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*
20.5.24: Article from raptorpersecutionuk.org >>> Update on death of Osprey ‘Laddie’ from Loch of the Lowes Reserve in Perthshire (Link provided by SheilaFE - with grateful thanks)
21.5.24: LotL Blog >>> Skydancing, Nestorations and Fish – Positive News from the Nest (Four SWT videos included)
New YT URL from 22:02
22:02 An Osprey was on NC0's diving branch of the birch when the cam came back online
And was still there just prior to night cam coming on at 22:08
I wonder if that is NC0 on there, keeping a close eye on her nest?
©SWT/LotL
Richard G B said:If he hangs about and becomes the new resident male I suppose he will be known as LM24
A true story I wanted to share that has been, and will always be, etched in my memory...
At the end of August last year, myself and my OH were out in the car on our way to do some shopping at a nearby town. When we stopped at a roundabout, a bright yellow car with colourful stickers all over its bodywork (similar to those rally cars have on them) passed by. As it turned to go around, and with us following it, I noticed on the back right passenger door, a sticker with 'LM24' on it.
The end of last season was particularly difficult for Laddie so he was in the forefront of my mind anyway at that time. I said to my OH that I hoped seeing those letters and numbers wasn't an 'omen' for this year. I was really fretting when Laddie hadn't returned earlier than he did, so you can imagine my absolute relief when 'our boy' finally arrived back at Lowes.
And just look where we could possibly be now...
Oh Sandra, that’s incredible. That would’ve weighed heavily on your mind until he returned but then to go through the worst possible thing imaginable and the numbers may now be a reality. So sad.
It's been an emotional rollercoaster TBH, Glider...
Many thanks for your pics and report during the afternoon
billy said:NCO on nest. Darker male joined her but then flew off
How good of you to recognise her - like Sandra, I couldn't see her BTO and wouldn't have been sure it was NC0.
Just to commemorate the occasion for YouTubers and it's the only place I can ever find anything
.
EDIT
One example of Dark Male's nest defence on the 11th:
IMAGICAT
12th May
Morning Scylla and All,
Super vids, Scylla ~ thank you
No Osprey was seen on the birch pre day cam
5:03 Dark Male to the nest, he'd flown onto it from the right
Up to the perch, he chipped briefly
Preening
A PS before leaving at 5:28
As far as I can tell, it's been ENS up to the present time
9:28
9:45 Flapping of wings then a landing, with a chip, on or near the cam post
Ruffle/shake of feathers, 9:50
A brief, almost 2 minute visit from the Dark Male to the perch, 10:01. No calling on arrival
His feathers were damp
Off he went
No vocalising at all