Ospreys 2011. Chapter 2. Sitting on eggs.

Really terrific pics, Margaret. It amazes me how lovingly they take care of the eggs, and then the chicks when they hatch....but later, when bullying starts, never interfere.

Thanks, GP. You're right about care of the eggs and chicks. Their lack of interest when the bullying was taking place was a little disconcerting. What really amazed me was that after she had sent that poor little chick flying to the edge of the nest, it was as if it had ceased to exist from that moment. Even when Dad returned to the nest minutes after it happened, although the chick was in full view, he didn't even glance at it. Watching these birds is such an education. I've come to the conclusion that ospreys have little sense of fun, unlike ravens, parrots and magpies, who are always up for a good time.

I'm glad to hear that Whopper is doing fine and is not being a threat to the nest. I'm anxiously waiting to see, if the three eggs will hatc
Wonderful photos, along with the story, always a joy to read.

Burn, I'm really interested in seeing just how long Whopper is around. Aussie and Harmony were well and truly gone by the beginning of May. Madame X and Pete have observed similar departure dates in the years prior to Aussie and Harmony. This is Pete's 7th or 8th year observing and photographing this nest.

Thanks for the wonderful pictures Margaret. These birds are so magnificent!

It's my pleasure, GG. I plan to go down there this afternoon to see what's happening.

From the nest this afternoon. Three eggs still clearly visible. Big Hook was on the eggs the entire time. It was a windy day, which stimulates ospreys into flight. Dad came and went several times. He tried to move his mate off the eggs so he could sit for a while, but she gently resisted his efforts.

At one stage he flew off to the other side of the river. I lost sight of him and thought I'd occupy myself by seeing if there was any activity at the other nest, about a kilometre away. I could see an osprey being harassed by a raven (see pic). The osprey landed towards the top of the Norfolk Island Pine where the other nest is and it then took off. I followed it and it turned out to be Dad, who returned to land on "our" nest. I've been to watch the other nest a few times (this is the nest where the male was rehabilitated and released several months ago). I often see an osprey there, but it's really hard to tell if it's male or female and I haven't seen two birds together there, so am not sure if the nest is active this season.

Oh, the nest is in the Norfolk Pine, the top of which is at the bottom centre of this photo.

This message was edited Sep 7, 2011 7:15 PM

This message was edited Sep 7, 2011 7:15 PM

Dad and Big Hook. What a beautiful pair they are.

Dad coming back to the nest.

Someone on the embankment below getting an intense stare.

Wow! Love the shot of the two of them together.

Such beautiful pair! Thank you Margaret for the update. It takes some time for the rehab. male Osprey to re-establishing his nest, doesn't it? Hope all goes well with him.

Beautiful shots Margaret!
They are both looking gorgeous!

Fantastic shot showing the 3 eggs and I love the "Intense Stare" shot!

When can we expect the patter of little feet, Margaret?

They are a beautiful pair, GG and Pelle. If I upgrade my camera, which I'll need to reasonably soon, because this one is showing its age, I'll get one that takes video.

Nanny, each day I arrive at the site, I get a quick glance. It's wonderful to see their reactions to other people. The person on the embankment yesterday was there specifically to see the ospreys.

GP, I'm not sure exactly when the eggs were laid, but it must be three weeks by now. Ospreys lay eggs anywhere between 1 and 4 days apart, although it seems that there would be a greater chance of all hatchlings surviving if the eggs are laid 1-2 days apart. As we saw last season, 4 days gives the older chick a great advantage. The eggs hatch at approximately 40 days, so we have a way to go yet.

Dad was on the nest when I got there this afternoon. Big Hook was on the pole branch, preening, and had obviously had a bath. No pix as the pole branch was in full shadow. She flew off and came back and landed on the nest. She approached Dad and asked him to move, but he was having none of that. He was perfectly contented where he was.

"Well, maybe if I just put this stick on top of you, you'll move"

"OK then, what if I just give you a slight nudge with it"

"Alrighty, then. Time to get out the big ammo"

Round one, Big Hook.

She finally won? LOL that's too funny.

It was so funny, Kim. Not a scrap of malice, she just wanted to sit on those eggs and that was the only way she could get him to move.

Big Hook is great!! You go girl !! I do feel sorry for Dad..he is trying so hard this year. . Wonderful pictures Margaret. So glad you are there to capture all this for us. Thanks

This message was edited Sep 8, 2011 7:10 AM

Hi BeaHive. He is such a darling. He really relishes his role. How's the pond?

The pond is great. The Koi are enjoying their summer swimming and I have lots of local birds enjoying their bath time splashing in the stream. Still waiting for some frogs to show up. Hope they do as I miss them.

They each sure seem to enjoy laying on those eggs. If we are halfway through, babies could come the first week of October.

GP, the first chick hatched on the 2nd October last year. Yesterday, I actually went through my photos from when one chick was sent flying to the edge of the nest last year, to see if I could tell which one had perished, but I'd deleted them all, so no way of telling if Whopper was the first or second hatchling.

What great parents; dad sure wants to help! These pictures are wonderful and the commentary attached to each is just too funny.

These great photos of mom and dad sure show how loving this pair are. Great job Margaret!

Glad you enjoy the commentary, GG.

Thanks, duc. It's so lovely to see the two of them interacting.

Dad Osprey, always the gentleman, selected his own stick to give to Big Hook just a few seconds after she landed next to him yesterday afternoon.

"Here you are, dear"

"Thanks, darling"

"There, that looks lovely."

It was, in fact, Big Hook's unique way of getting her mate to get off the eggs. I think he was happy enough to do so yesterday, as it was quite warm and he had been sitting there, beak open, panting. He flew down onto the low branch and watched the activity on the river and preened himself.

Last one for now, just because he's so beautiful and the light was to die for.

Wow he is gorgeous!!! Wonderful pics Margaret!

Oh Margaret, that last shot of dad is absolutely perfect! He's such a sweet guy to be helping out mom.

He is quite the looker!!

Wow, he is a handsome fella!