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)
Fish #3 at 12:41
Another small one
Dual feeding once again
The fish was all gone at 12:52
©SWT/LotL
Fish #4 at 13:45
Side-by-side feeding
14:04 Both chicks chuntering
14:07 Both PF4 and PF5 taking a nap at present
Fish #5 at 14:29 - super work from Laddie in such rainy conditions!
PF4 was pecking at the fish here (she did receive some pieces from mum too) while NC0 was feeding PF5
14:44 PF5 did turn away from the feed but is, at present, back for some more
15:33 PF4 and PF5 began another feed from that last delivery
15:47 PF4 still being given extra
Fish #6 at 16:08ish
It took about 4 minutes for either of the chicks to approach NC0 to be fed. PF5 was first
Then PF4 showed an interest at 16:14
At present, 16:40, NC0 with the remainder of the fish in her left talons
18:03 More for PF5 from the remainder of the fish
Then PF4 had a feed too at 18:05
PF4 moved away after having her fill and NC0 ate the rest of fish for herself. Fish all gone at 18:10
Richard B
Oh that's fabulous - well done, Laddie! Thanks Richard!
PF5 had to move over to the left as NC0 barged her way through to collect the fish!
What a beautiful evening!