By: Reese Lukei Jr., Board Member, Back Bay NWR Society
Osprey nest check to determine age of nestlings in order to estimate possible date(s) to band nestlings.
The weather is normally a determinate factor in this type of engagement, and today was normal – sort of. We already decided to just inspect the 4 active nests (per May 7 survey) in the northern part of Back Bay in order to gage the age of Osprey nestlings, because of weather concerns. The East winds added another element to our journey today since the water level in Back Bay is wind related and not lunar influenced. East winds yesterday and ongoing this morning meant shallow water for us. Boat Captain Doug Miller did his best to trim the motor depth, but we still bottom bumped our way to the 4 northern Osprey platforms. We would have never reached the southern Osprey nests. Good thing we didn’t try.
Here are the mixed results from today:
3 eggs: Nest #20 (OW# 7430) – still has 3 eggs with no “pipping” so not immediately ready to hatch Failed: Nest #P1 (OW# 7161) – Had 3 eggs on May 7 but today the nest was empty – (C. Freeman photo) 3 nestlings: Nest #P2 (OW# 441)- Had 3 eggs on May 7 and today has 3 nestlings 7 to 10 days old 2 nestlings: Nest #P3 (OW# 7162) – Had 2 eggs on May 7 and today has 2 nestlings 3 to 4 days old
Based upon the 30-40 day of nestling age window to band, the last week of June (22-27) should be our target dates to band these chicks. A second banding trip may be necessary since some eggs have not yet hatched.
Osprey platform survey May 27, 2025
Posted: May 12, 2025 by Back Bay NWR Society
By: Reese Lukei Jr., Board Member, Back Bay NWR Society
Osprey nest check to determine age of nestlings in order to estimate possible date(s) to band nestlings.
The weather is normally a determinate factor in this type of engagement, and today was normal – sort of. We already decided to just inspect the 4 active nests (per May 7 survey) in the northern part of Back Bay in order to gage the age of Osprey nestlings, because of weather concerns. The East winds added another element to our journey today since the water level in Back Bay is wind related and not lunar influenced. East winds yesterday and ongoing this morning meant shallow water for us. Boat Captain Doug Miller did his best to trim the motor depth, but we still bottom bumped our way to the 4 northern Osprey platforms. We would have never reached the southern Osprey nests. Good thing we didn’t try.
Here are the mixed results from today:
3 eggs: Nest #20 (OW# 7430) – still has 3 eggs with no “pipping” so not immediately ready to hatch
Failed: Nest #P1 (OW# 7161) – Had 3 eggs on May 7 but today the nest was empty – (C. Freeman photo)
3 nestlings: Nest #P2 (OW# 441)- Had 3 eggs on May 7 and today has 3 nestlings 7 to 10 days old
2 nestlings: Nest #P3 (OW# 7162) – Had 2 eggs on May 7 and today has 2 nestlings 3 to 4 days old
Based upon the 30-40 day of nestling age window to band, the last week of June (22-27) should be our target dates to band these chicks. A second banding trip may be necessary since some eggs have not yet hatched.
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