No sign of an Osprey on my first pass of Mullock farm this morning, but, thanks to Ian Smith for the whatsapp post, a quick return from a quiet Marloes Mere immediately revealed the Osprey circling low over Crabhall at 11.30 but no Mr Astins in the garden.
The Osprey was flying around the area for a while with a few failed fishing attempts. It later caught a fish and landed on one of the larger dead pines adjacent to the remaining live ones at 2.15pm, giving good views and showing it to be an unringed juvenile.
It was not settled, frequently looking up at the corvids, Buzzards and a single Peregrine overhead and finally was disturbed by a surprisingly brave Red Kite. The Red Kite pursued the Osprey northwest towards Mullock cottages, but apparently without success.
The Osprey returned about 4pm having apparently caught another fish, since it was smaller and complete and flew around for about five minutes trying to find somewhere to land to eat it. Ian and I were probably too close to the pines by then for it to feel comfortable in the trees and it eventually settled on the riverbank below Whiteholm's farm. I suspect it may remain a bit longer with the light winds and obvious success in feeding.