LOCH ARKAIG - THE WOODLAND TRUST - MARCH 2022 TO END OF FEBRUARY 2023

13.41.56, Prince brings in a large clump of moss, hopefully a sign that they intend to move in. Ian

Nest 2, 05.22 mating, 11.52 fish which Dorcha got at 12.13. She ate on the nest but I don't think she finished it as for a while the nest was empty after which Louis seemed to be eating from a tail end (which he saw on the nest at 12.39). 12.30, mating (the one Geemeff referred to I suppose) which I am not sure was a success, they both flew off immediately which is when Dorcha left the fish behind. Ian

George posted on WT chat:

Between our Camera1 appearances from 10:50:30 to 11:37:50 and 12:23:30 to 13:09:50 Liz Bracken was out walking and saw ospreys at the Bunarkaig nest between 11:50 and 11:55. So that could have been the same pair still not committed to one nest.

Or it might be an entirely different pair. We will only really be able to confirm that if our poster Chaddie is online watching ospreys on C1 while also seeing a pair out his window at Bunarkaig.

It is like an Agatha Christie plot! Lochenders...

No occupants on either nest at present

The main events on Nest 1 with Affric (Blue 152) & Prince yesterday 19 April

There was also a noisy RAF flypast yesterday

But sadly looks like we can't expect residents on both nests as Louis went and chased Prince off Nest 1 yesterday evening, Prince flew off towards Bunarkaig. Boo meanie Louis!

C2 17.25.54 Fish fight! Louis brings a whopper still gasping, Dorcha uses an interesting technique and wrestles it away from him, Louis makes a determined effort to get it back, Dorcha flies off with it and Louis chases her! Eight minute sequence.

Following on from Louis chasing Prince away from nest 1 yesterday, it appears he & Affric Blue 152 are settled at the Bunarkaig nest.

WT cam op Gill* posted this afternoon at 17.30:

“We have been at Loch Arkaig and Bunarkaig today. The Bunarkaig nest was occupied when we passed 1640. Male on the perch and female in the nest. Guess it is preferred over C1 nest.”

Followed by Chaddie14*, who can see the nest which is 600m from his window, posting:

"yes the Bunarkaig nest has been busy all day with the 2 birds coming and going and both settled in the nest right now, 1909hrs. Looks like maybe Louis has chased them over here and away from Loch Arkaig CQ right enough."

and took these photos by putting his phone in front of his scope!

*Both Gill and Chaddie gave permission to share.

Domestic bliss this morning on Nest 2

© THE WOODLAND TRUST, LOCH ARKAIG OSPREY PROJECT - POST CODE LOTTERY