LOCH OF THE LOWES - May 2024

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  Broken heart

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 

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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

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  • The male landed with a stick at 19:29. It was silent on the cam post on his approach

    He looked up to the cam, NC0 was calling

    He changed his position and looked up again

    He flew up to the cam post

    I didn't hear any flapping or movement, only a 'squeak-like' call by NC0. Then it went silent

    ©SWT/LotL

  • How wonderful to see another of Mrs G’s grandkids. She was so dark just like her gran and determined too. Strong genes! Blush

  • At 19:45, NC0 called loudly and came down from the cam post. As soon as she landed the male arrived with something gripped in his talons

    She approached him but it must have been nesting material

    She continued to shout for fish

    He flew off

    20:07ish NC0 mantled, she was silent

    The male arrived, his talons were empty

    They both mantled. Distant chipping could be heard

    NC0 chipped and they both flapped their wings

    Distant chipping could still be heard

    They both looked to our left

    The male left the nest

    Just before the live streaming ended (at around 20:35ish), NC0 was in preparation for a fish delivery

    Unfortunately, it was nesting material again

    NC0 was shouting

    He flew off

    He could be seeing flying from left to right, behind the trees, until out of cam view.

    NC0 continued to call 

    The LS ended at that point

    ©SWT/LotL

  • How wonderful to see another of Mrs G’s grandkids. She was so dark just like her gran and determined too. Strong genes!

    Hi Glider,

    7C1 was a determined Osprey that's for sure! It was so good to see NC0 in defensive mode though, and it showed that she wants to keep hold of HER nest...brilliant! Smiley

  • 20:41 NC0 was still calling for fish when the new live streaming began

    She remained perched on the front edge of the nest. The male hadn't returned

    21:19 She was quiet at this point

    20:20 NC0 then had a leg and wing stretch

    And an overhead wing stretch - she fish called while doing so

    Then immediately flew off the nest

    She landed on her diving branch of the birch

    Still there at present, 21:52. No calling from her at all. It has remained ENS since she left

    ©SWT/LotL

  • Thanks Sandra for all the fantastic coverage, captures - I am truly astonished you can keep up with all.   But yes, great to see one of Mrs G's descendants and NCO determination keeping her nest.

    Also this intrusion may help NCO and the DM strengthen a  bond.  Time will tell

  • Hello Karen,

    You're welcome! Ash was a massive help this morning with posting the times of events - it made my reporting a lot easier! I'm also grateful to be off from work this week, there is no way I could have covered it all in such depth had I been there.

    Yes, hoping today has shown that both NC0 and the male have formed some kind of early partnership...fingers crossed! Fingers crossed

  • 21:56 NC0 returned to the nest, calling

    The male immediately after

    She headed towards his talons - they were empty

    NC0 shouted

    He flew off pronto!

    She continued to call

    NC0 stayed on the nest fish calling until flying up towards the cam post at 21:58

    No more visits to the nest

    22:30 ENS and quiet at present.

    Edit: 22:33, NC0 made a couple of calls so she is still on the cam post. Ditto but more prolonged calling at 22:34 and 22:35

    ©SWT/LotL

  • NC0 flapped down from the cam post to land on the perch at 23:03

    00:47 Sleeping fully tucked

    ©SWT/LotL