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
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
RSPB Video Channel - Osprey, Goshawk, etc: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCl8QdQ9ZaBT65tF1yOmbMBQ
All pictures & videos ©RSPB LochGarten & WildlifeWindows
~~~~~~~
Dedicated...
IMAGICAT
Asha followed the male to the nest with a fish - she set it down for the purpose of mating (I'm saying!), and after the deed was done he picked up the fish and dropped it as he fluttered off:
So similar !!!
scylla said:he picked up the fish and dropped it as he fluttered off:
Geezo. Shades of George
3.05, in for another mating. Chat notes his right eye looks strange - I agree and certainly different from his left eye. One way of telling them apart
Unknown said:Chat notes his right eye looks strange
I hadn't noticed and will keep an eye out for it! Thanks for the heads-up, Korky x
EDIT - a quick snap for now:
(Clocking off again now, SYAL.)
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
Lynn L said:Oh NO, it can't be George, is it??
IMO - it cannot be George
Lynn L said:No sign yet of Axel!!??
No :((( And yet, I can't write him off. I was only just thinking that we might see a report "Axel has been seen with a missiz and eggs at such-and-such a nest"
The new guy (we must find a term to refer to him by) brought in a clump to disappointed Asha and they stood side by side for some time - I can't get over how big he is, even allowing for him sem-mantling here:
Pack-up time again, SYAL xxx
Well, there's a thought Catlady. I guess in the scheme of things osprey, it's highly unlikely to be George. But here are some Limpy snaps of George from June 2018.
(c) RSPB Loch Garten/Limpy
Some photos from 2018 of George and one with the beautiful EJ, Ah....
He does have a distinct Y shape to his head, and the eye looks okay!!
©️ Loch Garten