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

  • Glider said:
    What a difference a good fish makes

    It does indeed, Glider...

    20:21 Zzz

    ©SWT/LotL

  • There was a small fish delivery from NC0 at 22:01

    PF5 on the left

    NC0 moved over to the right

    PF4 made a quick grab for it, there was a tug-o-fish

    PF4 put her right talons onto the fish to get more leverage

    She finally succeeded

    PF5, not realising his sister had already taken the fish, bent down to NC0's talons

    NC0 flew off to the birch

    PF4 ate all of the fish. Swallowing the tail at 22:14

    ©SWT/LotL

  • NC0 left the birch and headed back to the nest, landing on the perch at 22:27

    23:12 Just prior to night cam coming on

    ©SWT/LotL

  • Morning All,
    Laddie delivered a large headless fish at 5:10 - NC0 was not around. Both chicks appeared unsure as to what to do due to NC0 usually taking charge of the bigger fish.

    Laddie released his grip on the fish

    PF5 approached Laddie, asking to be fed?

    With no joy there, he went over to the fish

    Laddie left the nest

    TBC

    ©SWT/LotL

  • Cont'd...

    PF5 moved the fish to the left side of the nest and ate a few small pieces from it

    PF4 pecked at it

    PF5 moved away giving PF4 the chance to take it

    PF4 moved her position to the front of the nest and continued to eat from there

    From there she went over to the right side

    PF4 eventually walked away, PF5 looked at the fish

    He began to tackle the fish

    This was the scene at 6:50

    At present, 7:37, PF4 has not very long finished eating some of the fish

    Where is NC0? She left the perch at 4:20ish

    Edit: NC0 was on the birch at 6:07, calling

    She flew off down the inlet

    PF5 flattened, I didn't hear any alarm calls

    ©SWT/LotL

  • The 'wanderer' returned at 7:59 and began to feed the chicks! PF5 vocalised his excitement when seeing NC0! lol

    8:05 Dual feeding

    BFN

    ©SWT/LotL

  • NC0 ate well for herself from the remainder of that fish, after the chicks were satisfied, of course. There have been no further fish brought to the nest.

    12:48 An intruder around? Skydancing calls could be heard

    ©SWT/LotL

  • NC0 back at the nest, 12:53

    12:59

    BFN

    ©SWT/LotL

  • There was a 14:02ish fish delivery from Laddie

    NC0 ensured that she took it. The fish wasn't very big

    The feed only lasted around 5 minutes but both chicks had something to eat from it

    ©SWT/LotL

  • 16:14 Laddie with a live fish, only the chicks were on the nest

    PF5 with an overhead wing stretch (bottoms up!)

    "Ok, where's your mother!"

    PF4 took the fish

    PF5 approached the fish, PF4 moved her position

    While PF4 was tucking in, PF5 decided to do some wing flaps and jumps!

    16:47 NC0, probably, on the birch; PF4 still eating the fish

    ©SWT/LotL