Polygyny again?

Well, kids, our male at the Arboretum is going between two nests. I am still hoping another male will show up at the other nest and chase him away. This is not likely to have a happy outcome for all involved. While it's true that another male here pulled this off successfully, his nests were in very close proximity so he could defend both nesting territories and just alternate fish deliveries! The two nests that Z3 is being seen on are fairly far apart and we are seeing Z3 absent from one nest or another for long periods. While it's easy to anthropomorphise about all this, it is instinct to try to spread the DNA when possible. Seeing an unmated female on a large undefended nest, near good fishable waters, has triggered Z3s urge to procreate. These are situations which occur most often when populations are small, with not many males to choose from or as populations grow and multiple opportunities present themselves. They commonly result in a failed nest for at least one of the females. Time will tell how this story ends. Remember that Ospreys are motivated by two strong urges....to survive and to breed. Z3 is just responding to those urges and an irresistible opportunity.