As CLARACH 2R(13) from the DYFI Osprey Project has settled on the FCS Aberfoyle's main nest for the last week or so, it is probably best that there be a dedicated thread for Aberfoyle.
ABERFOYLE WEBCAM LINK - It operates between the hours of 09.30 am to 5.30 pm.
THE LODGE AT FOREST VISITOR CENTRE - Facebook Page where you will find current information and also historic info on the project.
Some history of Clarach's return to Wales - CLICK ON THE PHOTO TO TAKE YOU TO the excellent blog about her return.
Lets hope Clarach settles here, lays eggs and generally has a successful season.
KEY POINTS
The Lodge announce that Clarach has arrived on the nest at Aberfoyle - 20 APRIL 2017
Report from the Lodge - 9 APRIL 2017
Clarach tidies up the nest - 21 APRIL 2017
The Lodge comment on the Live Streaming - 28 APRIL 2017
Clarach sits on the Cam Post - 28 APRIL 2017
EJ's Memorial Balgavies Loch Ospreys 2023
Karen, Blue 33 is a hard act to emulate, a very experienced osprey and that pairing make it all look so easy. This nest and the Loch Arkaig one show just how hit and miss a nest can be and how important the bonding process is.
I don't often follow Dyfi chat, but today a thought was put forward that this nest might be a second nest for the male, much like Aran and 5F, and Monty and Blue 24. The nest hasn't had the attention of Blue 33 and Odin, and the male doesn't hang around for long. For Clarach's sake I hope this hypothesis does not come true.
Clarach is panting under the beautiful sunshine.
Birdie's DU Summaries 2018 https://www.imagicat.com/
Precisely Jane. 33 was fortunate in his first season pairing up with Maya who had bred before and was very experienced as was Glesni, Clarach's mother with Monty.
I suspect here and at Loch Arkaig we have two first time breeding pairs and I think much to learn from both nests.
Oh goodness I hope not but that sounds like a possibility Sheila.
Sheila -thanks for the news.
The thought had crossed my mind that this male is from another nest and I hope not.
I think I read somewhere there are about six nests in the area but I sort of dismissed the idea of him being having another nest thinking Ems or someone at Aberfoyle would have mentioned it hence why I suspect / opted for first time breeder.
Just have to monitor the situation but after watching today, I just feel something is not quite right here.
The male has just delivered a big fish.
Clarach takes off with it and the male settles down to incubate
(c) Aberfoyle
Good for him!! At least he is bringing in the fish, and feels compelled to do some incubation. Has he ever done a general change-over, without bringing in a fish? I have to admit I have not followed the nest as much as at Loch Arkaig, but there doesn't seem to be a growing relationship, as I think is at LA. Happy to be shot down in flames, though!
I think part of the problem is that Clarach is naturally unsure and she only goes for a few minutes and then comes back so the male leaves. If she could go somewhere to eat her fish and let him sit. As soon as she comes back he leaves understandably
Hopefully Clarach will still be away when the cam goes off.
Clarach returns with the fish. There is still a lot of it left and the males takes it and flies off.
Cam now down.
I wish I knew the surroundings a bit better - does anyone know if there a perch nearby where she can eat close to the nest?