A Lesson in Persistence and Perseverance

There are probably many lessons to be learned from wildlife, but one that comes to mind is of persistence and perseverance by a pair of Osprey that chose to nest on my street. Located a couple of blocks East of our home is a pond of sorts with a stand of dead pine trees. I began observing (generally on my way to work) the busy work of nest building in preparation of their expected young. Based on photo dates, this process began in April and all-in-all it seemed to be a fairly speedy process and they were soon finished with the nest. Not long thereafter, we had some very windy weather and the following day on my way to work, I saw that the tree top had snapped and the nest had fallen. On a nearby tree sat one of the Osprey and I could only imagine the dismay, frustration and maybe even sadness it felt. I wondered if there had been any eggs laid yet and felt sure if the birds were to try again, they would hopefully move to an entirely different location. However, much to my surprise I soon witnessed new construction on a nearby tree. I felt a sense of happiness, but at the same time, wondered if they were making a big mistake. All of the trees in the pond were dead and they could very likely lose their nest to wind again, especially since we were moving into the hurricane season. Pretty soon, the new nest was complete and they begin the business of settling in and tending to their eggs. Eventually, the eggs hatched and we would later learn there were 3 chicks. Because the nest was so high up, you really couldn’t see into the nest to see the eggs or the chicks. I only learned there were 3 chicks because once again, the nest was blown down by high winds on June 27. That evening, the entire island lost power due to the downing of two power poles in the bay caused by a waterspout. It was heart wrenching to once again see the parent birds perched on nearby trees and again I could only imagine what they were thinking and feeling. Over the course of several days a group of folks from the Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve, the National Audubon Society and some locals, banded together to retrieve the nest and chicks and build a platform for the nest.  The remnants of the nest were placed on the platform and two of the chicks were returned to the nest.  One of the chicks was injured and is being nursed back to health rather than being returned to the nest.  It was reported that in no time the parents came back to the nest and are happily still rearing their young. I am now able to see the chicks because they are getting up in size and are hanging out on the edge of the nest. Soon they will be learning to fly on their own and hopefully, the nest will last to welcome a new family next year.

Beginning of 2nd Nest.  The Original Was to the Right of This One.

A Start

One Standing Guard and One Going in Search of More Building Material

Deja Vu?



Let's Not Sing that Rock-A-Bye Baby In the Treetop Song Anymore.

 

I Sure Hope Our Wind Coverage Was Paid Up!



Finished Again

Man Made "Tree"

A Little Weird Kids, But I Think We Will Like It.

 

There Sure Are A Lot Of People Stopping By To See Us Lately.

  

And Over There Kids Is Where Your First and Second Homes Were.



Let Me Tell You The Story of Our Efforts to Get you Here Little Chicks.......

At Ease