As some of you have undoubtably seen, there has been some activity on the nest as of yesterday (3/24/25) morning, when 2 different Osprey were observed - one unbanded and one banded. Thus far today, looking at the still photo images that are taken by Earthcam every 15 minutes, only the banded Osprey has been at the nest, as shown in the posted photo.
This is the 3rd or 4th year that a banded Osprey - probably the same male - has appearred on the nest in the very early season and attempted to replace Squam. Some years he has done some nest building and even tried to copulated with Annie. But each year Squam was able to defend the nest and reunite with Annie.
If I had to guess, the unbanded bird seen yesterday is Annie and the banded bird seen yesterday and today is the same male from past years. Only time will tell. What I can say for sure is that Osprey are back in the area now, and on this nest, almost 2 weeks earlier than 2024. Annie has generally showed up first and has had to deal with the intruding banded male until Squam arrives, usually days later. There is no telling what will happen this year but it will all unfold before us in the coming weeks.