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' *Nothing 'official' from SWT/Lowes
How very kind of RSPB LG Abernethy to put a reply on LotL Fb's earlier updated post, especially after the catastrophe that had occurred there yesterday
LotL's comment at the top of the replies
And re NC0's huge fish!
18:23 NC0 has just flown off with her fish (she landed on the birch feeding post)
Not back at 18:26 BUT an intruder has just landed - cam zoomed in
It came down from the cam post
NC0 making her way back to the nest, top left
She flew out of cam view as the intruder turned to watch
A glance at the eggs
It mantled
NC0 back to the nest, with the fish, flapping at the intruder
She flapped at it again
NC0 made another attempt to shift it
NC0 was alarm calling
The intruder went to the perch after another flap of her wings. She was alarm calling
More loud calling from NC0
She went to her eggs
NC0 shouted as it sidled along the perch
Cam zoomed in further onto the intruder
NC0 was still shouting as the cam panned out
18:34
18:37 The intruder took time to rest its eyes...
And preen
It flew off at 19:02 after it made an attempt to land
NC0 flapped it off!
Apologies for the extra long post!
©SWT/LotL
Unringed osprey close to the nest at the moment. Landed when NC0 flew away with her fish. Could be the low quality but looks like a dark marking on the iris of the right eye, almost looks like a cats eye from a distance.
A superb observational pic, Hank Willow, thank you!
NC0 tucking in at present, 19:32
Another day with the return of dear Laddie. So happy that NCO has been fishing and has now caught 2 fish for herself. Between the pesky crows and ospreys, she sure is having a time of it. I wonder what has happened to Laddie? What will happen now on this nest, will she take a new partner, or decide/or be made to leave? The poor eggs, she is being so good siting on them. Agree with what has been said, so sad as it it is, they will be better, either not hatched or being kicked out by another male.
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
Hi Catlady,
NC0 only caught the one fish today (the first meal for her in 6 days), a huge Rainbow Trout according to Lowes - it should last her a while!
Through my observations, Laddie had looked quite tired when he incubated recently, closing his eyes a lot while resting. IF it is the last we see of him (though looking highly likely at present), I'm pleased that he made his migration back to Lowes this season (especially after the hard end of one he had last year) rather than him not returning at all. He must be at least 15 years old, a super age!
Missing him so much...
Hi Sandra
Do Osprey ever succumb whilst fishing as you say an old bird who is also fatigued?
And why do they tug at our heartstrings and make our our eyes leak so.
Hello Freebird,
As an example, an Osprey can get dragged under the water if the fish is strong enough and fighting to get away, they've also been known to get entangled in fishing nets and such like.
Freebird66 said:And why do they tug at our heartstrings and make our our eyes leak so
Oh they certainly do...