Cameras installed by Forestry and Land Scotland (FLS) as part of the Tweed Valley Osprey Project have captured an extraordinary display of avian behaviour that has left birdwatchers both intrigued and entertained. This season, an unusual three-way partnership has emerged among the ospreys, with one female, Mrs O, a newcomer dubbed 'F2', and a young male referred to as Newboy all participating in a polygamous arrangement known as polygyny.

Typically a solitary nesting species, the ospreys of the Tweed Valley are now showing an uncharacteristic level of social interaction. The two females have been seen sharing food and space with each other as well as with their male counterpart. According to Diane Bennett, the project co-ordinator, “So far things are looking good. The females seem amicable and tolerant with both having mated with the male bird and laying four eggs between them.” The dynamic is marked by the females collaborating, with hints of competition become evident primarily during meal times when both rush for fish deliveries.

The sight of two fierce females cooperating so openly is rare. While episode-like rivalries have been noted among ospreys in previous observations, this is the first instance of such a three-way nesting arrangement being documented via live-streaming technology, offering researchers unprecedented insights into these complex social structures. The project has documented similar behaviours in ospreys from other locations, such as reports from the Dyfi Osprey Project in Wales, which highlight polygyny as an unusual yet fascinating survival strategy.

The implications of this nesting arrangement on the soon-to-hatch four eggs remain to be seen, as the stress of rearing multiple chicks presents challenges even for well-established pairs. Historically, the Tweed Valley Osprey Project has monitored the arrival of breeding pairs, like Mrs O and her long-term mate, which has attracted attention since the 1990s. This nest, along with others, forms part of a broader conservation effort aimed at protecting these majestic birds, who migrate thousands of miles from Africa to breed in Scotland each year.

Visitors to the Tweed Valley viewing centre at Glentress are encouraged to witness this unfolding drama live, with streams projected on large screens. Volunteers are stationed to provide insights and context. As Bennett notes, the chance to observe such a unique scenario offers not only entertainment but crucial data to aid ospreys’ understanding and conservation.

In an area where wildlife thrives under careful stewardship, the Tweed Valley Osprey Project stands out as a beacon for both birdwatchers and conservationists alike. The co-operative dynamics of the three ospreys could serve as a pivotal point for future research, reiterating the complexity of animal behaviour and the need for continued monitoring and support in their habitats.

The development of this trio has sparked discussions on the evolutionary advantages of such relationships in ospreys, prompting comparisons to human social structures. However, researchers caution against viewing these behaviours through an anthropocentric lens, urging audiences to appreciate the instincts that drive these bird interactions.

As the season progresses, the drama at the Tweed Valley Osprey Project promises to provide both excitement and critical insights into avian social bonds, proving that nature often operates outside the bounds of conventional relationship norms.


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Source: Noah Wire Services