Raising Aussie Osprey #8

She became more vocal as Mum descended and eventually landed on the nest.

She became highly agitated as Mum touched down, turning to confront her.

Within seconds, Aussie had leapt into the air and was hell bent on evicting Mum from the nest. Mum's actions were entirely defensive. During previous battles, although serious enough, claws had never been brought into the argument. This time, Aussie's claws were out and she was intent on using them to her advantage.

It isn't easy to see, but Aussies back talon is in the feathers just behind Mum's head, which she has lowered in a self-protective move.

I was too close to get both birds completely in the frame, that's the reason for the half and half pic. Aussie was relentless in her quest to kick Mum off the nest.

Edited because it didn't make sense.

This message was edited Feb 14, 2009 10:36 PM

After hovering for a few seconds, Aussie then relaunched her assault. This shot and the next one show fairly graphically just how skinny poor Mum is.

Straight down onto Mum's head.

Mum was forced off the nest at this point, leaving Aussie alone on the nest.

After Mum left, she rejoined the others in their soaring flight, but made her was back to the nest about fifteen minutes later and the whole thing was repeated. The second time around, she was virtually pushed off the nest by Aussie but quickly established flight and once more went to join the others in the sky. I waited until close on 7.30pm to see if she'd return a third time, but didn't see her again and had to leave as I was freezing.

More later. Off to the nest....

Oh my that's very sad. Wonderful pics Margaret!

OMG! Mum is quite thin. I have been so hopeful that all is okay, but now, I am worried. I wonder if Aussie is trying to make her leave because Mum is an "attractant for predators?" Poor Mum.

Great shots, Marg.

Kim

Though we probably know what the outcome of this will be, it will be very interesting ( and dramatic I think) to see how this plays out.

Margaret, I'm sorry for the ospreys and for you that the mother is not doing so well. Lee

Well, even though she's lost a lot of condition, Mum seems to have perked up over the last several days. It's really difficult keeping track of events, but I'll try to update things on the next thread. Please join us over here:

http://davesgarden.com/community/forums/t/953450/

This message was edited Feb 16, 2009 9:19 PM