NEWS FROM OTHER NESTS - 2012

There was a very strange sequence of events this evening. M had caught a fish & was eating in tree next to nest when another osprey flew over. XL called to M & he immediately flew to nest. The intruder departed after 4 or 5 minutes. M then returned to tree where he had been eating fish but not same branch. Fish was still lodged in fork of branch but it was some 10 feet higher up. XL called & called but M couldnt find the fish. He returned to nest & XL was clearly expecting the fish. But no fish. He took over incubation & XL looked about the nest expectantly. Then she was trying to get him off the egg to go & get the fish again. He looked most confused. Eventually he went to hunt again & brought another trout to the nest. All well this evening! Just when you think you have seen all types of osprey behaviour they amaze you with another. Its why we love them.

Will try to post video of some of this tomorrow.

Val

Yes Sandy. I really wanted to report it earlier but thought long & hard before eventually speaking to WLO. I did not wish to spoil anyones enjoyment of the area or the ospreys they see but this was clearly more than just an accidental encounter & disturbance. The genuine walkers who have heard about this have backed me all the way.

Quite right too, Valmc! I would have thought one warning ought to have been enough. Just as well you evidently knew where they lived & so were able to do something about it.

RACH - You can see the male fish every day as the nest overlooks the fishery ponds. Many other ospreys visit from around the area any way so there are always some around fishing every evening.

The birds here tolerate humans and no problem probably because it is a fishery and always have people around fishing - they will dive right in front of you if you are just sat fishing or just sat watching.

Look at the Decorah mother and babies. :-)

Valmc said:

Fish was still lodged in fork of branch but it was some 10 feet higher up. XL called & called but M couldnt find the fish. He returned to nest & XL was clearly expecting the fish. But no fish. Will try to post video of some of this tomorrow.

Val

Lovely story Val, must have been really special to witness that happening, look forward to seeing the video.   That is why they are so lovable, they all have their own personalities.

Valmc - thank you for all your wonderful pictures (your superb pic of Odin the Magnificent with outstretched wings is enhancing the desktop of a certain netbook :-) ) and for protecting "your" ospreys, you have the courage of your convictions backed up by the law!

Thank you to everyone for the great info and pics/vids :-)

B&B, here are two clearer clips of the 3 Smith Mountain Lake eggs, they're in the wrong order, timewise :-/

ME too! fancy being able to say "I'm just going to pop down the road to see the ospreys"

For those worried by happenings at Fulham and Barnes. Three little bobble heads this morning!