Uninvited guests and housekeeping
After the intruding female BLUE 5H1 from Poole Harbour was displaced from the nest by our resident unringed female on 18th it has been a quieter week, albeit with some evidence of continuing Osprey visitors.
5H1 drops by
Both our unringed birds have made regular visits to the nest, the male in particular continuing to bring in both sticks and softer nest lining materials. Mantling behaviour and food soliciting by the female was especially noted early in the week but there is still no sign of a first egg. Bonding, and some half-hearted mating between the pair continues with the male providing fish for his mate, not always at the nest. Osprey Watchers at the Viewpoint have commented on feeding taking place on perches along the valley.
To the dismay of the male (main nest-builder) the female brought in several pieces of plastic waste on 24th which either blew off the nest in the wind, were carried away again or have been incorporated into the nest structure. Osprey, like many British birds of prey will adorn their nest with ‘foreign’ materials, the Red Kite especially being proponents of the art. This is generally harmless but if left loose they can potentially cause difficulties for growing chicks
For those who haven’t yet sampled the delightful walk to the Viewing Point from Talybont-on-Usk, here are some scenes you have missed! We have Facebook Group member, Dave Lewis, to thank for these fantastic pictures encountered on his way along the towpath last week.
Tawny Owl (Dave Lewis)
Unringed female osprey (Dave Lewis)
Spotted flycatcher (Dave Lewis)
Happy Watching!