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...

For Your Information

The usual updated blog will be written some time in the next few days.... this entry is merely information for our many viewers and readers.

Firstly, the sound issue...... We are aware that there are problems with the sound from the nest, we are trying to fix this as quickly as we can. The problem has been reported to the technical staff and they assure us that it is a priority. PLEASE DO NOT ring the Osprey Centre regarding this problem as we can not give you any more information that what I have already given you here. I apologise if the lack of sound is spoiling your enjoyment of the live viewing... the problem is being addressed.

Next, the hatching of our eggs. The average incubation period is 37 days, however, we have had incubation periods as short as 31 days and as long as 42 days so we can never definitely say when it is going to happen. We will, of course, post a blog immediately when the hatching(s) take place, saying that, I would expect to see at least one chick by Wednesday morning.

Blog comments....... (1) Please keep these relevent to the ospreys and (2) Your comments may not be posted immediately as they need to be vetted for abusive language or inappropriate statements. Please be patient, if your comment is appropriate and relates to the ospreys there is little doubt that it will be accepted.

Finally, a thank you to those people who have supported our work this season and joined the RSPB via the blog, it is good to know that all the efforts of my team are being appreciated.

The next blog will be on Saturday, unless of course we have some extra-ordinary events.

Many thanks for all of your comment, e-mails, suggestions and of course support.

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 9:55 on 22 May 2008.  33 comments

Comments

Maureen
Posted on Thursday, 22 May 2008 at 15:01

Hi David......thank you for your information, especially re the hatching times and the sound problem. Although sound would add to the enjoyment I am extremely grateful that I can see the 'goings on' in the Osprey 'household':  much better than still photos. Thanks again and the team's work is appreciated.

jackie H
Posted on Thursday, 22 May 2008 at 15:18

I still think your views of the nest are the best on the internet and can't wait to watch the chicks hatching, hopefully. It is a pity the sound has been temporarily lost because the calls the birds make are so beguiling but I find the whole technical side amazing and am so impressed to see and hear anything at all! We will be up in mid june to visit Loch Garten for the third time and hopefully see the youngsters, no mean feat from Sussex. Well done and good luck to you all in the coming nerve racking days.

Susan Branch
Posted on Thursday, 22 May 2008 at 16:06

Hello David, I would also like to add my thanks to those of Maureen and Jackie. Although it is ashame about the sound, what we have now from last year is mind blowing....I still cannot get over when I log in that I am watching the drama unfold before me of EJ and OVS daily routine that it is all happening live up in Scotland whilst we are right down in the South. Thank you again to you all up in Loch Garten....what a Fantastic team you are.

tom
Posted on Thursday, 22 May 2008 at 16:14
i cant wait until they hatch ive been following theis progress from the start great stuff polly pike
Andi.K
Posted on Thursday, 22 May 2008 at 16:15

Thanks for updates...got used to no sound..pics are just wonderful. EJ looking very relaxed at the moment..I'm sure she is conserving energy ready for the hard work of 3, hopefully, hungry mouths to feed.

Jandy
Posted on Thursday, 22 May 2008 at 16:53
I have a complaint: osprey-watching is addictive, and I'm spending far too much time doing so! I feel it's a real privilege to be able to be present (virtually) at he nest - so thanks to you all for setting it up. I'm visiting my son over the long weekend to see his new house and, to my horror, there'll be no internet connection. How will I cope?! I love the peregrines in Chichester. How quickly they grow!
John Harwood
Posted on Thursday, 22 May 2008 at 16:57
Thanks for the info David, this is my first year following the Ospreys on your webcam and I echo everyone elses's comments about how good the picture is, it really is wonderful to see such magnificent birds so close up. My wife and I have joined the RSPB just on the strength of this site, I am more than happy to contribute to help preserve the future of these and other birds. Thanks to everyone for the updates as it is hard to keep track whilst at work!
Amy
Posted on Thursday, 22 May 2008 at 17:14
17.13 OVS brought in a fish (not huge by the looks of it) wow, it's so exciting when you see them coming in
Carol
Posted on Thursday, 22 May 2008 at 17:50
I don't mind the fact that there is no sound in the least. Just to see these rare birds live is a wonder in its self. My goodness I hope EJ can keep this nest cleaner than the poor peregrine falcon nest at Chichester when those chicks hatch. There are a large number of pigeon feathers and bones covering the ledge. I do remember that at Loch Garten when we visited in 2006, one chick's aim had been so good that the camera lens had been almost completely obscured!!!
Maureen
Posted on Thursday, 22 May 2008 at 21:29
All quiet tonight......is it the calm before the storm???
Lesley Gadsden
Posted on Thursday, 22 May 2008 at 21:38
Thanks for the info re the sound problem. Can't wait for the hatchings - I have to say that this live video has the clearest views I have seen on live video webcams. So nice not to have the usual jerky pics. Really enjoying it and as Maureen said it's so much better than still photos. Much lighter in Speyside at this time of night than it is down in the south!!!! Fingers crossed for the next few days (and weeks!!!!).
ospreywatcher
Posted on Thursday, 22 May 2008 at 22:41
I completey understand... does anyone know the expected day of the first hatching so I can watch all day...I can't wait!!!!!!
Sixy
Posted on Friday, 23 May 2008 at 8:42
David we all love these pictures with or without sound. They are so clear and when our babies hatch we will have just the most fantastic view of them. It is such a privilege to watch these majestic birds in their own wild environment and hopefully to watch three chicks grow into adulthood. Don't know what we will all do when their gone, they have become like family.
Maureen
Posted on Friday, 23 May 2008 at 10:31
Still all quiet at the Osprey 'house'......Carol how can you doubt EJ's housekeeping ability? I have got good news I would like to share......saw my first 'baby' sparrow yesterday.... and am now waiting for the influx of more, plus 'baby' starlings!!!! What a noise!
Sixy
Posted on Friday, 23 May 2008 at 12:52

I have read that the first sign of hatching will be when EJ or VS start looking and listening  to the chicks inside the eggs.  Apparently they make little cheeping, peeping noises.  So keep your eyes open for that.  Was watching EJ late last night and she was peacefully asleep with her head tucked into her wings.  They must really be able to relax when it gets dark without fear of intruders.

Carol
Posted on Friday, 23 May 2008 at 13:03

Maureen, I am sure EJ's house keeping will be up to scratch but with three (hopefully) untidy babies it will be a struggle. We have the most wonderful grandstand view of our blackbirds which nest right outside our front window every year. The two parents are busy feeding the chicks all day. These babies are extremely vocal and getting louder every day! However,our noisy starling babies seem to have left the roof recently. I have noticed that this year there are considerably fewer swallows and housemartins around our village in the North-East of England. The wood pigeons are so fat they can hardly fly! Meanwhile back at EJ's house.......

tae345
Posted on Friday, 23 May 2008 at 13:24
Good morning. Has ej eaten today? Ovs is finally starting to bring her some fish to eat. Lets hope he keeps in up the good work for when the babies come!
Maureen
Posted on Friday, 23 May 2008 at 16:34
Hi Ospreywatcher......David's info. (see above) gives the answer to your hatching question and I too can hardly wait to see the 'births': I wonder who of us will be the first to see them? Carol, I know what you mean about the wood pigeons but aren't they lovely. EJ seems to be doing a lot of shouting at the moment.
Maureen
Posted on Friday, 23 May 2008 at 16:37
PS. EJ has just flown away with a big fish... now I know why she was 'shouting'.
tom
Posted on Friday, 23 May 2008 at 17:27
what a site,about a month ago my wife and i visited your centre where we were unfortunate not to see e,j or orange,on returning home we found this link and have been hooked ever since,we both hope everything goes to plan concerning the chicks,we cant wait till the day arrives when all the chicks fly off on their big journey. p.s, cant wait to see who draws the short straw when it comes to climbing the ladder to the nest for tagging etc, yours mr and mrs pike
Maureen
Posted on Saturday, 24 May 2008 at 8:29
IS IT HAPPENING!!! EJ and OVS are together and appear to be listening to the eggs.................fingers crossed.
Carol
Posted on Saturday, 24 May 2008 at 8:35
Morning! Both birds on the nest after OVS brings in some nesting material BUT EJ reluctant to take the chance of a rest from incubating and won't budge. Has something happened or is about to happen!!!! The waiting is almost too much now.
Maureen
Posted on Saturday, 24 May 2008 at 8:44
Sorry folks.....I am not usually a 'panicky' person but on this occasion.....and the next few days you will forgive me?
Carol
Posted on Saturday, 24 May 2008 at 9:01
There's a chick!!!!!!
JANICE KIRKLAND
Posted on Saturday, 24 May 2008 at 9:02
9.01 is something moving? jan
Amy
Posted on Saturday, 24 May 2008 at 9:06
Oh my god, is it my imagination or is there something other than EJ moving in the nest?
quietwoman
Posted on Saturday, 24 May 2008 at 9:06
Woweee!!!!!! First hatch!!!! Well done EJ and VS. It's so exciting! First time I got on today and what should I see but EJ standing and movement from one of the eggs! I'm not seeing things, or dreaming am I????
stevieboy
Posted on Saturday, 24 May 2008 at 9:09
hi team do my eyes decive me or did i just see a chick half emerged from the egg at 9.00 am this morning i do hope so good luck EJ and OVS
Maureen
Posted on Saturday, 24 May 2008 at 9:19
Happy Birthday 'baby' hatchling..... so I was not panicking at 8.29!!!! Isn't it miraculous and great for EJ after last year's heartbreak. Well done to the new parents.
Tex
Posted on Saturday, 24 May 2008 at 10:13
EJ just went for a wee fly and there in the nest is a chick hatching. It was a magnificent sight. I just happened to be watching. Oh it was fantastic.
Sian Jones
Posted on Saturday, 24 May 2008 at 21:27
Congrats to EJ & OVS and all you hardworking staff up there! IWe have just had our first glimpse, ah cute!!
tom
Posted on Saturday, 24 May 2008 at 23:39
anyone got a vid replay of the chick hatching would really want to be able to watch it as it happens we have all been watching the site as much as possible and missed out on the hatching of the chick sitting up now 24/7 so we dont miss the next chick to hatch regards from the pike family
tom
Posted on Sunday, 25 May 2008 at 0:51
hiya im Mark u guys are inspiring great to see our wildlife being protected so well keep up the good work x x

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