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Domestic dispute

A long-term relationship breaks down at the osprey nest site.

Scientists have been following the trials and tribulations of the Loch Garten ospreys for many years, and most recently they have watched an experienced female known as EJ, and her mate Henry. These seemed to be a good pair, who seemed settled together at Loch Garten for many years to come and raised many chicks over the years. However, EJ began flirting with another male, causing domestic disputes at the nest. This new male would arrive at the nest before Henry and mate with EJ, Henry would then turn up and get very upset. If there were eggs, he would kick them out of the nest, and so they failed to raise any chicks together for two years on a row. In 2008, EJ turned up at the nest site in Loch Garten very early, with snow still falling, and with no sign of Henry, mated with her new male and laid three eggs. When the eggs hatch the scientists begin to worry as traditionally this new male hasn't been a good dad, not providing enough food, but this time it seems different. Things are still going well and the chicks are growing, but unfortunately, no one knows what happened to Henry.

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