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
21.00 The female flew down from the cam post. LM24 joined her to mate. He kind of slipped off so didn’t look too successful.
©️SWT,LOTL
That must have been a gigantic fish LM24 caught that he brought to the nest at around 08:20 this morning, even half eaten it was enormous!
Thanks for TS Hawkwillow, the female arrived at 08.22. Chipping could be heard from another osprey.
LM24 flew over the nest at speed with his catch.
He must have done a loop round and returned with the fish to deliver it this time.
As you said Hawkwillow - gigantic!
That should keep the female quiet for some time!©️SWT,LOTL
Some footage of that huge fish portion ... I was editing at same time you posted Glider, suppose better twice than never!
Was he teasing her by flying over before eventually landing?
Hi Wendy, it’s great to have both thanks.
The female gave it her best effort to eat the fish.
09.48 She brought her fish to the centre of the nest and looked around.
Just the sound of the background birds to be heard.
My Merlin bird ID app picked up a wren, willow warbler, robin and raven!
She released the fish and cleaned her beak on a few twigs.
10.31 LM24 arrived to take the fish away.
He flew round to the left before the split birch.
Good to find out the birds who frequently sing in the background making this nest site so relaxing to listen to ... until the female starts fish calling that is
Sure would have loved to have seen him catch that! Now if he can just get the mating thing figured out
Yes, love the bird song here! But the DF is very rarely quiet when she's on the nest or cam, only it seems when LM24 is nowhere to be seen
Huge thank you to all of you for the updates - brilliant work.