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
scylla said:Corvids
And mating practice - I saw at least one of them come good:
A good one!
.
It's been continuing, minus corvids.
JaneV said: I will have zero chance of telling them apart, peas in a pod.
Agreed - that's all we need!
EDIT
It wasn't a fluke:
Fish not in the offing right now - they're both standing quietly on the nest (quetly, because I've got sound muted).
Some of the sticks brought in early this morning - mostly by the enthusiastic male. Some went over the side, though.
Morning all, oh dear, what is going to happen here. This fellow is certainly trying to impress, sticks, grass, mating. At the same time as I do not want Asha to be on her own, I still have fingers crossed for Axel, but he had better hurry up, before this one really gets his talons cosy in this nest. Oh my, what will today unfold?!
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
Our male is back, with some grass clumps, mating but did not happen, Asha is giving him some earache!! This photo reminded me of that famous pose in Tiranic, all together now...... "I will always love you" Okay, okay, back to see what is going to happen!!
Bring me a fish
(c) RSPB Loch Garten