I am not sure if we should have separate threads for Rothes and Mallachie. If people feel we should the best start them right away.
The first data has been published on Google Earth and immediately it is amazing how much further Rothes has flown that Mallachie.
Tiger Signature
The large lake you see is Etang Blanc where ospreys have often been sighted on migration.
e.g.
"Thursday, March 31st, 2011
Etang blanc / Seignosse (40)
2 Ospreys (Pandion haliaetus)
[Stéphanie Darblade ]
Comment : en pêche dont une femelle "
That's great Tiger. It wasn't on last time I looked.
ChloeB & Tiger's Osprey Data
Hazel b said: Here is latest position of Rothes on Google Earth
Here is latest position of Rothes on Google Earth
Formerly known as Barbara Jean
Interesting that she's now very near her 2009 route down. I'm so pleased she seems to be in an area where the climate and fishing prospects seem good.
This is fantastic news! When I wrote on 25th June she could already be in Spain, she was!
I am so impressed with her navigation prior to crossing. I think she kept returning south to establish a baseline as if to correct her compass further east. She chose absolutely the shortest crossing, so she obviously didn't want to repeat her longer than necessary time over water on her initial journey south. Her westerly foray on 24 June near El Manzla was to an escarpment with a good view of the seas west and north.
Another point regarding the question of fresh-water fishing in Morocco: it could also be that she is remembering her roots at this pivotal age. All her initial fish as a youngling were fresh and not salt water.
Etang Blanc and Etang Hardy look good as a resting place. This area has many lakes as well as the ocean running parallel to chose between.
It will be interesting to see now she has found her running wind whether she continues up north to Scotland or stays in the Bordeaux area which she loved so much in 2009. Any bets? Tiger?
Singing Bird I thought everyone knew by now that I fimrly believe that Rothes will return to Scotland. She may well call in to see mum and dad. In my view this idea of partial migration has no basis in reality. I have not seen a shred of evidence to support it.
Oh Tiger, I did not know that was your opinion. Too many blogs to keep up with!!
I also hope she heads straight on 'home' and that Etang Blanc is a rest stop for the next leg north. It would be fantastic if she is in Loch Garten around July 27 when I will be there!
From Richard Thaxton
ROTHES LATEST: Guess where? Yep, back at Dr Alan Jones' sturgeon fish farm on the Gironde River, near Bordeaux, exactly her stop-off when she went south in August two years ago. Amazing. More anon.
As we thought :)
It would be great if she is spotted.