Our fretting resulted in a kind opinion from Jess Tomes yesterday, who reminded us about the opportunity to view nature through RSPB's "window". Amidst our collective restlessness, speculation ranged from whether George indeed recognized at least one of the eggs was not his, whether the eggs would bear healthy osprey, whether the eggs could be taken and hatched elsewhere (even moved to the LOCH ARKAIG nest where the resident pair suffered a loss of their eggs to a pine marten), to whether EJ's disinterest in mating affected George, to whether the nest might soon belong to another osprey than EJ, who many believe to be getting on in her years, to her apparent accelerated feather moult, and the nature of "crop dropping". Inevitably, we have come up with nothing better than Pandy's poem as we watch, and wait. It will be 7 days since EJ has had a meal. So maybe she will go fishing for herself this weekend.
Here was George on May 1st, as we were cheering him on with hearts full of hope. (Moffer's pic) And below that is the rainy scene now with EJ on the nest.© RSPB - Loch Garten and Carnyx Wild_______________________________________The Daily Update is for recording nest events only, allowing for banter, though—any questions or conversations can happen on the Osprey Chat thread. Thank you!
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Quite agree with Scylla and CRinger - it makes a lot of sense that EJ's lack of interest in mating was a major, if not THE major trigger for GJ's lack of support for EJ. As I commented yesterday, it is SUCH a pity that a suitable eager male didn't arrive at the start of the season, when EJ was so obviously looking for a partner, alone on the nest, patiently scanning the southern skies for hours on end.
You are not alone Kitty I also talk to EJ Sadly, she does not reply
Beeecause of the very points you raise, I am a vegan....but I wish I could bring EJ a large fish
Interesting ideas/theories...!thanks everyone
Morning to all here and to those who come later. Another day when we sit and wait and watch to see what our beautiful girl is going to do. We can, I think give up on the hope that George is going to bring in fish now, IF he did it would prolong her departure even longer, to get her own fish, making her sit on the eggs longer, taking them nearer to hatching, that we don't want now, as we know what the outcome would be. Fingers crossed she goes to fish today and gets herself the biggest jucy fish. So sad that two years now she has had no young to raise but as we know she is a clever, wise girl and hopefully will have more opportunities to do so successfully. Lots of interesting theories but we will never know what happened or why it happened. We are so fortunate indeed to have this wonderful opportunity of seeing this nest and all that happens, it makes you part of her life and you can't help but get so attached and yes, love her. Come on EJ girl do what you have to, we will all be behind you, because we want you to be fed and get strong again. A beautiful poem indeed from Pandy.
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
This is painfully sad for us to watch, but what a wonderful determined osprey she is, I have to admire how she is staying put with those eggs and clearly not going to give up until she has no choice. I really hope she comes back next year, who knows maybe GJ will be her partner then, he maybe would have made an excellent partner this year if not for those eggs.
© Scottish Wildlife Trust - Loch of the Lowes
"Birds are, quite simply, little miracles - and as such they require care and consideration."
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Buzzard calling.
Hello! 11.18 Been here sine 09.30. A buzzard has been calling as it passed overhead. EJ looked up. No threat.
A lovely day now after the overnight rain.
Birdie's DU Summaries 2018 https://www.imagicat.com/
She has checked her eggs, settled, moves a bit of irritating dry material from under her beak - and made matters worse. She had another go. Keeping a general eye on all around her.