The behaviour between mother Osprey and Aussie has changed over the last few days. I can only speculate on what it all means as I've never observed them before. Please join me to see how things progress.
We've come from here. http://davesgarden.com/community/forums/t/943428/
LOL to what your DH said!
Margaret, the pictures are wonderful! I cannot wait to see what happens tomorrow.
Jeff sent package. Hopefully, you will get it in a couple of weeks ;o)
Thanks Kim. I look forward to it.
After a bit more of the stand-over tactics, Aussie decided she'd go up onto the branch. Mum seemed relatively happy with that.
Aussie continued to voice her objections to the treatment she was receiving.
And made her feelings very clear
...
She started heading down the branch again, calling loudly the whole time.
All puffed up
Mum's saying "C'mon you little squirt".
As Aussie continued her way down the branch, Mum's level of agitation increased.
Mum started to lower her head in anticipation of more conflict.
Mum is really lousy that Aussie has come back onto the nest and moves towards Aussie's rear.
You may need to look hard, but Mum's head is under Aussie's wing, pushing her forward. There were many of these conflicts in the time I was there, each lasting a minute or so.
Aussie almost vacates the nest.
LOL, These 2 ladies need to get their own space very soon I think.
Great job Margaret!
However, she decides to hold her ground as Mum continues to push her.
Thanks, Pelle. Yes, it's sure getting heated up there.
Words aren't necessary for this shot.
It's like the mother is really driving her upper hand home.
It didn't get to the point where they were locked in combat, more a lot of pushing and screaming.
You should be able to see Mum's beak just behind Aussie's, over the top of Aussie's left wing.
'Get off my back, will you?"
Mum maintains her dominant position.
The clouds were building up and the nest by that time was in shadow. This is how I left things. We'll see what transpires today.
I can just hear Aussie saying "But, I don't want to go to school, today." Or "I thought that I would just live here forever and you and Dad could take care of me!" LOL
Great work, Marggie!
Yes excellent work!
Right Kim! I keep thinking she doesn't want to go off to college!
Maybe Mum wants a little help tidying up the nest! Wonderful update Margaret!
Mum is definitely, putting her foot down with her. The last shot really shows, that she's got the upper hand in the matter. Interesting, to see what's going on.
I'm really rooting for Mum in this one.....Aussie is behaving like a spoiled brat......nice work Margaret!
I think my daughter & I had this same interaction a few time!! lol
Fascinating...think mum is telling her it is time to move out...I get that!
I suppose this happens after chicks are mature enough to be on their own. You can see why only one chick stays in the nest.
I've been told by the man who has observed these birds in previous years that the juveniles have been around until early April, so it seems a bit early for Aussie to be kicked out to fend for herself. She's not yet skilled enough to provide her own food. I've still only seen her arrive with the one fish that she caught herself. I'm looking forward to speaking once again to the fellow observer about what he's seen in years past about conflict at the nest.
I didn't go to the nest site this afternoon. Here's a shot from November 27th. Their relationship was a bit different then.
This message was edited Jan 29, 2009 6:05 PM
Oh, yes.....the good old days of peace and harmony!
Aww so sweet. I like those kind of shots.
The tension between Mum and Aussie remains high and I believe it's because Mum is hungry. Dad continues to bring fish to the nest and a battle ensues for possession of the fish. On the occasions that I've been there when a fish has been delivered, Aussie has won two out of three rounds. It's awful to watch and it's awful for the two birds as they are clearly distressed. Even when they aren't together on the nest they are yelling at each other.
Mum is spending a lot of time on the nest. A lady who lives close by that I spoke to this evening has been aware of the increasing conflict and has been keeping a close watch all day long. She said that Mum Osprey had been on the nest all day today and had not had anything to eat. Our temperature got to something like 36C today and is expected to be 38C tomorrow.
This shot is from two days ago. Aussie had been up on the branch and obviously wanted to come down onto the nest for some time, but was apprehensive because she would have anticipated the reception she would receive. Eventually the urge became too strong and she made her way onto the nest....
A little earlier I spoke to the man who has observed this family of Ospreys for the last few years. He has been very surprised to see the interactions between Mum and Aussie and says that even when there have been multiple hatchings, there has never been any conflict, not even between siblings, let alone the type of conflict that is happening at the moment. He is also quite convinced that in the years he has been observing them, there has never been anything wrong with Mum's eye.
Mum had watched for a few seconds as Aussie moved around the nest making a combination of sounds that I interpreted as bewilderment, pleading and assertiveness. Mum then moved in on Aussie.
She started to push Aussie with her chest. They both continued to scream....
Pushing from the side didn't work so she moved behind her to give her a shove.....
