I've been watching this nest for ten years.
Iris first known mate, Stanley, did not return in 2016, and she paired up with a new male named “Louis” for one successful breeding season in 2018. Louis moved to a nearby nest to breed with a different female Star in the following years, and in 2024, Iris paired with her current mate “Finnegan” for the first time.
Louis wouldn't allow other male ospreys to breed with Iris or he defended Iris nest. But he would steal her fish and give it to Star and their eaglets.
Iris laid his eggs for three years but couldn't brood, defend nest or feed herself at the same time. She left the nest to fish only to have it stolen by Louis.
The Ravens would steal her eggs. It was an awful time for Hell gate watchers.
Last year Finnegan was able to show Iris he would defend her from Louis. She had an egg that was Louis's egg. Finnegan kicked that egg out of the nest. Iris had two more eggs that Finnegan accepted.
Praying Louis stays away and Finnegan returns.
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Topic: Hellgate Canyon Ospreys (Read 57296 times)