Last week as birds were arriving we had a couple of sightings at roost sites we monitor particularly in the spring as they can often be markers on who’s home and who’s thinking of nesting where. This was the case when we spotted a lone bird, male by the size, hanging out looking very comfortable. Like Pip this bird was very accommodating and we were able to quickly confirm that Sundance had returned.
Last year Sundance and Marilyn were both identified but then they were both gone with no sign that they had even begun nesting. It wasn’t until much later in the summer that he reappeared about the same time as a young unbanded female. No real sign that they were a pair other than they were in the same general vicinity but it is always something we make note of. We also noted that other than those very few spring-time sightings, we never saw Marilyn again.
So we weren’t sure what this spring would hold – and we don’t. What we do know is that Sundance is home and that there is a younger unbanded female also around, so if Marilyn doesn’t return, Sundance may have a new love interest waiting in the wings (no pun intended).