Osprey Live Stream, Stockton, Missouri
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Liberty Utilities Co. and Mid Central Contractors invite you to join us in celebrating the return of osprey to Stockton Lake. Enjoy this brief peek into the lives of this osprey family! But, please be aware, at times, nature can be difficult to watch.
On February 24, 2015, Liberty Utilities Co. moved the osprey nest from one of our transmission towers to this newly built nesting box. The pair had a nest burn in the previous summer after coming in contact with an energized electric line. The fire also did damage to the transmission tower and line, interrupting electric service. This new home for the pair of osprey is meant to be a safe nesting alternative while also increasing service reliability for Liberty Utilities customers. Click here to view photos of the installation of the nesting platform.
Above is a live stream of the nesting box. The box is approximately 4-feet by 4-feet and approximately 70-feet high. Although the power lines are visible in the background, the nesting box is approximately 50 feet away from the power lines. This nest also has night vision provided by infrared light illumination. Birds and humans cannot see infrared light, so the osprey are not bothered at night by the infrared light illumination. The cameras are powered by two solar panels. If there are several days in a row of overcast skies, the camera may run out of battery backup. But, once the sun returns, the camera will be operational again.
Note to viewer: Images presented on this live stream are the property of the Liberty Utilities Co. and may be used for educational and non-commercial purposes. Images may not be sold.
About Ospreys
Osprey are uncommon statewide, most are spring and fall migrants but a few nest here. Ospreys are up to 24 inches long, with a 5- to 6-foot wingspan. They are midway between eagle size and large hawk size.
They eat almost exclusively fish they have caught, including carp, catfish, perch, shad and suckers. Also called “fish hawks” or “fish eagles,” osprey usually fly back and forth over—and 50 to 200 feet above—the water while searching for fish. When an osprey spies a fish, it hovers a moment before diving and plunging into the water feet first. Often it will completely submerge except for the wings.
Osprey reach maturity at age 3 or 4 and usually nest near water on a tall structure, such as a tree or rocky bluff. Like bald eagles, they generally mate for life. Nests are built of sticks and miscellaneous other materials. Two to four eggs are produced and hatch in about 5 weeks. The chicks fledge after about 9 weeks. Both parents care for the young. Osprey live about 7-10 years but have been known to live for 25.
(Source: Missouri Department of Conservation)
For more information about osprey, visit the Missouri Department of Conservation website here.
Comments 1,941
Hooray! Our Ospreys are back 3/15/21.
Haven’t seen the Ospreys lately just crows. Have they left the area?
Osprey on the nest at 15:34 on Tuesday, 9-8-20. We go to Stockton Lake quite a bit and usually see them around at least until the end of October.
Thank you Becky.
It appears the crows are taking over the nest.
Well, the nest was briefly empty at least twice today (Monday). Sort of sad, but meant to be.
Only one left now….not even Mom or Dad to keep it company at the moment 🙁
Well, as soon as this posted, a parent showed up with a fish to share. 🙂
I keep seeing what I think is the youngest in the nest. Has he not flown yet?
Not yet, but one of these days.
I see it looks like one has fledged. Only 2 on the nest. They grow up so fast.
One of the youngsters up on the perch…..getting braver
Its July 1. So good to see the babies are still doing so well even after all the storms and heavy rain! Excellent parents here!
It’s so sweet to see Mom and Dad trying to provide shade on this hot day.
Well it looks like #3 is doing well. So happy. I was worried because he was so little compared to the older 2. Looks like he’s catching up .
It’s so great to see mom with her babies this year! I sure missed seeing them last year!
6/4/20…Thursday….Dad fed the youngest while the other two slept and Mom was preening. This was a little before 10am.
The little one smack dab between the two older ones and still getting its share of supper…….Yay!
Great!!
The 3rd chick is so little. Sure am hoping he makes it. What happened to the 4th that was lost?
One of the parents carried it off after it died…….
Praying and pulling for the little one, too!!
To the powers that be…..I am wondering if there are any other options available
for the time lapse that might be a more continuous feed and that has a slower speed option?
Thank you!
I use the pause and the .5 speed when searching for things, but it is still very difficult to see detailed segments…. Thanks….
I agree Gail. The timelapse is very difficult and time consuming with less than optimal results.