Continued from March/April 2023
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/
For the latest 'live' YouTube link, visit >>> SWT YT Channel
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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NC0 surprised us all when she arrived back at Lowes first, with Laddie making his initial landing exactly 6 hours later. She laid her three beautiful eggs after almost near-perfect, precise intervals of 72 hours between each one. Both Laddie and NC0 have regularly exchanged incubation duties and have been very attentive to protect their eggs, and nest, from multiple intrusions during April. The hatching window will open around the 10th May, all being well.
Nest Updates
Arrival dates: NC0 - 17.3.23 (07:43) Laddie - 17.3.23 (13:43)
Eggs laid: Egg #1 - 4.4.23 (09:32) Egg #2 - 7.4.23 (09:39) Egg #3 - 10.4.23 (09:10)
Hatch dates: Chick #1 - 13.5.23 (11:59 fully out of shell 12:11) Chick #2 - 16.5.23 (04:19) *Egg #1 - DNH*
Link to blogs and updates during March/April
May Blogs and Updates (published dates)
6.5.23 LotL blog >>> Osprey Diary at Loch of the Lowes – Week 7
8.5.23 SWT video >>> Time for a Wing Stretch and Pre-Hatching Egg Close Up
11.5.23 LotL blog >>> Who’s Been On My Nest? A Closer Look at the Threats and Intrusions Faced by a Pair of Breeding Ospreys
12.5.23 SWT video >>> Osprey Chick Communicates with the Outside World
13.5.23 LotL blog >>>Osprey Diary at Loch of the Lowes – Week 8
13.5.23 SWT video >>> First Osprey Chick of the Season Hatches
14.5.23 LotL blog >>> Concern over male osprey, LM12
15.5.23 SWT video >>> Fish Supper and First Feed for Osprey Chick
16.5.23 LotL blog >>> An update from the osprey nest
17.5.23 SWT video >>> Second osprey chick hatching 16 May 23
20.5.23 LotL blog >>> Osprey Diary at the Loch of the Lowes – Week 9
27.5.23 LotL blog >>> Osprey Diary at Loch of the Lowes – Week 10
19:55 Cam zoomed in on the chicks just after NC0 went on a comfort break (she had been fish calling)
#1 had a moulted feather from NC0 on its beak
Unsure if #2 was doing a crop drop here or trying to clear something from inside its mouth, it did this a few times
NC0 returned, still calling for fish
Preening
She resumed brooding the chicks
The cam remained zoomed in. NC0 preening at 20:20
A brief visit from Laddie at 20:24
He could be seen swooping downwards
Then along the inlet
©SWT/LotL
He returned at 20:42 with a small, whole fish for his family - well done, Laddie! He had flown from the birch area and over the Loch to deliver it to NC0
Laddie flew off as the cam was zooming in
#2 on the left
Both chicks already had sizeable crops before a feed commenced
#2 got a bite here
And another
The feed was partially blocked by NC0 throughout but both chicks appeared to get something, going by her movements
20:52
NC0 swallowed the fish tail
Settled to brood at 20:54
The cam was still zoomed in when Laddie appeared with a tail end of fish a minute after NC0 had settled!
NC0 tried to take it from him while she was still sitting but he kept his talons in the fish
She rose from the chicks and successfully took the fish from Laddie
After taking a couple of bites for herself, she discarded the fish and tucked the chicks in at 20:56
Aha, Laddie saw the fish remains
He flapped his wings and walked to the fish
Off he went to enjoy the rest of his supper
Laddie took it behind the area, marked
At 22:12, NC0 went for a comfort break - both chicks were sleeping when she left
A flight from right to left behind the nest
And back to settle on her little ones
22:35
Glider said:It’s really nice to see things going so well here Sandra, thank you. Those little ones look strong and healthy. Long may it continue.
My pleasure, Glider, and I totally agree with your sentiment
Morning All,
Laddie delivered a large, whole fish at 5:30
Both chicks up to receive their breakfish - #1 at the front
At 5:40, both chicks appeared to be satisfied when NC0 settled to brood
Laddie to the nest at 5:44 to collect the fish
He returned with it at 6:47
#2 was getting plenty of bites
Laddie left at 6:50
More for #2
#1 had some too
NC0 took the fish off the nest, on her comfort break, at 6:53ish
She discarded the fish to settle back on the fully satisfied chicks
Laddie back again and took the fish at 7:28
Current scene at 8:01
Off to work now. BFN
Isn't that typical, Laddie brought the fish back almost immediately after my last post! lol
#1 was up for another feed
Soon joined by #2
Laddie left a couple minutes after arriving
At 8:14 NC0 offered more bites to the chicks but there were no takers
She discarded the fish and headed back to brooding
More fish was offered to the chicks at 9:15ish, both received some more. NC0 finished the fish during this session
9:54, Cam zoomed in when NC0 took a comfort break
Have to leave it there for now. Will catch up later. BFN
NC0 went off for a comfort break at 11:14, Laddie was already on the nest. There was a stick balancing across the nest cup but neither of the chicks were actually pinned down by it
Cam zoomed in and NC0 arrived back with a clump of grass
NC0 moved the stick
With is guard duty over, Laddie flew off the nest
A crow bothered NC0 when it landed on the nest perch around 12:00ish, she was very vocal! Another had flown to the right, behind the nest, seconds before
It got too close for comfort...
Laddie to the rescue as he made a flight, left of the nest
He veered to the right, a second crow was hot on his tail
Laddie made his approach to the nest, the 2nd crow carried on flying to the right
Off you go! I lost sight of Laddie momentarily
There he was, giving chase
14:00 Cam zoomed in (a selection of captures up until 14:20)
#1 looking at mum
#2 wanted its picture taken too!
From then until the present time, NC0 has taken three comfort breaks, no zooms unfortunately. No more fish has been brought to the nest as yet.
NC0 currently at 16:50