Scott Gregg

Beaver Falls, PA



In thirty years of observing both ospreys' and eagles' nests, I've never
seen their nest site preferences overlap.  The one, ospreys, seem to build
nests in the most extreme exposed locations, and the other, eagles, seem to
prefer more protected locations (trees with foliage).  Admittedly, most of
my observations have taken place in PA and MD, with only a few in extreme
eastern Ohio. I've only ever seen one eagles' nest on a man-made structure,
a high-tension tower.  Furthermore, the nest on this structure was placed
mid-way down the structure, and the nest was never successful.  In contrast,
all the osprey nests I've seen are on the very top of a structure.  They
seem to prefer the most extreme, exposed nesting sites. Maybe this is not
the case with these birds in Ohio.?



I witnessed eagles taking over a red-tails' nest location and building upon
the nest.  The nest was in the vicinity of water, but the situation was not
good -- I don't think the eagles were experienced nest builders (The female
was a fourth-year, first breeding year bird.).  The nest was not in a very
substantial crotch - it appeared that either the weight of adding to the
nest and/or a good windstorm would bring it down in pretty short order.
Typically, they were not successful in their first breeding attempt, and
they did not return to the site in the following year.  It seems the same
would be true of them building on a herons' nest - very poor location, the
top of a tree with very little substance to support the nest.



I consider the osprey an "all bark and no bite" bird.  I've only ever seen
them threaten (vocally) other raptors or make a few half-hearted dives at
other raptors, always maintaining a safe distance.  As someone else
mentioned previously, they breed and raise their young much later in the
season than other raptors.  Has anyone actually ever witnessed ospreys
usurping or using another raptors' nest site?






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