Strange going ons at Matsqui Trail Park.
Aug 15, 2021 9:31:58 GMT -8
imperialbirders, Chris, and 1 more like this
Post by nickinthegarden on Aug 15, 2021 9:31:58 GMT -8
This year I missed seeing the young Osprey fledge at Matsqui Trail Park; Page Rd. When I went to check on them yesterday, there was lots of smoke and only one Osprey who was bringing sticks to the nest. Which seemed odd, I figured that the family had likely moved to the fishing grounds to teach their youngster to fish. This was a pair which seemed to always come from down river on the Fraser with fish not from Willband Creek Part where I have seen Osprey in the past but when they leave they go southwest, not northeast where the only Osprey nest I knew was located.
This morning with the improved weather and smoke situation I went back to check on the Osprey nest. I discovered two Osprey who were perched on a pole about 100 meters south of the old nest and they were building a new nest amongst all the powerlines. I watched them for a while, I saw attempts at breeding and later a mating soar dance high above the park. I also saw one Osprey bring sticks to the old nest and one bring sticks to the "new" nest.
When looking at the photos when I got home these two birds looked different from the ones I had been photographing since the spring. These were both large powerfully built birds, they seemed well fed. Where the parents of the original pair seemed thinner and worn looking.
I suspect that the original builders and occupiers of the nest had after their youngster fledge had taken it off to the fishing grounds to learn how to fish. This new pair might have been birds driven from the interior by the forest fires or they might have been unmated birds who took advantage of the abandon nest to play house. Next spring they may try to take over the nest site if they arrive before the original pair.
Of course that is all speculation.
What is going on? by Nick, on Flickr
What is going on? by Nick, on Flickr
This morning with the improved weather and smoke situation I went back to check on the Osprey nest. I discovered two Osprey who were perched on a pole about 100 meters south of the old nest and they were building a new nest amongst all the powerlines. I watched them for a while, I saw attempts at breeding and later a mating soar dance high above the park. I also saw one Osprey bring sticks to the old nest and one bring sticks to the "new" nest.
When looking at the photos when I got home these two birds looked different from the ones I had been photographing since the spring. These were both large powerfully built birds, they seemed well fed. Where the parents of the original pair seemed thinner and worn looking.
I suspect that the original builders and occupiers of the nest had after their youngster fledge had taken it off to the fishing grounds to learn how to fish. This new pair might have been birds driven from the interior by the forest fires or they might have been unmated birds who took advantage of the abandon nest to play house. Next spring they may try to take over the nest site if they arrive before the original pair.
Of course that is all speculation.
What is going on? by Nick, on FlickrWhat is going on? by Nick, on Flickr