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
Laddie with a stick at 16:25
A loud aircraft was flying over
NC0 moved to the back of the nest, taking a break, calling for fish
After a quick yawn/crop drop, Laddie flew off at 16:30
NC0 made her way back to the egg and resumed incubation
16:50 She is still in the same position
©SWT/LotL
NC0 off for a comfort break at 16:52, she made contact calls(?) before heading off
Laddie flew from the back, right of screen to land less that a minute later (a second or 2 before, NC0 could be seen flying over in the birch area)
At present, 17:01, Laddie incubating, NC0 on the birch
17:49 NC0 returned to the perch
NC0 called for fish
Laddie away at 17:51
NC0 at 18:03
19:43 Laddie with a small fish Edit: SCRAP THAT! It was a piece of nesting material!!! SORRY!
NC0 even checked!
He went to the nest cup with it still in his right talons
NC0 flew off
He picked it up and placed it on the side
Well, Laddie had me completely fooled!! lol
Haha Sandra, that definitely was a fish shaped piece of nesting material!
NC0 returned at 20:04
She had a small clump of grass gripped in her left talons
She placed it on the right side of the nest
It was almost a couple of minutes before Laddie stood up. NC0 continued to call for fish while he was still incubating
Laddie flew off at 20:06
He came back at 20:08 to mate
Glider said:Haha Sandra, that definitely was a fish shaped piece of nesting material!
Hahaha - glad I'm not the only one that thought that, Glider!!!
NC0 was calling extremely loud before, and as, Laddie came to the nest at 20:26, she thought he'd brought her a fish
His talons were empty
NC0 stared at his feet as he entered the cup. She was giving him an 'earful'
Laddie settled to incubate, NC0 was still shouting for a fish
20:30 Laddie up from incubating and flew off
NC0 resumed incubation
Laddie was back with a clump of grass at 20:34 - not what NC0 wanted to see!
He wanted more time on the egg. NC0 was still very vocal
Laddie settled to incubate
He got up and flew off at 20:38 - perhaps NC0's loud shouting proved to much for him! lol
NC0 pre-night cam at 21:14
Laddie has not returned to the nest. NC0 at present, 22:02
19th March
Morning All
NC0 was ready for a break when Laddie arrived at 5:25 to take over incubation, she rose (and flew off) as soon as he landed
When NC0 returned at 5:54, Laddie flew off but came back in an attempt to mate
NC0 shrugged him off
7:25 Laddie hasn't been back to the nest since then - hopefully he is hunting for a lovely breakfish for NC0