This is our third month of ospreys for 2014. The season is really flashing past.
Loch Garten has been quiet this year. Just two experienced birds getting on with raising three chicks.
Loch of the Lowes has had a disappointing time with a crow stealing one egg and the other two failing to hatch. Also there was great excitement when Blue XD made his return to Britain.
Glaslyn as usual was first to have a chick hatch quickly followed by two more. The Glaslyn pair are indeed a formidable pair of ospreys.
Dyfi continues to surprise as they have not only got the usual pair of ospreys but a spare female waiting in the wings in the form of Blue 24. However Blue 24 has now got to keep a certain distance from the nest.
There was great interest in whether the new Manton Bay pair would manage a second clutch of eggs. In the event they did didn't. However ospreys everywhere should take a trip to Manton Bay to take lessons in nest building. Are we seeing the start of a new dynasty in Manton Bay?
Lots of interest in Bassenthwaite and Kielder. Also the surprise news that there are not one but two nests at Esthwaite.
The other great news was the return of the two year old 8F a 2012 bird from Manton Bay.
An exciting month ahead.
Tiger Signature
Thanks TIGER A great summary and reminder of mixed emotions and events
Thanks Tiger. Here's to another great month of osprey watching.
ChloeB & Tiger's Osprey Data
At this time of year a lot of thought goes into how long eggs can survive without being brooded. An interesting report from Seili in Finland. Apparently last Tuesday the eggs were left uncovered for about two hours in cold conditions. Yet on Sunday 1st June (39 days after the first egg was laid) an egg hatched.
Thanks for good synopsis on season thus far Tiger. Interesting position with b24. I wonder why she has not gone back to her own platform and tried to attract a mate. Is she after Dyfi nest or Monty or perhaps both. I wonder if these birds are aware they are wasting a breeding season when they behave as she is. Next year will be interesting again if this triangle are all still in the game.
Oh if Loch Garten and EJ are anything to go by then the answer is probably YES
How is this for an oddity? A chick well outside the hatching window.
Also the last egg at Terrapin Cover was laid up to 14 days after the first.
Thanks TIGER For a second I hought there was a secret nest in Esses and then realished it was Essex USA Let's hope the little hing thrives
How many days outside hatching was it, the article doesn't say.
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Last egg was laid on 24 April which would make hatching at about 44 days.
Been a strange old year so far :)