While the chicks are on the nest mother ospreys are pretty much in charge. They keep their offspring warm and dry, they shade them from the sun, they drive off intruders and they feed them. Once the chicks have fledged the dads have to continue to supply them with fish but suddenly the mums find themselves redundant. This understandably, can come as quite a shock. In theory the adult females are footloose and fancy free and can spend their leisure time, fishing again for themselves and getting fit, ready for their solitary journey back to Africa. In practise the adjustment can be painful, particularly as the divorce arrangement does not include access to No-ring’s bountiful fish fund.

Last year poor Mrs. No-ring, a first time mother, was completely thrown by her sudden change in circumstances. She got into a complete muddle as to who was meant to be where and her own changing role and initially tried to defend the nest against the fledged chicks as they returned for food. It ended in tears as her ravenous eldest, determined to return home, dive-bombed the nest, knocked her flying and snatched the fish she was holding.

This year she has been more circumspect, watching proceedings from her favourite perch. However, the sight of No-ring bringing up a succulent roach this afternoon for the next waiting chick was more than flesh and blood could bear. Just as No-ring landed she flipped onto the nest, forked the fish out of No-ring’s talons and was up and away before you could say fish knife.

The waiting chick was left to go hungry and a rather disconcerted No-ring circled the sky before having to go off and catch a replacement dinner!