OSPREYS! The new season is underway.

It's hard to believe that the new season has begun. We're only two weeks into winter. The Ospreys have been bringing sticks to the nest over the last few days and both adult birds, known to us as Big Hook and Dad, have been spending a lot of time at the nest. Yesterday, I received a call from the mysterious Madame X, who lives overlooking the nest, to say that mating was taking place - frequently.

I went to the nest this afternoon and wasn't disappointed. Although I didn't see her I could hear Whopper, the single surviving Osprey young from the 2010 season, calling from a tree nearby and shortly thereafter, Big Hook and Dad arrived on the nest and started mating. It was all over within a few seconds. Big Hook then flew up onto the right hand branch, where she remained until I left at about 4.45pm and Dad flew straight down to the bay and out of sight.

I think they have been observed mating in early winter in years gone by, but this is certainly the earliest I've seen it.

Dad was back in just over three minutes with a fish. He's a very healthy lad.

For anyone is just joining us, you may be interested in seeing how last season progressed. It certainly wasn't without its dramas. Here's a link to the last thread. http://davesgarden.com/community/forums/t/1150786/

The sun is only on the nest for a few minutes during the afternoon, so a lot of the shots are taken when it's in deep shade. Here's Big Hook placing a stick into the nest on May 29th.

Dad rearranging sticks a couple of days ago. Taken from way down below the nest.

"Hmmm, no, I think over here is better".

I don't know how much longer the nest is going to be visible from the small section on the path below. The foliage is growing very fast. To take this shot, I had to time it when the wind blew the leaves on either side out of the way for a second. Again, this was from a couple of days ago.

The sun was on Big Hook for a few minutes this afternoon.

I'll finish tonight with one more shot of Big Hook preening.

Just spectacular, every one of them. I'm so happy to see this pair beginning to mate. Thank you to Madame X for letting you know the news and thanks to you for starting us off with such exciting photos!

Excellent shots Margaret!
The couple are looking great!

thank you to all the osprey friends for keeping us in touch.

It's wonderful the new season has begun. Thanks Margaret, and Madame X.

Another exciting even happening, woohoo. Thanks to the mysterious informant, for keeping an eye on the couple. And to our reporter.

Exquisite shot of Big Hook, Margaret!!

Very nice, Margaret. So, Dad went for some food after mating--healthy choice; much healthier than having a smoke! LOL

Cannot believe the season has started already. Yippee!

Thank you all. Wouldn't it be exciting if we had a successful multiple hatching this year?

I spent an hour or so down there yesterday. Dad was on the low branch with a fish, Big Hook was on the right hand branch with a fish and Whopper was on her preferred branch under the nest. Big Hook made some half-hearted protest sounds when Whopper flew in, but there is no sign that the parents are trying to chase her away. I don't know if that happens in Osprey world.

I thought I was going to see some more action, when Dad flew off after finishing his fish and flew back in within five minutes, but he'd actually gone and caught himself another fish. He must be expending a lot of energy.

Here's Whopper.

LOL, GG. I didn't see them mating yesterday. He finished one fish and immediately went off to catch another.

After she'd finished her own fish, Big Hook flew off and was back within minutes to do a bit of stick rearrangement on the nest.

Lot of activity going on there Margaret. Whopper is a beautiful bird!

I'm also wishing for multiples successful chicks, this year. It will be interesting to watch. what will happen at the nest this year.

I'm still holding a grudge against Whopper for her treatment of her sibling. I hope this years hatchlings get along better.

awww, don't hold a grudge, she's just doing what ospreys do.

Yes, there really was no malice in Whopper's actions. It was pure instinct. After the other chick was accidentally kicked to the other side of the nest and perished, the size difference between Whopper and the last hatchling was so great that the little one was unable to put up any resistance. Funny thing is, of the three chicks I've observed, Whopper would be the most placid.

What's not to love about this?

haha. The Doo still Cracks me up! what a pretty bird.

She's too cute. It's hard not to love. Forgiveness is accepting what's, that doesn't mean we forget. Hope for the better outcome in the future. Forgiveness is a process, it doesn't happen in any chronological way. I'm looking forward for healing and joy of celebrating the beauty of life. And move on...

I'd sue the hairdresser.

Amazing shot, Margaret.

LOL , IrisMa, I kinda love that hairdo.

LOL irisMA...good one!

Just love that doo.

All pics are really special you are so lucky to be able to watch everything as it happens thanks for taking us along with you.

LEW

Thanks GP. That shot was taken several months ago. It never fails to make me laugh.

Hi Lew. Thanks. I agree, I am incredibly fortunate having the access that I have. And it's a pleasure to be able to share it with everyone here.

gosh was just thinking about this...Yay

Oh my, that photo of Whopper's "do" is just priceless Margaret. I, too, hope that more than one chick survives. That nest looks wonderful.

Does the nest seem deeper this year?

I'm glad you found the thread, Tamara.

It really is funny, isn't it Duc? I remember it was such a hot, windy day.

Iris, I haven't been to the nest for a few days and even though they've both been bringing sticks, it hasn't appeared noticeably deeper to me. I'll have a better look when I go next - which may be this afternoon. I'll brave the 21C winter chill. LOL

Beautiful shots Margaret and told as only you can tell it....love the doo shot!

Thanks, Burd, and welcome back.

I went to the nest this afternoon. There's a brief period just after 4pm when parts of the nest are lit by the sun, but you can almost guarantee that if there's a bird on the best, it will move so it's in shadow. Dem's da breaks. Big Hook was on the nest from when I got there at 3pm. I didn't see or hear either Dad or Whopper (if Whopper is still around).

Iris, even though they've been adding sticks to the nest, it seems as if they are just randomly placed at present and they don't seem to be actively working on making the nest deeper. I think there'll still be fun and games on the nest before they get down to the business of building up the sides and constructing the nest cup.

Big Hook went over to one long, spindly stick out from the edge of the nest and seemed to be trying to nip the end off. Her neck was quite stretched.
Of course, her head was in the shade.

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