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

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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)

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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

  • Just after my last post, PF4 made some chupping calls and flew from the nest at 12:52

    She came back within a minute, shouting

    She flapped her wings...

    ...then turned

    Watchful

    PF4 scanned the sky

    Back to calling for fish

    13:06 She's been laying down on the nest for the past 10 minutes, most probably to keep low out of the wind

    ©SWT/LotL

  • LotL Fb

    A very interesting read and I, for one, am extremely grateful for the update from Lowes

  • Thanks for posting Sandra.

    Richard B

  • You're very welcome, Richard :)
  • Pics edited in: At 17:50, PF4 was very animated and on defence

    She was on her guard for around 10 minutes before settling down on the nest. I wonder if PF5 was around? I didn't see or hear him. Unsure who was on the feeding perch of the birch though

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    A small, whole fish for PF4 was delivered by Laddie at 18:04

    The fish was still in Laddie's talons

    PF4 picked up a twig, the fish was on the nest. Laddie left

    She found the fish and picked it up in her beak

    Ensuring the coast was clear

    Tucking in

    Down to the fish tail at 18:26

    ©SWT/LotL

  • Thank you Sandra, lovely  captures and I appreciated the observations.

    Hardly dare ask but,  .......... is her nibs still not back? It's been a long time if not.

  • Evening Cirrus, you're welcome!

    No, there hasn't been a sighting of NC0 since the evening of the 15th July, sadly...

  • There hasn't been anymore fish brought to the nest.

    At 21:09, PF4 was resting on the nest when she suddenly became alert and stared intently

    She made several human intruder alarm calls

    Then shot off the nest, still making those calls

    She headed right, out of cam view

    A couple of alarm calls were heard seconds after. PF4 did not come into cam view over the Loch immediately afterwards

    She landed on NC0's diving branch of the birch a couple of minutes later, flying in from behind it. PF4 made a couple of calls

    PF4 landed back on the nest at 21:34, she was very vocal during her flight to it

    Up to the perch

    She headed off towards the birch at 21:38...

    ...and flew behind the area marked yellow

    No one was roosting on the birch at 22:15

    ©SWT/LotL

  • Scream       I hope laddie gets a new mate next year. Who would want this stress ! 

    Do you reckon she's gone? migrated ?? and , How many times has she pulled this stunt please?  All the time she has been with Laddie   ????????

  • It's very early for her to have left on migration and Lowes do not know where she is. It's a worry as NC0 is a fantastic mum. I do hope nothing untoward has happened to her.
    She usually has a hiatus of a couple of days, to bulk herself up, but has always returned to assist Laddie with delivering fish to the juveniles (as she had been doing prior to going 'missing') before finally leaving. This is totally out of character...