A different osprey was seen on the nest this morning. Chatters are in general agreement that this is Rosie. Comparisons were made to past photos (of which there are plenty) and past behavior. Richie went into a frenzy of bringing sticks and logs, mantling, attempting a CK and even scooching in the nest bowl. The female was calm, unlike Dlo. She watched quietly and let him mount her but didn't respond. They flew off at one point and there was a lot of guard call chirping, one osprey on the very top of the crane.
Note: March 5 is the date Rosie returned in 2017.
There seems to be general consensus now that it really is Rosie on the nest.. Everyone is ecstatic. It is amazing how one bird can make so many people happy. Rosie seems to be the main character in this osprey play, the one who returns faithfully every year, who sets up the nest, who lays the eggs...
She has settled immediately into her usual routine and spends time sitting quietly on the nest. Richie is faithfully bringing fish and nest materials. All is well on the Whirley osprey nest!
One funny incident happened on March 9 , when Rosie dropped her fish from her perch on the strut. Video shows an audible thud as it hit the ground. There have been several dropped fish already. We are lucky to have a video assistant this year to document these incidents. |
Life continues calmly and as usual with Richie and Rosie. Richie brings fish to Rosie (see fish chart below chat) and requests CK's. Both bring nesting material. So far no unusual presents this year. There did appear to be a black hose in the nest.
The osprey couple is spending its time getting ready for nesting season in earnest. Richie regularly brings fish to Rosie. These are recorded by the Matrix Master (see the chart under the chat). He brings sticks, long ones this year, and more and more they are bringing soft material for the nest bowl. Both use their bodies to form the nest bowl, a rather delightful scene for watchers. Richie asks for CK's and they seem more and more successful. We can expect eggs in They have had more competition this year and must defend the nest from intruders, but this they do expertly and successfully. We can expect eggs in a few weeks.
This year, Rosie and Richie have had to contend with more ospreys trying to intrude on their nest. This is probably due to the increase in the general osprey population. The couple defend their nest ably, as they have shown the past two days. One new development was a fish brought on a fly-by by a stranger osprey. Chatters have never witnessed this before. The nest is ready. They have not been bringing material but have done some nestorating. Richie has not been bringing fish for some reason. Perhaps the windy weather? We don't know. They have been spending quite a bit of time off nest as well, although Rosie is often on the rail. And Richie is always ready for a CK. Egg laying time will soon be here!
One unfortunate event the other night. Rosie was sleeping on the rail when a Great Horned Owl flew at her. She ably defended herself and it left. Richie flew in to help. There have been no further incidents, but Rosie seemed especially watchful the next night, sitting awake on the cable for a long time.