15 June 2022
I was always cautious about watching the Cowlitz PUD Osprey nest after the death of the chicks last year due to the extreme heat, siblicide, and starvation. Tonight as I was listening to Ferris Akel’s tour of the Cornell Campus to see Big Red, Arthur, and the Ls, I received word from ‘C’ that an Eagle had taken a chick at Cowlitz. That was only a few minutes ago so it was approximately 1630-1700 nest time.
We must always keep in mind that intruders can, ultimately, be deadly. We have seen this too much in the last weeks. The parents have to protect their territory and if they leave the nest, anything can happen. Additionally, they are not able to hunt or fish. Chicks starve. Siblicide occurs. It is an extremely viscous circle.
This year there were three healthy fat little osplets on this nest. The mother was busy feeding them a fresh fish when the intruder flew over head. She flew off the nest.
This is just so sad. Here is the event as it unfolded.
Thank you ‘C’ for writing to me immediately.
Thank you to the Cowlitz PUD Osprey cam where I took my screen captures and video clip.
I was looking forward to seeing them all bigger this year since they were sad nests the year before last and last year. Especially the middle one was the kindest and my favorite. I am very sad.
I am, too. This nest was doing so well this year compared to previous. This is especially troubling since the eagle knows that it can cause the Mum to fly off nest then it can grab a chick. I hope that the nest does not lose anymore though. Check to see if it is the middle one gone. I thought the small one was to Mum’s left during the feeding, Middle to the right and Big at the back. Akane, this year seems to be troubled by intruders.
It turned out just as Mary Ann said.
Troubling results… I am very sad.
My condolences to all involved with Cowlitz Osprey.
How sad for Electra…. May no more sad things happen in any nest 🙏.
Akane, I think we are all numb. It is truly catastrophic. Electra had a horrible year in 2021 because of the heat – . And now this. I cannot imagine how she feels. Like you, I just pray that the troubles are over.