Either she or Odin will be nearby - she is far too conscientious a mother to risk anything happening to the chicks. It's not unknown for her to start fishing again at this point in the season (though she doesn't really need to!) - she could also be bathing or simply enjoying her own space somewhere close.
Our herring gulls are red listed birds. Think about that the next time you hear some flaming idiot calling for a cull of them.
Ian. I think it highly likely that she is perched elsewhere out of camera view. The weather is fine, the chicks look fit and there is every chance that EJ has chosen to have some space to herself as the nest is certainly becoming very crowded. If the conditions prevent Odin from fishing there is little she can do but watch and wait at this stage albeit probably from a distance.
Birdies LG DU update.
She will undoubtedly be in the camera tree.
Thanks Clare & Mike for your replies. I've lived in Aviemore all my life and never took much notice of all the wonders that are around me until reaching mid-life, and I've avidly watched these chicks go from strength to strength this year and I want to see all 3 of them fledge and go on to live long lives. I think the work that the RSPB do is amazing and they bring us things to see like this and I am proud to have become a new member of the RSPB and will support them in any way I can..
She was on the Camera tree and is now back.
Yes Mike I was watching when she appeared back. I'm a happy chap now!!
Ian D. Welcome to the forum. You will be well placed to try to spot Odin as he does his fishing in aviemore nowadays.
As Clare says EJ has been known to start fishing at this time. Here is a list of dates when she did that over the years.
Tiger Signature
So TIGER She could start soon...except that there may be no need yet as Odin doing so well
patily said: So TIGER She could start soon...except that there may be no need yet as Odin doing so well
Well in 2008 and 2012 she had already gone fishing by now. Those were the two years when there was a severe lack of fish. Last year both chicks had fledged before she decided to "cast a talon".
Thank you for the welcome Tiger. Yes I have seen him quite a few times down at the River Spey and also caught sight of him taking a whale of a fish from a small stocked loch at the bottom of Craigellachie nature reserve a couple of weeks ago. The Alvie Ospreys are also down here quite alot. Has he brought in any fish today yet?