Osprey eggs ‘damaged’ in drama at the Loch Garten nest
Drama at Loch Garten’s osprey nest has left all three precious eggs damaged, a heartbroken RSPB has announced.
The action all happened yesterday afternoon high above the Abernethy forest.
“We're heartbroken to announce that it looks like all three of our eggs have been damaged or removed from the nest by KL5, an intruding Osprey,” said spokesperson Jess Tomes.
“KL5 has been around the nest over the last week and today has been attempting to mate with Asha which Asha has repeatedly rejected (though she did accept a fish from him earlier in the day).
“For nearly an hour Asha was repeatedly chased away from the nest by KL5 and there was at least one other unringed Osprey in the area who also landed on the nest.”
After the nest was left empty KL5 took his opportunity and began "nest cupping" where an Osprey prepares the nests for eggs.
In the process one of Asha eggs was removed from the nest. KL5 then destroyed one of the other eggs.
“And we believe he has destroyed the third one as well.
“It's been really sad for the team to watch Asha and Brodies eggs been destroyed and for now we'll have to sit tight and see what happens next!”
She told the Strathy today: “Though upsetting to see for us humans, this is normal behaviour for ospreys unfortunately!
”Today, Asha, Brodie and KL5 have all been at the nest – Brodie brought a fish in for Asha and KL5 has been trying to mate with her – so plenty going on!
“We expect the battle to continue for a few days and who knows what will happen. There’s still time for a second clutch of eggs, though Asha may not have the energy to produce fertile eggs again this season – time will tell.2
But whatever happens, the message was clear that there’s still plenty to see for those who want to visit and get up to date.
“Yes there’s still every reason to visit the centre - there is a lot of other nature we can show our visitors, talks to deliver, video clips to show, activities to run, stories to share, so even if we end up with no chicks, we’ll be able to share more of the Caledonian Forest with our visitors and the likelihood is that adult Ospreys will remain at the nest for much of the season.”
