SMECO has been placing new utility poles up Villa Road. For a while it looked as if they were leaving the Ospreys alone and working around those particular poles that had nests. Driving it this afternoon I saw that they had destroyed two separate Osprey nests that had babies in them!! The Ospreys have been coming back to those particular nests each year for years. I hope an Osprey eats their young.

I don't have the words to say how enraged I am that they did this. My heart absolutely sank when I saw the nests destroyed on the ground and scattered. Did they kill the Ospreys and their babies? Right now I wish I had another choice in an electric company, because I would surely switch.

You may or may not agree with me, but I needed to vent my anger and disappointment.

Right now I wish I had another choice in an electric company, because I would surely switch.

Where do you suppose another electric company might put their utility poles?

http://www.dgif.virginia.gov/wildlife/birds/osprey/virginia-osprey-nest-guidelines.pdf

It's VA, not MD, but it cites some federal guidelines.

SMECO has been placing new utility poles up Villa Road.

You may or may not agree with me, but I needed to vent my anger and disappointment.



its a ####ing bird .....

.... and if a thunder storm came by, and lighting struck a tree, would you be as upset ..........

Stop whining.

Where do you suppose another electric company might put their utility poles?
I understand what you are saying, but I am angry.


They had already unhooked the lines from the old poles, and left them up and had the lines hooked to new poles. I do not know why they had to destroy the nests when they could have just left the old poles up.

I understand what you are saying, but I am angry.


They had already unhooked the lines from the old poles, and left them up and had the lines hooked to new poles. I do not know why they had to destroy the nests when they could have just left the old poles up.

You don't know that they didn't work with DNR to relocate the nests. Rather than getting mad, I suggest finding out first. Call SMECO and ask them. If you don't get a good answer, call DNR and make sure that SMECO complied with the law.

They had already unhooked the lines from the old poles, and left them up and had the lines hooked to new poles. I do not know why they had to destroy the nests when they could have just left the old poles up.

That's a good question. I'm sure there's a reason, but I'm curious what it might be.

http://www.dgif.virginia.gov/wildlife/birds/osprey/virginia-osprey-nest-guidelines.pdf

It's VA, not MD, but it cites some federal guidelines.

Nest destruction that entails possession of the nest, or that results in the unpermitted take of migratory birds or their eggs, though, remains illegal and fully prosecutable under the MBTA.

Ospreys, however, as a protected species under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act discussed above, are specifically excluded (General Condition 5(B)iii) from the authorities granted by these permits. Thus, it is unlawful for Commercial Nuisance Animal Permit holders to remove or relocate ospreys, or their active nests or young, under these permits.

: An active nest is defined as a nest containing eggs or occupied by dependent (flightless) young. All reasonable measures to protect an active nest until the young fledge must be considered before authorization to relocate or remove the nest is sought. Removal of active nests is generally not permitted, but a nest may be relocated or removed if it poses a direct threat to human health or safety

If feasible, old nests should be relocated intact onto the new platform. When this is not feasible, sticks from the old nest should be roughly arranged on the platform in the shape of a nest.


This re-enforces my anger.

I understand what you are saying, but I am angry.


They had already unhooked the lines from the old poles, and left them up and had the lines hooked to new poles. I do not know why they had to destroy the nests when they could have just left the old poles up.

I doubt very much that they were "able" to kill the osprey and considering the laws, you are allowed to destroy the nests after the young have taken flight... So.. I'm sure that they waited until they babies left the nest!

The osprey will come back and rebuild their nest on the new poles...

Just take a breath.. : )
After a while its probably healthier for the birds anyway..

June

You don't know that they didn't work with DNR to relocate the nests. Rather than getting mad, I suggest finding out first. Call SMECO and ask them. If you don't get a good answer, call DNR and make sure that SMECO complied with the law.
:yeahthat: I can sympathize with the knee-jerk reaction and anger, but give SMECO a call and you may be pleasantly surprised.

The logging all the way down Beachville, the length of the road south of Webster....they've disturbed at least two eagles nests that I know of, and too many other animals to count. And that's land owned by the State.

I doubt very much that they were "able" to kill the osprey and considering the laws, you are allowed to destroy the nests after the young have taken flight... So.. I'm sure that they waited until they babies left the nest!

The osprey will come back and rebuild their nest on the new poles...

Just take a breath.. : )
After a while its probably healthier for the birds anyway..

June

I see those nests every single day. Those babies had just hatched and weren't flying yet.

SMECO has been placing new utility poles up Villa Road. For a while it looked as if they were leaving the Ospreys alone and working around those particular poles that had nests. Driving it this afternoon I saw that they had destroyed two separate Osprey nests that had babies in them!! The Ospreys have been coming back to those particular nests each year for years. I hope an Osprey eats their young.

I don't have the words to say how enraged I am that they did this. My heart absolutely sank when I saw the nests destroyed on the ground and scattered. Did they kill the Ospreys and their babies? Right now I wish I had another choice in an electric company, because I would surely switch.

You may or may not agree with me, but I needed to vent my anger and disappointment.

I wouldn't go that far, but I can sympathize with the sentiments. Hopefully the Ospreys (and babies) are okay and can make a new home for themselves.

The logging all the way down Beachville, the length of the road south of Webster....they've disturbed at least two eagles nests that I know of, and too many other animals to count. And that's land owned by the State.

Is that where they tore down the old farmhouse? :tantrum: WTF are they doing - this isn't Lexington Park.

Is that where they tore down the old farmhouse? :tantrum: WTF are they doing - this isn't Lexington Park.

I'm not sure which old farmhouse. The only house along there I know of that was torn down was the old doublewide trailer.

No....this is all the woods along there. The state is allowing it to be logged....ugly.

Called SMECO and was told protocol is to build a platform and move the nest. Obviously this didn't happen. So I was told I'd receive a call back with the reason tomorrow as to why the nests were destroyed.

Called SMECO and was told protocol is to build a platform and move the nest. Obviously this didn't happen. So I was told I'd receive a call back with the reason tomorrow as to why the nests were destroyed.

Something tells me you're not going to get that call.

I'm not sure which old farmhouse. The only house along there I know of that was torn down was the old doublewide trailer.

No....this is all the woods along there. The state is allowing it to be logged....ugly.

That's just sad.

Something tells me you're not going to get that call.

If I do I'll be surprised. Otherwise I will put the call into DNR as suggested.

If I do I'll be surprised. Otherwise I will put the call into DNR as suggested.

I'd also tell them about the eagles nests being disturbed.

I'd also tell them about the eagles nests being disturbed.
I actually wouldn't have thought of the eagles too, I'm so steamed about the ospreys.

Ha - those folks at DNR are going to think I am the crazy bird lady.

If I do I'll be surprised. Otherwise I will put the call into DNR as suggested.

If they already admitted that protocol wasn't followed, make the call to DNR anyway so it doesn't happen again.

http://www.dgif.virginia.gov/wildlife/birds/osprey/virginia-osprey-nest-guidelines.pdf

It's VA, not MD, but it cites some federal guidelines. :yay:

As far as I knew -the Osprey are federally protected.

We always get them nesting at work in southern calvert and it's a big no-no to touch the nests once there are eggs. If SMECO destroyed nests with babies then i'd get on the phone with DNR, MDE, and DOT to start spreading the stink around. You could also get the county involved since it's definitely bad PR. Write in to the Recorder as well.

Where we had 4 adult ospreys and babies - now there is one lone osprey crying out his calls but there are no answers. :frown:

As for Beachville, Red Explorer is so right - it looks ugly. The thing is all this land is part of the MD DNR Forest Service and reserved as Woodland Hunting area...I guess no more. I'm surprised this hasn't been covered in some way in the news.

Ha - those folks at DNR are going to think I am the crazy bird lady.

If it walks like a duck and quacks like a duck...

Where we had 4 adult ospreys and babies - now there is one lone osprey crying out his calls but there are no answers. :frown:

That is heartbreaking. I applaud your concern and efforts to help.

I left Webster around 545 and saw 2 DNR guys there looking at the busted nest On the ground and looking around , I was thinking about those nests all week when I saw the new poles I thought they would leave them alone till fall when they left.

Dosnt surprise me when they cleared the woods behind me to build new estate homes the first two trees cut down and hauled away were bald eagle nests , I called the town of cheesier beach and told them what happened after all the street name next to the nests is called Eagle view ct , hum wonder how it got that name

I see those nests every single day. Those babies had just hatched and weren't flying yet.

That's a big NO NO... Just like Calvert_Biker said!
I'd be curious to what their response is...

June

Something tells me you're not going to get that call.

They need the time to think of a cover up?

I figure the answer will be we are sorry but that work was contracted out blah blah.

I figure the answer will be we are sorry but that work was contracted out blah blah.

It was SMECO trucks and SMECO crews.

A couple of articles from the local news here. Moving Osprey nests is a big no no, destroying them, someone should be in big trouble.

Crane owner: Osprey nest costing $8,000 a day (http://www.baynews9.com/content/news/baynews9/news/article.html/content/news/articles/ot/both/2011/04/12/Crane_owner_Osprey_nest_costing_8_000_a_day.html)

Osprey nest means no Ferris wheel at Seminole carnival (http://www.baynews9.com/content/news/baynews9/news/article.html/content/news/articles/ot/both/2011/04/15/Osprey_nest_means_no_Ferris_wheel_at_Seminole_carnival.html)

Mig-Tig,

Thanks for taking the time to look into this. Remember - cool heads prevail. It's too late for the ospreys, but if indeed chicks were removed prior to fledging, this should be a teachable moment for SMECO.

It is a shame when nature gets in the way of our progress, but there are many ways to mitigate these interactions. Pre-coordination with DNR is always the best way for landowners and corporations to handle potential issues like this.

Regarding St. Inigoes State Forest - (even though I love hunting there)Hunting is a secondary use of that land. It is intended to be used for forestry. Logging is part of forestry. It happens to be the ugly part, but part of it none-the-less.

Good Luck.

I used to refer to that regulation in a previous job all the time. Here's a list of the protected migratory birds:

MBTA List of Migratory Birds (http://www.fws.gov/migratorybirds/RegulationsPolicies/mbta/mbtandx.html)

The company I worked for would under no circumstances disturb a bird's nest with nestlings in it... (ANY bird's nest) wouldn't move it, or touch it in anyway. We made the customer schedule another appointment. :shrug: Usually, customer was annoyed & some were shocked that there was such a law, but when I explained OUR reasons for it - they usually acquiesced. One time a gentleman called back within 2 weeks and said the nest was gone. Due to the normal habits of those particular birds, I knew he was lying, but we still went back out. I lost all respect for that customer. :mad:

Miggy.... take a deep breath.... and chill!

I will PM you...

We always get them nesting at work in southern calvert and it's a big no-no to touch the nests once there are eggs. If SMECO destroyed nests with babies then i'd get on the phone with DNR, MDE, and DOT to start spreading the stink around. You could also get the county involved since it's definitely bad PR. Write in to the Recorder as well.

There ya go, bash the living dog #### out of the guys who work 18+ hour days when a storm comes through and you don't have electricity for 2 days and cry and moan over that.... all over a damn bird..

Do you know how many people shoot them with BB guns to keep them off their piers, and out of there own set of woods?

What next, start going after all of them as well? Might as well.

And Mig - I normally agree with a lot of what you post, whether I say so or not, but I really think your fuming on something that maybe you should take a few breaths about first. Find out what really happened, and then go from there.

Part of what some people are saying bothers me because I know a lot of smeco workers, and everyone points the finger at them so quick for everything under the sun, when most of the time, they are just doing what they are told just like everyone else is at their jobs.

But when your power goes out after a hurricane, then, everyone loves them for their hard work, long hours, working in crap conditions, etc..etc..

I understand they are in a dog eat dog job, but for so many people on here to just bash um, and let's lynch them in the papers, etc..etc.. find out some facts first, and go from there.

And Mig - I normally agree with a lot of what you post, whether I say so or not, but I really think your fuming on something that maybe you should take a few breaths about first. Find out what really happened, and then go from there.

Part of what some people are saying bothers me because I know a lot of smeco workers, and everyone points the finger at them so quick for everything under the sun, when most of the time, they are just doing what they are told just like everyone else is at their jobs.

But when your power goes out after a hurricane, then, everyone loves them for their hard work, long hours, working in crap conditions, etc..etc..

I understand they are in a dog eat dog job, but for so many people on here to just bash um, and let's lynch them in the papers, etc..etc.. find out some facts first, and go from there.Good post Hollyrock!

There are friggin ospreys EVERYWHERE!! More this year than I've ever seen. Now I'm not about just throwing a nest with babies to the woods but I'll be damned if a friggin bird should restrict a power company from doing their job.

I didn't hear the outrage over the stupid beetle in Lusby. I guess because it's not a pretty bird it gets a kitchen pass. :duh:

And Mig - I normally agree with a lot of what you post, whether I say so or not, but I really think your fuming on something that maybe you should take a few breaths about first. Find out what really happened, and then go from there.

Part of what some people are saying bothers me because I know a lot of smeco workers, and everyone points the finger at them so quick for everything under the sun, when most of the time, they are just doing what they are told just like everyone else is at their jobs.

But when your power goes out after a hurricane, then, everyone loves them for their hard work, long hours, working in crap conditions, etc..etc..

I understand they are in a dog eat dog job, but for so many people on here to just bash um, and let's lynch them in the papers, etc..etc.. find out some facts first, and go from there.

Again, when I first saw it yesterday I was extremely angry - but I admitted it in my post.

However, I did call SMECO yesterday - politely too I might add, and asked why the nests had been destroyed. Their answer was they don't destroy nests, they build platforms and move the nests. So then when I said well, there's no platform and the nests are not moved but destroyed, I was told I would get a call back. :shrug:

I took the pictures to prove I wasn't "imagining" those nests being destroyed.

If and when I receive that call-back from SMECO, I will be glad to share that information.

However, if I don't, I will call DNR and whomever else I can think of. Sometimes, you have to complain when you see something you know is wrong.

I am not knocking line-man, the electricty I receive, etc. However, I think it is wrong to destroy Osprey nests.

I even said in my first post, you may not agree with me, but I needed to vent.

Again,..............


I can understand the frustration. But I really think those guys have been doing their job long enough to know whether or not they are just allowed to shove off a nest or not. Babies, no babies, etc...

As for calling and asking and the lady not having the answer, I highly doubt she would, how would she know? I doubt the line-men call her and tell her their every move in-case someone calls them.

She probably has a list sheet of the areas they are in, and what they are doing. And she may know a few odds and ends rules like she stated about the platform.

As for the nest being destroyed, where the babies on the ground next to them? Close by in the area? If not, let's not assume they killed the babies just yet, ya know.

PS- I don't mind the venting. Everyone needs to do so from time to time. But, it's one thing to vent, it's another to have a lynch mob form around your vent :lmao: (not saying the lynch mob is your fault though!)

Good post Hollyrock!

There are friggin ospreys EVERYWHERE!! More this year than I've ever seen. Now I'm not about just throwing a nest with babies to the woods but I'll be damned if a friggin bird should restrict a power company from doing their job.

I didn't hear the outrage over the stupid beetle in Lusby. I guess because it's not a pretty bird it gets a kitchen pass. :duh:

Ospreys are pretty :confused:

For me, I grew up around the water, so to me, they are just mean pest with claws :lol:

But, if you look them up, they are in no way shape or form of being endangered, etc..etc.. I'm not saying let's go shoot them all. But they are 1 bird that I don't see where as a society we gain anything. They eat fish. Not bugs, not road kill, etc..

So basically, they are protected to eat fish, and migrate around... Even an ugly old vulture does more for society than they do.. hell, even starlings do, and they number in the trillions :lol:

I can understand the frustration. But I really think those guys have been doing their job long enough to know whether or not they are just allowed to shove off a nest or not. Babies, no babies, etc...

As for calling and asking and the lady not having the answer, I highly doubt she would, how would she know? I doubt the line-men call her and tell her their every move in-case someone calls them.

She probably has a list sheet of the areas they are in, and what they are doing. And she may know a few odds and ends rules like she stated about the platform.

As for the nest being destroyed, where the babies on the ground next to them? Close by in the area? If not, let's not assume they killed the babies just yet, ya know.

PS- I don't mind the venting. Everyone needs to do so from time to time. But, it's one thing to vent, it's another to have a lynch mob form around your vent :lmao: (not saying the lynch mod is your fault though!)

Im sure she didnt speak to someone at the correct district, or even someone that works in that area, or deals with the linemen... Im sure she spoke to someone in the call center...

Thank you for your concern about the local ospreys. As a cooperative, we share those concerns for our community and the inhabitants within it. We have a very strident policy on protection and relocation of protected migratory birds such as ospreys. Our Avian Protection Plan is a comprehensive guideline on properly protecting various types of birds, and one way we do that is to install alternative nesting locations for the local ospreys when they build nests on or near the lines.

SMECO is permitted to remove osprey nests as long as no eggs or young birds are in them.

SMECO was originally slated to proceed with the line work in that area and to energize those lines in April. At the time, there were babies in the nest, so the work was halted until the young birds were old enough to fly away on their own. Once the birds had flown the nest, SMECO removed it from its location. We will be building and placing two osprey platforms in the same general area and taking portions of the original nest as starter material in the new platforms to aid in the quick rebuilding of their nest in a safe location. Plans for these new platforms have been in place from the time we became aware of the nests.

The platforms should be installed in about a week. If you have any further questions, please call 1-888-440-3311.

Wirelessly posted

SMECO is patrolling somd.com, oh snap!

Where do you suppose another electric company might put their utility poles?

my vote would be to stop putting poles up and bury the lines - that way when we do have a storm, or a tree just dies, we don't lose power for hours or days on end while the clean up and repair gets done. They can remove the ones not used as nests (and eliminate obstacles for drunk drivers).

my vote would be to stop putting poles up and bury the lines - that way when we do have a storm, or a tree just dies, we don't lose power for hours or days on end while the clean up and repair gets done. They can remove the ones not used as nests (and eliminate obstacles for drunk drivers).

who is going to pay for that?

The study estimated that the cost of placing all existing electric distribution lines in the state underground would be about $83 billion. This would be approximately $3,000 per customer per year. Customers would also face a one-time cost of $1,000 to $7,000 to replace their service drops. In addition, the cost of burying existing telecommunications lines would be about $11 billion. According to the study, electric and telecommunications facilities are typically placed in separate trenches with separate construction schedules

UNDERGROUNDING ELECTRIC LINES (http://www.cga.ct.gov/2011/rpt/2011-R-0338.htm)


The study, conducted in response to a request from the General Assembly, found the cost of placing existing overhead electric, telephone and cable television lines could approach $94 billion. For electric lines alone, the cost was estimated to be $83.3 billion; the conversion cost per mile was approximately $800,000.
https://www.dom.com/storm-center/overhead-vs-underground-electric-lines.jsp

and more if you are in to reading
What's the real cost of putting power transmission lines underground? - Yahoo! Answers (http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20080919080344AApHXtd)

Thank you for your concern about the local ospreys. As a cooperative, we share those concerns for our community and the inhabitants within it. We have a very strident policy on protection and relocation of protected migratory birds such as ospreys. Our Avian Protection Plan is a comprehensive guideline on properly protecting various types of birds, and one way we do that is to install alternative nesting locations for the local ospreys when they build nests on or near the lines.

SMECO is permitted to remove osprey nests as long as no eggs or young birds are in them.

SMECO was originally slated to proceed with the line work in that area and to energize those lines in April. At the time, there were babies in the nest, so the work was halted until the young birds were old enough to fly away on their own. Once the birds had flown the nest, SMECO removed it from its location. We will be building and placing two osprey platforms in the same general area and taking portions of the original nest as starter material in the new platforms to aid in the quick rebuilding of their nest in a safe location. Plans for these new platforms have been in place from the time we became aware of the nests.

The platforms should be installed in about a week. If you have any further questions, please call 1-888-440-3311.Thanks Smeco! So there were no birds in the nest. :yay:

Thanks Smeco! So there were no birds in the nest. :yay:

"I see those nests every single day. Those babies had just hatched and weren't flying yet."So, now who do we chose to believe?

If by chance SMECO did do something by mistake, do you think they would come on here and say "Oh yeah, we did kill the babies"? Will have to look up the usual time/times of year that they lay eggs. Quite possibly the first time is in April and second time maybe June? Not sure about them but my Bluebirds usually lay 2 or 3 times a summer.

"I see those nests every single day. Those babies had just hatched and weren't flying yet."So, now who do we chose to believe?

If by chance SMECO did do something by mistake, do you think they would come on here and say "Oh yeah, we did kill the babies"? Will have to look up the usual time/times of year that they lay eggs. Quite possibly the first time is in April and second time maybe June? Not sure about them but my Bluebirds usually lay 2 or 3 times a summer.

Just looked it up and this is what I found:

How many eggs do they lay? The female Osprey lays about 3 white eggs once a year. They hatch in about a month.

How long do the fledglings stay in the nest? The Osprey builds a nest out of stuff they find around the water—like seaweed, sticks, or mud. They will build nests on manmade platforms, too. The babies stay in the nest for about 7 weeks.

link: Osprey (http://library.thinkquest.org/07aug/00180/osprey.htm)

So, maybe babies were in the nest in April/May but not able to be seen by migtig until a few weeks ago so they appreared younger than they really were. Possible?

Thanks Smeco! So there were no birds in the nest. :yay:

At least now, the plastic bag is no longer a part of the nest.

There ya go, bash the living dog #### out of the guys who work 18+ hour days when a storm comes through and you don't have electricity for 2 days and cry and moan over that.... all over a damn bird..

Do you know how many people shoot them with BB guns to keep them off their piers, and out of there own set of woods?

What next, start going after all of them as well? Might as well.

Yep. Don't break federal law and it won't be a problem. I can't go around breaking the law on a whim while doing my job, they should be held to the same standard. SMECO has now stated they didn't destroy any Ospreys, we'll see how it plays out.

well seeing back in April there were babies.. and they said the job was halted... well and they leave the nest in about 7 weeks...

:shrug:... well the time is about right. so I doubt there were still babies in the nest if they were released to continue with the job. (seeing they STOPPED the job because of the babies back in April)

Just looked it up and this is what I found:

How many eggs do they lay? The female Osprey lays about 3 white eggs once a year. They hatch in about a month.

How long do the fledglings stay in the nest? The Osprey builds a nest out of stuff they find around the water—like seaweed, sticks, or mud. They will build nests on manmade platforms, too. The babies stay in the nest for about 7 weeks.

link: Osprey (http://library.thinkquest.org/07aug/00180/osprey.htm)

So, maybe babies were in the nest in April/May but not able to be seen by migtig until a few weeks ago so they appreared younger than they really were. Possible?

Hard to say for sure, there seems to be some variability. We have a nest (on a SMECO pole of all places) near our house by the road that was just constructed and now has two adults on it daily, so I assume they either have eggs or will shortly. Either it's their second brood or else some just lay much later than others.

well seeing back in April there were babies.. and they said the job was halted... well and they leave the nest in about 7 weeks...

:shrug:... well the time is about right. so I doubt there were still babies in the nest if they were released to continue with the job. (seeing they STOPPED the job because of the babies back in April)

They were here very early this year - I assume because of the mild winter. Without knowing exactly when they hatched, SMECO's explanation seems very reasonable.

who is going to pay for that?

The same people who are paying for Obamacare :yay:

"I see those nests every single day. Those babies had just hatched and weren't flying yet."So, now who do we chose to believe?

If by chance SMECO did do something by mistake, do you think they would come on here and say "Oh yeah, we did kill the babies"? Will have to look up the usual time/times of year that they lay eggs. Quite possibly the first time is in April and second time maybe June? Not sure about them but my Bluebirds usually lay 2 or 3 times a summer.I'm curious how you see the babies. I can't see the babies when out on the water until they are ready to leave the nest and I am at a much closer height to the nest. SMECO poles are 30+ feet tall. I'm just asking.

Thank you for your concern about the local ospreys. As a cooperative, we share those concerns for our community and the inhabitants within it. We have a very strident policy on protection and relocation of protected migratory birds such as ospreys. Our Avian Protection Plan is a comprehensive guideline on properly protecting various types of birds, and one way we do that is to install alternative nesting locations for the local ospreys when they build nests on or near the lines.

SMECO is permitted to remove osprey nests as long as no eggs or young birds are in them.

SMECO was originally slated to proceed with the line work in that area and to energize those lines in April. At the time, there were babies in the nest, so the work was halted until the young birds were old enough to fly away on their own. Once the birds had flown the nest, SMECO removed it from its location. We will be building and placing two osprey platforms in the same general area and taking portions of the original nest as starter material in the new platforms to aid in the quick rebuilding of their nest in a safe location. Plans for these new platforms have been in place from the time we became aware of the nests.

The platforms should be installed in about a week. If you have any further questions, please call 1-888-440-3311.

It seems I understand now.

The 4 adult ospreys and the baby birds I and my neighbors saw were just my imagination, and it's okay to destroy a nest before a platform is built to move the nest to.

And rather than return my call you would rather post on the forum and send me a PM to tell me to call again.

That's okay. I won't bother SMECO again.

I'm curious how you see the babies. I can't see the babies when out on the water until they are ready to leave the nest and I am at a much closer height to the nest. SMECO poles are 30+ feet tall. I'm just asking.

more like 40-45ft poles.... :huggy:

That's okay. I won't bother SMECO again.

:drama:

I'm curious how you see the babies. I can't see the babies when out on the water until they are ready to leave the nest and I am at a much closer height to the nest. SMECO poles are 30+ feet tall. I'm just asking.

Due to my location, their location and my handy dandy field glasses I watched them. It was interesting to me. Every year they came back. I guess they won't anymore. I also kept an eye on them because my dogs are so tiny, sometimes they would mistake a pup for a rabbit or some other yummy vittle. I think anybody who has a similar circumstance would do the same. Also you can tell when the osprey's fly. They call out to each other, circle and swoop in kind of a pack. I would have known if the babies were flying.

But hey, SMECO says they weren't there and it's okay to destroy the nests. :shrug:

:drama:

Drama or not, it would be a complete waste of my time don't you think to even bother? :shrug:

They were here very early this year - I assume because of the mild winter. Without knowing exactly when they hatched, SMECO's explanation seems very reasonable.

Indeed they were very early and very numerous this year. You should see how ospreys attack other birds of prey. I have pics of two ospreys attacking a bald eagle and watched another one tangle with a red tail hawk last week.

I doubt any lineman, orders or not, is going to mess with an active nest because those are some serious talons attached to that ball of bad attitude with feathers.

Due to my location, their location and my handy dandy field glasses I watched them. It was interesting to me. Every year they came back. I guess they won't anymore. I also kept an eye on them because my dogs are so tiny, sometimes they would mistake a pup for a rabbit or some other yummy vittle. I think anybody who has a similar circumstance would do the same. Also you can tell when the osprey's fly. They call out to each other, circle and swoop in kind of a pack. I would have known if the babies were flying.

But hey, SMECO says they weren't there and it's okay to destroy the nests. :shrug:Well follow through with DNR and see what you find but I'm guessing they (SMECO) have the nests documented with pics etc. for instances like this. Let us know what the results are. :buddies:

My A/C is keeping us nice and cool today. Thanks SMECO. :howdy:

Drama or not, it would be a complete waste of my time don't you think to even bother? :shrug:

I think it is great that someone cares enough to mention it. Anyone giving you flak about it can go fly a kite. By the power lines.

Yep. Don't break federal law and it won't be a problem. I can't go around breaking the law on a whim while doing my job, they should be held to the same standard. SMECO has now stated they didn't destroy any Ospreys, we'll see how it plays out.

How did they break a federal law, if the are permited to move said nest, if no babies were in it?

They delayed the project due to eggs/babies, now they got it done. No babies in the nest, no eggs. I haven't once heard someone come out and say they have pics of said eggs or babies on the ground.. And I highly doubt, that if someone could care less to just shove it off the pole, would take the time to clean up dead birds or splattered eggs :shrug:

How did they break a federal law, if the are permited to move said nest, if no babies were in it?

They delayed the project due to eggs/babies, now they got it done. No babies in the nest, no eggs. I haven't once heard someone come out and say they have pics of said eggs or babies on the ground.. And I highly doubt, that if someone could care less to just shove it off the pole, would take the time to clean up dead birds or splattered eggs :shrug:

They would if they knew they were breaking a Federal law. Wouldn't you?

How did they break a federal law, if the are permited to move said nest, if no babies were in it?

They delayed the project due to eggs/babies, now they got it done. No babies in the nest, no eggs. I haven't once heard someone come out and say they have pics of said eggs or babies on the ground.. And I highly doubt, that if someone could care less to just shove it off the pole, would take the time to clean up dead birds or splattered eggs :shrug:

So you are calling mig a liar? I bet you won't do it to her face.

They would if they knew they were breaking a Federal law. Wouldn't you?

They would what, wait? They did.

So you are calling mig a liar? I bet you won't do it to her face.

I'm saying babies flew the coop. And no babies were found at said location dead. And if I knew mig, I would say all this to her :biggrin: Unfortunately, I'm not internet tough guy, I'm just me and if I'll type it, I'll say it :lol:

How did they break a federal law, if the are permited to move said nest, if no babies were in it?

They delayed the project due to eggs/babies, now they got it done. No babies in the nest, no eggs. I haven't once heard someone come out and say they have pics of said eggs or babies on the ground.. And I highly doubt, that if someone could care less to just shove it off the pole, would take the time to clean up dead birds or splattered eggs :shrug:

Come on...you can do it...my post had three sentences...you can make it through all three of them, right?

And you're very naive if you think somebody wouldn't bother to cover their tracks while breaking the law. Just about everybody in the energy industry around here knows the law WRT nesting raptors, especially Ospreys. One can't claim ignorance.

If the OP is certain that it was an 'active nest', as we call them, then it would be an injustice to throw his/her hands up and drop the issue at this point just because of a rather ambiguous SMECO response on a local message board.

I don't know the truth, I wasn't there nor do I live in that area or have any familiarity with those nests.

Come on...you can do it...my post had three sentences...you can make it through all three of them, right?

And you're very naive if you think somebody wouldn't bother to cover their tracks while breaking the law. Just about everybody in the energy industry around here knows the law WRT nesting raptors, especially Ospreys. One can't claim ignorance.

If the OP is certain that it was an 'active nest', as we call them, then it would be an injustice to throw his/her hands up and drop the issue at this point just because of a rather ambiguous SMECO response on a local message board.

I don't know the truth, I wasn't there nor do I live in that area or have any familiarity with those nests.

It was only 1.5 hours without electricity man, let it go.

[QUOTE=HollyRockJT;4856448]They would what, wait? They did.


You're not that dense, are you? I was responding to your supposition that they wouldn't take the time to cover their tracks.

"And I highly doubt, that if someone could care less to just shove it off the pole, would take the time to clean up dead birds or splattered eggs"

Come on...you can do it...my post had three sentences...you can make it through all three of them, right?

And you're very naive if you think somebody wouldn't bother to cover their tracks while breaking the law. Just about everybody in the energy industry around here knows the law WRT nesting raptors, especially Ospreys. One can't claim ignorance.

If the OP is certain that it was an 'active nest', as we call them, then it would be an injustice to throw his/her hands up and drop the issue at this point just because of a rather ambiguous SMECO response on a local message board.

I don't know the truth, I wasn't there nor do I live in that area or have any familiarity with those nests.Dude it's her word against theirs and I'll bet a C note that they have pictures of the empty nest before they touched it.

I'll also say that SMECO is not known to be wreckless with wildlife at least not that I have ever heard. If you have proof otherwise, please provide it.

There is no tragedy here. Move along.


It was only 1.5 hours without electricity man, let it go.:high5:

damn hippies......:coffee:

I don't have any facts but it's obvious the police acted stupidly.

Dude it's her word against theirs and I'll bet a C note that they have pictures of the empty nest before they touched it.

I'll also say that SMECO is not known to be wreckless with wildlife at least not that I have ever heard. If you have proof otherwise, please provide it.

There is no tragedy here. Move along.


:high5:

yeah...and we all know companies never lie. :whistle: I'm actually hoping the birds had indeed gone and SMECO is a reputable company but it only takes one or two employees, frustrated with having to delay a job, and dealing with heat all day to just 'move things along' without the company's knowledge of what is going on in the field. How difficult would it have been to have removed the babies and then taken a picture of an empty nest for documentation?

Come on...you can do it...my post had three sentences...you can make it through all three of them, right?

And you're very naive if you think somebody wouldn't bother to cover their tracks while breaking the law. Just about everybody in the energy industry around here knows the law WRT nesting raptors, especially Ospreys. One can't claim ignorance.

If the OP is certain that it was an 'active nest', as we call them, then it would be an injustice to throw his/her hands up and drop the issue at this point just because of a rather ambiguous SMECO response on a local message board.

I don't know the truth, I wasn't there nor do I live in that area or have any familiarity with those nests.


I didn't think the whole 'I can't break federal law..etc needed a response, obviously if you break a major law, yeah, something should be done about it. But being they have permission to move a nest, on their equipment poles as long as no eggs or babies are in said nest, I kinda figured we would be past the whole you nor I can just go do it. Though for an example of them being broke, isn't it a federal law that requires smokers to be 50ft from a federally owned building, (not 100% sure, but I believe so) and I see that broken everyday, I don't see a big stink being made about. Most places have butt cans 5ft from the door.

As for covering tracks, as stated earlier, I know a lot of smeco employees here in the county, which means 1-2 phone calls or texts means I can figure out what actually happened. And when I called someone, they told me all about it, BEFORE I mentioned a entire thread being started on it (all I told him was I heard y'all took out some ospreys yesterday, to see what they would say). Said person said well, no birds are dead on smecos part. And yes, being I know him, and have known him for a long time, I will trust him.

As for an active nest, yes, it very well could have been, I don't doubt that it was, but if babies were in it, and you know anything about osprey's, momma and daddy ain't far away, and they don't care how big or small you are either if they want a piece of you for messing with their nest/chaps.

[QUOTE=HollyRockJT;4856448]They would what, wait? They did.


You're not that dense, are you? I was responding to your supposition that they wouldn't take the time to cover their tracks.

"And I highly doubt, that if someone could care less to just shove it off the pole, would take the time to clean up dead birds or splattered eggs"


I'm about as dense as you are if you really think someone is going to pick up osprey babies, out of a nest, take a damn picture, then put them back in the nest and throw it to the ground. yes. I must be that dense.

Some of y'all apparently don't know diddly squat about ospreys and how protective they are over their territory.

yeah...and we all know companies never lie. :whistle: I'm actually hoping the birds had indeed gone and SMECO is a reputable company but it only takes one or two employees, frustrated with having to delay a job, and dealing with heat all day to just 'move things along' without the company's knowledge of what is going on in the field. How difficult would it have been to have removed the babies and then taken a picture of an empty nest for documentation?We know people on forums never lie either right? :whistle:

Since you have tried and convicted them in your mind what's your next step? Pickett signs? Verbal harassment of crews? 7 on your side?

The guys get paid whether they can move poles or not. They don't get sent home without pay.

yeah...and we all know companies never lie. :whistle: I'm actually hoping the birds had indeed gone and SMECO is a reputable company but it only takes one or two employees, frustrated with having to delay a job, and dealing with heat all day to just 'move things along' without the company's knowledge of what is going on in the field. How difficult would it have been to have removed the babies and then taken a picture of an empty nest for documentation?

:confused:


ahh i dont know anyone that would be upset about delaying the job longer... and if they had a chance Im sure they would have in this heat!

anything with wildlife or critical areas GO THRU DNR as well.

[QUOTE=tes218;4856507]


I'm about as dense as you are if you really think someone is going to pick up osprey babies, out of a nest, take a damn picture, then put them back in the nest and throw it to the ground. yes. I must be that dense.

Some of y'all apparently don't know diddly squat about ospreys and how protective they are over their territory.

Never did I say I was an expert on Ospreys. In fact, at the beginning I said I had to look up information on them concerning when they laid eggs and how long they were in the nest.

And who said anything about putting them back in the nest after taking a picture and before throwing it to the ground?

:confused:


ahh i dont know anyone that would be upset about delaying the job longer... and if they had a chance Im sure they would have in this heat!

anything with wildlife or critical areas GO THRU DNR as well.

So would they have to call DNR and have them verify the nest is empty first?
Kinda like calling Miss Utility? (Which we all know doesn't happen as often as it should).

Just trying to figure out how DNR knows what is happening on a day to day basis on the roads.

[QUOTE=HollyRockJT;4856545]

Never did I say I was an expert on Ospreys. In fact, at the beginning I said I had to look up information on them concerning when they laid eggs and how long they were in the nest.

And who said anything about putting them back in the nest after taking a picture and before throwing it to the ground?



so if you do the math.... the start of april was when the project was going to start... and it was put off because of eggs/babies

we are now at the end of June...

lets add

April - 4 full weeks in April
May - 4 full weeks in May PLUS the almost full week into June
June - 4 full weeks in June (not including the one from May - June)

so thats 12-13 weeks .... takes the babies 7 weeks to leave the nest....

Sounding like they were flying by now :shrug:

We know people on forums never lie either right? :whistle:

Since you have tried and convicted them in your mind what's your next step? Pickett signs? Verbal harassment of crews? 7 on your side?

The guys get paid whether they can move poles or not. They don't get sent home without pay.

Have you actually read what I wrote? "I'm actually hoping the birds had indeed gone and SMECO is a reputable company".

I too have friends that work for SMECO. Not that unusual when you live in the area and they are a major employer.

Even provided some information that may have helped explain when they nest and how long the babies are in the nest. Just trying to look at all sides. Why would migtig 'think' she and neighbors saw parents and babies in an empty nest when she is used to watching for them?

Does everyone just think she imagined it?

[QUOTE=tes218;4856556]



so if you do the math.... the start of april was when the project was going to start... and it was put off because of eggs/babies

we are now at the end of June...

lets add

April - 4 full weeks in April
May - 4 full weeks in May PLUS the almost full week into June
June - 4 full weeks in June (not including the one from May - June)

so thats 12-13 weeks .... takes the babies 7 weeks to leave the nest....

Sounding like they were flying by now :shrug:

Sorry, don't remember, did they say the start of April or just April? How long from the time they lay until the time they hatch? Do all lay at the same time of year?

Really just asking because I want to learn. Nothing to do with this situation.

Have you actually read what I wrote? "I'm actually hoping the birds had indeed gone and SMECO is a reputable company".

I too have friends that work for SMECO. Not that unusual when you live in the area and they are a major employer.

Even provided some information that may have helped explain when they nest and how long the babies are in the nest. Just trying to look at all sides. Why would migtig 'think' she and neighbors saw parents and babies in an empty nest when she is used to watching for them?

Does everyone just think she imagined it?Yes I read exactly what you wrote and almost tempered my response to you a little stronger but the kinder, gentler Baja kicked in. :lmao:

You said you hoped the nest was empty, then in the same sentence implied that employees deliberately destroyed the nest. I read your post very clearly!

Sorry, don't remember, did they say the start of April or just April? How long from the time they lay until the time they hatch? Do all lay at the same time of year?

Really just asking because I want to learn. Nothing to do with this situation.

SMECO was originally slated to proceed with the line work in that area and to energize those lines in April. At the time, there were babies in the nest, so the work was halted until the young birds were old enough to fly away on their own. Once the birds had flown the nest, SMECO removed it from its location. We will be building and placing two osprey platforms in the same general area and taking portions of the original nest as starter material in the new platforms to aid in the quick rebuilding of their nest in a safe location. Plans for these new platforms have been in place from the time we became aware of the nests.


so... anytime in april... start counting... sounds like they had hatched and start the 7 week. .... no matter how you look at the time like... there are still extra weeks... just in case there were some "slow" ones in the nest.

Dude it's her word against theirs and I'll bet a C note that they have pictures of the empty nest before they touched it.

I'll also say that SMECO is not known to be wreckless with wildlife at least not that I have ever heard. If you have proof otherwise, please provide it.

There is no tragedy here. Move along.


:high5:

Have you actually read what I wrote? "I'm actually hoping the birds had indeed gone and SMECO is a reputable company".

I too have friends that work for SMECO. Not that unusual when you live in the area and they are a major employer.

Even provided some information that may have helped explain when they nest and how long the babies are in the nest. Just trying to look at all sides. Why would migtig 'think' she and neighbors saw parents and babies in an empty nest when she is used to watching for them?

Does everyone just think she imagined it?

I'm not sure, but I think when the babes are flying, the parents are no longer working on the nest. I saw one doing that today and two different nests on base, one parent acted like they were protecting something from the heat. I doubt they were sunning sitting there with wings half out. Could be wrong of course. I took a pic which I will put up in a bit if I can. I watch them A bit too and am always happy to see the new ones sitting on the side of the nest trying there wings before they actually fly. They build up muscles by holding their wings out.

Yes I read exactly what you wrote and almost tempered my response to you a little stronger but the kinder, gentler Baja kicked in. :lmao:

You said you hoped the nest was empty, then in the same sentence implied that employees deliberately destroyed the nest. I read your post very clearly!

Thanks for that kinder, gentler Baja. :howdy:

What I was saying was that I like to think SMECO (on the whole) is a reputable company and would not do something like this. (Can't really say unless you really know what goes on behind closed doors and private meetings). However, no company "knows" how every employee is conducting themselves in the field. They may have every standard in place but no one can control their personnel every minute of every day. It is not beyond the realm of possibilities that something "may" have taken place that the 'company' is absolutely against and of which it is unaware.

It was all meant to be stated in manner of trying to figure out what migtig saw and what SMECO is stating.

I'm not sure, but I think when the babes are flying, the parents are no longer working on the nest. I saw one doing that today and two different nests on base, one parent acted like they were protecting something from the heat. I doubt they were sunning sitting there with wings half out. Could be wrong of course. I took a pic which I will put up in a bit if I can. I watch them A bit too and am always happy to see the new ones sitting on the side of the nest trying there wings before they actually fly. They build up muscles by holding their wings out.

So there could still be nests in the area with babies? If so, not all lay at the same time.

Would one osprey use the nest of another after the first set of babies are gone? So basically, one could lay eggs first part of April, they leave the nest, and another lays her eggs in that nest in June?

SMECO was originally slated to proceed with the line work in that area and to energize those lines in April. At the time, there were babies in the nest, so the work was halted until the young birds were old enough to fly away on their own. Once the birds had flown the nest, SMECO removed it from its location. We will be building and placing two osprey platforms in the same general area and taking portions of the original nest as starter material in the new platforms to aid in the quick rebuilding of their nest in a safe location. Plans for these new platforms have been in place from the time we became aware of the nests.


so... anytime in april... start counting... sounds like they had hatched and start the 7 week. .... no matter how you look at the time like... there are still extra weeks... just in case there were some "slow" ones in the nest.

anything with wildlife or critical areas GO THRU DNR as well
So how does it work with DNR? How are they made aware of all of the nests?

I'm not sure, but I think when the babes are flying, the parents are no longer working on the nest. I saw one doing that today and two different nests on base, one parent acted like they were protecting something from the heat. I doubt they were sunning sitting there with wings half out. Could be wrong of course. I took a pic which I will put up in a bit if I can. I watch them A bit too and am always happy to see the new ones sitting on the side of the nest trying there wings before they actually fly. They build up muscles by holding their wings out.

Here we go I think. The other one had just put another stick on the nest.

anything with wildlife or critical areas GO THRU DNR as well
So how does it work with DNR? How are they made aware of all of the nests?

should be... seeing they will have to relocate it to "protect them"

... god .. next thing it will be thier fault when they make contact with the lines and kill themselves.

I don't care if you agree with me or if you believe me.

Things I know:

The ospreys have returned to the two nests in question for years.

Each nest had two adult birds. One bird in the nest the other out hunting. Early in their seasonal return they all 4 hunted together.

Due to health issues I was not driving until the week of May 18th. That week I saw the SMECO workers in a bucket looking in the nests. My husband on his trip down the road saw the same and took the dogs out for a walk and heard the one in the bucket call down to the other that the particular nest had three eggs in it.

During the long weekend I saw babies and saw a fish being flown back to one of the nests.

On the 28th the nests were destroyed.

SMECO says they had every right to do so.

I have not seen the babies nor three of the adult ospreys since.

Sure I like electricity and a/c and a stove and refrigerator. I appreciate everybody in every service industry.

But that doesn't mean to me, that destroying those nests was okay.

The adult ospreys threatened to eat my dogs every year. Yet, I would have had no problems with the nests being left up on the old poles that are still standing there, especially as the lines had already been run to new poles. Why couldn't that have been done? I would have had no problem with the nests being moved to a platform once it was built. The SMECO named poster says that will happen in a week. So why couldn't they have waited an extra week and moved the nests? But destroying those nests, whether you believe the babies were in there or not, just doesn't sit right with me.

This is my opinion. From my first post I said I don't care if you agree with me or not. But I am still disheartened over the entire thing.

Now ask yourself this, if you are thinking me a liar, why would I have started this tread to begin with if I truly didn't believe those babies were in those nests? It would have upset me, but not to this level.

You can form your own opinion, just as I have. But IMHO there is no reason to result to name calling back and forth. The babies are gone, as are the three osprey.

Here we go I think. The other one had just put another stick on the nest.

What a majestic creature. Please kill it so I can have air conditioning, thanks!

should be... seeing they will have to relocate it to "protect them"

... god .. next thing it will be thier fault when they make contact with the lines and kill themselves.

:confused: What??

You stated that it goes through DNR and I asked how do they (DNR) know what is going on or where the nest are.

Not sure who you're referring to about making contact with the lines. :shrug:

:confused: What??

You stated that it goes through DNR and I asked how do they (DNR) know what is going on or where the nest are.

Not sure who you're referring to about making contact with the lines. :shrug:

they ..the birds will/have made contact with lines. Some have been killed and others have been injured.

So there could still be nests in the area with babies? If so, not all lay at the same time.

Would one osprey use the nest of another after the first set of babies are gone? So basically, one could lay eggs first part of April, they leave the nest, and another lays her eggs in that nest in June?

I think some are still babies, I have also seen young ones out practicing flying. That is very cool. I think overall it was not a good year. Several nests that were occupied last year are empty. On PAX anyway.

I think some are still babies, I have also seen young ones out practicing flying. That is very cool. I think overall it was not a good year. Several nests that were occupied last year are empty. On PAX anyway.

Couldn't pay the mortgage, so they got evicted and moved to Section 8 housing.

I don't care if you agree with me or if you believe me.

Things I know:

The ospreys have returned to the two nests in question for years.

Each nest had two adult birds. One bird in the nest the other out hunting. Early in their seasonal return they all 4 hunted together.

Due to health issues I was not driving until the week of May 18th. That week I saw the SMECO workers in a bucket looking in the nests. My husband on his trip down the road saw the same and took the dogs out for a walk and heard the one in the bucket call down to the other that the particular nest had three eggs in it.

During the long weekend I saw babies and saw a fish being flown back to one of the nests.

On the 28th the nests were destroyed.

SMECO says they had every right to do so.

I have not seen the babies nor three of the adult ospreys since.

Sure I like electricity and a/c and a stove and refrigerator. I appreciate everybody in every service industry.

But that doesn't mean to me, that destroying those nests was okay.

The adult ospreys threatened to eat my dogs every year. Yet, I would have had no problems with the nests being left up on the old poles that are still standing there, especially as the lines had already been run to new poles. Why couldn't that have been done? I would have had no problem with the nests being moved to a platform once it was built. The SMECO named poster says that will happen in a week. So why couldn't they have waited an extra week and moved the nests? But destroying those nests, whether you believe the babies were in there or not, just doesn't sit right with me.

This is my opinion. From my first post I said I don't care if you agree with me or not. But I am still disheartened over the entire thing.

Now ask yourself this, if you are thinking me a liar, why would I have started this tread to begin with if I truly didn't believe those babies were in those nests? It would have upset me, but not to this level.

You can form your own opinion, just as I have. But IMHO there is no reason to result to name calling back and forth. The babies are gone, as are the three osprey.

Wow. 6 weeks from eggs to distruction. No disruption of electricity to warrant this.

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:popcorn:

As for Beachville, Red Explorer is so right - it looks ugly. The thing is all this land is part of the MD DNR Forest Service and reserved as Woodland Hunting area...I guess no more. I'm surprised this hasn't been covered in some way in the news.

I wanted to get sick on Sunday after I saw it....

my vote would be to stop putting poles up and bury the lines - that way when we do have a storm, or a tree just dies, we don't lose power for hours or days on end while the clean up and repair gets done. They can remove the ones not used as nests (and eliminate obstacles for drunk drivers).

My parents have all buried lines, and are in the hurricane zone on the Outer Banks....buried lines really dont help.

Couldn't pay the mortgage, so they got evicted and moved to Section 8 housing.

I would much rather have them than my curent ones. At least they don't throw throw trash in their yard. Which blows into mine. Plus I doubt they have fights at 2 AM.
I am ready to do something.

My parents have all buried lines, and are in the hurricane zone on the Outer Banks....buried lines really dont help.

Outer banks you are living on Mother Natures fun zone.

This is why America is going broke!!!!!!!!!!!. Endless frivolous regulations that require more and more labor to inspect and maintain and we wonder why we cant afford it.

SAVE THE TOAD!!!!

This is why America is going broke!!!!!!!!!!!. Endless frivolous regulations that require more and more labor to inspect and maintain and we wonder why we cant afford it.

SAVE THE TOAD!!!!

Oh BS. How much effort does it take not to remove unused poles. None.

I think some are still babies, I have also seen young ones out practicing flying. That is very cool. I think overall it was not a good year. Several nests that were occupied last year are empty. On PAX anyway.
You are correct DR, some nests have hatchlings right now. It's been a long season with staggered phases of young birds.

You are correct DR, some nests have hatchlings right now. It's been a long season with staggered phases of young birds.

Thanks. I thought I was just being unobservant or something.

It seems I understand now.

The 4 adult ospreys and the baby birds I and my neighbors saw were just my imagination, and it's okay to destroy a nest before a platform is built to move the nest to.

And rather than return my call you would rather post on the forum and send me a PM to tell me to call again.

That's okay. I won't bother SMECO again.

:jameo:

The things you saw definitely warranted some questions and investigation to verify that things were being done properly, but I think you may be off base with this one. I haven't been down Villa in a while, but the poles/platforms that osprey tend to build on are very high. If you can see the "babies" at all - that means they are big enough to walk around the nest, and climb edges of it. Meaning, if you can see them, they are close to being ready to fly. They probably weren't as young as you think they were.

It surprises me to hear myself defending a utility company, but I've been in St. Mary's for 16 years now and have yet to see SMECO doing anything shady. And given how protective the public is of these birds, plus the strict laws regarding migratory birds, I'd be shocked if SMECO did anything wrong, especially out in the open there on Villa were everybody going to Webster field in the morning is going to see them.

Oh BS. How much effort does it take not to remove unused poles. None.

Really? IT NEVER ENDS. One more beetle, one more spotted owl etc etc etc etc etc. More enforcement, more agencies etc etc etc. More inconvenience for people and their property for things.....

You are in denial. JS

SAVE THE TOAD!!!!

And make chili with it! :lol:

If you can see the "babies" at all - that means they are big enough to walk around the nest, and climb edges of it. Meaning, if you can see them, they are close to being ready to fly. They probably weren't as young as you think they were.Exactly!! You cannot see the babies until they are big enough as you said. I've been eye level out on the water and when small, they can't be seen and the parents will tear you up if you get near them.

I believe Miggy saw birds that were old enough to fly and had flown the coop when Smeco came back.

All I see here are a bunch of coocoos whining about a few osprey. They weren't the last ones, there are more out there.



Waaaahh, waaaaaah!

All I see here are a bunch of coocoos whining about a few osprey. They weren't the last ones, there are more out there.



Waaaahh, waaaaaah!

Be real nice if you sat in one of those nests and got trashed. We wouldn't miss ya, there are more out there.

Be real nice if you sat in one of those nests and got trashed. We wouldn't miss ya, there are more out there.

Waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!

there are more out there.





Yep, chicks like you are a dime a dozen !

I don't care if you agree with me or if you believe me.

Things I know:

The ospreys have returned to the two nests in question for years.

Each nest had two adult birds. One bird in the nest the other out hunting. Early in their seasonal return they all 4 hunted together.

Due to health issues I was not driving until the week of May 18th. That week I saw the SMECO workers in a bucket looking in the nests. My husband on his trip down the road saw the same and took the dogs out for a walk and heard the one in the bucket call down to the other that the particular nest had three eggs in it.

During the long weekend I saw babies and saw a fish being flown back to one of the nests.

On the 28th the nests were destroyed.

SMECO says they had every right to do so.

I have not seen the babies nor three of the adult ospreys since.

Sure I like electricity and a/c and a stove and refrigerator. I appreciate everybody in every service industry.

But that doesn't mean to me, that destroying those nests was okay.

The adult ospreys threatened to eat my dogs every year. Yet, I would have had no problems with the nests being left up on the old poles that are still standing there, especially as the lines had already been run to new poles. Why couldn't that have been done? I would have had no problem with the nests being moved to a platform once it was built. The SMECO named poster says that will happen in a week. So why couldn't they have waited an extra week and moved the nests? But destroying those nests, whether you believe the babies were in there or not, just doesn't sit right with me.

This is my opinion. From my first post I said I don't care if you agree with me or not. But I am still disheartened over the entire thing.

Now ask yourself this, if you are thinking me a liar, why would I have started this tread to begin with if I truly didn't believe those babies were in those nests? It would have upset me, but not to this level.

You can form your own opinion, just as I have. But IMHO there is no reason to result to name calling back and forth. The babies are gone, as are the three osprey.

Mig,
This is a photoshop embellishment of a photo that I took last evening in Solomons harbor. These 3 little ones are getting big fast but not flying yet.

I hope that this is a misunderstanding and SMECO DID follow all the regulations they were supposed to follow. (Although it does seem like the platforms should be built before the nests are destroyed.)

If they did indeed remove the babies, then I am disappointed in them. And if they did, I hope that Mig's observations and sharing keeps them from repeating such things in the future.

Really? IT NEVER ENDS. One more beetle, one more spotted owl etc etc etc etc etc. More enforcement, more agencies etc etc etc. More inconvenience for people and their property for things.....

You are in denial. JS

Oh, I agree, some regs are really stupid. Some are good.

I live, ontheriver. I walk the beach in the evening, after work, .... it makes me happy. But, not today. Two dead osprey on the beach, within feet of each other. Bridge work and all that. Three days ago, a dead baby heron, and an adult (mom?). WTF is wrong with this picture?

I live, ontheriver. I walk the beach in the evening, after work, .... it makes me happy. But, not today. Two dead osprey on the beach, within feet of each other. Bridge work and all that. Three days ago, a dead baby heron, and an adult (mom?). WTF is wrong with this picture?

Which river?

I live, ontheriver. I walk the beach in the evening, after work, .... it makes me happy. But, not today. Two dead osprey on the beach, within feet of each other. Bridge work and all that. Three days ago, a dead baby heron, and an adult (mom?). WTF is wrong with this picture?

Stop building your houses on the river and interfering with their habitat? Seriously, if you are that worried about a dead bird - do your part. And don't give me any "recycling" nonsense about setting your beer cans out in a plastic bin for the great green air pollution trucks to pick up once a week.

Which river?

Patuxent

Stop building your houses on the river and interfering with their habitat? Seriously, if you are that worried about a dead bird - do your part. And don't give me any "recycling" nonsense about setting your beer cans out in a plastic bin for the great green air pollution trucks to pick up once a week.

You are an idiot.

Stop building your houses on the river and interfering with their habitat? Seriously, if you are that worried about a dead bird - do your part. And don't give me any "recycling" nonsense about setting your beer cans out in a plastic bin for the great green air pollution trucks to pick up once a week.

I am sure the house or apartment you live in never encroached on wildlife homes. Even if you live in a tent you are interfering with their habitat. Geez get a clue! Must be nice to be so perfect and in harmony with nature and saving us from self destruction.

Must be nice to be so perfect and in harmony with nature and saving us from self destruction.

I wouldn't know. (Oh, and it's a trailer btw) ;)

You are an idiot.

Well now there is a clever response. :)

yeah...and we all know companies never lie. :whistle: I'm actually hoping the birds had indeed gone and SMECO is a reputable company but it only takes one or two employees, frustrated with having to delay a job, and dealing with heat all day to just 'move things along' without the company's knowledge of what is going on in the field. How difficult would it have been to have removed the babies and then taken a picture of an empty nest for documentation?

:eyebrow:

I am sure the house or apartment you live in never encroached on wildlife homes. Even if you live in a tent you are interfering with their habitat. Geez get a clue! Must be nice to be so perfect and in harmony with nature and saving us from self destruction.

I've loved this river for over 30 years. I LIVE here. I don't even allow a cigarette butt thrown over my pier. There are plenty of people who disrespect this beautiful resource. It's not me. I watched those osprey build their nest, hunt and feed their young. It's awe inspiring. My house has been here since the 40's. When I updated my house , I refused to bulldoze it over. I kept the frame and did what I had to do to make it right. It's called respect.....

I've loved this river for over 30 years. I LIVE here. I don't even allow a cigarette butt thrown over my pier. There are plenty of people who disrespect this beautiful resource. It's not me. I watched those osprey build their nest, hunt and feed their young. It's awe inspiring. My house has been here since the 40's. When I updated my house , I refused to bulldoze it over. I kept the frame and did what I had to do to make it right. It's called respect.....

I am sure you do, it is a peaceful & beautiful life down there. I have seen all the platforms that smeco has built down there for the osprey. Don't let one comment get to you. Have a good night!

I am sure you do, it is a peaceful & beautiful life down there. I have seen all the platforms that smeco has built down there for the osprey. Don't let one comment get to you. Have a good night!

:huggy: Thank you Prep.

Our pair showed up a week early in March, and their 3 babies still can't fly. They are just now trying their wings, but not getting on the edge of the nest yet.. I find it hard to belive that they were ready to fledge..

All of the Osprey nest that I have seen, still have babies too young to fledge yet.

I live on the water and this is the same pair for 5 years.

And, ontheriver, don't let the stupidity of others get to you.. Those who know you, know how much respect you have for nature...

Our pair showed up a week early in March, and their 3 babies still can't fly. They are just now trying their wings, but not getting on the edge of the nest yet.. I find it hard to belive that they were ready to fledge..

All of the Osprey nest that I have seen, still have babies too young to fledge yet.

I live on the water and this is the same pair for 5 years.

And, ontheriver, don't let the stupidity of others get to you.. Those who know you, know how much respect you have for nature...

Saw the first little head peering out of one nest this AM on PAX.

Saw the first little head peering out of one nest this AM on PAX.

Sadly, I won't see that now. No sign of the nest or babies. I did see a new nest being built on a tower down the street. :ohwell:

Stop building your houses on the river and interfering with their habitat? Seriously, if you are that worried about a dead bird - do your part. And don't give me any "recycling" nonsense about setting your beer cans out in a plastic bin for the great green air pollution trucks to pick up once a week.

sounds like someone is sensitive about being asked to recycle his 10oz cans

I live, ontheriver. I walk the beach in the evening, after work, .... it makes me happy. But, not today. Two dead osprey on the beach, within feet of each other. Bridge work and all that. Three days ago, a dead baby heron, and an adult (mom?). WTF is wrong with this picture?

Perhaps there was nothing nefarious going on other than mother nature. Last Friday's derecho is most likely the culprit here.

I live, ontheriver. I walk the beach in the evening, after work, .... it makes me happy. But, not today. Two dead osprey on the beach, within feet of each other. Bridge work and all that. Three days ago, a dead baby heron, and an adult (mom?). WTF is wrong with this picture?

They are patching the old bridge instead of building a bigger one?

Perhaps there was nothing nefarious going on other than mother nature. Last Friday's derecho is most likely the culprit here.

Perhaps, but I've never seen a dead bird on this beach. Ever. Fish, yes. Also the heron were the day of or before the storm. The osprey were laid out near one another. Just too odd. Four in three days. And the nest was gone. It just kinda hurt my feelings to see these beautiful creatures that I watched the day before diving into the river and coming out with a fish, then heading directly to their nest. Also, they are blasting away the old paint from the bridge. What would you think? :shrug:

I live, ontheriver. I walk the beach in the evening, after work, .... it makes me happy. But, not today. Two dead osprey on the beach, within feet of each other. Bridge work and all that. Three days ago, a dead baby heron, and an adult (mom?). WTF is wrong with this picture?

They are patching the old bridge instead of building a bigger one?

My understanding is they have not made a decision, but have several (four, I think) options. SMECO is also updating their stuff underwater along that same easement, but I haven't been paying attention to their timeline. I may die of old age before they actually decide AND find the funding for whichever option is chosen. :jameo:

[QUOTE=desertrat;4858757]

My understanding is they have not made a decision, but have several (four, I think) options. SMECO is also updating their stuff underwater along that same easement, but I haven't been paying attention to their timeline. I may die of old age before they actually decide AND find the funding for whichever option is chosen. :jameo:

Have you seen the dolphins yet?

[QUOTE=ontheriver;4859047]

Have you seen the dolphins yet?

No. My feelings is really hurt about that... think I'll go eat some worms.

[QUOTE=desertrat;4859591]

No. My feelings is really hurt about that...

Probably still around. Probably cause problems on the bridge if they get spotted from there. :lol:

[QUOTE=ontheriver;4859592]

Probably still around. Probably cause problems on the bridge if they get spotted from there. :lol:

Seems EVERYTHING causes problems on the bridge...jus sayin'