Well folks, its been an exciting day despite the weather. The middle chick increased its wing exercising and almost went this afternoon but no, it was this evening at about 19.37pm that it fledged. Alison posted a link on the main blog. In case anyone missed it , it is: www.youtube.com-watch Its only short but it shows clearly it taking off.
At present we don't know where it is. The eldest and youngest are on the nest with we hope middle one on a tree sheltering from the wind. Only the morning will tell and hopefully when there is a fish delivery it will come back onto the nest
The eldest has had a few forays out into the big wide world also but #3 is still at home but has been practising. What will tomorow bring??
http://scottishwildlifetrust.org.uk/things-to-do/wildlife-webcams/loch-of-lowes/
RSPB Giving Nature a Home
Super, thanks Brenda/Emma:)
2 on the nest at the moment, not much else going on.
Titch is 'flying' from nest to barricade on right hand side of nest and now perched looking 'over the edge' , nope, flown back to centre of nest and woah....off it flew. Hope someone caught that at 21.50
You're right Emma, just went for a second flight just to confirm it!
Emma, I looked and saw 1 chick home alone, but not sure which one that is:(
If that was Titch, just saw it land:)))) a little gangly.
The one that keeps flying off and back is showing us the length of his tail, but the other one isn't so we can't compare. I assumed it was No2 showing No3 how to do it. If it was 3 flying round wouldn't 2 go too, rather than stick on the nest? Unless the whole thing frightens him of course LOL!
Terry in Cumbria
Sandy - it was the same chick who went for a second flight, but now I'm thinking it might have been middle chick although given that middle chick has already fledged, it was all a tad clumsy to have been an 'experienced' flier. Oh heavens its really difficult to be absolutely sure.
There is a difference in their 'forehead' feathers too TerryM. Forgive my ignorance for I don't know the correct term but again, they are not always facing the camera and the wind plays havoc with their feathers so its not always easy to use that as an identifier either.
Hi.Has #3 fledged? My brain has turned to mush in all the excitement I'm affraid. If he has, I've missed all three fledges :-(
To be honest though I don't really mind because these birds are complete and utter superstars as far as I'm concerned. :-)
Paul.
Warning! This post contains atrocious spelling, and terrible grammar. Approach with extreme edginess.
Is the chick facing us No 3? It looks like the "delta" marking on the head that Cirrus describes.