LOCH GARTEN NEST 2018 ~ POST SEASON OBSERVATIONS

CC 01/06/2018 09:10

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 Moffer Closeups 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