Continued from March 2024
Webcam page with links to LotL Visitor Centre and Wildlife Reserve FB, Twitter, SWT News Feed and to Donate >>>
https://scottishwildlifetrust.org.uk/things-to-do/watch-wildlife-online/loch-of-the-lowes-webcam/
For the current 'LIVE' YouTube link, visit >>> https://www.youtube.com/@ScottishWildlifeTrustvideos/streams
The Osprey Protection Programme at Loch of the Lowes is supported by players of People’s Postcode Lottery, with funds awarded by Postcode Planet Trust
All captures and videos ©Scottish Wildlife Trust/Loch of the Lowes
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It was a very welcomed surprise to see NC0 arrive back from her wintering grounds on the 8th March, her earliest return to date! NC0 kept herself occupied while alone - catching some impressive-sized fish to eat as well as preparing the nest in readiness for future eggs. To note, her severely split blue darvic ring (as seen last season) is missing and she now only wears a BTO ring on her right leg.
It was a nail-biting time for us waiting to see if dear Laddie would make an appearance too and, little did we know, that it would be a further 19 days before he made his ‘grand entrance’ on the 27th, being ‘escorted’ to the nest by a flock of very vocal gulls!
Having settled into their usual routines on the nest and around the reserve, we now look forward to watching this season’s events unfold.
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Nest Updates
Arrival dates: NC0(16) - 8.3.24 (17:52) Laddie (LM12) - 27.3.24 (16:38)
Eggs laid: Egg #1 - 17.4.24 (10:48) Egg #2 - 20.4.24 (10:53) Egg #3 - 23.4.24 (20:47)
Link to blogs and updates during March
April Blogs and Updates (published dates)
17.4.24: SWT/LotL blog >>> First osprey egg of the season at Loch of the Lowes Wildlife Reserve
17.4.24: SWT video >>> NC0 Laying First Egg of the Season
20.4.24: SWT/LotL blog >>> Second osprey egg of the season at Loch of the Lowes Wildlife Reserve
20.4.24: SWT video >>> NC0 Lays Second Egg of the Season
24.4.24: SWT/LotL blog >>> Third osprey egg of the season at Loch of the Lowes Wildlife Reserve
24.4.24: SWT video >>> Female Osprey NC0 Lays Third Egg of the Season
30.4.24: LotL Fb >>> Regarding Laddie's absence
15:18 There was an unseen intruder around. Laddie came to the nest
Laddie off, sounding a series of short chips as he did so
NC0 flew off the nest at 15:23
©SWT/LotL
15:24 Laddie back safely
NC0 quickly joined him
Affirming their bond at 15:25
A corvid landed on a tree behind the nest. NC0 was having none of that and gave chase!
Mating, 16:49
Yes it was, LAM. You're very welcome!
18:47 NC0 landed on the nest with a clump of moss
As she was digging in the centre of the nest, the wind almost upended her
NC0 picked up some soft, and more than likely sodden, bedding from the egg cup in her beak...
,,,and transferred it into her right talons
She flew off with it at 18:50
A minute or so later, Laddie arrived
18:54 Nestcupping
He left at 18:59
A clump of bedding/moss was caught in his talons
Neither NC0 or Laddie returned to the nest
I couldn't see them on the birch pre-night cam coming on at 20:44
At present, 21:37
Let's hope they've both found somewhere in a more sheltered spot, out of the strong wind, to roost tonight
7th April
Good morning All, it's still a very blustery day!
Laddie was first to make an appearance at 5:28
He was still there when NC0 arrived at 5:58
There was an immediate mating
Another at 7:10
7:19 Both watching their area
7:24 A beautiful wing spread by NC0 before she left the nest
At 8:00, NC0 pancaked the nest. I couldn't see or hear anything untoward
Laddie, who was possibly on the cam post, flew down to join her
Both watchful
8:04 When NC0 still had her back towards Laddie, he raised his wings as if he was going to attempt to mate. One of them must have clipped a stick and that sound spooked NC0 who then flew off the nest
TBC
©SWT/LotL.
Cont'd...
8:08 NC0 returned with a huge clump of moss - Laddie's turn to give that shocked expression! lol
An immediate mating
8:15 NC0 spent over 20 minutes sitting in the centre of the nest
8:46 Laddie had been nestorising when NC0 brought in another clump of moss
Mating again
NC0 remained on the nest until popping off at 9:18, returning with a small stick a couple of minutes later
Our lovely girl at present, 9:33
10:19 Mating
Cam went on a tour at 11:12 - perhaps some operational training for the Protection Volunteers?
Zoom of the nest cup
A pine tree to the left of the nest
Night cam setting
Split birch
Both hides
The Visitor Centre? behind the two story hide
Back to nest view
A brief zoom on NC0 after she returned from a 25 or so minute comfort break
NC0 at present, 11:38