LOCH OF THE LOWES - AUGUST 2022 TO END OF FEBRUARY 2023

Link to July 2022

Webcam page with links to LotL Visitor Centre and Wildlife Reserve FB, Twitter and Blogs >>>

https://scottishwildlifetrust.org.uk/things-to-do/watch-wildlife-online/loch-of-the-lowes-webcam/

The Osprey Protection Programme at Loch of the Lowes is supported by players of People’s Postcode Lottery.

All captures and videos ©Scottish Wildlife Trust/Loch of the Lowes

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So, we now enter August knowing that we will only have the pleasure of watching this beautiful family all together for a limited number of weeks.
Both LP8 and LR0 have transformed into two strong, independent individuals. Their attentive parents have continued to provide for and nurture them and this, in turn, has given the juveniles a basis to continue their growth into full adulthood, wherever they decide to settle during the next couple of years.
Last season, NC0 began her southerly migration on the 22nd August; Laddie on the 25th (these dates were their last webcam sightings). We can only hope that all of the 2022 family have safe, unhindered journeys to warmer climes, aided by fair winds as well as an abundance of fish along the way, and that we will welcome Laddie and NC0 back to this stunning Loch of the Lowes location in the spring of 2023. 

Nest Updates

Arrival dates:  Laddie - 13.3.22 (c12:00)  NC0 - 23.3.22 (18:14)

Three eggs laid:  Egg #1 - 12.4.22 (18:34)  Egg #2 - 15.4.22 (16:05)  Egg #3 - 18.4.22 (12:14)

Hatch dates:  Chick #1 - 19.5.22 (10:26) - 37 days  Chick #2 - 21.5.22 (03:24) - 36 days  Chick #3 - 23.5.22 (19:46) - 35 days

15.6.22: At 23 days old, chick #3 passed away Broken heart

27.6.22:  Our osprey chicks have been ringed! (Genders not able to be positively determined, ? both males)

Chick #1: LP8 (39 days old) - wing measurement = 360mm, weight = 1.5kg

Chick #2: LR0 (37 days old) - wing measurement = 315mm, weight = 1.44kg

Fledge dates:  LP8 - 13.7.22 (10:06) 55 days old  LR0 - 15.7.22 (13:55) 55 days old

Migration/Last Seen dates: NC0 - 11.8.22  Laddie - 26.8.22  LP8 (100 do) and LR0 (98 do) - 27.8.22                        

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August Blogs and Updates:

Links to blogs and updates during March/AprilMayJune, and July

12.8.22: Last Supper From NC0? (SWT video recorded at 17:20 on 10.8.22)

23.8.22:  Osprey Diary at Loch of the Lowes: Week 21

25.8.22: Blog -  Homeward Bound – Ospreys on the Move

9.9.22: End of Season Blog: Osprey Diary at Loch of the Lowes: So Long and Thanks for all the Fish!

  • 21:50ish After eating its fish, LP8 left the nest and headed to the birch - landing on NC0's diving perch

    LR0 stayed and wandered around the nest, calling for fish. By chance, he uncovered a sizable tail end - this, I think, came out from LP8's talons after flying off the nest so abruptly at 18:09?**

    He ate all of his prize find and left the nest at 22:00

    **Edit: I've just re-watched LP8's 18:09 flight away - no fish in its talons but I couldn't see it on the nest, either! Perplexed in the highest order here! lol

    Edit 2: Ahh, LP8 didn't eat all of the 21:09 fish. Talons were shook to release its grip on the remainder of the fish which in turn, must have flipped it onto its darker side hence blending in with the nest material

    ©SWT/LotL

  • Good morning,

    What a misty start to the day, not ideal conditions for Laddie (or NC0, if she's still around) to catch a fish

    7:50 ENS. LP8 and LR0 have been seen on the nest

    ©SWT/LotL

  • At 9:26, Laddie flew to the nest, from beyond the birch, with a fabulous headless fish. LP8 was on the nest, LR0 was on the cam post - both screeching on his approach!

    LR0 down from the cam post

    LR0 went straight to the fish

    A tug-o-fish ensued

    LR0 the victor this time

    ©SWT/LotL

  • 10:24 LR0 (right) stopped eating, human voices could be heard shouting in the distance

    Still wary at 10:34

    ©SWT/LotL

  • 10:37 LP8 made a half-hearted attempt to steal the fish, LR0 didn't allow it

    He moved his fish and began to eat again

    ©SWT/LotL

  • 11:00 Success for LP8. There a bit of a stand off (both had their talons in the fish) but LP8 held firm as LR0 stepped away.

    With the fish in its grasp, LP8 partially mantled - a brief spell of distant chipping could be heard

    Time to tuck in

    Continuing to eat at 11:35. LR0 on the birch

    ©SWT/LotL

  • 11:37 LR0 flew from the birch and landed on the cam post

    Lots of shouting from LR0 when he landed up there

    ©SWT/LotL

  • 12:00 Lots of chipping/alarm calling heard. LP8 stopped eating

    Continuing at 12:05

    ©SWT/LotL

  • 12:12 LP8 looking skyward, there is silence. I wonder if Laddie is defending the area?

    ©SWT/LotL

  • 12:17 LP8 left the nest with the fish in its left talons, making several short calls as it headed to the birch - landing on NC0's favourite perch

    Never to miss a trick, a crow hopped onto the nest

    LR0 flapped down from the cam post to shoo off the crow

    12:31 Having a lie down

    Some fish calling before leaving the nest at 12:33

    He landed on the lower branch of the birch. 

    BFN

    ©SWT/LotL