Loch Garten osprey diary

The ospreys at Loch Garten have people across the world gripped in their tale of violence, adultery and... well... fishing.  More...

Who was that bird?

Today has been fairly quiet compared to the last few days... OVS brought in two average sized, headless, fish and they swapped over incubating as expected. What was strange today was the arrival of an unknown bird. EJ did not alarm call when the bird landed, infact she gave a contact call as it approached. The question I was immediately asked was "Is it Henry?" Well I can't say for definite that it is not, however, I suspect Henry would have landed and stayed a while and staked a claim to his throne. I think it is more likely to be a returning chick than Henry. That is of course speculation, but the fact that EJ was very welcoming to this bird is a little strange. The bird was only on the nest for a couple of seconds so we didn't get chance to catch any leg rings..... 'Tis a mystery.

If this bird returns, and we can get a positive ID, we will let you know.

If you want to specifically help the Loch Garten Osprey Team 2008, you might consider supporting the RSPB. You can do this online via the RSPB website: http://www.rspb.org.uk/join, if you add the code PR08, your membership will be credited to the Loch Garten team.

Posted by david gascoigne at 19:07 on 4 May 2008.  57 comments

Comments

Sue
Posted on Sunday, 4 May 2008 at 20:53
My family and I are really enjoying watching the antics of EJ and Orange - thank you SO much for putting this on a webcam! We are all getting addicted to watching and often ring each other up to discuss the current happenings at the nest. I will be away on holiday at the time the babies are due to hatch but I will be contacting my mum regularly for an update! :-) Just one question for now - it may have been asked before but if so I missed it - how high is the nest above ground? Sue, Roma & Pam
Sian Jones
Posted on Sunday, 4 May 2008 at 22:59
Hi Sue! Us too! My friend and I ring each other if there is any news! Very addictive Looking forward to hatching and praying all goes well!
Maureen
Posted on Tuesday, 6 May 2008 at 8:41
Home delivery of HUGE fish at 7.30. 'Mum' not back yet. OVS seems to be very attentive and a wee bit reluctant to leave nest when EJ comes back.
Melanie T
Posted on Tuesday, 6 May 2008 at 9:30
Thank you for your updates on the feeding situation Maureen!!! I seem to miss OVS's deliveries - so its good to know that EJ is being fed!!!
Kathy J
Posted on Tuesday, 6 May 2008 at 9:32
0930 Orange VS is really looking oddly at those eggs. Then keeps pecking around them. I am hoping that one hasn't accidently been broken. Doesn't seem to want to sit on them, just stepping around them and just keeps staring at them!!!
Carol
Posted on Tuesday, 6 May 2008 at 9:38
What is OVS upto? Can't seem to settle and keeps looking at eggs as if can hear something. Do the chicks start cheeping this early?
Sixy
Posted on Tuesday, 6 May 2008 at 9:39
Switched on at 7am this morning hoping to see the fish delivery but missed it again getting my granddaughter off to school! 9.35 OVS standing there having a quizzical look at the eggs for a while before settling down. Why is one of them so brown?
Maureen
Posted on Tuesday, 6 May 2008 at 10:03
EJ back at 9.56. Maybe OVS, like most men, was getting impatient for her return!!!!!? Loch Garten Team, why is last egg laid not white like others and will it still produce a chick?
Bea
Posted on Tuesday, 6 May 2008 at 10:05
09:50 OVS backed off the eggs again, left them exposed for about 5 min. EJ then came back and settled. Did wonder whether it's very hot up there and he's trying to keep temperature right - or is it a way of enticing her back to the nest?
Chris L
Posted on Tuesday, 6 May 2008 at 10:30
Many thanks for your superb video stream. I am hoping someone can help identify the bird that can be heard 'singing' most of the time, bit like 'tch tch tch tch tishoo'. Thanks
Sixy
Posted on Tuesday, 6 May 2008 at 10:50
10.48 EJ been panting since she took over from OVS. Is this because she was overawed by his good looks when she came back or is there another reason? Is she too hot up there?
Administrator
Posted on Tuesday, 6 May 2008 at 11:42

Thank you to everyone who has added fun and helpful comments! We're delighted that you're enjoying the blog and the streaming video webcam. It's been amazingly popular - nearly the most popular page on the whole website!  

To help us reduce costs, it would be really helpful if you close your browser (eg. Internet Explorer, Safari or Firefox) when you've finished watching the video. This helps reduce the load on our system and makes it easier for other viewers to see a higher-quality video stream.

If you're enjoying the action, please consider joining the RSPB to help us continue our conservation work at Loch Garten and in many other places too.

Thanks for your support - and please continue to enjoy all the action as it happens!

Web Team

Tiger
Posted on Tuesday, 6 May 2008 at 11:46

Sixy maybe the question should be "Why are the first two eggs so white?" rather than "Why is the third egg so brown?" In my view the third egg is the colour one expects an osprey egg to be. Also worth noting that EJ laid that first egg only eight days after OVS appeared. Now that is incredibly quick or something was going on off camera that we did not see!

Katie Fuller
Posted on Tuesday, 6 May 2008 at 12:12

I know the team at Loch Garten are really busy with a centre full of visitors, so I hope they don't mind if I attempt to answer a couple of questions.

Re: EJ panting, the weather forecast shows it's 17 degrees Celsius (63 Fahrenheit) up there at the moment. It doesn't really compare to west Africa, where it might have been as hot as 40 degrees C over winter, but as she's very exposed on the nest with no shade and lying still, perhaps she does feel a bit warm? Birds don't sweat so panting and maybe ruffling the feathers on her back is about all she can do.

Re: egg colour, the colours are very variable. This is one of the reasons why egg collectors found them so attractive (and eggs still get stolen every year, even though it's been illegal since 1954!).

The different spots and speckles are added to the shells as they pass through EJ's reproductive tract. The colouration of the shells shouldn't have an impact on what happens inside, though I just read an interesting news story which says 'Speckles make bird eggs stronger'.

Katie (Web Team)

Lesley Gadsden
Posted on Tuesday, 6 May 2008 at 12:24
Chris L - that bird is a chaffinch.
Andi.K
Posted on Tuesday, 6 May 2008 at 13:12
Really enjoying video stream, it's making working from home much more fun. even EJ seems fidgety today......staring at eggs much like OVS. Chaffinch outside my window is answering the one coming from computer, very funny.....
Sixy
Posted on Tuesday, 6 May 2008 at 13:51

Tiger, would it be possible for EJ to have an affair before OVS arrived with all these 'eagle' eyed people watching (on or off camera)?  I don't think she is a 'bird' like that!  

Thanks for the information about the eggs.  It will be interesting to see if the third chick is stronger.

Hope OVS comes back soon so she can cool off.

esmith
Posted on Tuesday, 6 May 2008 at 14:12

i would like to say thanks to everyone on the blog for keeping me updated.  i am thinking of going to loch garten in june/july.  Head from bangor (NI) down to dublin then get the ferry over to holyhead then go home to my parents place in the mountains of north wales. take a visit to the ospray at glaslyn then when i go back home im going to head up to loch garten and see EJ in the flesh and the chicks i hope as they will be starting to fly i think at the time i will be there. then back home from stranraer to belfast then short drive to bangor.

Sixy
Posted on Tuesday, 6 May 2008 at 14:15
14.13 OVS arrived back for change over. EJ looked relieved to gain her freedom for a while.
Sixy
Posted on Tuesday, 6 May 2008 at 14:53
14.52 EJ back on the nest
quietwoman
Posted on Tuesday, 6 May 2008 at 16:50
I'm enjoying the Osprey video very much, thanks to the team, and it is some compensation for the fact that my swallows have not arrived this year. Not one of the usual three pairs! Last year the first male arrived on April 21st. so I've almost given up hope. Elgan, do the Black Guillemots still nest in the wall at Bangor Harbour?
Andi.K
Posted on Tuesday, 6 May 2008 at 17:10
How many fish a day is EJ getting, approx? Does OVS not know about the fish farms? They served henry well over the past few years.
Valc
Posted on Tuesday, 6 May 2008 at 17:49
I too am going to Loch Garten in early July from Bangor!!!! This is the best site on the web!!!!
John Harwood
Posted on Tuesday, 6 May 2008 at 20:15
I really fancy visiting Loch Garten while the Ospreys are still there, what are the chances of seeing them in the sky as it's a long way to go see nothing. This site is so addictive, keep up the good work everyone and keep the updates coming for those who can't watch 24/7
RichardU
Posted on Tuesday, 6 May 2008 at 21:43
EJ flew off for a one minute break at 21.09. Not much else going on.
friend2b
Posted on Wednesday, 7 May 2008 at 2:22
Its 8pm Tues. nite for me, 2am for EJ, and no picture, I certainly miss my time with her and the nest! I sure appreciate all the comments on how they are doing! Great site.
John Harwood
Posted on Wednesday, 7 May 2008 at 9:12
Where is the webcam.....it is my only day in the office this week and had hoped to get some decent viewing done today :-)
Roy Grant
Posted on Wednesday, 7 May 2008 at 9:26

Regarding the swallows not returning, I did read a few weeks back that tens of thousands of swallows died in South Africa just as they were setting out for migration following a really cold overnight snap.  Hopefully they were not your regular ones but that did seem a real shame.

Administrator
Posted on Wednesday, 7 May 2008 at 9:44

We're having some technical problems with the webcams this morning. Please be patient, as we're already on the case and trying to get it fixed. In the meantime, we've got still images: http://www.rspb.org.uk/webcams/birdsofprey/lochgartenospreynest.asp

Re: 'Easy Jane' - she can't wait all year for those slowcoach males to turn up! EJ doesn't know whether Henry's coming back or not, so she can't afford to hang on just in case...

Re: visiting Loch Garten, there is an excellent chance of seeing ospreys on the wing and lots more besides, including capercaillies, crested tits, red squirrels: http://www.rspb.org.uk/lochgarten

Katie (Web Team)

Sixy
Posted on Wednesday, 7 May 2008 at 10:32

Tiger, I'm shocked.  I had no idea there was gossip.  Perhaps that is why OVS keeps looking at the eggs in that quizzical way he has.  But I agree with Admin, she has to get on with the job!  

Administrator
Posted on Wednesday, 7 May 2008 at 11:07

The webcam is working again now. We probably haven't missed much, as EJ is still sitting there.

esmith
Posted on Wednesday, 7 May 2008 at 11:58
quietwoman yes i belive that they still do breed in bangor and at holyhead where they have a viewing area there aswell
Kathy J
Posted on Wednesday, 7 May 2008 at 14:18
14.16 Just logged on to see an exchange of brooding take place. Thanks for getting the live stream camera back and running, but currently no sound.
Sixy
Posted on Wednesday, 7 May 2008 at 14:18
14.07 EJ left the nest presumably to look for OVS, came back 3 minutes later. 14.15 OVS arrives with fish dish and EJ promptly flew off to eat.
Maureen
Posted on Wednesday, 7 May 2008 at 18:29
Thanks Sixy, I am always pleased to hear that EJ has eaten and that OVS is looking after her!
Maureen
Posted on Wednesday, 7 May 2008 at 18:43
Have just noticed that third egg is now white. Are we all happy now?
Sixy
Posted on Thursday, 8 May 2008 at 9:30
Maureen, just switched on to see OVS deliver a lovely juicy fish to EJ - 9.25. Looks like he is late this morning! Brilliant to see him come back with the fish. He is so handsome isn't he.
Melanie T
Posted on Thursday, 8 May 2008 at 10:10
Can't believe I missed the fish being delivered again!!!! Just went to make a coffee and within that time OVS had delivered a fish and EJ gone to eat it!! At least she is being well fed!!
Sixy
Posted on Thursday, 8 May 2008 at 10:46
Melanie, tune in about 14 - 14.30pm. They have changed over at 14.10 - 14.15 the last two days and yesterday he brought her a fish at that time. I also kept missing it until yesterday, it is very frustrating.
Woody
Posted on Thursday, 8 May 2008 at 11:12
Glad the pic is back - is there a problem with sound still or is it my PC? I rely on the calling to check when things are happening....
Maureen
Posted on Thursday, 8 May 2008 at 11:40
Hi Sixy - I am getting a bit possessive now!! I am starting to think EJ and OVS are mine. Have you thought of any names yet for the 'babies'? 'See' you later.
Maureen
Posted on Thursday, 8 May 2008 at 11:41
Melanie, don't to be too upset - IT IS WORTH WAITING FOR.
Andi.K
Posted on Thursday, 8 May 2008 at 13:11
Goodness, EJ looks hot........this might sound a bit stupid, but,does she get dehydrated while incubating, or does she go for a drink when she feeds....??
Sian Jones
Posted on Thursday, 8 May 2008 at 14:23
14.18 Ej arrived back on nest OVS takes to the air. So glad the camera is working wish the sound was though!.........................
friend2b
Posted on Thursday, 8 May 2008 at 16:00
ok help me out...i believe I am 6 hours behind you all. I would love to see him bring food to her. Can you pinpoint down a good time for me? thanks
Sixy
Posted on Thursday, 8 May 2008 at 16:01
Maureen: no I haven't. Are we allowed to name them? Letters sound so clumsy don't they. EJ sounds fine but Oh-vee-ess - it's clumsy. How about Ovis? Runs off the tongue much better!
Administrator
Posted on Thursday, 8 May 2008 at 16:16

We hope that the sound will be restored to the video sometime tomorrow. Please be patient!

To help us reduce costs, it would be really helpful if you close your browser (eg. Internet Explorer, Safari or Firefox) when you're not watching the video. This lessens the load on our system and makes it easier for other viewers to see a higher-quality video stream.

Sian Jones
Posted on Thursday, 8 May 2008 at 17:42
Sixy said:How about Ovis? Sounds like Elvis to me!! 16 days to go I think for the first egg??
friend2b
Posted on Thursday, 8 May 2008 at 18:57
I"ve been doing that admin..I have not been watching for long periods since you said that. Could you all help me with the time difference...when I could possibly see mama getting her fish? thanks from arkansas
John Harwood
Posted on Thursday, 8 May 2008 at 20:32
8:26pm, EJ has gone for a fly about and left the nest unattended
John Harwood
Posted on Thursday, 8 May 2008 at 20:39
8:38pm, she's back....phew
Keith Rogers
Posted on Thursday, 8 May 2008 at 21:47
Hi to all - just joined the blog but have been following all your comments for the previous month. Thanks to all. I live in the Highlands of Scotland 40 minutes from Loch Garten. We had a terrific year 1996 with Henry and EJ and her three chicks. Visited the centre every weekend with my wife from hatching until they fledged and EJ left leaving Henry to bring up the young. Watched them fly away then after henry was happy they flew the nest he left. Dissapointing last year but let us all hope for a repeat of 96. If you can visit loch garten it is very worth while. Henry used to fish at the local fish farm - we picniced there for a small fee and watched him fish and take his catch back tto the nest. A visit to the centre is a lively experience and the countrside along Loch garten is stunning - take your picnic. Hope to now regularly post.
RichardU
Posted on Thursday, 8 May 2008 at 21:54
EJ stayed alert beyond the light coming on. She's beautiful. Feeding time in Arkansas would probably be between 1 and 3am CT and about 8am CT. I like the hand rail effect on the left side of the nest.
david gascoigne
Posted on Friday, 9 May 2008 at 8:26

F.A.O Keith Rogers.

Thanks for your comments about Loch Garten. When you visited in 1996 the two birds were Olive and Ollie, but the experience is the same regardless of which birds are there. Seeing the chicks fly for the first time is always a joy to behold

Lesley Gadsden
Posted on Friday, 9 May 2008 at 14:57

Is there a problem with the video today or is it my PC?  I'm just looking at a black box.  It's been wonderful this year with the live video.  I have been to Loch Garten several times but never at the right time!  This more than makes up for it. Thanks a million..........

Keith Rogers
Posted on Friday, 9 May 2008 at 16:01
Sorry to all - My mistake I was referring to 2006 (Typo Error) not 1996 so i think the birds were EJ and Henry when they raised three chicks but I understand the real father may have been Orange V (Another interesting story). First visit was back in 1970 - I think then the camera tree was the nesting tree. Followed the comings and goings ever since. As david points out it is a wonerful sight to see the birds fledge and the mother leaving and passing all responsibility to the father. You all have a lot to look forward to and hope you can visit the site.
Maureen
Posted on Saturday, 10 May 2008 at 7:36
Nothing has happened (6am-7.30). EJ doing a spot of 'housework', moving bits of moss about. Like Von I am missing the sound, depend on it for any activity. I think we are being spoiled by RSPB this year!!!!!

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