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...

Guinea Bissau still...

Many apologies for the tardy update of Nethy's whereabouts this week  - a mix of computer problems and being unbelievably busy - I can't believe it's only less than three weeks left of March - so much needs to be done before the 1st of April when the Osprey Centre opens up again for the new season. Richard has been calmly coping with everything (more or less!).

The map is updated with last week's data, Nethy is in a similar place to last week. No signs yet that she might head north a bit. I know other ospreys have started to head north, but with Nethy less than a year old, the urge might not be that strong for her.

Up here at Abernethy we haven't yet left the winter behind with snow showers most of Sunday (though it melted rather than settled). Spring is very much on its way though now, a yellowhammer was singing at Nethybridge this morning, dippers are singing along the R. Spey, great spotted woodpeckers are drumming like mad and goldeneye are displaying on Loch Garten.  Hooray.

Alice - Assistant Warden

Posted by Alice Macmillan at 17:04 on 10 March 2009.  16 comments

Comments

Sandra
Posted on Tuesday, 10 March 2009 at 18:13
Thanks for the update Alice. It sounds so idyllic up there.
quietwoman
Posted on Wednesday, 11 March 2009 at 9:40
Thanks for taking time out to update us,Alice. We see signs of spring here in the east, too but it doesn't seem to get a lot warmer yet. Looking forward to seeing EJ and Co. Hope she makes it back safely.
CliveT
Posted on Wednesday, 11 March 2009 at 10:18
Hi Alice Way back in the late 70s BBC2 - "The World About Us" showed what I believe to be one of the greatest nature films of its time - Osprey - I had just bought my first VHS machine and Osprey was the fisrt to be recorded and I still watch it ocaisonally and cherish every minute of it. It's an RSPB film, Filmed and Directed by Hugh Miles and Narated by Robert Powell. If you haven't seen it then see if it is in the RSPB Achives and enjoy. I'm sure if it were to be published and put on sale it would generate funds for Loch Garten. Regards Clivet
Sheila
Posted on Wednesday, 11 March 2009 at 10:24
Thank you, Alice. Love your description of Spring up there. Also pleased to hear about Nethy being so settled. It's awfully exciting to think of all those Ospreys heading north towards us!
anny
Posted on Wednesday, 11 March 2009 at 11:42
Thanks,Alice - sounds as tho' you have been rushed off your feet. Looking forward with great excitement to news of the first arrivals. Can't be too long now!
Margobird
Posted on Wednesday, 11 March 2009 at 12:45
Thanks Alice always good to hear about Nethy. As Sandra says is sounds idyllic there, wish I could join you.
rosie
Posted on Wednesday, 11 March 2009 at 13:26
Thanks Alice.Beatrice still heading home,would love to know where EJ and OVS are will just have to wait.Hope to see you all at centre next wk will bring the dounuts
Lorraine
Posted on Wednesday, 11 March 2009 at 15:11
I'm sure everyone understands Alice... you must all be incredibly busy from now, on to get everything ready in time for the centre to open.
Glynis H
Posted on Wednesday, 11 March 2009 at 18:13
Thanks for the update Alice, please try not to work to hard though I understand the work needs to be done
Sally-A
Posted on Wednesday, 11 March 2009 at 20:52
Thanks Alice. You've certainly got your work cut out for you with the onset of the new season. It must be nice to take the occasional time out to just drink in everything around that has come to life or is cheerfully singing with excitement. It is a wonderful time of year! Looking forward to seeing the osprey nest soon and watching another nail-biting story evolve. I wonder what's in store?
patriciat
Posted on Wednesday, 11 March 2009 at 21:24
Oh, Alice, how I wish I could be in Nethy Bridge to hear the yellowhammers! Would love to be there anyway, waiting for the return of the ospreys. You must all be so busy and so excited. Thanks for taking the time to keep us up to date on what Nethy is doing.
CliveT
Posted on Wednesday, 11 March 2009 at 21:31

Alice  - Update on The World About Us film "Osprey" the film refers to the nest at Loch Garten and could well be the same nest as EJ & OVS use .. Clivet

 

REPLY: CliveT, Alice is way too young to remember The World About Us, but I do & grew up on it, Sunday evenings on BBC 2 if I recall, The Undersea World of Jacques Cousteau, an' all that. Fantastic stuff and I learned so much.  Anyway, yes the osprey film by Hugh Miles is there at the top, a wonderful film.  -  Richard

Sheila
Posted on Friday, 13 March 2009 at 8:44

I'm now desperate to see this wonderful film by Hugh Miles!  Does anyone know a way of getting hold of it?  A search on the RSPB shop website only brings up a fluffy Osprey toy which sings......

CliveT
Posted on Friday, 13 March 2009 at 10:23
Hi Sheila .. If anyone can access it surely Richard can - it has absolute amazing shots of an Osprey diving and retrieving a Trout you wonder if the bird is ever going to get airbourne again - I do hope you can see it or better still purchase a copy and I'm sure you will watch and watch over and over again. So come on Richard do your stuff ........................ Please !
Sally-A
Posted on Friday, 13 March 2009 at 14:48
Sheila, if you try the Scottish Film Archive, you might possibly find the film you are looking for. Good luck!
theoceansswitch
Posted on Thursday, 19 March 2009 at 14:49
Hi all I think I have that Osprey film on video. I definitely have an Osprey documentary on tape which I'm sure is narrated by Robert Powell - lots of slow motion shots of ospreys hunting and snapping branches for the nest - it's a double feature with 'The Secret Reeds'. I'll have a look when I get home. Watched it again last year - very atmospheric.

Add a comment

Please sign in or register to add a comment.

© The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds. Terms & conditions Contact us