After losing her long term breeding partner LM12, resident female osprey NC0 has taken the eye of several other male ospreys. A young, heavily marked osprey known to us in the hides as the 'Dark Intruder' appears to have been accepted by NC0 as her potential future mate.
It is clear from his behaviour that 'D.I.' is young and inexperienced, and most likely a 2-3 year old who has never bred before. He is roughly doing the right things by bringing in (small) fish, trying to mate, gathering nesting materials and defending the territory, however he has some way to go to prove himself capable of raising a family next year.
Judging by these clips, 'D.I.' might want to up the size of his fish deliveries on a more regular basis. Although he has managed to catch a couple of larger meals and even waited patiently for 2 hours for NC0 to return before bringing in a more modest offering, given the size of the fish she brought to the nest it seems that size does indeed matter!
Bringing his mate the osprey equivalent of 'flowers' (alder leaves) doesn't quite cut it either - but he's certainly trying his best to impress her and has been heard 'skydancing' over the reserve on multiple occasions.
With the whole of the summer for the pair to strengthen their bond and NC0 guiding him by shouting her needs at every given opportunity, there is plenty time for 'DI' to up his game and prove he is worthy of being her future mate.
Watch our live osprey webcam at Loch of the Lowes reserve to watch how the season continues to unfold. scottishwildlifetrust.org.uk/...