LOCH OF THE LOWES - JULY 2023

Continued from June 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

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Laddie had a record breaking fish day on the 15th June, when he brought ELEVEN of them to the nest for NC0 and the chicks to dine on - amazing!

As the two chicks grew, it was clearly obvious - with the difference in size - that #1 was a female and #2 a male, this being confirmed at their ringing on the 22nd June. 

NC0 began fishing for the first time this season on the 30th June, with TWO successful catches in one day. Hopefully, both she and Laddie will continue to bring plenty of fish for their growing youngsters to enjoy in a now, harmonious manner.

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)

Hatched: 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*

Fledged:  9.7.23 - PF4(f) 57 days old (10:07)   13.7.23 - PF5(m) 58 days old (09:57)

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Links to blogs and updates during March/April,  May,  June

July Blogs and Updates (published dates)

8.7.23 LotL blog >>> Osprey Diary at Loch of the Lowes – Weeks 15 & 16

10.7.23 SWT video >>> Young Osprey Flies For The First Time

14.7.23 SWT video >>> Osprey Sibling Takes To The Skies

14.7.23 LotL blog >>> Osprey Translocations: To move or not to move?

22.7.23 LotL blog >>> Osprey Diary at Loch of the Lowes – Weeks 17 & 18

  • This is so sad, Sandra. Let's hope tomorrow brings fish.
  • Hi Cathy,

    PF5 had two fish from Laddie just over 24 hours ago. He most probably saw Laddie in the area a little while ago and flew off to check things out. He's a strong juvenile, as he has proved so far, bless him. Finger's crossed for a fish delivery tomorrow morning if Laddie doesn't bring a late supper this evening. Fingers crossed 

    I found the blog to be very reassuring for us viewers, knowing that Laddie is around and doing his best to protect the area as well as provide for his two offspring.  Slight smile

  • PF5 flew off to roost at 22:14, landing on NC0's diving branch of the birch

    He was there for a couple of minutes before flapping over to the branch on the left

    He then flew low behind the birch to settle there (his wing can be seen here)

    ©SWT/LotL

  • Good size fish being eaten on the nest

    Richard B

  • I think it was delivered about 0550 and loud calling in distance from another bird.

    Richard B

  • And it nearly all ended in disaster

    Richard B

  • Never has there been such a happy young Osprey squealing and whistleling his way through his breakfish. Ending up cornered by big sis at the tip of the nest perch but kept a hold eventually flying off with the fish.

  • Morning Richard, Freebird and All,
    Fabulous news!

    Good to see PF4 who is still on the nest at 9:11 Edit: Could this have been PF5 on the birch?

    ©SWT/LotL

  • Unknown said:
    I think it was delivered about 0550 and loud calling in distance from another bird.

    It was a super headless fish from Laddie who had flown from low behind the birch to the nest

    PF5 mantled the fish after taking it then he turned on Laddie

    Forcing him off the nest

    PF5 almost went over but managed to cling on to both the nest and his fish

    Calling heard, PF4? appeared on the birch

    TBC

    ©SWT/LotL

  • Unknown said:
    Good size fish being eaten on the nest

    6:36 PF5 was eating when...

    Richard said: And it nearly all ended in disaster

    PF4 approached. PF5 flew up to defend

    PF4 (right) was determined to get the fish

    Both went over the edge

    PF5's wing as he flew away, bottom left

    He still had hold of his fish

    A fly past the nest, top right, PF4

    Then she landed, flying in from the left

    PF5, with his fish, flew over the nest

    Then back to land on the perch

    PF5 tucked in while PF4 waited

    Freebird said: Ending up cornered by big sis at the tip of the nest perch but kept a hold eventually flying off with the fish.

    At 7:26, PF4 jumped up onto the perch

    She edged closer after a minute or so

    Off he went, fish still firmly gripped in his talons

    He flew off around the top of the birch, out of view

    Many thanks, Richard and Freebird, for your reports this morning, they helped immensely for gathering of all the pics! Thumbsup

    ©SWT/LotL