Mom sure is a beauty! If Dad doesn't return, I don't think she will have trouble finding a new mate!

I'm shutting down for the night now. that tomorrow might be the day Dad returns!

Good Night Judy, Darlene and all! Pleasant dreams....

Goodnight Jean. Fabulous pictures of mom! Isn't she beautiful! I just got home so will keep the cam up until it's dark there!

Beautiful pictures of Mom, Jean - thank you!

I just watched your video of the visit by a second osprey on April 10 (link to post), and I don't think that was her mate. What I found strange is that he looked relatively relaxed until she chased him off, and I would have expected a visiting male to be more wary.

I've been watching the NH osprey cam some this season, and the male returned first. He was on the nest when the female landed, and I had the impression that she mantled a little right after landing, and they both looked at each other a bit and were soon standing together.

Here - once she finally turned around and glanced at him - she chased him off the nest.

Mare, I hope you don't mind that I added FILE tags to your posts on the 14th so I could see your pictures of two on the nest that day - and it really wasn't clear from the angle if it was the same male as on the 10th. (I'm assuming both visitors were male because I'd expect more of a fight if this was Mom vs another female who wanted the nest.)

I suppose the other question is whether or not this is Mom - I'm guessing it is, because I'd think if it was an unattached female, she would be looking for a mate - though I suppose she could be part of a pair that lost its nest. But that seems a bit far-fetched. I did take a quick look at the thread from last year, and last year's Mom had a relatively dark face, as does this one - but I didn't find any close-ups to compare to your recent s'caps.

I guess I'll continue to hope that Dad will show up in the next couple of days - and knowing that a couple of males have stopped by and been chased off does suggest that if she decides it's time to consider another mate, there will be options.

Thursday, April 19, 2012

Good Morning Hellgate! Good Morning Judy, Darlene and All!





7:01am- Mom arrives at nest. She sat for a short time, looked around and then left.

Thanks for your observations Judy. When I first made that video, I thought it was Dad returning but viewing it a few times, it was obvious it was an intruder of some sort. Your possible scenarios are something to consider. It will be interesting to see how this all plays out!

Good morning Jean! I forgot to come back here and post last night that no one visited the nest. I had it up until about 10:00 nest time!

Fingers crossed dad makes it home today! For some reason, I have a feeling he'll be back today or tomorrow, or maybe that really is just wishful thinking!

8:30 Photographers at the nest. Mom was just there eating. She just finished and flew off.

8:50 Osprey back with big stick.

Zoomer is zooming in on the Osprey! Thanks zoomer.

Hi Darlene! I saw the photographer. Have it on video. Also a school bus is there with a handful of people.


8:45am- Mom has brought breakfast to the nest.


8:45am- She flies to the edge of the nest with it.


8:45am- She enjoyed the fish. Didn't stop eating till it was gone!