Skermish At Platform #1 - Hogback Rd.

E-mail and Photo from Jim Martin

Hello Fellow Naturalists and Conservationists:

This morning Frank Germann and I were viewing the Osprey activities along Hogback Rd. - Alum Creek. There was a fair amount of activity at platform #1 as the "extra" female was making her presence known and felt. For the entire ~hour that we were at this location the "seemingly unwelcome" female was being monitored by at least two other Osprey. One of the chaperons was always either the Male (TM) or his Female partner from #1. The other chaperon may have been the Male from platform #4. This threesome sailed along and over Hogback Rd. at low to quite high distances. There were a few minor incidents while in the skies - nothing out of the ordinary - until.

The Female on the egg(s) on platform was in that position for most of the viewing time. Eventually the Male (TM) returned to the nest with a fish for the Female who departed. The male was sitting on the eggs when the "rogue" female attacked the nest. See the attached photo which shows the Male responding to her encroachment. This fight did not last but a few seconds and ended with the male dispatching the female. The nest was without an Adult for only during the brief encounter.

Take note of the position of the talons on the incoming female above the Male on the nest. Looks like she met business.

Conditions:
a.. Date: April 23, 2007
b.. Duration: 0813 - 0858 Hours,
c.. Skies: Heavy Overcast,
d.. Wind: Moderate to heavy, Gusts at 15+ MPG
e.. Temperatures: 61° - 64°.
f.. Other Birds: 1 "Extra" female Osprey, several Turkey Vultures, & C. Geese,
g.. Platform #4: The adult female was on the nest incubating the entire time we viewed.
h.. Equipment: Nikon and Canon Digital Camera and binoculars.

Best Wishes,
Jim Martin & Frank Germann