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
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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
Last seen dates: NC0(16) - 13.8.24 Dark Intruder - TBC
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
17.8.24: LotL Fb .>>> Migrations?
17.8.24: SWT YouTube >>> Last Osprey Sightings of the Summer?
20.8.24: LotL Blog >>> Osprey LM12 died of natural causes
23.8.24: LotL Fb >>> Dark Intruder still at Lowes
Best wishes to you Sandra - hope you feel better soon,
Thank you so much, Julie
Look after yourself Sandra, hope you feel much better soon!
2013 photos & vids here
eff37 on Flickr
Blue ringed bird just landed on nest with male. Can't read ring, it didn't stay long. Haven't seen NCO today
Male back on nest and there's an osprey on dead birch tree
WendyBartter said:Look after yourself Sandra, hope you feel much better soon!
Thank you, Wendy, I hope so too!
billy said:Blue ringed bird just landed on nest with male. Can't read ring, it didn't stay long
Good to see you again, Belinda, thank you!
14:55
Cropped and highlighted - can only tell that it was a Scottish ringed bird (female I would say)
billy said:Haven't seen NCO today
Distant chipping/alarm calling heard. NC0 flew from the birch area and directly behind the trees at the back of the nest
The intruder chipped and alarm called briefly
The cam juddered, NC0 had landed on the cam post - alarm calling
The intruder looked towards her
The intruder made her way to the right side of the nest - all was quiet
Another look towards NC0
Suddenly there was movement on the cam post (not a flight away - perhaps NC0 had flapped her wings?). Both the intruder and the male hurriedly left the nest
The male (top left) flew high and out of cam view after this pic
NC0 was still on the cam post, short chipping calls heard
©SWT/LotL
Hi I'm still around but haven't posted anything as just watching to see what happens. I go away soon so think both ospreys may have left when I'm back so just hoping both will come back next season
I hope you have a lovely break away, Belinda, many thanks for all of your contributions to this thread during the past 4 months!
Yes, fingers crossed both return safely next season...
NCO arrived on nest about 20 mins ago