06/06/2026
Yesterday morning we decided to check the osprey nest on the navigational beacon located along the lakeshore just 100yds or so from the house. We were stunned to discover the nest has been completely removed! This happened over the past week as we’ve been closely watching this pair since they returned in April. They're likely the same pair that first attempted to nest here last year but failed. We've observed them incubating eggs over the last few weeks. No idea who did this, but suspect it was done by whoever is responsible for maintaining the Lake Champlain navigational beacons…maybe coast guard? Regretfully, we moved our game camera a day or so after the image on the 16th. This nest wasn’t obstructing any lights, or signage, and it was definitely occupied. It is a crime to destroy an active osprey nest and this has been reported to a VT F&W Game Warden.
It was amazing watching them build the nest from branches they broke from dead elm trees around the farm. We’ll miss the “I’ve got a fish, I’ve got a fish” display, which is the male osprey soaring up and down repeatedly with a fish in its talons singing “I’ve got a fish” over and over before finally delivering it to the female. We’ll also miss the osprey defending their nest from the pesky bald eagles which act more like bullies along the lake. The sky above the farm is a little quieter this weekend. What a huge disappointment.
