Smith Mountain Lake State Park has been operating a live feed web camera of our Osprey nest for two years now. Three days ago, Saturday July 6, when the camera was re-set in the morning none of the chicks were on the nest. That afternoon park staff discovered two chicks on the ground below the nest. It’s unknown what prompted the chicks to leave; and all theories are just that, theories. It’s been speculated that private fireworks may have scared the birds but it’s also possible that they were attempting to fledge but were not ready. The third chick’s status is unknown still; park staff found no sign or evidence of the third chick on the ground and we continue to watch and be hopeful that the chick successfully fledged and is in the area.
The re-nesting team
The afternoon that the two chicks were discovered park staff contacted the Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center personnel and they transported the chicks to the Wildlife Center of Virginia, arriving the morning of July 7.
State Park staff and WCV staff stayed in close contact about the bird’s status and health. They received preliminary exams from SW VA Wildlife Center and were further examined and cared for by WCV. Earlier reports said that one of the chicks had a minor injury on their wing, possibly caused by a firework. Upon further exam at the WCV it is assumed that this injury was caused by the fall from nest and not necessarily consistent with a burn wound. The other chick had some cloudiness in one eye but that was determined to be relatively common and not of concern. Both chicks were about 2.2 kilograms, or close to five pounds. They received full workups from the WCV, which included blood work and being re-hydrated. They both also received leg bands with unique tracking numbers. The bands don’t have GPS tracking capabilities but if the birds are ever found their history can be tracked and if they return to the park next year we’ll be able to recognize them. Both chicks are close to fledging, their feather length is a little short still but they’re very close.
The nest is 30 feet off the ground and the park does not own a bucket truck
so getting up to the nest is always a big production
It was determined that the birds were in good health and a re-nesting attempt was the best option for the birds. Osprey typically don’t do well in captivity and due to the chick’s age their best option was to be returned to the nest and their parents. The parents of the chicks remained in the area of the nest, being spotted often by web viewers and also park staff when they were circling around the nest out of view of the camera. Because the parents were still in the area and active a re-nesting attempt was all the more feasible; and time sensitive.
Park staff and WCV continued to communicate and a plan was put into action. On the morning of July 9 four staff members from WCV drove the chicks from Waynesboro back to the park, arriving around 11:00 AM. In the meantime park staff rented a tow behind boom lift and mowed the immediate area around the nest for access. The lift was taken to the site that morning and when the birds arrived everyone was ready to go. Dr. Kristin Britton, Dr. Kelli Knight and Nate Clark went in the lift to the top of the nest. Fish were scattered in the nest so that they would have food available and the two chicks were placed back; at about 11:26 AM. The two chicks reacted very well to being taken home; neither acted startled or alarmed or made any movement to get away. The lift was quickly lowered so as to minimize human sight and contact. The chicks immediately began preening and vocalizing; a very good sign. The lift was lowered to the ground, personnel gathered equipment and loose items and left the area as soon as possible.
Another view
The mother Osprey was seen flying around the area within about 30 minutes, though out of view of the web camera. She circled several times and even landed on top of the camera. She came down to the nest to be reunited with the chicks at about 12:36 AM. Another Osprey, presumably dad, was also seen circling the area during this time. Since then the chicks have been eating the free buffet of fish and mom has resumed feeding them. We’ve seen no signs of rejection and it’s almost as if nothing happened, just a two day bad dream and now they’re back home!
This was a collaborative effort between the State Park, Wildlife Center of Virginia and Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center. It wouldn’t have been possible without the tireless work of all three parties. Personnel on hand from the State Park included; Nate Clark (Assistant Park Manager), Brian Heft (Park Manager) and Al Cire and Reed Stanley (District Resource Specialists). From the Wildlife Center of Virginia was Dr. Kristin Britton (Veterinary Intern), Dr. Kelli Knight (Certified Wildlife Rehabilitator), Rebecca Young (Rehabilitation Extern) and Jess Jimerson (Veterinary Tech Extern). Of course many others from all three organizations contributed to make this effort possible.
The Re-Nesting
It’s been a very eventful few days (and on top of that July 4th weekend at a busy State Park) and an eventful season on the web camera. We’ve seen an overwhelming positive and supportive response on the web cam chat page in recent days, and hope that will continue. We, at the State Park, do all we reasonably can to make this camera possible for you, the viewers. It’s a work in progress and hopefully will continue to a success story that we can share with the world. We’ve seen several requests to make donations in the past few days; if you’re so inclined please direct donations to the two non-profit organizations that helped in this effort, the Wildlife Center of Virginia and Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center.
Editor's note: One of our loyal webcam viewers posted an edited video from the feed of the re-nesting and return of mom to the nest. Check it out: