Bird Watching: Raising Aussie Osprey #9, 1 by MargaretK

MargaretK wrote:
Mum had the upper hand from the beginning of this particular foray, although Aussie wasn't going to go without putting up a fight.

The lady who lives close by says that Mum and Aussie had been going at it hammer and tongs all day, with Aussie being very much the antagonist. However, during one of their conflicts, Mum had Aussie on her back on the nest, then a short time later, there was such a confused tangle of wings and claws that it was hard to make out which bird was on top. Dad had brought two fish during the day and Aussie ended up with both of them. She has observed that he'll sit on his favourite branch, intently watching proceedings, holding a fish, but is tending not to deliver it if both girls are at the nest site at the same time, no doubt aware of the conflict which will inevitably result.

Pelle, those of us who have been following this drama, particularly over the last 2-3 weeks agree that Mum doesn't seem to be on death's doorstep any longer. She's still skinny and her behaviour is abnormal, but she's certainly hanging in there.

This message was edited Feb 21, 2009 11:59 AM