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)
30.5.24: LotL Blog >>> Fish, ‘Flowers’ and the Battle of Blue ‘7C1’ – An Update from the Osprey Nest
The male returned at 20:43
NC0, I think, was warning him off
He left again
©SWT/LotL
20:46 NC0 couldn't eat in peace, the male came back
She sneezed a couple of times then flapped her wings
He approached the fish
NC0 shouted at him and he moved to the right side of the nest
He re-positioned a stick
NC0 was shouting
She sneezed, which spooked him, and he flew off
NC0 made a single contact call, then took her fish off the nest at 20:50
It has remained ENS since NC0 left
21:45
22:06 One on the birch - NC0? I can hear her calling (First pic edited in to show arrival. Calling was heard in the distance but became slightly louder on landing)
Yes, it was her! She left the birch to land on the perch at 22:08 - no fish in her talons. NC0 was calling, all the way!
NC0 at present, 22:28. She is quiet
23:22 Goodnight NC0 (and All)
21st May
Morning All,
5:28 A possible unseen intruder. NC0 was silent but in defensive mode
She flapped her wings
The male arrived, he didn't vocalise either
She moved over to the left side
He flew off
He came back at 5:33 with a small stick
NC0 began to call on his approach
She glanced at his talons
She continued to call for fish
The male returned a couple more times after this, both times with a stick
5:41 To show their size difference
He attempted to mate NC0 a couple of times, at 6:25, on another visit. She had been fish calling
She pecked him off on each occasion
NC0 remained on the nest alone after that until 7:40, when the male brought another stick. She was calling for fish
NC0 at present, 7:58. She has been fish calling
8:18 Resting her eyes in between occasionally calling
BFN
Unsuccessful mating attempt at 8:59
Thanks, Ash!
Posted on LotL Fb
Link to the blog - Skydancing, Nestorations and Fish – Positive News from the Nest
Ash said:Unsuccessful mating attempt at 8:59
NC0 was dozing as well as occasionally calling for fish. The male landed from the cam post
NC0 pecked at him twice in an attempt to get him off
He left the nest
NC0 remained on the nest until 9:48
9:50 The male could be seen flying from around the birch corner to return to the nest
His talons were empty
He was silent
He flew off after on a 20-ish second stay
He brought a small stick to the nest at 11:38
And did some nestorising
It was then ENS until NC0 made an appearance at 12:47 for a relatively long visit
She made short contact calls on landing
She looked skyward and appeared on alert for a short while
But soon relaxed
13:10
At 13:13, NC0 looked towards the birch area and flew off, sounding human alarm calls when just out of cam view (I didn't see anything untoward)
Unless I've missed any very brief visits, it's been ENS since then
15:55 It's raining