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
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
21:13 NC0's reflection could be seen on the Loch
NC0 landed on the perch at 21:22
She made her way to the fish at 21:33 but only pecked at it rather than eat anything
She moved towards the nest cup, Laddie began to rise
She changed her mind and walked around the outside right edge, they both got a little tangled for a moment. I heard a 'crunch' so hoping it was just NC0's talons on the sticks/bark/dried nesting material
Laddie altered his position
NC0 changed her mind and went back the way she came
NC0 went onto the perch at 21:39
Scene at present, 21:57
©SWT/LotL
Thank you All for all the long awaited updates! But Sandra so happy for you as you waited and reported so diligently! Lovely to see Laddie and NCO with their Egg at last!
LAM said:Thank you All for all the long awaited updates! But Sandra so happy for you as you waited and reported so diligently! Lovely to see Laddie and NCO with their Egg at last!
Aww, thanks LAM - I am beyond thrilled!
There was a change of incubation at 22:28
Laddie flapped his wings
Laddie flew off at 22:31, leaving the fish on the nest
At present, 23:20, NC0 sleeping
.
I had just booted up and was in the process of deleting nearly 500 failed Kielder d'loads (I have to learn how to manage that cam!), when:
05:08 - Laddie landed. He flew with the fish:
NC0 has a frosty tail.
IMAGICAT
Morning Scylla and All
Laddie returned with the remainder of the fish at 6:34
NC0 stood up and gave her wings a good flap - egg could be seen
She settled back down to incubate
NC0 did the same again a short time after that but then decided it was time to eat, she made short calls to him
Laddie had made his way to the nest cup having discarded the fish,
NC0 flew off with her breakfish at 6:39 (she landed within the birch, under the feeding post)
At present, 7:23, Laddie continuing to incubate
NC0 returned at 7:58
Laddie up and away at 8:05
8:16
BFN
Having scrolled through the footage since my last post, there have not been any obvious untoward events at the nest. I can't find any mating between them or fish being delivered
Laddie, at present, is on his third incubation of the day so far. This was the exchange at 13:35 (egg arrowed)
Laddie resting his eyes at 14:17
NC0 returned at 14:25
14:27 Laddie rose from the nest cup, gave his wings a good flap then flew off
15:44 NC0 looked skyward - unseen intruder around
Laddie joined her at the nest, short alarm calls and chipping by him on landing
Both checking the sky
No threat was seen
NC0 made some short calls to Laddie while scratching her beak area; he preened
Laddie made his way to the egg cup - NC0 continued to make short calls, possibly asking for fish
Laddie moved to the front edge of the nest
NC0 made her way back to the centre
Laddie flew off at 15:50
After aerating and removing loose material from the nest cup, NC0 settled to incubate