Hi All
Does anyone know what has been going on with the fledging? There seems to have been little or no information about sightings. These are my observations recently and would be glad if anything could be added.
Thursday 19 - The male was taking fish into the nest. Also courting going on, with the female often sittiing in the left bushes. I was very lucky to see some actual mating in the open - it was usually behind closed leaves! Lots of calling between them, she was very vocal when the male arrived in the lagoon.. The male also went into the new nest a few times.
Friday I wasn't there and was very wet. Saturday 21 - The male was still doing a bit of courting, passing fish to the female. She wasn't around much at all. He spent a lot of time calling the young out from the post by the bank (ps, these stake poles are so unnatural!) to no avail. He even went into the nest with a fish but came out with it! A few times he went into the left side willows and there was definitely some chattering going on between more than 1 bird - twice he dived right into the bushes for a minute or so with a fish but came out with it both times. More chattering while he was in there. He gave up. The female wasn't there, we had seen her go off. He went into new hole a few times. Of course, we couldn't see behind the bushes and visually verify anything, but we were convinced there was at least another bird deep in the bushes - the female was elsewhere.
Sunday I couldn't go and saw no reports on website. Monday 23 - The male and female were around but they were staying in the new nest quite a lot or the male just sat for a while. Seemed to be concentrating on new nest, laying eggs possibly.
So, what is going on? I know some people were confusing the male passing to the female as him feeding young. Did the fledging happen and wasn't noticed and why weren't there any fledgling sightings reported. I know they are not around for long but usually you see them flitting about for at least a day or two. I do suspect maybe 1 or 2 came out early Saturday 9 (or Firday) and were deep in the bushes. But if they were, they weren't taking fish or moving around. Then the male was trying to get the rest out on Sat but maybe something was wrong in the nest.
Maybe we will never know - just wondering if anyone did see anything and can add to the story a happy ending. At least they are getting on with the 3rd brood.
Hi Simon,
How are you?
It has been very confusing. We think that perhaps one of the young fledged on the Saturday, and we think the rest fledged on Sunday, and now the pair are concentrating on getting ready for their next brood.
Unfortunately, I am only part time, so if something happen when I'm not in there might be a small gap before I can post on the blog! Sorry about that ! :) I do try and make sure it's all as up to date as possible!
Louise
Hi Louise
Thanks for reply. At least that verifies some of what I saw. It just seemed strange that the fledglings weren't seen at all, especially on Sunday. I know they don't necessarily hang around for long but there have been very good views on the last 2 broods. It all adds to their magic and mystery!
By the way, sorry if you thought I was complaining on not updating the blog. didn't mean to. Was just asking anyone out there for information. I know you are not there all the time but you do a very good job with enthusiasm, as do the whole team.
See you around,
Simon
Now worries, hope I helped a little!
We were very lucky with the last few broods seeing the young! It doesn't happen very often so we've been very lucky the last few times! :)
I didn't think that at all! :)