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.
Muri, thank you very much and when you blow the pics up, you can see clearly.
I am not pushing but hope you had a good weekend spotting Caledonia's companion as very interesting it is. Happy to wait. This has to be something new :)
Roberto, thank you for the pics of Caledonia and your interesting explanation about moulting.
Hi Roberto, your professional note on Caledonia is much appreciated. There cannot be very many occasions that a bird of professional interest arrives, just at your at your doorstep, then stays there for months. Usually it is the naturalists who have do the travelling. Here on BBC1 TV we are enjoying a programme, two episodes so far on Sunday evenings, about penguins. The photography is done by robots that move, which are lifelike models of penguins and there are also cameras disguised as eggs. The close up shots are literally within touching distance, as the birds accept the cameras as part of their world. It is very good and also very entertaining. Maybe it will be available for you in Spain, before too long.
Penguins - Spy in the Huddle.
Unfortunately the Digital Rights Management applies outside the UK, so you will not be able to play the video, I am sorry to say.
ChloeB & Tiger's Osprey Data Site
Sat track schedule Spring 2014
LG 7 days; RW & SWT nil; LDOP varies
Thank you very much Roberto for the photographs of Caledonia and the explanation about her moulting, very interesting it is.
EJ's Memorial Balgavies Loch Ospreys 2023
Thank you Roberto. Your scientific explanation of the moulting process is very interesting, particularly when we can relate to the bird in question. I hope also that it gives you a sense of involvement. Apparently the younger osprey in Africa are moving around a lot at the moment, as the adults begin their migration north leaving more room for the younger birds to explore and find more favourable fishing grounds. This has been reported by a wonderful man in west Africa who has helped to find out what might have happened to osprey from the UK who have gone missing. Osprey have a way of bringing people together all over the world.
Birdie's DU Summaries 2018 https://www.imagicat.com/
Thank you! It just gets better and better!
Many thanks for the photos of Caledonia and explainig about the moulting shes really a lovely lady! Am very curious about her friend ! Thanks again.
What can I say that hasn't been said Roberto, except to add my thanks for your very welcome on the spot reports and photos.
ChloeB & Tiger's Osprey Data
Yes, thank you so much Roberto. Great pictures and a very interesting explanation. I didn't realise how the moulting worked. I never cease to be amazed at how nature works so cleverly for all living creatures. Fascinating.
Thanks once again Roberto for the further update on Caledonia. Interesting to see that her moult is progressing as expected. Good news all round and long may it continue.