The wind had died down, no rain, hurah, and EJ is getting some kip with the occasional wriggle from the chicks.
Happy viewing to all our overseas watchers and see you in the morning.
http://scottishwildlifetrust.org.uk/things-to-do/wildlife-webcams/loch-of-lowes/
RSPB Giving Nature a Home
Nest looks good this morning - and EJ seems to be surviving onthe scraps the young monsters leave for her! The one sitting in front of her now looks huge!
Ospreys Rule OK, but Goldfinches come a close second!
EJ seemed to have cramp in her right leg and has gone off for a fly around. A bit of jostling by #s1 &2 - over #3 as usual. And EJ returns with a furniture delivery.
Wow, OG -that was a huge stick she came back with! then she nearly knocked all the chicks sideways with it, trying to manouvre it around.....
Now she's doing some serious rearranging all around the nest - the chicks are sitting in the middle, trying to keep out of the way of her tail.
For a mother who is so gentle with her chicks, EJ seems to forget the chicks when she brings in a large branch and hits them with it.
EJ can't find the right place for the latest piece of furniture!
Joan - avid bird and nature watcher in Northumberland!
Index Thread
All settled down again - EJ must be seriously worried about the chicks mobility if she keeps on rearranging; yesterday she brought in more reinforcements.
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‘Last year Rothes was defensive of Garten and always let her eat early. It looks like chick #1 is defensive of Titch and it's place in the food line. ‘
Because of the way 2009 went for me Barbara (a bit like Annette - 'stuck' at home cos of her new kitchen) I was glued to the live video from first fish to last fish of the day. So, I can say with confidence:
Not so Barbara Jean! Rothes was always fed first – she knew her inheritance as first hatched and knew EJ would feed her first. EJ always favoured her that way! The trouble came later when the chicks were full grown when there was not enough fish for three and just as Garten or Mallachie began to be fed Rothes would decide to ‘fill up the corners’ . EJ would always immediately feed the rest of the fish to Rothes. There were times I could have swiped her one. Since Garten learned she could bully Mallachie it was more often Mallachie that went hungry when the chicks were full grown, especially the last feed before dark. EJ had not yet ‘proven’ Odin – it was their first year together and instinctively EJ built up her best chance (Rothes). Later, EJ decided she had not just one viable chick but a viable trio and that’s why, I believe, she went fishing before the chicks fledged (unusual behaviour we were told) to make up the fish 'short fall' for the third chick feed. (Mallachie or Garten)
This year, EJ knows what Odin can provide and is more relaxed with the feeding, but, if you observe, chick one is still ‘favoured’ to a large extent. Last year was why I made a decision not to watch all the fish being brought in and all the feeds this year. But EJ knows now, that with Odin, she can bring all three chicks to fledging. It will be interesting to see if she goes fishing herself before the chicks fledge, this year.
Cirrus - I well remember that feeding situation too ... there were times I couldn't watch ... particularly when Garten was 'bullying' poor Mallachie. This year, so far, it is much more relaxed, and the only ' sparring' has been when EJ has been off the nest and it hasn't been bad. Long may it continue thus!!
Just logged on. Thanks to all the earlybirds for the posts and pics. Some interesting observations in them.
Glad to hear there have been two deliveries so far. EJ sitting on nest and generally being mum. One of the chicks seems to be on the outside, can just see it in front of EJ.