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
20:25 NC0 off for a comfort break. Could hear drops of rain but they could have been falling from the leaves of the tree
She looked around prior to rising up from the eggs
She gave her wings a good flap
NC0 after shaking off the rain from her head and body
She could be seen flying over the Loch towards the birch, where she then landed
NC0 is still on the birch at present, 20:48. The rain has stopped
©SWT/LotL
Thanks Sandra for all the updates.
21:52 checking again before I close down for the night and NCO's still away.
As much as it pains me saying so - it's for the best.
At 20:59, NC0 flew off low from her position on the birch, down towards the water but didn't dive, just a turn around flight to land onto her diving branch
She returned from there for a less than two minute visit to the perch at 21:22
She gave herself a shake
After a quick look around, she left the perch, landing back on her diving branch of the birch
She came back to the perch at 21:31
She headed off a minute later
Karen said:Thanks Sandra for all the updates. 21:52 checking again before I close down for the night and NCO's still away. As much as it pains me saying so - it's for the best
As much as it pains me saying so - it's for the best
A pleasure, Karen,
I thought it was the beginning of her abandoning the eggs BUT, she returned to the perch at 21:58 then back to incubating the eggs. And yes, I agree, it would be for the best
22:00
She rolled the eggs, which I'd imagine are quite chilled with the length of time NC0 had been away from them. The nest cup must be quite damp too
Then settled down
A cropped pic of her sleeping at present, 22:18
6th May
Morning All,
NC0 went for a comfort break to the birch at 5:04
She was back just under 5 minutes later
She was off again at 5:48 - once again to the birch
She returned at 6:12, a little visitor was flitting about on the nest as she left the birch
NC0 was up and alarm calling at 7:07
Intruder hovered over the nest
7:16 NC0 was fish calling. Nothing in view
At 7:59 NC0 left for another break - she did not go to the birch
The eggs were alone for almost an hour when NC0 came down from the cam post at 8:58
Edit: NC0 was on alert at 9:07 - nothing seen
9:30 NC0 has been fish calling on occasion
Thanks Sandra.
Think fair to assume now the eggs are no longer viable. It sort of makes it easier seeing them abandoned.
Morning Karen,
Yes, I'd imagine the same. I'd rather NC0 stay at the nest though, I don't want her to lose control of it.
9:35 Intrusion
It touched down briefly
And away
I think both intrusions so far this morning, have been by the same pale chested visitor as yesterday
Hi Sandra, I don't think she'll leave her nest as it is hers now. She'll remain put x