This thread has been set up to follow the travels of Caledonia and Alba, the young ospreys raised at Loch Garten in 2012.
Their mother is “EJ”, the resident female at Loch Garten since 2003; there is some doubt about the identity of their biological father, given EJ’s dalliance with a male from a neighbouring nest, Blue XD, both before and after the return of her regular partner Odin, who raised them.
Caledonia hatched on 16th May and Alba on 18th May; they both fledged on 14th July.
This is a link to the Loch Garten blog describing the ringing and satellite tagging.
Caledonia’s ring is Blue/White AA1, reading downwards. Alba’s is Blue/White AA2, reading upwards.
Following the tracking
This page gives a quick overview of the routes on a map, which will be more useful once they start migrating.
If you want to look at the routes in more detail on Google Earth, this page contains instructions on setting up your PC to do this.
This blog contains some useful information about how the tracking works – we are now on a 3-day reporting period.
NEW BLOG - Caledonia- A little movement but still in same area
Wonder if she'll pack a suitcase in a few days, to spend the festive season in Africa after all!
Great to know that she is OK.
Hazel C said: I sent an email to Richard Thraxton the next day (27/28 October) suggesting that the local bird group I had found would be thrilled to know that they have an Osprey on their doorstep (as I was when Rothes was in our area). However, I'm sure he's very busy as there was no reply.
I sent an email to Richard Thraxton the next day (27/28 October) suggesting that the local bird group I had found would be thrilled to know that they have an Osprey on their doorstep (as I was when Rothes was in our area). However, I'm sure he's very busy as there was no reply.
Like Alan and others I am disappointed that nothing has been done to try to find Alba, or to communicate with the local bird group. Her sudden disappearance and her final journey leaves a big mystery which will never be resolved now. However it is excellent to know that Cally remains in Seville! Somehow I feel she is safer there for the time being.
Birdie's DU Summaries 2018 https://www.imagicat.com/
Great news Caledonia is still in Spain and I hope she spends Christmas in Spain and we can celebrate with her :)
I still don't think it's certain that Caledonia is staying in Spain.
The latest date a juvenile osprey tracked from the UK has left Europe for Africa is 12th December; that was T03, a Rutland Water bird from 2000.
If Caley is still in Seville on the shortest day - 21st December - then I will believe she has made the "decision" to stay.
I would just love to know if they make an actual plan, or if its a sudden urge which sends them onward.
So glad that Caledonia remains well and keeping active, whilst not venturing out of Spain. I guess only time will tell if she decides to make it her home. I can't help hoping that she does.
Lindy, yes - an urge, or a plan? Who knows what goes on in the mind of an osprey - and it's rarely rational to us! I remember EJ panting on the nest in Scotland, and thinking if she's hot now, why go to Africa? (if that is where she goes) as it must be much worse there!!!
Unknown said:I remember EJ panting on the nest in Scotland, and thinking if she's hot now, why go to Africa? (if that is where she goes) as it must be much worse there!!!
I wonder if their constitutions change with the seasons?
IMAGICAT
scylla said: I remember EJ panting on the nest in Scotland, and thinking if she's hot now, why go to Africa? (if that is where she goes) as it must be much worse there!!! I wonder if their constitutions change with the seasons? [/quote]Theres a thought to ponder on!
I remember EJ panting on the nest in Scotland, and thinking if she's hot now, why go to Africa? (if that is where she goes) as it must be much worse there!!!
[/quote]Theres a thought to ponder on!
Unknown said: I still don't think it's certain that Caledonia is staying in Spain. The latest date a juvenile osprey tracked from the UK has left Europe for Africa is 12th December; that was T03, a Rutland Water bird from 2000. If Caley is still in Seville on the shortest day - 21st December - then I will believe she has made the "decision" to stay.
I was thinking on exactly the lines you are and indeed if she is still in Spain after Christmas may just think she may stay put again weather dependent in Sothern Spain.