Good grief! 12 pages yesterday. And most of them about the birds and the bees - or the birds. I'm copying Wattle's post (the last one on yesterday's Update thread) which may throw some light on the topic. (Glad someone asked; I wasn't sure myself but you feel such a twit.....)
From Wattle: Now I've finished chuckling at all the posts, I'll answer the delicate question posed. Generally, birds have just one multi-purpose opening, male and female, both under the tail. The female holds her tail to one side, and the male curls his body forward until there is, well, a 'bum kiss'! It can be lightning fast and still be very effective. ;-) I say 'generally', because male ducks, swans etc can be more elaborately endowed, but females are always the same (I think).
Thank you Wattle, I think..... :-)
Oh, and the LG nest is empty; Marge is at LOTL
call me sily but when thjey do that thing on their belly and enlarge the cup with thier legs it is so sweet. Those little leggies for such a massive bird!! Ahh!!
Everything in life is speaking in spite of its apparent silence.
Oh eggsasperation from me! Saw Odin arrive with the fish, and then posted on the wrong thread, as I was reading the Weekly Chat page at the time. Wasnt it comical how she looke d for it, and then grabbed it in the end!
Have posted a pic on the Weekly Chat thread re the mating thing.
Hi tish: Hope your hands are better today - that's rotten for you. Loved your idea about calling all the chicks after bandits !! as I think the ospreys 'mask' is so dramatic and cute.
Thanks Lindybird/ They're just a nuisance. For doing everything really but ho hum!! The [pic of the mating should explain all Cirrus Very educational Lindybird. lol
Odin has now left the nest empty. He has gone & so shall I, as lots to do today. See you later.
Goodie, finally found your pic of EJ Alan - great shot -I've bagged it. She does look stunning.
I've now looked at your mating photo Lindybird .... mmmm ..(full blush).. very graphic. Thanks. It seems Odin holds feathers aside as well as EJ holding her tail to one side. Well, OK then, no more mystery.
EJ has returned and the nest cup is getting a lot of attention toay!! Or is it because I want to think it is because the egg time is gewtting nearer? Questions question!!
EJ has just flown off again after re arranging Odins beakwork!!
Morning ALL, thanks for the earlier nest reports.
LInda, I had found in one of my old bird books, illustrating how birds mate, but then realised I wasn't allowed to copy on to here, so very well done with your photograph.
Nest still empty.
Hi Tish, sorry about your hands. Hope Dr. has the answer for you.