A new, live streaming osprey cam is revealing the secrets of the osprey pair who are making Ocean’s Reach their home for the 4th season. Mounted above the nesting platform, the camera showed the appearance of Egg #1 on Christmas. Egg #2 was laid the following day and now the pair is alternating sitting on three eggs. Tune in often to see the family change as the chicks are born, fed, and finally test their wings.

Wild Osprey now in Live Streaming Video

The osprey pair that nests at Ocean’s Reach can’t hide any more. Their actions on the nest are covered by a live streaming video cam. Ospreys are also known as fish eagles or sea hawks. Male and female are nearly identical, with the female having a stouter body and broader wings. Their golden brown eyes can see fish beneath the waves from heights of 130 feet (40 meters) above the ocean. And now we can watch them up close and personal.

Amazing Birds of Prey

Mating for life, this osprey pair who lives at Ocean’s Reach will likely make this location their home for many years to come. If all goes well, chicks should begin to hatch around the middle of February. Being fed often – and you can watch them in the nest – these kids will grow rapidly and will “fledge” or fly away some time in early April. Click in often to watch their activities.

Nest Watching

Ocean’s Reach’s osprey pair is in its fourth year using this nest which sits on a human-built platform above the Ocean’s Reach property. From there, they have been observing the condominium complex’s guest activities. And now the guests – and you – can observe theirs. Join the live streaming feed often to observe the birds sitting on the eggs, feeding, the eggs hatching and the progress the chicks make as they grow.

There is more than one way to raise money for a very worthy cause! This family stays on the island every year and they enjoy the Ding Darling Refuge so much that they decided they wanted to help the refuge in some way. So… they set up a lemonade stand on the bike path on Periwinkle Way to raise money to help support the refuge. What a great family activity!

The 4th annual “Christmas Caroling Concert in the Grove” performance by Debbie, Jim and Mark was a wonderful experience for the more than 70 guests and friends that attended. Ocean’s Reach has been delighted to have this very special group of talented professionals entertain us once again.

This spectacular a capella performance has become so popular that we have many guests that plan their vacation around this yearly performance which usually takes place the 1st or 2nd day after Christmas. Thank you again to our honored guest performers, Deborah Jenkins, James Dalfonso and Mark Malachesky!

Christmas Day afternoon, I walked over to beach access #2 near where I live, to watch the sun set. When I arrived I took these pictures of a family celebrating the day in fine style. I can only hope that your day was as joyous as this family. It was a perfect Sanibel beach day!

Mary Grace, better know as MG, who many of you might remember from when she worked here for about a year, five years ago, is pictured in front of the building that she just bought. In the past it was home to the Cheeburger Cheeburger Restaurant before they moved to Tahitian Gardens. MG is working hard to ready her building for a new Sanibel restaurant called Bettys and Bubbles. I will keep you posted.

Does anyone know what the term Bettys and Bubbles mean? I certainly did not until told. Hint, it is used by surfers.

Andy

Located next to the Boston Red Sox Spring Training Park is the home of world famous “Norman Love Confections“. Just walking in the door is a culinary journey that will awaken your taste buds. Each chocolate is a handmade work of art that you will not be able to resist and wait until you experience your first taste of the new Norman Love Confections BLACK! This is their new ultra-premium healthy dark chocolate that takes you on an unforgettable chocolate journey. This stop is “must” on your list of places to visit! Ask Andy about his last trip there!

We would like to share some of the pictures of the new Boston Red Sox Spring Training Park. Work began on the $78 million project in August of 2010, and after months of site preparation, the construction of the stadium itself began earlier this year. Now, with the first game set for March 3, the final touches are being applied.

JetBlue will replace City of Palms Park. The new facility has practice fields on the same site as the stadium with approx 2500 more seats and room for another 1,000 or so in standing room. As the final touches are being put in place, the new “Fenway South” is almost ready for the season!

On Saturday morning, December 17th, members of the Sanibel Audubon Society are shown on the beach in front of Ocean’s Reach conducting their annual Christmas Bird Count. When I spoke with the group they were amazed at how many birds were on the beach. My quick answer was they have not been to Ocean’s Reach! The numerous birds shown are an almost daily occurrence on our beach.

Judy and Bob, part of the Ocean’s Reach family are shown in the main foyer of the BIG ARTS Herb Strauss Theater. Notice the floral arrangement on the table, it is mainly composed of Baby’s Breath flowers. What a delightful display of creativity!

The Sanibel Community Church, located on Periwinkle Drive next to Jerry’s Supermarket, is in the process of building a 600 seat sanctuary to add to their campus. We will keep you posted as it is being built. They are presenting a live nativity production, “Christmas Eve Under the Stars” on December 24th at 6pm, featuring contemporary Christmas songs and a candle lighting ceremony to follow.