This thread is to record observations on the Loch Garten nest while activities and sightings are winding down. [weep]
A certain amount of dread accompanies starting this thread (Dread Thread) since no one wants to think of the season as "over", nor do we know what that really means. After all, the idea that the season is over is our idea, not their idea. For the ospreys, this is simply the time they are in the North, before returning to the South.
The season up until now could be summarized thusly: The Phenomenal EJ arrives to our great relief. Faint hopes are dashed when Odin does not reappear, but then hope springs eternal as a young male we dubbed Junior finally arrives and takes an interest. After sticking around the nest a bit, he is formally named (we think somewhat prematurely) after George Waterston, the great naturalist. But George and EJ have had an inconsistent time of it. EJ laid three eggs, of which only the last two could possibly be his. While his mating instincts seemed fine, his fish deliveries and nest defense have been inconsistent. When he has delivered fish to the nest, he seems quite happy to incubate. But given the sporadic schedule he seems to be on, EJ finally has had to fish for herself, and since then the eggs have been left for lengths of time on many occasions.
At this point I must re-emphasize the value of BNN's Daily Summaries that provide an index to the season's events as well as an overview of the seasons since she began them. For specifics like how long the eggs have been in the nest or # of fish delivered, it is wisest to consult her calendars for reference.
Some lovely pics of EJ were taken yesterday.EJ's underwing by BNN.A regal EJ by MofferCloseup by MofferCloseups by BNN
Yesterday the male George brought fish and incubated (scylla's video) but only for a minute at most. The day before he did not at all, but the day before that, he did. The season has turned into what seems like EJ's training session for a somewhat confused young male. She still calls for fish and tolerates his mating attempts. Two defending the nest (or maybe one and a half?) is better than one female alone, as seen by last spring when Odin disappeared. :'-{ At this moment the eggs are indeed home alone. EJ has decided to roost elsewhere (probably nearby) for the night now.© RSPB - Loch Garten and Carnyx Wild
Please correct anything or suggest inclusions, as I am typing off the top of my head for the second time tonight!!!
Imagicat || Tiger's links || 2022 LG Obs
I was here at the dot stage but didn't Like until the disaster report stage - poor you, you are greatly appreciated :-*
Thank you for the comprehensive summary, CC !!!
Unknown said:the male George brought fish and incubated
I'll point out that he was actually settled on the eggs for little more than one minute :o That was the last he was seen (unless Trying's flyby was him), but I'm now scrolling thru checking.
It's already quite light:
EDIT - I've done a 3-min vid showing EJ's faff and vigil on the nest after she returned from eating her fish (we hope, as she wasn't gone long), she was there for about 1h45m.
Sorry this is pre-midnight, but I gotta post it and don't have an appropriate slot in yesterday ;)
Our shape-shifter had been sitting on the nest!
IMAGICAT
Dang, I knew it was a mistake. I changed over to Carnyx's recording link, hating YT's red lines, but the refresher takes much longer so I don't have the actual daycam moment.
A cloudy day ahead?
DAYCAM 03:43hr:
Cuckoo. I think it's been calling earlier but not very clearly.
Alarm cries.
Stopped, no-one materialised.
EJ has landed, flaps then little chirps.
She looked submissive and her tiny chirps made me think she was expecting GJ.
My-newt chirps now 'n then.
GJ did a flyaround and has landed.
He looks at eggs, picks up a stick, has flown.