When I woke today I noted that this was the anniversary of our family moving house many years ago. I always think of it as I associate it with the day my memory switched on. I had no idea that the 7th January is now going to be the day that we discovered that Caledonia has perished. The 2012 season at Loch Garten was traumatic in many way. It started with a strange male (Blue XD) in the nest that EJ took a real shine to. However when Odin turned up on 1st April he evicted the impostor and EJ also seemed to attack him. An uneasy peace reigned and when the egg which Caledonia hatched from was laid on 9th April it was touch and go whether Odin would brood it or kick it out of the nest. After some hesitation he accepted it and a difficult incubation began. The weather during the incubation was atrocious with endless rain. Caledonia hatched on 16 May about half an hour shy of midnight.ChloeB and I headed to Loch Garten on 19th May and amazing the weather turned brilliant and remained so for all our holiday. It was very good to visit and see three young chicks in the nest. The season continued to have its difficulties but Caledonia fledged and migrated and surprised most of us by electing to stay in Spain.Then there was the incredible joy generated when Valerie, Alison and Pip went out to visit Caledonia and found and photographed her. As the months passed I began to feel confident that she would be returning north in May 2014. Now we have this devastating news that her life is at an end. While it is hard to take I think it is best we see the good she achieved in her life accept that once again the life of a young osprey has many dangers. Caledonia your memories are burned in our hearts and it was a great privilege to share your short life.
Tiger Signature
When I read the heading I just felt sick - I was quietly optimistic this is the girl that would break the mould and come back and annoy her mother. Devastating news and all the more shocking that she seemed to be in a very safe small area that she knew so well but again her demise highlights the dangers everywhere for these noble magnificent birds. Just awful news.
Tempo that was my reaction also, it took me a little while to go back to read the full story, I still cannot stop the tears thinking about her and such a sad end to so much hope and goodwill for her return. So many tears and heartache for every loss of our wonderful birds, wildlife everywhere of every kind are facing danger and loss all the time, but what makes it all the harder to accept is when we allow them into our hearts, seeing them grow and develop their own personality.
Thank you to all for photo's and video of her and our 2012 family. Fly free now Caledonia with your sister Alba, you left the nest together and went your separate ways ...
http://scottishwildlifetrust.org.uk/things-to-do/wildlife-webcams/loch-of-lowes/
I know NiteOwl - everytime I read about her I just fill up. How can you explain to someone that doesnt know ospreys how you feel at the loss of any of them but especially one that was just nearly there. Just heartbreaking.
It has taken me all day to come back to here....I am just absolutely heartbroken as this Oh so terrible news. I was so sure nothing could go wrong and was full of hope and confidence for dear Caledonia's future. I could not believe the news that greeted me when I logged on this morning. She will fly in our hearts for ever.
Just about 11 months ago Caledonia mania reached it height when she was pictured in Spain. See Proof's Here's our Caley...
Thanks Tiger, it was lovely she was found and to get a photo of her, a real boost as usually many never saw the new year, it makes it all the harder to accept now, another loss as a new year begins, It is taking some sinking in that she won't be returning any time soon. I'm just too soft when it comes to animals, whatever they are. :*(
Not sure if this LINK will work for those non-Facebook users.
This is my dedication to Caledonia.
EJ's Memorial Balgavies Loch Ospreys 2023
Mary the answer is NO I'm afraid.
Birdies LG DU update.
Very nice Mary.
Mike B said: Mary the answer is NO I'm afraid.
Thought it wouldn't Mike, I will email you a screen shot.