COLUMBUS, OH Osprey Nest ~ 2016-2017

Johnisaly · **Posted:** Thu Jun 09, 2016 12:19 am

We have a new Columbus, Ohio Osprey mating pair who are currently on baby watch of 3 eggs on top of the ABC6/Fox28 TV transmission tower located at 1261 Dublin Road, Columbus, OH 43215. The location is 3.25 miles WNW of the Ohio Statehouse.

The webcam sometimes pans around to show live shots of the downtown skyline, approaching weather fronts, dusk/dawn shots, etc. This is especially true for an hour or so before & during regularly scheduled TV newscasts. But 80% of the time the cam is zeroed in on the nest.

The eggs were laid on May 6-12, 2016.

Here is the link to the webcam:

Beth · **Posted:** Thu Jun 09, 2016 12:45 pm

Thanks for posting the link Johnisaly...

I have been watching this nest.

6/9 pics...added some greenery today :)

SWINWK · **Joined:** Wed Jan 02, 2013 9:41 am **Posts:** 12732

The flashing red light close to the nest is a surprise! But, maybe the owls will stay away from this nest! :flirty:

SWINWK · **Joined:** Wed Jan 02, 2013 9:41 am **Posts:** 12732

The red osprey just had a nest exchange! Saw the 3 eggs. :15heartbeat:

SWINWK · **Joined:** Wed Jan 02, 2013 9:41 am **Posts:** 12732

Just saw this, so I guess they could care less that a red light is flashing next to them! :teehee:

Like other birds investigated raptors do also have coloured oil droplets in their cones.[51][52][57] The generally brown, grey and white plumage of this group, and the absence of colour displays in courtship suggests that colour is relatively unimportant to these birds.

Johnisaly · **Posted:** Mon Jun 13, 2016 3:30 am

That is good news. When the eggs do hatch, I was anticipating 3 little babies with pulsating red eyes. Even though color supposedly does not affect them, I would think that sitting there in front of a flashing light of any (or no) color, for hours on end, would drive them bonkers.

As you said, hopefully that light will keep the owls away. In addition to owls, there are also some bald eagles within range of this nest that may be looking for an easy meal. But unfortunately during daylight hours, the flashing light will not scare away any predators.

Beth · **Posted:** Mon Jun 13, 2016 5:13 pm

6/13
I keep checking each day (several times) for any pips...
Not seeing anything.

Lets hope the 1-3 eggs hatch, or this could be a trial run for this 2016 young couple.
>maybe the eggs are not viable or not fertilized...

Johnisaly · **Posted:** Mon Jun 13, 2016 8:54 pm

Beth wrote:

I keep checking each day (several times) for any pips...
Not seeing anything....

Ditto on that.

I don’t have a clue, but I read somewhere that Osprey incubation is 32-42 days, with an average of 38 days. Can anyone confirm if that is correct or not?

Today is day 38 for egg #1.

SWINWK · **Joined:** Wed Jan 02, 2013 9:41 am **Posts:** 12732

Cornell says 36-42, although the first number can vary slightly downward depending on the source. The UK osprey project says 35-42.

SWINWK · **Joined:** Wed Jan 02, 2013 9:41 am **Posts:** 12732

Hoping someone captures a video of our Red Light Nest in action! :flirty:

SWINWK · **Joined:** Wed Jan 02, 2013 9:41 am **Posts:** 12732

Must be close to time for the news, the cam is showing downtown. :girlsad3:

The webcam sometimes pans around to show live shots of the downtown skyline, approaching weather fronts, dusk/dawn shots, etc. This is especially true for an hour or so before & during regularly scheduled TV newscasts. But 80% of the time the cam is zeroed in on the nest.

Johnisaly · **Posted:** Thu Jun 16, 2016 12:00 am

SWINWK wrote:

Hoping someone captures a video of our Red Light Nest in action!

We should name the adults Scarlett and Red or possibly Rhedd!

Wish I could post video but I don’t have a clue how to do it. Sorry.

SWINWK wrote:

Must be close to time for the news, the cam is showing downtown.

We had a big storm front blow in tonight so the pesky weatherman had the cam pointed at its approach most of the evening. The cam went back to the nest about midnight. They got drenched, but they are drying off nicely now.