Are you getting worried about Mallachie? She does not seem as if she is going to go any time soon. She certainly has not passed her fishing exams.
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I am getting very worried Tiger. What if she doesn't go or perhaps she might not have it in her to go. She just might be one of those ..( don't know the words to say this) who doesn't have the brains to go. Sounds stupid. Buat maybe. What if....
Everything in life is speaking in spite of its apparent silence.
I've been worried about Mallachie for a long while, from when she was overtaken in the dominance order by Garten and was very submissive in the feeding lineout. I got ticked off for saying so at the time, I remember, and told about times she had fed well. I also voiced a worry that Garten might have been better to tag - even though a little smaller - for those reasons. I really really hope she will be OK but have these niggling concerns. She is a stunning bird and hopefully her cautious nature will stand her in good stead one day.
Yes I know what you are saying birdnuts. It was odd for the pecking order to be reversed and that is not something that is seen often. There is a high attrition rate in young ospreys and I wonder how much of that is due to the fact that they do not learn how to fish?
I do think I am pleased that it is Mallachie that is tagged as it will be very interesting to see how she gets on. I think that we all suspect that Garten will get on fine.
Hi Tiger
I have been concerned for Mallachie for a while now. She gives me the feeling that she is very timid and insecure. Of course I can't possibly KNOW this but from observing her behaviour that is how she comes across to me. I hope she proves me wrong!!!!
"Birds of a Feather".... ~( :o )
Am I worried? Yes, very. Mallachie seems far too passive and is not showing too many signs of instinct. I keep telling myself it may kick in if she gets hungry enough or notices how much cooler the weather has got. Or even that there is a distinct lack of other ospreys still around. Hope I am right. I am also glad the tag is on Mallachie as, although it may be sad to see some things, this is how we learn about ospreys and what happens to them and why. Don't get me wrong anyone, I still well up when I think on poor Deshar from last year but you have to have the sadness as well as the joy to really appreciate these marvellous creatures.
I am desperate for Mallachie to do alright. Every day I get to love her a little more and the awful thing is that I am not at all confident that she is going to make it.
Sorry if that sounds a bit negative. But hey.....................this family of ospreys has specialised in breaking every rule in the osprey manual so far this year so maybe all will be well after all.
I said it weeks ago and I say it again that Mallachie reminds me very much of Deshar. Sort of gentle and submissive. I have often wondered if Mallachie was male and not female as thought. Her characteristics are so different from Garten, Rothes and Nethy!
Valc, hi
All three girls were sexed at their tagging. All are girls.
Yes, Mallachie is the last to go as she was the last to fledge. But go she will very shortly. And she's going to be just fine. A great fisher, like her dad, and very caring, llike her mum.
Twice blessed Mallachie. I have no doubts about her ability - it's just taking a little longer for her to take the plunge.
I agree with Cirrus, Tiger. As we have observed, however much we try not to be too sentimental and attribute human emotions and characters to the birds, there is no doubt that each has it's own distinct personality. I did not learn to swim until adult, myself, but I got there in the end, with a little bravery. So it will be I'm sure with this wonderful bird who will migrate successfully & return in a few years to nurture her own little ones, one day.
like you VAlc i thought her characteristics very different from her siblings,
I'm not worried about her still being here, she'll go when she's ready. There are still Ospreys around and some in south of scotland a couple of weeks younger so there is still time yet. My worries, if you can call them that, are during migration, not taking the plunge and going for it.
All I ask is the chance to prove that money can't make me happy. Spike Milligan
When I said about tagging Garten instead, I really meant that if we have any worries at all that the tag may have some tiny extra risk attached, then Garten may have been more able to cope. Of course we want to know what happens to Mallachie and I for one haven't 'written her off'. We all have great hopes for her I'm sure.