First Osprey Chick Greets The World At Friends Of Island Beach Osprey Cam

Bay the osprey sat patiently on her nest, through chilly weather, rain and thunderstorms, keeping her eggs warm through it all.

Today she was rewarded when a chick broke through one of the cream-colored shells and greeted the world for the first time. Bay and Bandit will take turns guarding the little one. Bandit will make sure they have enough to eat and fend off predators.

Bay laid three eggs this spring. Unfortunately she pushed one to the edge of the next recently, which means it probably was unviable. But there's still one egg left to hatch.

2013 was the banner year. Four fledglings emerged from the eggs and all four survived. The story was different in 2014, when the male bird disappeared. But Bandit appeared shortly after and Bay accepted him.

Osprey have typically returned to Island Beach in late March, after spending the winter in South America.And you can watch the whole process unfold on the Pete McClain Osprey Cam.

It costs roughly $5,000 a year to maintain the camera and its infrastructure, an expensive venture.
Unfortunately, the infrared that allows night viewing is out. Donations for the camera system allows the Friends of Island Beach State Park to keep the camera running. If you enjoy watching Bay and Bandit and eventually their chicks, please consider making a donation.

You can view the osprey cam here: https://www.friendsofibsp.org/live-cams/osprey-cam/

Please consider making a donation to keep the cam operating here: https://www.facebook.com/FriendsofIslandBeach/…/18015191938/

Image: Carol Craig, Friends of Island Beach State Park