I think this will be an interesting season at Loch Arkaig - who is going to take residence is the big question?
For me it doesn't matter who, just as long as the nest is occupied.
LINK TO 2021 THREAD
LINK TO LOCH ARKAIG OSPREYS WEBSITE
EJ's Memorial Balgavies Loch Ospreys 2023
Geemeff said:
Sandra P said: Oh crikey, I hope Dorcha's injury isn't serious, Geemeff!
Liz B thinks she might have scratched herself breaking off branches to bring back to the nest. She's flying as normal, eating OK, seems absolutely fine, a good swim should clean her plumage. Just infection to worry about, but luckily it's not as hot in Loch Arkaig as it is here in London.
Fingers crossed...
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Yes, fingers crossed indeed, Geemeff. Thanks for sharing Liz's report.
11.41 In contrast to poor Dorcha, here's Louis looking magnificent. I noticed him fly across the top of the screen carrying his fish while I was doing Dorcha's video, and decided to separate them out.
In zoomed slo-mo, then pull back to full view realtime and a white bird is seen flying from the centre right towards the loch. Then zoom in to the left side by the perch, and an Osprey flies in the distance towards the centre, turns around, and flies back again a bit closer. Zoomed in slo-mo, then pull back to full view as the video fades out. That second Osprey is probably Louis because there's no reaction from Dorcha.
11.51.22 Fish number two, headless BT
Upstart Crow 13.01 Pesky Hoodie really makes a nuisance of itself and actually confronts Dorcha, before Louis has had enough and chases it away.
18.53.56 Fish number three, headless Brown Trout. But LW5 grabs it, mantles over it and attacks Dorcha when she tries to take it. That's no way to treat your mum!
Compare and contrast the two nests this morning, they look like they’re in totally different areas!
This morning’s early wingercising: getting ready for lift off! 06.38
Followed quickly by the first fish 06.52.27
Early elevenses in the form of fish number two, nice headless BT at 10.27.09
But shortly afterwards, Dorcha is attacked by her chick 11.01
Fish number three, headless brown trout, and fish number four, whole silver tourist, arrive within a couple of hours of each other at 16.06.30 and17.50.18
Louis brings a fifth fish, making up for just three yesterday, headless BT so he stopped for a nibble first before delivering it at 20.02.18