Hi everyone.
EJ has just fed the chicks again and is now settling them down for the night.
What a day it has been, high drama this afternoon with the intruder about, but Odin and EJ defended superbly.
Chicks have been well fed despite the windy conditions for fishing. I think there was a total of 5 fish? Perhaps someone can correct that if I'm wrong.
Happy watching to those who carry on through our night. Goodnight, sleeptight EJ and family.
http://scottishwildlifetrust.org.uk/things-to-do/wildlife-webcams/loch-of-lowes/
RSPB Giving Nature a Home
I can't get the webcam. Anyone else having trouble?
The midnight snack
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5vynvWwlrxs
Last check for me at 2.53am and EJ trying to get some shut eye but one chick is trying to get out from under her!
Catch everyone tomorrow/later today
Morning everyone. Thanks again Lynette for getting us started. I swear, I can't believe how early it gets light there - I was just saying on the Weekly Chat page that it's a good thing you get this launched early since by the time I've finished dinner, taken care of other stuff, etc., and got to the computer, the day is well underway at LG.
Anyway, still looks little breezy there. EJ on nest, but awake and frequently dropping her head down - chatting to chicks? having a scratch? who knows....
EJ leaves for brief bio-break. Chicks 1 and 2 immediately wake up and peer about; Titch is flat out but awakened by the other two wriggling. EJ settles back on chicks (sort of - there always seems to be someone peeking out!) and chews on a twig.
Ok. Here's Odin with first fish of the day (large; no head). EJ grabs a few bites while chicks wake up to a whiff of breakfast; Odin leaves. EJ is feeding the chicks now and all are lined up nicely and getting bites (though EJ is stuffing herself too, scarfing up large bits she's ripped off). Titch (I think that's TItch) has managed to position him/herself closest to EJ and is in a good position! All seem well behaved and no pushing or shoving. So the chick closest to the cam (think it's #2) isn't getting much now - is hanging back but still looking sort of interested, although has now turned his/her back to breakfast and is pecking away at some moss!! Hmm. In the meantime, Titch seems to have toppled over under Chick #1. EJ now settles back on chicks. A short feed; maybe because wind was really blowing hard there?? All quiet again.
Feeding time.Oh my, I think #2 just pooped straight to EJ's head
my photos in flickr
Whoops! EJ gets up, seems a little stiff, so much so that she trips over the chicks! Turns around looking surprised (and a little apologetic?) Heads for the fish and we have another feed under way, but not before one of the chicks poops - a little jet that whizzes by EJ's head! Tricky morning at LG!! Ah. Titch has wriggled his/her way forward and is getting bites; chick #1 is in front and Chick # 2 bringing up the rear, but is still getting fed. All in all, another civilized feed; nobody is going hungry.
#3 is getting served first being in front line :)
Hi Auntie: I'm thinking that's chick #1 in front (Titch is almost hidden), and chick #2 behind?