Changing Hierarchies

It has been nine weeks since 9K5 hatched and almost two since fledging. Now, competent in flight and extremely vocal and assertive in behaviour, we see a young osprey already displaying most of the traits the species is known for.  

9K5 Hopping with a fish portion

In last week’s round up it was noted that 9K5 had been observed helicoptering up and down holding a small piece of fish for the first time. This week there was much more definite effort and the intention was clear. On Monday morning 9K5 held onto some fish remains in the right foot and began hopping on the left. Then the wings were folded again and there was a brief rest before a second attempt. Played back in slow motion, one could better appreciate the effort and concentration it must involve to take off from just one foot instead of two, with (at that point) a little less than one week of flying experience.

9K5 figuring out how to take off from one foot

But eventually 9K5 became airborne and took the fish portion to some other location to eat.  That afternoon there was a second chance to practice and 9K5 left the nest with a much bigger cargo. In a matter of days this became the norm. Some fish still eaten on the nest but fairly frequently, some taken away. This is such an important skill and one which must be mastered fully to enable eventual fishing.

9K5 later the same day with a bigger fish - practice makes perfect

Clogwyn, on the other hand, appears to have moved down the pecking order when it comes to being supplied with fish. Now that 9K5 is fully capable of self feeding and even carrying fish in flight, and can fly from danger, her maternal role is less well defined and the family dynamics are shifting. Where once both parents would take priority, because if they were not fed their chick could not survive, now it is 9K5 who appears to take priority over Clogwyn. This has meant that she can frequently be heard food soliciting on the nest or in the close vicinity for long periods and often she is the last seen on the nest at night, perhaps hoping for a last meal before dark. 

9K5 gets fish first and Clogwyn must wait

It is from this point that we would expect Clogwyn to resume fishing to some degree, and UVO observation data seemingly suggests just that. To be clear, Clogwyn has not been observed actually catching a fish. But the instances of her being seen with a freshly caught, complete fish against the timeline showing that Syfaddan also has one, are starting to indicate that there can only be one likely conclusion. While Clogwyn still requests food (frequently and very loudly) and does receive some, she is far more likely to be successful if 9K5 and Syfaddan have themselves just eaten, or have left fish on the nest.  

Clogwyn was not identified by camera watchers from 21:16 on Saturday to 17:15 Sunday, and this too is to be expected if she is fishing for herself and eating away from the nest. But just because she does not visit the nest, it does not mean she is missing from the territory entirely. She may have gone further afield to hunt or simply be sitting out of sight with a catch.

Clogwyn is often the last to be seen on the nest in the evening. This is at 21:15

Syfaddan may have achieved a new personal best for 2025. He left the nest at 17:15, was observed from the towpath catching a fish at 17:16, and returned to the nest with it intact at 17:18 - where it was immediately claimed by 9K5!

Syfaddan (left) brings fish and 9K5 is first in the queue

Both adults have continued to add nest material, but Syfaddan has also been recorded several times nest cupping; chest down low while digging backwards with his legs to create the hollow, safe space in the middle required for eggs and tiny chicks. (This hollow had gradually been filled in to allow 9K5 ease and safety for flight practice.) Several mating attempts have also been observed. None of this means that either adult is expecting to produce more chicks this year, but there are two other instincts at play. Firstly, leaving their nest in the best shape possible, as they intend to use it for many years to come. And secondly, to reinforce their bond as a breeding pair before they migrate separately.

Blue ringed intruder evades ID

There have been fewer recorded intrusions from visiting ospreys over the past week, but there have been some. It is mightily frustrating when a ringed osprey flies very close to the nest and its blue ring can be seen but not read. In this instance, footage was replayed as slowly as possible and numerous screenshots taken, but even after enhancement they revealed no individual identity.