Continued from May 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
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Since the 9th May, a dark, unringed male intruder (with a distinctive large pupil in his right eye and who the team at Lowes has estimated to be 2-3 years of age) has been a regular visitor to the nest. The Pale Male, who had ‘destroyed’ the three eggs on the 7th/8th May, has not been seen on camera again and it was mentioned that this new young male had chased him from the area.
He has delivered many small fish ‘gifts’ (three in one day on a couple of occasions) and a sizable larger one to NC0 - her calls expressed how grateful she was - but that did not stop her from catching her own huge meal on the 23rd May, to satisfy her appetite. His many mating attempts have so far been rejected by NC0 though this has not put him off from making continuous efforts. The Dark Intruder, as named by staff in the hides on the reserve, is showing great nest building skills - bringing in a multitude of various-sized sticks and soft nesting material.
Although the relationship is in its early stages, NC0 appears to have accepted him as a 'potential' future mate and they have been observed working as a team to defend the nest against seen, and unseen, intruders - all encouraging signs for the beginning of a possible new chapter here at Loch of the Lowes.
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
June to end of season Blogs and Updates (Published dates)
20.6.24: LotL Fb >>> Update re NC0, DI and two female nest intruders
billy said:The beavers are wonderful. We've been lucky enough to visit LOL a few times and always make sure we include an evening visit in order to see them
Hi Belinda,
Oh that's fab ~ lucky you!
Julie W said:More absolutely incredible insight Sandra - looks like NC0 and suitor becoming more of an item
Hello Julie,
Aww, you're welcome! Yes, I think the pairing is working well at present. It was great to see them both defending the nest yesterday. Fingers crossed!
Afternoon All,
NC0 brought a stick to the nest at 8:25
She placed it on the right edge of the nest
She called for fish
Then left a minute or so later
She headed off around the birch corner
The male brought a stick at 8:43
Again at 9:25
After waiting and looking around, he flew off at 9:30
Those were the last nest visits from NC0 and the male. It's remained ENS apart from a crow visiting at 11:43.
14:42 The wind has been getting more gusty as the day has gone on
©SWT/LotL
A beautiful Jay popped onto the nest briefly at around 19:06
It made a single call as it jumped up onto the nest
Two jumps across the centre to the right edge
Two more jumps to get to a back left rail stick
A hop onto the perch
A flight down and away
It had remained ENS up to then
The male landed on the nest with a clump of moss/dried grass at 19:19
He silently coy mantled at
Then flapped his wings when moving his position
NC0 joined him at 19:22
She 'asked' if he had a fish!
She continued to call for fish
He thought a bit of stick moving was needed
He flew off at 19:24
The male returned with a thin stick at 19:26
More fish calling from NC0
She made a pecking motion towards him
NC0 preened
He flew off at 19:28
He headed right, behind the trees
I lost sight of him in the area marked
NC0 remained on the nest, preening and calling
Then flew off to the birch at 19:30
Sandra said:NC0 brought a stick to the nest at 8:25
Love that capture of NC0, Sandra
NC0 continued to fish call while on the birch, then came back to the nest at 19:39 - still calling
She preened
And called
She flew from the nest at 19:45
Over the Loch...
Then around the birch corner
It has remained ENS since then but NC0 returned to the birch at 21:29
Where she still is at present, 21:36 - fish calling!
Glider said:Love that capture of NC0, Sandra
Hi Glider,
It's fab isn't it? Ohhh, the symmetry of her wings!
NC0 has just returned to the nest, 20:40
Lots more calling
Back to the birch at 21:42!
Edit: Shortly after she had landed, a beaver could be seen swimming into the inlet (21:44). NC0 was quiet
She left the birch at 21:46 and headed down the inlet (she flew close to the trees on the opposite side to take any pic of her)
NC0 returned to the birch at 22:20. She called on landing
Still there at present, 22:26