No mating as yet

Unless they are using a different spot for mating this year, there have been no signs of mating this season. Usually it starts at the end of May, but we have a different, much younger male (Gimbir) this year and it may take a while for him to catch on. As we did have a successful outcome from last season (Girri), we know that he is capable of reproduction, so just need to be patient, I think.

He has occasionally been bringing prey to the box (more often recently) and usually leaving it in box, but whether this act is a courtship gift for Diamond or just somewhere to stash his leftovers, we cannot be sure. This morning he seemed to be waiting for Diamond, but as soon as she arrived, he scarpered with the prey remains. Mind you, Xavier used to do that at the beginning of the season too.

There have been floaters or intruders around, so hopefully he will get his act together soon to demonstrate to those hoping to replace him (or her) that he is in charge of his territory and mate. This video shows one of the intruders (not sure if male or female) circling the tower and our resident falcons’ reactions.