Last season it was decided to restrict live streaming to one cam only (no PTZ) and with no IR for nightcam - this was because the pair who'd been so promising in 2021 had apparently been scared off while they were still bonding, so advice was taken from Roy Dennis on how to avoid unnecessarily alarming the birds and that was the result.
We trust that "normal service will be resumed" this season.
On the 10th of April 2022 our female from 2021, whom Mike had named Mistle, returned - and two days later her partner AX6 Axel duly arrived. Both were spotted by Ailie and CRinger, and both of those talents we have lost - the latter due to the unwelcome renaming of Mistle to Asha, which the rest of us have accepted... because we had no choice
Breeding commenced late, and Axel wasn't the best provider nor the best nest-builder we'd ever seen - nevertheless the pair went on to fledge two beautiful chicks, one of whom tragically died thru, a necropsy determined, salmonella infection.
Asha left very early and we thought Axel had gone early too - but he made surprise appearances until quite late (dates anyone?).
I'll have to do it myself then - Axel was last seen on 10 September @ 11:09, when he flew off after first a visit to the nest and campost, and then a 5-minute preen on the perch.
"Axel", Blue AX6(16) male (yes he does have strong chest markings), a single chick (possibly from 3 eggs) hatched Glen Affric, near Beauly, seen Lossiemouth 2020, then at LG in 2021
"Asha"- Female - Unringed - partnered Axel in 2021.
Chicks:
Blue 1C2 Male
Blue 1C1 Female (died)
Sometimes Asha had to be quite assertive to get Axel off the eggs - always a good sign
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RSPB Video Channel - Osprey, Goshawk, etc: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCl8QdQ9ZaBT65tF1yOmbMBQ
All pictures & videos ©RSPB LochGarten & WildlifeWindows
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Dedicated...
IMAGICAT
Phew! I was packing up
Snippet of Blue154, who was alone on Asha's nest for nearly 15 minutes, no idea where she went:
The multi-mating attempts, several of which successful, up to the point where Asha flies over to the old nest area - the matings resumed soon after that but presently the nest is empty.
Not only is this male more heavily marked than any I've seen, he also strikes me as quite large - but maybe that's perspective?
Oh heck, the new male and Asha are both back on the nest... no, only olne now.
I'm not staying, will have to figure things out later.
G'night all, and, BTW, sincere thanks to all for reports and pics xxx
Great video scylla thanks! They do seem very, erm, fond of each other. I agree with you about his large head, and also I agree he has quite heavy chest markings for a male. I remember Odin (sob) was very white - very distinctive as I looked at him sitting in a tree over the water at Loch Mallachie many years ago
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
14 April
Space for add-ons.
15 April
Someone just flew in to the perch, their silhouette can be seen against the sky but th nest is still black.
It's Asha - no-one else yet seen, but I did see her look up and wondered if someone was skydancing.
EDIT - Definitely skydancing up there but it's very, very faint.
Volume has been upped - it went on for longer than I could spend time finding out:
She's willing, but he didn't get his tail around. I noticed this yesterday, I thought he started out very well but then lost his technique - but would have to go back and check and no time!
Wouldn't it be lovely if he went and got her a fish?
Things going on in the sky !!!
scylla said:Things going on in the sky !!!
Corvids causing a lot of concern to our new couple (if they are indeed). Video in progress.