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
Links to blogs and updates during March, April, May
June Blogs and Updates (Published dates)
20.6.24: LotL Fb >>> Update re NC0, DI and two female nest intruders
Oh at last! NC0 down from the cam post at 14:09 - she looked towards the sky watching the male skydancing! What a beautiful call that is!
He arrived with a whole fish
As She went to collect it, the male flapped his wings and 'jumped' backwards to the front edge of the nest
She transferred the fish into her talons
Both had their eyes to the sky for a moment or two
He moved to the right side of the nest and coy mantled
He attempted to get close to NC0 but backed off
She waited a while before finally flying off with her meal
NC0 headed around the birch, flying past the area highlighted
The male flew off almost immediately
He headed left, over the inlet, until out of cam view at 14:13
©SWT/LotL
The male returned with a stick a couple of minutes later. I think it was him flying around the birch before coming to the nest with it
He placed his stick at the back of the nest
He rearranged another small stick
He then stood at the back of the nest, quietly looking around as well as doing some preening
He then positioned himself onto the top of the back rails
And flew off to the right at 14:20
15:52 As far as I can tell, it's been ENS since then
The male was back at 16:24, bringing with him sticks and soft nesting material
He made a contact call on landing. No calling from NC0 heard
He made another contact call
He watched the sky and began to chip
He was quiet before leaving at 16:28
He flew off to the left, towards the trees on the other side of the inlet, until out of cam view
¨©SWT/LotL
NC0 to the nest at 17:23, fish calling - the male appeared with a small, live fish for her!
It was a very quickly picked up in her beak and then she flew off directly to the right
The male left very soon after
He flew over the inlet until out of cam view
That all took place in under a minute!
18:19 Still ENS since then
Thanks for the update Sandra. The Loch looking absolutely gorgeous today.
You're very welcome, Ash. It's an amazing setting isn't it!
20:21 It has remained ENS
Was lucky enough to visit in April, but didn't get to see any ospreys unfortunately.
Oh, that was a shame, Ash, hopefully next time
There was another fish delivery at 21:01
This was NC0 who had just landed on a lower branch of the birch - she made some calls
She left there as the male approached the nest with a small, whole fish
Pic cropped to show the fish
She went straight to his talons
The fish in here beak here
She transferred it into her right talons
Off she went!
The male followed suit before NC0 had disappeared from view behind the birch
He headed left, over the inlet, and out of cam view
It has remained ENS. One is on NC0's diving branch of the birch at present, 22:04 - no calling heard
Edit: 22:07 A beaver is swimming from left to right
22:22 Unsure if both are on the birch? A beaver was swimming out of the inlet, it turned to the left and went around the corner