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Blog #478 Shhh! Do Not Disturb

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  An intense intruder chase, courtesy of Coleman Sheehy Jr. Both male and female Ospreys defend their nests if disturbed to ensure the survival of their eggs and chicks. At the Salt Point Natural Area and elsewhere around Cayuga Lake, breeding Ospreys can be observed chasing avian intruders away from their nests, often in dramatic chases. If you have been watching the  Salt Point Osprey Nest Cam 2025 Live   you may have seen homeless Osprey intruders flying by the nest to the consternation of Ursula and Orpheus. Unmated intruders, both young and old, who have not found nesting sites and mates for a variety of reasons and are looking for openings in existing sites. They fly about the colony, inspecting the nests for lost mates and harassing nests with weak, older birds hoping to displace them in a fight. Ophelia, Orpheus’s faithful mate of ten years and mother of 27 of his fledglings, was replaced in 2022. Ophelia arrived at her nest four  days after Orpheus and was m...
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Blog #477 Spring Arrival

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  Ursula (top) and Orpheus reestablishing their mating bonds, courtesy of  Cindy Sedlacek. Spring arrived tenuously in the Finger Lakes in late March as Ospreys returned from their arduous 3–5-thousand miles spring migrations exhausted, hungry, and looking for their nests. Ospreys migrate as individuals but reestablish their colonies as soon as they reach their breeding grounds. Hundreds of Ospreys settle into their nests and begin refurbishing their homes with fresh branches and twigs. By May most nests will be reclaimed, and new nests will extend north toward Lake Ontario and east and west of Cayuga Lake. A  successful female hunts over the lake near Stewart Park, courtesy of  Cindy Sedlacek. The strong tendency of Ospreys, males especially, to return to breed in or near their birth nests is referred to as philopatry. Female Ospreys also demonstrate philopatry, but if nest sites in the area are limited, she may look elsewhere for other populations to join. By ...
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Blog #476: Ospreys Over Cayuga Lake

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  A fledgling, born in May 2024, flying gracefully over Cayuga Lake. Ospreys Over Cayuga Lake I n the morning light, they soar so high, Ospreys dance across the sky. With wings outstretched, they glide with grace, Guardians of this tranquil place. Their keen eyes scan the waters blue, For fish that swim in depths they knew. With talons sharp, they dive and break, The mirrored calm of Cayuga Lake. Nests perched high in trees so grand, Ospreys watch over the land. From Montezuma to the shore, Their presence speaks of nature’s lore. In the evening glow, they rest their wings, As twilight’s songbird softly sings. Ospreys, symbols of the wild, In Cayuga’s heart, forever styled. —created by AI A nice poem for a machine
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Blog #475 The Critical Post-fledging Period

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  O’Leary takes off from his favorite perch, courtesy of Cindy Sedlacek. Like going to school for the first time, the fledgling youngsters from Salt Point are being exposed to a whole new world beyond the nest. The 30-40-day post-fledging period, which runs from fledging until each bird migrates, is spent honing the life skills necessary for survival. First migrations are journeys of unknowns, hunger, and hazards that test the fledgling’s will and ability to survive. It is vital that each young bird starts her migration in the best physical and behavioral condition possible. Laying down enough fuel in the form of fat is essential for a sucesful migration. Departing on migration underweight and in poor condition is usually fatal. Newly fledged Ospreys exhibit only modest control as they beat their wings continuously to stay in flight. Gaining altitude can be as problematic as steering. The youngsters stay close to the nest for their first week before venturing farther. As their conf...
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