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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  • 21:17 Osprey's flown. It headed left, down the inlet 

    I didn't hear a thud of a landing on the cam post, the direction NC0 appeared to be looking at

    But then she looked this way to carry on calling

    ©SWT/LotL

  • She is indeed Sandra at the top of her voice! Hoping it's Laddie she can see Fingers crossed

  • It flapped down to the nest and landed briefly, NC0 defended and it flew off, 21:19

    She was still looking/calling this this direction...

    Then suddenly turned her head to find the intruder about to fly down

    (Apologies for the blurred evening movement pics)

    A brief touchdown

    Then away

    ©SWT/LotL

  • Sandra said:
    Two very much iconic nests as well, Belinda! 

    "Funny" (you know what I mean) - I just said on LG "It's hard to believe that disaster has struck the 2 most iconic nests in the land".

    I've been wondering, more in hope than expectation, if Laddie could be nearby chipping but unable to fly in to defend.

  • if Laddie could be nearby chipping but unable to fly in to defend

    Scylla, 'someone' was defending the nest at 18:46 when the intruding Osprey was on the nest perch

  • NC0 seemed tired a couple of minutes before night cam (I'd imagine she's quite exhausted TBH)

    She got up to roll the eggs at 21:48

    Night cam came on

    All tucked in and sleeping, 22:15

    ©SWT/LotL

  • Thanks for all your coverage Sandra, you must be exhausted too.Two hearts Hopefully LOTL will have been able to see more and post another statement. 

  • A pleasure, Glider. Yes,I am a little bit tired but never mind Kissing heart

    I hope Lowes do as I'm extremely confused with all the events this afternoon/evening! What with NC0 returning from her 16:12 break, and shouting for fish (IMO), then the intrusion(s) and a second Osprey appearing to defend the nest with what appeared to be possible fish? in its talons at 18:49ish,  all the distant chipping/alarm calling, and NC0 fish calling again after that and into this evening! Some explanation is needed! Fingers crossed

    Goodnight Sleeping

  • I had a look on zoom, and I don't think either of the Ospreys intruding on NC0 around 14.39, and  15.07. are ringed. Perhaps they are the same Osprey, intruding twice. 

    It's been a very confusing day at LotL, and the lack of a timestamp has made it more difficult to unpick events. 

  • 3rd May

    Morning Geemeff and All

    Many thanks for your zoomed work for the vid!

    4:56 An Osprey landed on the birch, NC0 began to call for fish

    It stayed there until 5:16 after it flew off around the birch corner. NC0 had fish called all the time it was there

    Moments later, NC0 began to alarm call - intruder came in from the left, hovered over the nest before flying off

    It glided off over the cam

    From what I can see, I don't think anything else had occurred up until my time of posting (though can't be 100% sure)

    ©SWT/LotL