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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  • .

    Ash said:
    9:11(ish) we had an intruder, 7C1 was on the nest with the male.

  • 28th May

    Morning Scylla and All,

    Fabulous vid, Scylla, thank you so much for producing that and the pics! Kissing heart  (perhaps add an 's' to the Mr in the title Wink )  

  • NC0 has spent time up on the cam post since first light

    3:57 She was calling

    Up to the cam post

    She remained up there until the male began a 10 minute stick/nesting material spree from 5:52

    NC0 was expecting a fish delivery and came down to the nest. He brought a small stick

    Nesting material or small stick

    Moss

    Licheny stick

    NC0 headed back up to the cam post at 6:34

    She remained up there calling until a moment ago, 7:39, when the male arrived with some moss

    NC0 preening at present, 7:46

    ©SWT/LotL

  • NC0 quiet and continuing to preen, 8:49. The male has not been back to the nest

    ©SWT/LotL

  • Cam offline 9:27

    NC0 was still preening just before the stream went down

    ©SWT/LotL

  • New YT URL from 9:48

    9:53 NC0 has been standing quietly in this position since the LS started again

    9:55 She began to fish call

    ©SWT/LotL

  • NC0 left the nest at 9:58

    She went out of cam view after this

    But was then seen flying over the birch, she continued to fly off to the left

    10:19 It's remained ENS

    ©SWT/LotL

  • Absolutely fascinating, Thank you Scylla. Intrigued by NC0 and DM both turning their back on 7CI and spreading their wings.

  • 12:15: Male lands, unsuccessful mating attempt. NC0 making it clear if he wants to do that, he must get her some dinner first.

  • Hi Ash, 

    Just noticed that! lol

    Both were on alert and in defence at 12:06

    Distant chipping heard before NC0 came to the nest

    NC0 mantled and chipped

    More distant chipping with alarm calling too

    She chipped

    NC0 was calmer when the male came down from the cam post - he stood on her

    She lifted her left shoulder and wing to hoike him off

    He hovered

    Then flew off

    NC0 began chipping and on alert again at 12:12

    The male landed with a stick 

    An intruder still around? Both flapped their wings

    Both on alert

    He attempted to mate

    She pecked at him

    He hovered and tried again

    NC0 was having none of it and pecked at him again

    And again...he flew off

    12:15: Male lands, unsuccessful mating attempt. NC0 making it clear if he wants to do that, he must get her some dinner first

    I think this was the mating attempt you mentioned, Ash?

    And back he came, down from the cam post. Once again, NC0 pecked him off

    He remained on the nest with NCO and decided to try his luck again at 12:18

    NC0 was preening

    She walked forward

    And yet again, she pecked him off

    He left

    12:24 NC0 was preening

    She was quietly waiting on the back of the nest at 12:35

    She then flew off, heading to the left, out of cam view

    It's been ENS since then

    13:39 It is raining

    ©SWT/LotL