Bird Watching: Raising Aussie Osprey #7, 1 by MargaretK

MargaretK wrote:
I've been to the nest site every day but haven't posted because of ongoing computer problems along with writing a sequel to War and Peace. Each day I've been there, Aussie and Mum have mostly been on the nest. What I've observed is the increasing tetchy relationship between them. I don't know if this is part of the normal process of "C'mon girlie, time to get out and start making your own way in the world" or if Mum is showing signs of stress due hunger. It's almost like there's a role reversal occurring, with the juvenile Aussie becoming more assertive and demanding and Mum becoming less authoratative.

They are doing a fair amount of almost ritualistic posturing, walking around each other with wings downwards and partially opened. The verbal interchange is not aggressive, rather it is sounding hesitant and a little anxious, as if neither is exactly sure what the others reactions are going to be.

It isn't very clear because the nest was in full shadow, but Aussie has her back to the camera with wings semi-splayed and Mum is facing her, in a similar position.