At the start of last month we were asking "Where are all the ospreys?" There were fears that many would not return.
Well things changed in early April and there was a rush of ospreys arriving.
On 2nd April there was great joy when EJ arrived, a bit late but looking magnificent. Then very unusually early on 6th April Odin arrived in the dark something I do not think we have seen before. Then they were off for another breeding season which initially went smoothly except for a pine marten having dug a hole in the nest.
However late in the month the coupled have been plagued by intruders who have made life difficult for them. The last time that EJ suffered a really bad intrusion was 2004 when she was fiercely attacked each morning. This came to an end with an egg being broken. Fortunately history has not repeated itself yet.
The new female at Loch of the Lowes produced a few surprises and quite a few people were convinced that she was Lady. However with time it became clear that she was most likely to be the female who occupied the nest for a week in 2013.
At Dyfi Blue 24 put in an appearance on April 7. To the great delight of his fans Monty arrived later in the day. Monty was not so keen to entertain Blue 24 this year and when Glesni arrived early on April 9 Blue 24 was seen off quickly.
Glaslyn has been rather sad this year. It is now clear that the legendary 11 (98) is not coming back. The Glaslyn female has had a succession males (including her son Blue 80) but none of them have stayed long. Remarkably she has laid three eggs but it has all been rather strange.
At Kielder the news has been excellent. Three successful nests so far and one (nest 2) is a four egg nest. The two tracked Kielder birds continue to do well.
On 6th April there was the most amazing news from Manton Bay, Rutland. Both Maya and Blue 33 returned. Maya was nearly three weeks late compared to 2014 and many people were very worried for her.
Then later in the month there was news from site B Rutland that the grandson of 3 (97) had attempted to evict grandpa. Well grandpa managed to hold on to his nest but the first clutch of eggs were broken. Remarkably a second clutch has now been laid. A very rare occurrence.
The tracked birds Blue XD, Green J and Beatrice all made it home safely.
The Bassenthwaite chick White 14 has started his migration north. Still no sign that Breagha will do the same but surely he must be on his way soon.
So a greatly transformed situation with lots to look forward to in the coming months.
Tiger Signature
For those that have not seen it a link to Mary great video of a virtual visit to Loch Garten Osprey Centre
Let us prepare to welcome Breagha home.
Here are all the memories of 2013
I am trying very hard to remember an amazing hatching. Was it 44 days?
Who was it, Tiger? I think there was a Dyfi bird who went over 40 days.
Our herring gulls are red listed birds. Think about that the next time you hear some flaming idiot calling for a cull of them.
Clare Bailey said: Who was it, Tiger? I think there was a Dyfi bird who went over 40 days.
Dulas at Dyfi was 42 days but this one was 44 days. Might it have been Foulshaw Moss?
Okay. I'm just going to say this. I know I will be roundly criticized, but I'm going to say it, anyway. I have not fully given up on Odin.
If Odin was injured, he would have realized that he couldn't take on all of the "intruders" vying for the LG nest.
I think Odin is going to let all of these young contenders fight for dominance. Once there's a clear winner, Odin will fight that bird for the nest. Odin is an experienced raptor, and it's a smart strategy from an evolutionary standpoint. Odin would have the time to heal, and he would have to fight only one battle. If I remember correctly, Glesni took her time before she came back to have her epic battle for the nest with Blue 24 at Dyfi. She waited until she was recovered and strong.
This would also explain EJ's reluctance to accept Orange Chest (in addition to his failure to provide food).
Diane, I can't tell you how much I hope you're right.
Diane - I am 100% in agreement here.
I believe Odin is lying low as no way could he take on 3 of them and he knew it. I see this as brain not brawn! I just have this feeling that we will see Odin, not tomorrow, not the day after but sometime in the near future when things settle down.
Why would anyone criticise you Diane? Some of us, including myself, think there is still a chance that Odin could be out there recovering.
ChloeB & Tiger's Osprey Data
ODIN HAS RETURNED ... Blog