Ospreys at the Loch of the Lowes, Perth & Kinross, Scotland

[Del.Monte]

Good news as both of the resident pair of Ospreys arrived back from Africa within hours of each other today - they usually arrive a few days apart and this is normally a stressful period as we wonder will they both get back safely.



https://www.facebook.com/LochoftheLowes/

[Del.Monte]

Lots been going on since the return of the resident Ospreys, including things that shouldn't be mentioned on this family forum, and the first egg may arrive this week. https://scottishwildlifetrust.org.uk/20 ... es-week-2/

[Del.Monte]

First egg spotted this morning at 9.30am.

[Del.Monte]

The second egg was laid yesterday (7th April) and if the usual routine is followed we should see a third egg very soon. The last two years has seen the chick produced from the last egg eventually die but fingers crossed for 2023.

[Del.Monte]

And the third egg arrived on schedule this morning plus an unwanted visitor: https://scottishwildlifetrust.org.uk/20 ... ted-guest/

[678904673]

And the third egg arrived on schedule this morning plus an unwanted visitor: https://scottishwildlifetrust.org.uk/20 ... ted-guest/

Eggcellant. Ok. I really will get my coat now:)

[Del.Monte]

An interesting post on the Osprey blog describing the incubation process and fingers crossed for the sight/sound of the first hatching on or around the 10th May. https://scottishwildlifetrust.org.uk/20 ... gg-clutch/

[Del.Monte]

It could be hatching day for the first egg today and the female has been quite 'unsettled' all morning.


12.43 and tiny squeaking can be heard!

[Del.Monte]

Following on from the excitement this morning the first signs of chick #1 breaking out about six hours ago - it can be a very long and tiring process. The black mark, or egg pip as it is known, is the hole in the egg where the chick is attempting to break out.



https://www.facebook.com/LochoftheLowes/

[Del.Monte]

The first chick finally broke out at lunchtime today. The only concern is that the male bird has not been providing fish at his normal rate but perhaps parental responsibility will kick now.

[Del.Monte]

It looks like chick #1 isn't going to make it as the first fish in a couple of days only arrived this evening and it was too weak to partake. The male may be carrying an injury which has prevented his usual exemplary provision of food. Hopefully he is recovering his fishing skills and the remaining two eggs will hatch successfully. A sad day.

[Del.Monte]

Great news as the chick survived against the odds and Dad has been bringing home the bacon (fish) this morning.

[Del.Monte]

Cute or what! Amazing what a spot of grub can do.

[Del.Monte]

More good news as Chick #2 hatched at 4.15am last night! That leaves a mystery as the remaining egg should have hatched by now as it was the second to be laid - perhaps a dud. Anyway both chicks look happy and let's hope that's the last of the drama over.






https://www.facebook.com/LochoftheLowes/

[Del.Monte]

Good progress to report with both chicks thriving - always worth a look in.

[Del.Monte]

Today was ringing day for the young Ospreys and all went smoothly!



https://www.facebook.com/LochoftheLowes/

[Del.Monte]

Lots of frantic wing exercises from the two Osprey chicks this morning and attempted vertical take offs or helicoptering as it is known. First flight must be very soon now - today or tomorrow for the the larger of the two. Worth a look in.

[Del.Monte]

Around 10am yesterday the larger of the two chicks took her first flight from the nest - a great outcome given that she nearly starved to death during the first few days of her life.

[Del.Monte]

An empty nest at last! Four days after his sister's first flight the male chick took his leap of faith this morning.

[Del.Monte]

MARCH 2024: And so it begins once more but with a strange twist as the female Osprey returned ahead of schedule yesterday. The male normally has arrived a week ahead of the female and has everything shipshape on the nest for her return! An 'interesting' start but hopefully things will go smoothly as unwanted suitors may appear before the return of the resident male.

[Del.Monte]

It's been a worrying couple of weeks for those of us who follow the Ospreys with no sign of the male bird LM12 as he normally arrives a week before the female. She's been on site since the 8th March with no sign of hubby. However, normal service has resumed with the male appearing at 4.30pm this evening. Now the drama begins once again. It is LM12's 13th season at the Loch!

[Del.Monte]

And we're up and running.

[Del.Monte]

[Del.Monte]

Tuesday 23rd April

[Del.Monte]

Things are not looking good at the Loch of the Lowes Osprey site as the male bird has gone AWOL for the last four days. No food means desperation for the female who will be forced to leave the nest unprotected while she goes fishing herself. Assuming the eggs hatch and still no return of the male will be fatal. Tonight the female is sitting tight on the eggs and calling forlornly.....