I was thinking that it might be a good time to share our memories of Loch Garten 2010 even though the season is not not quite over yet.
As always there have been so many great moments however the thing which I will always remember is Chick #3 pushing its way to the front at feeding time and in general not been handed out lessons in pecking order.
So what are yours and did you have a favourite chick?
Tiger Signature
Nice idea for a thread, Tiger, thanks.
My favourite moment was being lucky enough to see the incident when Odin fed the two chicks as EJ was busy feeding the other. It was one of those magical things you never forget. He was so gentle about it.
Of course it's harder this year to be as definite about favourites, as half the time we don't even know which youngster is which! But I do think Titch has stolen a few hearts including mine, in being so persistant from the start that being the smallest was not going to be a disadvantage!
Lindybird Oh it is is so great to see great moments live. No matter how good they seem in replay they have a whole different quality live. Thanks for reminding me of Odin feeding the chicks. I think that was the first time he did it.
I think my favourite moment of season 2010 was when Titch fledged. There was such a long build up to the event and I was lucky enough to be watching when it happened. It was great hearing the cheers of the remaining staff and volunteers at the centre.
Alan, you beat me to it. I was just coming to give that as mine too. His departure and return were certainly memorable ones. The sudden departure after a seemingly endless buildup and the 'THUNK' as he returned.
Yes the cheers in the background were the icing on the cake :)
ChloeB & Tiger's Osprey Data
My favourite moment, probably because I was there to see it, was Titch's second flight, the morning after his first. The pleasure as he took off, bated breath as he came in to land, the gasps as he overshot the nest and hung there suspended for what was probably only seconds but seemed so long. There was relief as he got free - but silent fear that he might be injured. As he circled the nest we wondered how soon he would try another landing, then he glided in, as if he had always been doing it, to cheers from everyone there - but I don't think any of us were totally confident for him until he had made another "text-book" take off and landing! It was such a roller coaster of empathy and emotion as we were privileged to communally share this experience with this brave young Osprey.
Ospreys Rule OK, but Goldfinches come a close second!
Ok our favourite memories now have to include Titch and 'that fish' which is still in the process of being consumed 10 hours later! :)
ChloeB said: Ok our favourite memories now have to include Titch and 'that fish' which is still in the process of being consumed 10 hours later! :)
That is true. Mind you notice how Titch seems to feature in everyone's favourite memories?
Yes he certainly does. Puts me in mind of another much loved third chick :)
My favourite moment ... like others, Titch always in the right place at feeding time. Also, Odin feeding the chicks for the first time (which I was lucky enough to see live) and Titch fledging .... with his squeals of delight every time he flew. Lately it also includes the time when Odin and EJ were on the nest together ... it looked like 'bonding time'. I could go on .. and on ... and on ... but I won't :-)
Joan - avid bird and nature watcher in Northumberland!
Index Thread
ChloeB said: Yes he certainly does. Puts me in mind of another much loved third chick :)
I still do not think we will have another Flag any time soon. That came from a peculiar set of circumstances like a lazy father and small fish!