Folks, meet Danny. Danny is a very special Osprey because he is Jack & Wendy’s first offspring. Ever. You might remember Jack & Wendy, the very dysfunctional Osprey couple from earlier this spring:
Somehow though, Jack managed to pull it together in time and the couple have successfully turned their house into a real home for the first time ever with the addition of their first offspring: Danny.
Being such a special fish-mangling monster, Danny was smartly chosen to join a very elite group of Osprey on Barnegat Bay, and to become part of Project Red Band. Danny has been outfitted with a bright red auxiliary band, “76 C.” This distinctive, easy-to-read band will enable more sightings of Danny around LBI, on migrations, and throughout his entire fish-mangling life.
Danny should fledge and leave the nest by August, hanging around the North End of LBI until fall when he begins his epic migration to South America. So pack those binoculars whenever you head to the beach, and if you happen to see one of LBI’s very special Red Banded Osprey, be sure to report it. Become a Citizen Hero and join the effort to conserve our local animals. All from the comfort of your deck or beach chair.
Wanna’ know what I love best about Project Red Band? That it allows us to see LBI’s Osprey as unique individuals, as opposed to some vague population. The Osprey may not be our friends, but they are our neighbors. It matters who they are, and it matters where they live. And who doesn’t like keeping an eye on what their neighbors are up to?
Follow along at the NJ Osprey Project Facebook to keep tabs on our Red Banders.
Danny’s too cute and photography is magnifique!
Thanks. He’s pretty crazy adorable. And feisty!
a day without you and your photography and comments ( so awesome ) is a day without sunshine.
So true😊
Boy-o-boy do I like that comment. Keeps me going, thanks
Yay for Danny: Red Banded Osprey 76 C!! Thank you for bring his story to my inbox!!
Cheers!
Visited the nest last week! 2 nests actually (in that salt marsh). All 4 adults were in the air at one point. Jack flew over our heads and he brought a fish for Danny. Pushed the fish towards him, too. A big change from the beginning with Wendy!!
Congrats. You are OFFICIALLY a Citizen Osprey Hero. Brag about it!
Such a great story! I’m really glad you were able to watch them so much to learn why they’ve failed for the past two years (since the nest has been active)!
Yes! It was some good fortune to witness that early part of the season and see all that behavior on the same nest. They really are a couple of characters. Thanks for figuring out it was mantling! Learn somethin’ new every season!
Awesome !
Yep. Way to go Jack & Wendy
Best wishes to Danny from near St. Andrews in Scotland
Haha, greetings and will-do! Danny has gone global it seems. Cheers.