Osprey rivalry stirs nest drama in Boulder
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The ospreys at the Boulder County Fairgrounds. Photo: Boulder County Open Space
A returning female osprey reclaimed her longtime Boulder County nest after battling a rival that briefly paired with her mate.
Why it matters: The Boulder County Fairgrounds osprey cam has turned the saga into must-see wildlife TV.
The latest: The male, who first appeared at the nest last year, returned for the season March 20.
- The resident female, who has nested at this site for 14 years, landed Tuesday. The picture of consistency, the female has arrived on March 24 for three consecutive years.
The intrigue: Another female showed up to the nest prior to the resident mother and tried to claim it — and the male — as her own.
- The less-experienced bird — dubbed "the girlfriend" in the osprey cam chat — had a few awkward mating attempts before the resident female arrived.
- The two then battled in some "Top Gun"-worthy aerial maneuvers.
- Mama osprey was able to fend off the interloper, with commenters on the site noting the fight went on about two hours.
Between the lines: It's not unusual for other females to try to take over a nest before the resident bird returns, camera site moderator Jasmine Finks said.
- "The osprey will dive to intimidate before using talons," she told us. "They will avoid physically fighting at all costs, since injuries can be fatal."
- Finks said the resident female's return is good news for the nest, given her track record of successful hatchings.
State of play: The male's brief fling appears to be forgiven, as mating has already begun.
- Eggs are expected in April, with a 37-42 day incubation period.
What we're watching: The drama is far from over — and the osprey cam remains appointment viewing for anyone who enjoys a little nature-fueled chaos.