LOCH GARTEN - May 2022

Interesting comments on chat this afternoon

16:53 Andy Simkins  ​People were asking about mating earlier - studies over 8 years at LG showed mating reaching a peak at 6 days prior to laying of the first egg ​gradually stopping altogether around 6 days after LAYING of FIRST egg.

First egg this year so no mating today = par for the course.  The study years included five clutches of 3, one clutch of 4 and three of 2.

Mistle started calling, got up and took off into the wind, flying down the right side and out to the bog. 

17.52  Axel arrived on cue, landing on the perch first and down to the nest.  He settles quickly, trying to move the big stick on his right in the process.

17.54 he had another go at moving the stick.

and again

and back again!

18.06  Axel is calling.

© RSPB - Loch Garten & WildlifeWindows

Unknown said:

CRinger said:

New RSPB blog. STILL no official name for Mistle

New RSPB blog. I know. It doesn't matter. She's Mistle to me.

and me!!

The blog is somewhat pessimistic!!

Indeed, I thought so too! Maybe it's just because pessimism has yielded positive results so far for Fergus!

It certainly is Korky, despite their obviously following our thread!
For first time breeders, as we think, they have come on in leaps and bounds, but I somehow wonder how they will fare in the long term. At the moment Mistle does an excellent job on the night shift, but this afternoon she has been off more than on. We must keep an eye on the egg turning! Axel has really taken to Dad duty when he is there, but even he just takes off when he's had enough.
I will remain positive, even if it is only one chick that survives.

18.34 Axel looked around and took off calling. Intruder?
Within the minute Mistle returned to the nest and took over incubation.
The stick has moved/gone. Must check where and what happened!

Edit  Ah, it was the prelude to the moving stick I posted earlier.

The wind caught it and it blew up to Axel- I'm not sure it hit him, but it may have done so.

© RSPB - Loch Garten & WildlifeWindows

Another good day given the awful winds they have had to endure. One large fish that did the rounds several times and incubation most of the time. Well done you two. Time to get some food on the table!

SheilaFE said:

Interesting comments on chat this afternoon

16:53 Andy Simkins  ​People were asking about mating earlier - studies over 8 years at LG showed mating reaching a peak at 6 days prior to laying of the first egg ​gradually stopping altogether around 6 days after LAYING of FIRST egg.

First egg this year so no mating today = par for the course.  The study years included five clutches of 3, one clutch of 4 and three of 2.

NOW I AM blushing!

19.32 in between bites of dinner, Axel has landed, the wind blowing him badly. Mistle is calling. Give him a break Mistle, it's blowing a hoolie out there!. Axel has flown and Mistle gets into the cup again and incubates

Axel is back with a piece of dark matter. Mistle flies and Axel settles to incubate.