Sunday, May 12, 2013

"Divorce"

I have documented two "divorces" so far this year. Pairs where both are alive and well, but moved to another nest with another mate. Usually the split occurs after a failed breeding season the year before, and that is the case with both these pairs. I was watching one of the new pairs today...a sweet new bond forming. The new pair were sitting on the same branch in a tree in the late afternoon sun. Both were calm and peaceful. The male kept walking a few steps closer, sitting for a while, then a few more steps in her direction until they we sitting side by side, almost touching. Then just preening and snoozing comfortably together. She is small for a female, and he is a handsome male, with a totally white breast. Nice.
We also have a pair that is sharing their twelfth year together. That's is the longest known pair bond so far in this study.

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