Link to season’s opening post here
Link to June 2023 here
RECAP
Flora HK0 arrived 30 March 2023
Harry (unringed) arrived 4 April 2023
EGG No. 1 laid 15 April - Hatched 21 May (37 days)
EGG No. 2 laid 18 April - Hatched 23 May (36 days)
EGG No. 3 laid 21 April - Hatched 25 May (35 days)
FAMILY PORTRAIT
Our 3 thriving chicks almost adult sized with Harry and Flora. As of 01/07/23 the chicks are 42, 40 and 38 days old.
And the chicks faces (with Flora)
All captures and videos ©️ SSEN Transmission
I can’t see any more deliveries tonight so only 4 small fish between 3 large ospreys, not great, Flora hasn’t been seen today.
#3 is sleeping on the nest again tonight.
Tuesday 25 July
03.12 Another chick flew onto the nest to join #3 in the early hours
04.41 They had a bit of an argument in the morning about whose nest it was.
Both flew off unharmed. #3 has been back and forward to the nest, mostly on it alone.
No fish deliveries yet. Current scene at 08.49
Fish delivery from Harry at 11.00
#3 is sole Osprey on the nest.
#1 then flew inFollowed by #2 half a minute later.#3 (centre) shielded his fish well
11.26 finishing off the tail.#3 joins the other two to shout for more fish once finished. (Learnt that from his mum no doubt!)
No more fish until 18.06 when Harry brings a flatfish.
Of course Harry got jumped upon as only #3 has had a small fish today.
#1’s legs got locked with Harry’s in desperation to get the fishThe chick pulled Harry off the nest in the struggle
In the meantime, the fish was dropped on the nest and either #2 or #3 picked it up.
With their heads being wet, it’s difficult to ID them. I think it’s #2
#1 made an unsuccessful snatch attempt from behind#1 (front) kept a close eye on the chick with the fish
It made a successful steal this time
There was just skin and tail left but when you’re hungry, it’s better than nothing.
#1 decides to fly off with what’s left.
Wednesday 26 July
Some snaps from this morning. No fish deliveries as yet. 04.18 - 08.45
Good afternoon Sandra. No, Flora hasn’t been seen since 13.16 on Sunday the 23rd July when she delivered a fish . She’s perhaps on her holidays with NCO!
It does make it very difficult for the three chicks with Harry being the sole provider and defending the territory as well. There was an intruder around yesterday and again today, The chicks aren’t getting enough fish and turning on each other, well #2 is the most aggressive. I’m pretty sure she’s a female.
Earlier this morning, #2 was attacking #3 and he flew off the nest into the camera. I think #3 is a male and just hasn’t the stature to stand up against #2.
It started at 05.15 when #3 (left) looked at #2
#2 just turned on him, pecking at his back for half a minute or so.
#2 started again when #1 stumbled on a stick at the edge of the nest.
#2 wanted #3 off the nest - less competition for fish with times being hard.
#3 didn’t return until 07.46 (landing) with #1 following.
A fish eventually arrived, to an empty nest!!
12.41 Harry flew in with a good sized flatfish
He could hear the youngsters screaming as they were racing in.#2 arrived firstHotly pursued by #1 who arrived 2 seconds later.
#1 tried to grab the fish from #2
but #2 retaliated, pecking at #1, pulling feathers
#2 mantling over the fish with #1 behind.
#3 then arrives
#2 gets the whole fish to herself.
15,09 Seeing just the tail left, #1 tries a steal
#2 blocks #1 and keeps the tail
and it’s swallowed.
#2 then attacks #1
But #1 has the last say!
13.49 In the middle of #2’s feed the three youngsters were defending the nest against an intruder for around 10 minutes.