LOCH GARTEN - END FEBRUARY 2024

We're getting repeated buffering on both cams.

2C4 back and attacked by KL5

As its our anniversary to day i won't be on for the rest ov'e the day see ya soon

2C4 and 2C5 both on nest. Think 2C4 must have been for a dip as leg looks much cleaner today. Both look hungry

Happy anniversary, Trevor. Have a lovely day.

It's very windy today
11.50  Harry 2C4 landed on the nest.  As Billy said, there is no sign of fresh blood on his feathers now.  He spent time preening the area, cleaning the feathers.  He flew at 11.59

12.32 The boys arrive together, having a wonky landing in the wind

Fish soliciting, rather than intruder calls, and loudly. PTZ has been fixed over the bog for quite a while, so presumably couldn't see anyone in the area
12.48 they are still calling, in between preening. I guess it's in hope rather than expectation.

13.03 No sign of Brodie with a fish, and, thank goodness no sign of Blue KL5(20)m.  What a difference a year makes.  I so well remember him last year when butter wouldn't melt in his mouth, as a two-year old.  Now at three years old he is intent on finding a nest and a mate.

13.06 Sid gave up and flew off, but could be heard calling!

13.13  Harry had been falling asleep, standing up, but it makes him look very sorry for himself

Fish

Well done, Billy, thank you.  I turned the sound off, and missed it completely!!

13.25  Having been trained on the dead tree, the PTZ swung to the right and found Sid/2C5 on Odin's perch lower down the old nest poles.

13.45 calls could be heard off, Harry was up and shouting and mantling, as Sid landed, followed by Brodie with (as Billy said) a flounder.  Sid was nearer as Brodie landed and claimed the first #1 of the day.

Instead of just hanging back, Harry went into the fray and tried to grab it from Sid.  Not to just let things be, Sid turned "viscious" and tried to peck him.  Harry turned his back, wings outspread to fend him off. 

Sid had his breast out to push at Harry.  Oh dear.  

Harry stands his ground, but eventually submits.

13.47 Sid sees Harry off the nest.   Sid pushes him off the nest. but he stays around, flying above the nest

But Harry doesn't give up.  He flies around, above the nest, and tries to land.

  13.48 another attempt and he succeeds 

Harry landed

13.50  It's mine

13.52  But not satisfied with that, Sid/2C5 crosses the nest and flaps Harry off for a second time

It's been such an exhausting time for the boys.  Now Sid has succumbed, and although not yet finished his fish, his head lowers and he shuts his eyes.

14.49 it is getting very gusty, and Sid is being blown around a bit.  With the fish firmly in his grip and wind blows, he spreads his wings and helicopters with the fish!!  A first for this season.  I don't think it was intentional, perhaps a loss of balance and his wings opened.

But, in a glitch, there's been quite a few, Sid takes off and flies with the remains of the fish.  Did he realise it was possible!!

15.01 he is seen in the skyline heading for the trees/PTZ and lands on the old nest posts.

15.03 with the coast clear, Harry has landed on the nest, calling for his fish.

Despite the wind and the grey clouds, the garden calls.  Bye

Congratulations, Trevor & Mrs Trevor 

Thank you for the fish alert, BILLY, and thank you for the blow-by-blow, SHEILA

Here's a video, glitchy because I chose (dunno why) to do it mainly from the nestcam, of the delivery and aftermath - I do hope that Brodie turns up with another fish soon, that flounder wasn't very big, tho, and I bet Sid will be anxious for another one.

Sid has forsaken the old nest stumps and they're both on the nest now.

What a few days these two have had.
I went back over the early morning intrusions. All I can say is what an absolute hero Sid/2C5 has been. I know he has been 'horrible' towards his brother, but it really goes to show it is survival of the fittest. He has fought valiantly and thankfully has so far come out of it unscathed. Five o'clock incursion was a good three quarters of an hour. Talk about a steep learning curve. It bodes very well for his future. I do hope we get to hear more of him in two or three years time. But I still have a very soft spot for Harry!