So the month of the ospreys has arrived. It is hard to believe that it is here already.
The very sad news of the last month is the demise of Blue XD. No more will he be coming over to Loch Garten in the hope of getting it together with EJ or demonstrate his fishing skills at Aviemore. He has been part of our lives since he touched down at Loch Garten on Wednesday 28 March 2012.
We know that Beatrice started off on her migration on 23 February which as far as we know is her earliest start ever. Will this mean that the birds will be early?
Of course the main birds awaited at Loch Garten are EJ and Odin. EJ will be 19 years old this year and so is very mature bird. It will be her 14th season at Loch Garten. As always she will be keenly awaited.
Let us hope that things are a little bit less traumatic at Loch Garten this year.
We can expect to see Mrs Glaslyn early as usual but the big question is when Aran will turn up? We just do not know.
The very first osprey expected to arrive will be 3 (97) at Rutland. He has been arriving about 17 March in recent years.
Laddie at Loch of the Lowes is something of an early bird too, arriving on 21 March in the last two years.
So it is all beginning. Are you excited?
Link to Tiger's RSPB Signature
Tiger Signature
Jenny, you've spectacularly brightened up the day with your vigilance! I've subtly started a new thread for nest observations prior to the return of Her Beautifulness.
Our herring gulls are red listed birds. Think about that the next time you hear some flaming idiot calling for a cull of them.
Hi Clare, I noticed the feeder cam was in a funny position this morning so thought I'd check once I switched on again. Wish I was as lucky with my lotto numbers!!!
Kind regards
Jenny
Keep up to date with the news via "The Osprey News Bulletin"
An interesting article on erecting osprey nests in Andalucia, to encourage the birds to settle in the Cadiz area, rather than to continue north. With apologies to those from Wales and Scotland, I am sure many are travelling there too!!!
"Normally, they continue onwards to England. I can’t think why – perhaps they prefer rain. By building nesting sites for them, the hope is that they will start settling down and having a family in Cádiz, instead of using Spain as a bird petrol garage." LOL
Birdie's DU Summaries 2018 https://www.imagicat.com/
I most sincerely hope they are Sheila (coming home to Scotland), some rather special and important ones at that!
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
SheilaFE said: An interesting article on erecting osprey nests in Andalucia, to encourage the birds to settle in the Cadiz area, rather than to continue north. With apologies to those from Wales and Scotland, I am sure many are travelling there too!!! "Normally, they continue onwards to England. I can’t think why – perhaps they prefer rain. By building nesting sites for them, the hope is that they will start settling down and having a family in Cádiz, instead of using Spain as a bird petrol garage." LOL
The problem is that ospreys do not behave that way. Males are normally philopatric.
True, Tiger, but hasn't Andalucia has a translocation programme so there may be males seeking nests - or am I thinking of Urdaibai in north Spain.
SheilaFE said: True, Tiger, but hasn't Andalucia has a translocation programme so there may be males seeking nests - or am I thinking of Urdaibai in north Spain.
Yes Andalucia has has a translocation programme. Not sure exactly the geographical extent of it.
I'm probably one of the last to realise that Dyfi nest is now up and running with live coverage.
http://scottishwildlifetrust.org.uk/things-to-do/wildlife-webcams/loch-of-lowes/
RSPB Giving Nature a Home
Just seen the thread for Dyfi, as usual you are all on the ball and I am late tuning in. Ha, ha.