A remarkable and very rare event is unfolding in the Scottish Borders, where three ospreys — one male and two females — have been captured on a livestream sharing the same nest. This extraordinary scene, believed to be the first of its kind filmed up close, showcases a unique polygynous relationship that is both fascinating to watch and important for scientific research. Set in the beautiful Tweed Valley, viewers are given an intimate glimpse into the lives, interactions, and challenges faced by these majestic birds.
Three Ospreys Captured Sharing a Nest
Ospreys are large birds of prey known for their exceptional fishing skills and generally monogamous breeding habits. However, this particular nest in the Tweed Valley has become the setting for an unusual form of polygamy called polygyny, where one male mates with two females at the same time. This trio — one male and two females — is sharing the same nest and cooperating to raise their offspring, a behavior rarely documented in the wild.
The male osprey has mated with both females, who together have laid four eggs in the nest. What makes this situation especially unusual is the peaceful coexistence between the two females. Typically, female ospreys are territorial and aggressively defend their nesting sites from rivals, but in this case, the females appear to tolerate one another, at least for now.
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Diane Bennett, the Tweed Valley osprey project coordinator, explains how rare this behavior is, stating that although polygyny has been observed in ospreys before, it is almost unheard of for all involved birds to share the same nest and be filmed in such close detail. Most previous observations were made from a distance, so this livestream offers a unique and valuable perspective for ornithologists and bird enthusiasts alike.
Tensions and Cooperation in the Nest
Despite the generally peaceful atmosphere, tension sometimes arises during feeding times when the male returns with fish. Both females, including one known as Mrs O, compete to grab the fish. Mrs O usually wins and flies off to feed but has been seen returning with some of the fish to share with the other female.
This delicate balance between competition and cooperation creates an intriguing dynamic within the unusual household. The male osprey must work hard to provide enough fish for both females and their four eggs, which adds complexity to the breeding process.
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The ongoing domestic drama plays out live on the camera, attracting viewers captivated by the tension and teamwork. The livestream is part of the Tweed Valley Osprey Project, a Forestry and Land Scotland initiative that supports and monitors the breeding population of ospreys in the region.
The individual identities of the birds are tracked as well. Mrs O has nested at the site for several years and can be identified by her unique head markings, despite only having a British Trust for Ornithology (BTO) ring, which is less visible than the alphanumeric Darvic rings used to identify individual birds. The new female and young male are also fitted with BTO rings, but their backgrounds remain unclear.
The Importance of the Livestream and Ongoing Research
The livestream of Three Ospreys is not only entertaining but also provides invaluable insight into osprey behavior, especially in such a rare social arrangement. Watching the trio in real time allows researchers to collect data on how these birds interact, share resources, and manage breeding responsibilities in a polygynous setting.
Since 1998, the Tweed Valley Osprey Project has worked to establish and support a breeding population of ospreys in the Scottish Borders. This rare case of three ospreys sharing a nest represents an exciting development for the project, demonstrating the adaptability and complexity of osprey social behavior.
It also raises important questions about how common such relationships might be in other osprey populations and how environmental factors may influence their social structures.
Viewers interested in witnessing this rare natural event can watch the livestream on the Forestry and Land Scotland website as the eggs are expected to hatch in the coming weeks, promising even more captivating moments from this extraordinary osprey family.