Continued from May 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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Two healthy chicks hatched successfully from eggs two and three. The first egg laid was non-viable and, hopefully, it will be able to be retrieved from the nest, at the time of ringing, as to ascertain the reason why.
During the middle of May, Laddie sustained an injury to his flank and NC0 was without a meal for 87 hours due to him not being able to hunt. It was pure relief when he finally arrived with a fish, at a critical time too as the first chick had just hatched. Laddie excelled himself on the evening of the 25th, bringing in an absolute whopper of a fish which fed both chicks and adults multiple times throughout the evening, during the night and well into the next morning.
The end of the month saw some 'difficult' behaviour from #1 on its younger sibling, not only restricted to mealtimes either. With longer gaps, on occasion, between fish being brought to the nest by Laddie (probably due to his defence of the nest and area from intruders, of which there had been many last month), #2 has been the subject of dominance and aggression. We can only hope this begins to lessen in the coming days and weeks.
NC0 has been doing a sterling job with feeding both chicks ensuring, as much as possible, that the youngest receives its fair share as well. She has also shown great maturity when defending the chicks and nest from intruders too - she is definitely a force to be reckoned with!
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*
Ringed 22.6.23: Chick #1 - PF4(F) 1.85kg Chick #2 - PF5(M) 1.2kg *Egg #1 retrieved for analysis*
Link to blogs and updates during March/April, May
June Blogs and Updates (published dates)
2.6.23 LotL blog >>> Osprey Diary at Loch of the Lowes – Week 11
9.6.23 LotL blog >>> Osprey Diary at Loch of the Lowes – Week 12
20.6.23 LotL blog >>> Osprey Diary at Loch of the Lowes – Week 13
24.6.23 LotL blog >>> Osprey Diary at Loch of the Lowes – Week 14 (The Ringing of the Chicks)
Glider said:Thanks for your lovely reports Sandra. Very positive I’m just catching up after all the drama at Brenig and being out a lot! Do you reckon #1 a female and #2 a male? I always think the females are the bossiest!
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Hi Glider,
A pleasure!
Yes, I think #1 is a female, #2 a male. I know #1 has eaten a lot more but the noticeable size difference, with only just over two days between their hatches, suggests that could be the case. #2 also has a much slimmer head in comparison. Last season, however, #2 was incredibly 'bossy' and was deemed to be a male at ringing. Hmm, will just have to wait and see.
Fish number 5 at 16:12 - another whole one
©SWT/LotL
#1 was first to approach NC0 to be fed. #2 did a couple of crop drops, just as it did before having its previous meal
NC0 altered her position
It wasn't until 16:16, when #2 moved from its position to join in with the feed - directly in front of NC0
16:20 NC0 had been dual feeding and continued to do so
The fish was all gone at 16:27
NC0 called for more fish before cleaning her beak
Laddie delivered fish number SIX at 19:11
#2's head could be seen peeking above NC0's back as the feed commenced
NC0 was feeding #1 here, #2 was close to NC0 on her right, but hidden
19:20 #1 had already stopped eating and stood up to do a PS. NC0 concentrated on #2, her head going towards the right (she had done that a few times prior to the eldest giving up).
19:29 NC0 was tidying up. Feed over
#2's bottom showing to the right of NC0
Wonderful feeding once again from NC0!
20:07 Presently
Fish number SEVEN at 20:22 - a live tiddler. #2 on the right
Laddie flew off and could be seen heading to the right, behind the nest
Richard B
#1 was first to get a piece of fish and that continued until...
...after a couple of minutes, when #2 edged closer to NC0 and received its first piece of many
Feed over after NC0 swallowed the fish tail at 20:28. She called for more fish straight afterwards!
20:31 NC0 had gone on a comfort break (a cropped pic of the chicks)