Continued from April 2024
Webcam page with links to LotL Visitor Centre and Wildlife Reserve FB, Twitter, Blogs, 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 or >>> Embedded YT link
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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Three beautiful eggs were laid from mid-April, with the final one arriving almost 10 hours later than NC0’s usual 72 hour 'cycle'.
Both Laddie and NC0 have had to defend the nest from many 'passing through' intruders. Could Laddie’s defence of the reserve be the reason why there has been no sighting of him on the webcam since early lunchtime on the 28th? There were a few occasions where there was a high likelihood that he may have been in NC0’s sight since then though, her loud fish calls alerted us to that probable fact.
With NC0’s last meal being delivered on the 27th, we can only hope that Laddie arrives home not only fit and well, but also with a well-deserved fish for such an amazing female Osprey – her endeavours to keep the eggs protected, warm and dry during his absence, have been truly remarkable!
As I write, it has been just over 60 hours without Laddie at the nest and we now wait, in anticipation, for a positive start to this new month...
*UPDATED 4.5.23: Heartbroken to report, that there was very sadly no positive news forthcoming regarding our dear Laddie...
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Nest Updates
Arrival dates: NC0(16) - 8.3.24 (17:52) Laddie (LM12) - 27.3.24 (16:38) RIP Laddie (LM12) - remains found 3.5.24
Eggs laid: Egg #1 - 17.4.24 (10:48) Egg #2 - 20.4.24 (10:53) Egg #3 - 23.4.24 (20:47)
*Two eggs were destroyed on 7.5.24; the third one on 8.5.24, by an unringed, Pale Male Osprey. All were deemed unviable due to being chilled and left for long periods without incubation
Links to blogs and updates during March, April
May Blogs and Updates (published dates)
2.5.24: LotL Facebook >>> Situation with regards to Laddie's absence
3.5.24: LotL Facebook >>> Update from the nest
3.5.24: LotL Blog (updated at 9pm on 4.5.24) >>> Loch of the Lowes osprey nest update
4.5.24: LotL Facebook >>> It is with a very heavy heart...
7.5.24: SWT/LotL News >>> Osprey LM12 found dead
7.5.24: LotL Blog >>> The start of a new osprey era at Lowes?
10.5.24: LotL Blog >>> Intruding Ospreys Make a Move
13.5.24: LotL Facebook >>> A lot has been happening...
15.5.24: STV News Report - North East and Tayside >>> Police say no criminality after death of YouTube star osprey 'Laddie'
16:28 Another minute break - she flew off to the right this time
Cropped pic of the eggs - #3 left, #2 top, #1 bottom
©SWT/LotL
16:50 NC0 flew off to the right again
And back from that direction exactly a minute after
Thanks for all the updates.
Really sad seeing Laddie awol. I'm aware he does this but it is alarming.
I missed so much - have there been many intrusions or has he just disappeared?
Whatever the reason, I hope he's alright and hurries back. NCO can only hold out so long.
NC0 to the birch at 18:00
Back at 18:01
Hello Karen,
There have been a fair few intrusions, viewed on the webcam as well as unseen but with a reaction from both Laddie and NC0. When he was last at the nest on Sunday, he had chipped on occasion while incubating (between 8:57-11:37) but didn't leave the eggs until NC0 took over and he flew off, no threat was around at that time. That was the last sighting on cam that we had of him.
It's all very concerning TBH...
I’m just glad the chicks haven’t hatched yet. I have faith that NC0 will get through this and Laddie will return soon. ️
Thanks Sandra. I sort of assumed there was no apparent reason for his disappearance but of course not 100%.
Was holding my breath watching NCO flying over the loch wishing she would spy a fish followed by a successful dive.
But this seems to be part of Laddies makeup and we can only but hope that he doesn't stay away much longer.
Just hoping Laddie hasn't had an 'altercation' away from the reserve which has led to an injury of some kind. We know he has his moments away from the nest each season, as you say, but this length of time seems unusual, even for him. NC0 called for fish yesterday at 13:57 so my thoughts are that he was on the reserve then.
NC0 flew to the birch last night too, at 20:11, and I was so hoping that she would spot a fish and make a quick catch!
Glider said:I’m just glad the chicks haven’t hatched yet
Me too, Glider!
Catching up now, as WTF are working days for me. This is so awful, waiting and wondering, I do so hope that he will return safely and very soon. Poor girl must be starving
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.