Very unfortunately our dear Sandra is still unwell and undergoing more treatment and so is unable to start off Lowes for the new season ... with her permission I will do so and bring across all her great info from the opener of June 2024 thread, all her carefully gathered info is far too valuable to be left behind!
Get well soonest Sandra, we miss you xxx
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
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
We must not forget ...
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 2024
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 ... see Scylla's video below
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
2013 photos & vids here
eff37 on Flickr
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Perfect, WendyBartter
I'm so glad you included Sandra's lovely Laddie snaps, what a great job she did with those.
IMAGICAT
Yes, just perfect Wendy - thank you so much.
Thinking of Sandra and hopefully we can do her proud and keep this Lowes thread going until such times as she's back with us.
Many thanks Scylla & Karen, just hope that Sandra is happy and can look in as and when Had to be a bit speedy in case NCO makes another early return! Will she beat Maya?
Thank you so much Wendy. Very well done indeed
WendyBartter said:Will she beat Maya?
Hmm I don't think so but we expect that answer from me
But I am wondering if the Dark Intruder will get himself back early for NCO and this nest.
We'll always miss and remember Laddie fondly but we move on and an exciting year ahead.
Just looked in on the nest - always looks so tranquil
c) SWT - LoTL
Definitely a nest with a view
Certainly is a great view but hope they adjust cam soon so we can see all of the nest! We'll surely be able to recognise DM with that distinctive eye and will definitely hear from Lowes if they ID NCO ... not sure I can!
I'm sure they will adjust it soon Wendy soon.
Unsure if Lowes will tidy the nest up a bit or just leave the birds to sort it out themselves?
Looking forward to NCO and her new beau returning safely.. I think they have sorted the nest Karen .. sure I saw tufts of grass in it a few weeks ago ?
ailie said: sure I saw tufts of grass in it a few weeks ago ?