing family.

I am extremely careful not to jar the jars as I glide to the poles. There, I snap carabiners together to tie my canoe seat to the pole.

Two stops later, I found five healthy Tree Swallows seven days old in the third set of jars located along the north shore of Willow Island at the creek mouth. Those of us that watch the Osprey family on platform No. One, also watch the swallows squeeze in and out of their nest jar when the Ospreys are not putting on a show.

Once on the creek itself, I found a very hyper male warbler singing while claiming two sets of jars. So far, he has yet to find a mate. A house wren has also failed to find a mate in another location along a smaller feeder creek to the west of Alum Creek.

The last pair of jars holds another prize, three hatched warblers. Unfortunately, two eggs from this nest did not hatch. The nestlings' primary wing feathers were still in their sheaths, making the young four or five days old according to the Birds of North America, Species Profile No. 408, by Lisa J. Petit. Therefore, after a short nestling period of only 11 days, the family is expected to fledge June 13. A buckeye tree and a large grapevine wait to conceal them once they make their first fluttering flight. Good luck warblers!

So far, my effort to provide nesting opportunities for PROW at Alum Creek has been worth it. The birds have accepted my offer and I have talked to several boating "units" of kayakers and canoeists that have mentioned seeing "little yellow birds" flying from the jars. Colorful nesting birds are part of the adventure along Alum Creek.

Warbler on, Dick Tuttle

two lively osprey chicks up here in Knox Co.

E-mail and photos from Jon Minard:

Frank, Just found your site. I know Jim and Dick well from watching bald eagles around the area. I thought you might want to know that I have two lively osprey chicks up here in Knox Co. on the cornfield pole at Kokosing Lake. The other lakeside pole is barren. I watched the pole tonight to see exactly how many I had and was rewarded by seeing the little guys move around for the first time. They hatched out May 19th. I also have six bald eagle chicks in the county. One, at Brinkhaven has already fledged.

Hogback is always a must for me when in the area. Thanks for a great site. A friend of mine in Greenville., Pa. watches an osprey nest on a yard light tower at the B&LE RR yard in town!

Photos: Jim White -6/7/2007

E-mail and photos from Jim White:

Double Crested Cormorants. Near the nest 4 area.

and

Female feeding the young Osprey. They had a large fish in the nest.

Stork Visits Nest #1 on Hogback Road!

Looks like TM (Transmitting Male) and WP (Warrior Princess) have at least two young. Better late then never!

Dick Tuttle observed nest #1 for the last three evenings. Thursday night he observed the female feeding into the nest cup in two locations. She still seems to be setting tight, maybe another egg?

The other three nests in the county hatched young on their guesstimated dates. Nest #1 should have hatched about May 29th. Should see little bald heads in about a week.

Nest #4 young are real easy to see, they are growing like weeds. Should also be able to see the young at Hoover and St. Rt. 229 by now.

Let me know about your observations.

Frank Germann

A Few Photos This Week

Here are a few photos taken this week.

Frank Germann

30 May 2007 - AMKE update - Tuttle

E-mail and photos from Dick Tuttle:

30 May 2007 - American Kestrel Update - Tuttle

Hello Everyone,

Dick Phillips and I monitored 18 American Kestrel nest boxes hanging from electric poles and found an additional kestrel nest since our last visit, raising the number of active nests to 15. The new nest has three eggs of the same hue, and since the last egg of a clutch is the lightest in color, one or more eggs are expected.

Presently, five nests hold eggs and ten have nestlings. We have placed U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service aluminum leg bands on six families. Between 13 and 24 days, nestlings can be banded without fear that they will fledge early. Also, at 13 days, a kestrel nestling can be sexed; females have brown primary wing feathers and the wings of males are slate-colored. It is best for bird banders to handle nestlings at the younger end of the age spectrum when the youngsters lack the coordination and aggressive behaviors to slash and jab at their handlers. Sharp talons are always there but the younger nestlings are passive and lack the muscle to make them work. Good record keeping makes it possible to band the birds on time.

During a kestrel banding in the mid-1990's, we put a family of nestlings in a bucket and were horrified as the youngsters started to grab each other in a panic. One bird had a set of talons on its head with a curved claw very close to its eye. We quickly separated the siblings to avoid any harm having learned to never put your falcons in the same basket! Soon after, I made a carrier from plans in a bird-banding journal. The carrier has six chambers made of one-half gallon orange juice cartons. The youngsters are separated as they are carried to and from their nest. Dick Phillips usually transports the birds as I prepare the bands and paper work on the ground.

As the nestlings are returned to their nest box, one is placed in each corner before the remaining members are delivered to the center of their nest. By that time, they are on their backs jabbing at the handler's hand. They are such sweet creatures.

After hatching begins, we band nestlings each week until the entire nestling population wears leg bands. Banding marks the last visit for each nest box until all the families have flown, then we plan one final inspection for the year's tally.

Since the first kestrels were banded in 1995, alert citizens have reported four dead banded kestrels to the Bird Banding Laboratory (1-800-327-BAND), sometimes with the help of the Ohio Division of Wildlife. One banded fledgling was found near its nest box, and three others died during their first winter, the farthest 48 miles away. A bird's first year is its most extreme test.

Scratches on some of the poles show that raccoons have tried to climb to the nest boxes but the aluminum flashing has stopped them. So far, at least 68 eggs and young are striving to grow into new falcons for 2007. We gave Falco sparverius 18 good nest boxes and the species continues to accept the offer.

Raptor on, Dick Tuttle

BALD EAGLE BANDING OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

E-mail from Dick Tuttle from Donna Daniel, Ohio Department of Natural Resources.

Frank, 
    Here is the eagle banding news release.  Dick Tuttle

News Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 31, 2007

BALD EAGLE BANDING OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

COLUMBUS, OH – Bald eagle young will be banded at 9:00 a.m. June 7^th at the Big Island Wildlife Area in Marion County, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife. This event will be open to the public and offers the opportunity to see our national symbol up close.

A climbing team will set up at the nest tree, dubbed the Elgin Nest, at 9:00 a.m. They will then climb to the nest and retrieve the eaglet(s). While on the ground the eaglet(s) will be given a brief health examination and fitted with metal leg bands that will be used to identify the eagle in the future. Once the banding is complete the eaglet(s) will be returned safely to the nest.

Anyone attending should be advised that a short walk will be necessary to reach the event area so appropriate footwear is recommended as well as sunscreen and insect repellent. This event is also weather dependant; heavy rain, high winds or lightning would be cause for postponement.

Bald eagles are a state endangered species. In 1979 there were only 4 nesting pairs in the state. Through restoration efforts by the Division of Wildlife there are now at least 164 nests in the state.

“The Elgin Nest is a new eagle nest this year at the Big Island Wildlife Area and is a great place to view bald eagles,” said Dan Huss, district manager for the Division of Wildlife. “We hope many people are able to take advantage of this added opportunity to get an even closer look at an Ohio endangered species.”

The Big Island Wildlife Area is located five miles west of Marion on State Route 95. To reach the banding site, take State Route 95 heading west from Marion. Turn left (south) on State Route 203 and right (west) on LaRue-Prospect Road. The banding site is approximately one mile west of Elgin High School on LaRue-Prospect Road. Parking will be available in numerous lots along LaRue-Prospect Road. Look for Division of Wildlife staff.

Ohio’s Bald Eagle Management Program is funded by donations to the Endangered Species and Wildlife Diversity Fund. Individuals can contribute by checking the ODNR Division of Wildlife’s line on their Ohio State Income Tax Form and by purchasing a Wildlife Conservation license plate featuring the cardinal or bald eagle.

-30-

For Further Information Contact:

Dan Huss, ODNR Division of Wildlife

(614) 644-3925

or

Donna Daniel, Division of Wildlife

(614) 644-3925