ALYTH JULY 2023

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 in

Followed 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 fish


The 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 first



Hotly 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

13.49 In the middle of #2’s feed the three youngsters were defending the nest against an intruder for around 10 minutes.