🎥 Watch the video:
Quick facts
- Pair: M15 & F23 (SWFL)
- Date filmed: November 2, 2025
- Highlights: M15 delivers a fish gift, waits, and leaves it on the nest for 5 hours until F23 returns. The pair later mate at the pond.
- Nest phase: Several weeks into nest building (“nestoration”): sticks now, with soft grasses & moss ramping up next; mating frequency increasing ahead of egg laying.
- Season context: F23’s first egg dates: Nov 8 (2024) and Nov 24 (2023)—will she lay early again this year?
What happens in the video
The morning starts with F23 arriving first to aerate the nest before perching on the inner limb—waiting on M15. When M15 shows, he brings a stick and the two engage in classic nest discussion while tidying.
Later, M15 delivers a fish for F23. She isn’t home, so he waits, then leaves the fish on the nest (what a mate!). Four hours pass—M15 returns, checks the fish, takes a couple of bites, stops, and leaves it again for F23. About five hours after the original delivery, F23 returns, grabs the fish to the Office Oak, eats quickly, then heads to the pond for sips. M15 and F23 arrive at the pond around the same time and mate. They end the sequence with more nest tree activity before flying off.
💡 Behavior notes: Gift provisioning, restraint around food, and consistent rail/bowl work are strong pair-bond and pre-lay signals.
Why this matters for the season
- Provisioning & patience: M15’s leave-it behavior shows mate investment and coordination.
- Nestoration arc: Expect more rails, soft lining, and moss/grasses soon—insulation for eggs.
- Mating cadence: Frequency often ticks up in the weeks before the first egg.
FAQs
Is it normal for a male to leave food that long?
Yes—mate provisioning is common. The restraint (minimal eating) is notable and underscores M15’s pair investment.
What’s next for the nest?
More soft grasses/moss for insulation; rails continue to be reinforced. Expect more frequent mating leading into the lay window.
When might eggs arrive?
Based on F23’s history (Nov 8, 2024; Nov 24, 2023), an early-to-mid November lay is plausible—keep watching.
