As we approach our final week here at the project it will be a race to see if we leave before the birds. Thick fog at the end of last week was obviously not ideal migrating weather and all five birds were seen in the area. We have been treated to some fabulous sights from the viewing hide, with both adults perching up on the mountain side for all to see. All three juveniles were out and about but still no confirmation of YE catching a fish for herself. The two males seem more capable but still won't refuse a free meal from Dad if it is on offer and who can blame them?
Saturday brought very different conditions, the cloud had lifted and we were treated to some rare sunshine. It is possible this clear break in the weather is what our female had been waiting for as she has not been seen since Friday. It is likely that she has begun her migration now as she was certainly due to go! As the birds have less of a bond with the nest it is impossible to tell exactly when they go. Our male has been seen fishing in the area and YE was seen flying over the viewing site yesterday, unmistakable as she looks like a Turkey! YD our eldest male has been seen the most, he returned to the nest on Saturday with a fish he probably caught himself. He is in particularly fine form and looks every bit like an adult osprey. He is definitely spending more time at the nest than the others and was calling from the camera pole yesterday.
YC, our second male has not been positively identified since the middle of last week. Maybe he has followed in Mum's path and has headed off on his big journey.
Staff and volunteers are still keeping their eyes peeled for any birds passing through on migration. We had hoped to see a return of the single female from earlier in the season for one last chance of identification but it seems she is now long gone.
We are still open until the 7th of September so please pop in and see us if you are passing by. If you have never seen an osprey before, now is your chance because we still have some to show you!