Summer is here which is apparent by the beautiful warm and sunny weather today.  A grey heron was feeding close to the nest earlier today which our female osprey did not appreciate but she is certainly looking a lot happier than yesterday as it was pouring with rain and she was looking pretty miserable sitting on the nest.  The male was harassing a Canada goose on the loch on Monday morning and has been adding to the nest with sticks and moss.  He has brought her a variety of fish over the last few days including pike, perch and rainbow trout which he caught from the neighbouring lochs.

Ospreys living in colonies can actually use their neighbours as a cue for finding fish by watching and waiting for their neighbours return and analysing their catch.  If their neighbour brings back a common or desirable fish, one that there is a high probability that they too will be able to find and catch, then the osprey will set off to the same location from which its neighbour came.  On the other hand if the neighbour returned with a fish which is rare or difficult to find, for example a flounder, then the osprey will remain where it is as the chances of finding another elusive fish in the same place is small.  The colony therefore acts as an information centre, relaying information to its neighbours on the best fishing spots and what can be caught there.