We had zero chicks at Loch Garten nest this summer, so there are none to follow this winter. EJ and Odin have migrated south and with neither tagged we cannot follow them. Sadly, we have lost Breagha, the last tagged LG offspring. Once again a healthy Loch Garten chick is “lost contact, presumed dead”. Even the camera is away for the winter. Thus we have lost all contact with the Loch Garten nest. For the first time since I found EJ and the Loch Garten nest, there is NOTHING LEFT. Nothing left, that is, except HOPE for a better season in 1916.
On this note of hope I will maintain The Gabfest in a semi-retired state. Thus we will be open for any osprey news which comes through, whether it be from UK or USA or Africa. Also any bird or wildlife photos or news are always appreciated here.
Over Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Eve some may wish to share photos of their cakes, Christmas Trees and/or some music videos. Winter gardening, trains, anything goes here on the Gabfest that anyone wants to talk about.
So if anyone cares to come in for a wee chat, the Gabfest may be sleeping, but it is open.
Keith that would be very kind of you to post photos of 5F. The pics were taken yesterday we decided to go there as the wind was very strong. The pilot boat that was escorting the ship out of the harbour became completely submerged at times by the very rough sea, i felt sorry for the crew!
58 Willow - A couple of good shots of HMS KENT leaving Dover. The second is a fantastic angled shot in the rough seas although these Type 23 frigates could handle much weather thrown at them.
She has a few affiliations one of them with The Cinque Ports thus maybe her visit to Dover.
I am sure you have managed to view Chris Wood's pictures of FR3 on the LOTL Blog.
As for 5F here is a picture he has taken during his trip to The Gamnia. I have left Chris a message that I have posted this.
5F in The Gambia captured by CHRIS WOOD who is visiting The Gambia on an Osprey Birding Tour.
POSTED WITH PERMISSION OF CHRIS WOOD
The 3 Polar Bears at Kincraig near Aviemore are enjoying the heavy snowfalls and freezing temperatures the area has seen over the past 24 hours.
Arktos and Walker (Males)
Victoria (Female)
Might go up and see them if the conditions over Drumochter ease (A9).
The Cairngorms has been among places to have some of the heaviest snowfalls.
Love the bears and the snow too. They look so cute & cuddly. If you go Keith, give them a big hug for me.
It is certainly worth a Christmas Visit/Winter Visit if weather allows access.
The park also has the rare Scottish Wild Cat and four Snowy Owls amongst other animals that used to roam Scotland.
The Highland Wildlife Park along with Edinburgh Zoo are both owned by The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland.
Highland Wildlife Park
Keith, Aren't you going to tell us that the bears are ferocious vicious wild beasts and are not to be hugged.:)
Seriously, the park does sound like a wonderful place to visit, if only one could see all those animals on one visit.
Good morning all. Keith thankyou for posting the photo of FR3,must admit to feeling a little emotional seeing photos of them both seeming to be doing well! Lovely photo of 5R
Thanks for the information about HMS Kent I was wondering what is was doing there
Would very much like to go to the Gambia or Senegal on a osprey watching holiday that would just be my dream! Possibly when I retire!
The polar bears look just beautiful in their snowy conditions, they must be loving it! Would also love to see the Scottish wild cat. I saw a program about them once and the problem with some is that they have been hybridised with the domestic cat. They look very different though
Unknown said: Keith, Aren't you going to tell us that the bears are ferocious vicious wild beasts and are not to be hugged.:)
Now feeling my normal self - No matter how adorable polar bears look, these animals are not cuddly. In fact, polar bears are ferocious hunters, and they are the biggest carnivores among land animals. :) :).
58Willow - It is great to see birds we have followed throughout the summer doing so well at their wintering grounds.
I visited Loch of the Lowes on numerous occasions during the summer watching the two parents and offspring FR2-FR3 and FR4 grow up. It is great to hear of two of these tracked doing well (FR3 and FR4).
However equally I know the statistics and the odds stacked against them so also accept any outcome that may occur.
I also have pleasure in seeing young ospreys migrate from nests I will regularly visit that we may never hear of again whether they survive or not. It is a bonus if we hear of a sighting at a later stage. I particularly enjoyed watching the two birds at Strathallan leave.
Likewise I am sure you would be delighted to hear of S1 - S2 or S3 someday.