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)
21:20 It's a beautiful evening at the Loch
Still no additional fish deliveries; both chicks have been vocal. I hope Laddie is ok.
©SWTLotL
Richard B
Unknown said:At last. FISH!!!!!
Richard also said: Loads of aggression, but I did expect it after such a long time
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Thank you!
#1 was aggressive, several times, to NC0 just prior to Laddie delivering the whole fish at 21:39, so it was already feeling tetchy!
Laddie left almost immediately! Dominance shown by #1 to #2
#1 had eaten some fish offered by NC0 but then turned on #2 as it was making its way around the left edge of the nest - it was a vicious attack!
#2 eventually made its way to the safety of NC0 at 21:56
It waited for a while, and even turned away briefly from NC0...
But, on realising that #1 had retreated, turned its head to receive its private feed at 22:00ish
NC0 gave #2 the fish tail (which it swallowed)
As well as dropped pieces during tidy up at 22:06
©SWT/LotL
23:23 NC0 was adjusting the large stick she brought in this afternoon. #2 (left) was food begging - let's hope for a large, early breakfish delivery in the morning!
Morning Karen and All,
Yes, ringing day shouldn't be too far away now. In 2021, when LR1(F) and LR2(M) were ringed on 22nd June, there was a noticeable size difference between the two
Newly Ringed Chicks LR1 and LR2 Relax in the Sun at Loch of the Lowes
I think #1 this season will be a heavy one and I'll be surprised if its weight isn't higher than the 1.5kg that LR1 was
7:52 Still waiting for breakfish
BFN