Weird spring...

It’s been a weird spring. Our first ospreys arrived in early April, right on schedule. But then the arrivals seemed to slow down and we still have some empty nests, and nests with just one Osprey, still waiting for its mate. I believe the slowness may be related to the ongoing strong north winds we have had. It seems to have really slowed down the northward movement of some of our Ospreys. We have nests that have just been occupied in the past few days! And now I am starting to see too many ospreys at many nests. Today I was watching five of them chasing and competing for a nest that has been empty throughout April. I have gotten reports of three birds on a nest from several people. I have also observed many ospreys laying down in the nest, as if they were incubating, when I knew they did not have eggs. This too may be related to the cold temps and strong winds. Sadly, I am finding many of our banded birds have not returned, yet anyway. Tho some are just showing up in the past few days, so changes may still occur on some nests. On the other hand, some of most experienced ospreys got back early and have laid their eggs. They instinctively know that the sooner they get back and the sooner they lay eggs, the greater the survival rate for their offspring.

I have been watching a nest where a long time adult male was tragically hit by a car last September. His mate had departed on her migration before he was killed, so she returned to her nest this spring not knowing that he would not be joining her. Tho I am still sad about that loss, watching a new male try to take over this territory is so fascinating... His defensiveness, his nervousness, as he brought sticks to the nest...turning away from her, hanging his head, shaking his wings. Nervously looking over his shoulder at her...and his awkward unwillingness to share his fish with this female. She even chased him around the area during my last visit. Today they seemed much more comfortable together. She is still suggesting that he should bring her a fish, as this is the true test of a good mate in the Osprey world. But they are perching near each other, seeming much more relaxed and without the defensiveness of earlier days. I am hopeful for this new pair!