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)
NC0 began fish calling at 21:58. She flew off for a very short while and returned to the nest perch
22:02
©SWT/LotL
Oh my word, fish #11 at 22:58 - chunky and headless!
Laddie dipped his talons in the Loch on his way to roost
So good to see Laddie with a full crop, he has worked tirelessly for his family today! Brilliant!
#2 was ready for some more fish
23:10 NC0 trying to encourage #2 to eat more but it was declined. #1 hadn't got up to take any fish
#1 finally agreed to take more at 23:14ish
A PS was needed first though!
#1 had eaten enough at 23:18 and settled itself down
23:28 At present, NC0 has given herself a break from eating, chicks are resting
23:32 NC0 went off, with the remainder of the fish, for a comfort break
She was soon back with the fish in her left talons
NC0 turned and transferred the fish into her right talons
And sleeping at 23:42
Night All
Morning All,
NC0 was feeding from last night's fish at 3:52. #2 was hidden in front of her and can only assume that it had an early meal alongside #1
8:07 Still awaiting today's first fish
BFN
Richard B
First fish delivered was at 8:49
Both chicks were fed. #2 had to release a pellet before joining in (had just done so here)
Fish #2 came at 12:37
Laddie chipped on landing. NC0 had been in a defensive mode minutes before he had arrived
He chipped a few more times before leaving
#1 was fed first
Then NC0's attention was given to #2
Scene at present, 13:09
BBL
©SWTLotL
Lovely captures Sandra, thank you. What an outstanding blue sky and placed lake
Actually, that should read, what an outstanding blue lake !