:hello: everyone,

The nest is looking much better today. Yoyoing yesterday was a great description, they were in and out so much with much wing-flaring as well as mating. I got the feeling that they were guarding the nest a lot which makes sense at this time of year when the ospreys are returning, especially with other nests inhabited by geese who also are plentiful - to say the least!

It is great to see this relationship maturing as you mentioned, BET. For the first time yesterday I saw them just sit together towards the back of the nest surveying the river and they looked at last like "an old married couple", imo.
Glad that you caught them "bill and cooing" in one of your s'caps.

Unfortunately our temperature will drop soon, now 4C with rain or snow anticipated and freezing overnight, so I hope Mom isn't too quick to lay her eggs. She is standing mid-nest now just after 11 am.

eta 11.12 am The male just came and landed on Mom's back, I'm not sure that she lifted her tail, don't know how she knows if it is her beau when he arrives like that unless they vocalize of course. He took off as quickly as he had arrived. Mom left too but they were both on the nest at 11:19 am. but one is out again.

12:25 pm

Just had a burst of snow in the south part of the city and some has fallen in the NW. So far, does not seem to be any at the zoo but the wind has come up. I could not believe how much the nest has changed. They have been working away.

1:17 pm
Very windy and a few snowflakes floating around. Mom on the nest.


1:19 pm
Dad joins her.

Fine snow falling in Calgary at 145pm, Frost overnight expected. Thursday high 18 Celsius !!

At 12:41pm a funny event! I just now had time to get the pertinent frames processed.

Dad to be was peacefully standing in mid nest. (He seems to like to spend his time on the nest. Original Dad preferred perching on top of the cam housing frame.) Suddenly he alerts and yes, inbound is Mom


He takes off - vertically and there was a near collision - Check the two pairs of feet


Dad disappeared from view, Mom landed and Dad reappeared - talons fisted - intent obvious

Dad landed on Mom's back - proceeded to mate


Took off with out even a "Thank You Maam!"


Note the time stamps - this all took place in one minute!

4:15 pm.

I missed the fish delivery and could only see some pulling and yanking and wresting but did not know what was going on. Dad obviously brought a fish and it was stuck on his foot.

Mom eventually pulled it off and she left to eat it.