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Wonderful news!  I'm so pleased it's EJ - thrilled to bits here!  Thinking of you all in Loch Garten...

Oh great news. No doubt that the osprey season has started now.

I know you're all very busy setting up, but please - I don't suppose you can give us a little hint to when the webcam will be running because I imagine we will all be spending time checking it constantly just in case, but if we know roughly when it'll be that would save a lot of time!

Best news of the day! Desperate to see her for myself now. Wouldnt it be wonderful if Henry turned up again!!! See you all in May!

Isn't it wonderful to embark on another fantastic summer with the Loch Garten ospreys. A million thanks to all of you guys who work so hard and keep us so comprehensively informed. It is my ambition to get over from Ireland to visit your wonderful reserve this year. May I wish you all the very best for a happy and successful summer season.

Wonderful news, Richard - and she arrived on my birthday, too!  Going to look at the webcam now.  Hope I can get to see them in the flesh this year, but if not the pictures will keep me from having too many withdrawal symptoms.

REPLY: Happy Birthday Patriciat - Richard

Great that EJ is back looking forward to another eventful season, no doubt!!!  Whats happening to Nethy, I have been checking the Tracking page and there has been no update for 2 weeks, is she still there or is she heading back here?

REPLY: We have had some problems recently with accessing data/insufficient data.  The next data set should be available on Monday, so we hope to have an up-date on her early next. - Richard

Good Morning up there .... Richard, will the Webcam be set back from the nest a bit as it seems far too close and slightly out of focus at present.

Sorry for being an Eager Beaver.

CliveT

REPLY: The nest camera is in exactly the same position as last year.  It can only fix to one point and is fixed focus.  Looks alright to me on my computer.  It is a bit blurry, it could be rain on the lens.  It's a very wet day here today.  -  Richard

Hello again everyone.  Have been keeping up with the blogs over the winter and looking forward to the new season.  Great to see EJ back again - still waiting for my first glimpse.  Will be in the area over the weekend but will resist the urge to come over.  The highs and lows last season were fantastic and if this season is half as exciting we're in for a treat and an emotional roller-coaster again.  Thanks to all involved.  Without you we wouldn't be able to be part of this wonderful spectacle.  

As an avid watcher from last summer, I've finally got the blog bug.  Just been watching EJ on the nest - she looks fabulous.

Thanks for getting the camera up and running so quickly.

Any plans to satellite tag this years chicks? (fascinating study, tho not sure my nerves will cope)

REPLY: Hoping to.  More on this anon. - Richard

Video Tip. If you cannot see EJ on the web page small view (which is only showing the top left quarter of the picture on my browser), try a right click/zoom/fullscreen, and then you can see a lot more, perhaps EJ included on the right of the picture. This is the case at the moment. I do not remember this happening last year, though. She is looking very well after her long break in the sun!

just logged on to webcam today and got my first view of EJ, she looks absolutely fantastic considering the journey she has just made.  I am really looking forward to the next few months and my trip to Loch garten in may to 'see for myself' how all the family is doing

Wonderful to see her back. She has my original initials so I feel very protective of her. I wish I had her big wings though, it has just taken me three-quarters of an hour to get home through Dunstable, only 2 miles!! Guess the M1 is spooked again.

Have booked the holiday for May and done a good job persuading partner that the walking round Loch Garten way is fabulous (he doesn't like to stand still and watch birds very much). I can then come and say 'hello' to all you guys and say my thanks in person for the entertainment over the winter. Wonderful to see how many bloggers, like myself, have obviously been following things without signing in. Liz

Watched EJ on the nest for a while this afternoon. Can't believe the saga is starting all over again. Winter must have passed more quickly than I realised! Husband's chances of coming home to a meal on the table are fast receeding! Intending to visit on 1st so hope EJ will be visible.

Hi . I live in Kent, and I have been following the Ospreys for most years now. It was great to see that EJ came back yesterday. I have just been watching her on the nest,and there has been a reporting of another Osprey at Romney, Nr Dungeness in Kent Just back from Africa.

Just arrived back to Inverurie to hear the great news of EJ return. Working last week in Midalands area and managed to visit Rutland Water where they received back regular residents at the weekend. Following Roy Dennis satellited birds and two out of three are on their way home to Forres. Will be interesting which male takes up residency looking forward to my first visit in April.

Strange how some adult birds still have not set out from Africa yet. I imagine nethy will stay put in Guinea Bissau - what a splendid daughter she has turned out to be lets hope EJ does us proud again.

Loch of the Lowes camera is

 http://www.thewebbroadcastingcorporation.com/swt/swt.php

Great to see that EJ is back. I'll have to believe all of you who have seen her because she is evading my attempts. I can't complain too much as last friday I was lucky enough to see the Loch of the Lowes female return. Joelann, I have a page I did last season with both cameras on side by side. for most of the summer it was the first page I loaded each computer visit.

BarbaraAnne this is the link for Loch of the Lowes webcam, hope this helps

http://www.thewebbroadcastingcorporation.com/swt/swt.php

brilliant  news - hope OJ returns soon, or maybe she'll have eyes for a new guy this year, who knows.  Here's to all the highs n lows mother nature and the ospreys have in store for us throughout the coming months.  Hooked again

Richard, I have played with the monitor controls and it does seem a bit better - when I saw EJ earlier she had a blue top to her head so I await her return to see if she is the same.

One thing ... is there sound as I cannot hear any sound whatsoever ... sorry to ask so many questions Richard !

CliveT

REPLY: The blue-ness is where, in bright sunshine, any white colouring, on EJ or bleached nest sticks etc, can "flare" a bit making it look turquoise. We cannot do anything about that now, I'm afraid. -  Richard

Hi BarbaraAnne

If you copy and paste http://www.thewebbroadcastingcorporation.com/swt/swt.php it will take you to Loch of Lowes webcam. Or google Loch of Lowes webcam.

A male at the Rutland Osprey project has arrived back and there are some lovely photos on http://www.ospreys.org.uk/Breeding2009B.htm

http://www.thewebbroadcastingcorporation.com/swt/swt.php

BarbaraAnne, here is the link to the webcam and it is free.

Great to see EJ today and agree with everyone she is looking super.

Thanks to Richard and his team keeping us all "bubbling away" over the winter ready to spring right into action now.

We had a three week birdwatching in India this year and had Ospreys,  on two occassions, in Corbett and Bharatpur.  Bharatpur slowly returning to its former glory  - fantastic

REPLY: That's great to hear Soosin. I've been to both places several times myself. The last time I was at Bharatpur it was in a poor state, so wonderful to know that it is better now.  Do Siberian Cranes return to winter there, like they used to in the 1980s I wonder?  -  Richard

Trust me to not be about when EJ returned yesterday!

I am so glad she has come back safe and sound and according to those who have seen her on the webcam, looking plump and healthy too!

Well done EJ ...I look forward to months of nest watching and hope all goes well this season with healthy chicks and a doting Dad as well as Mum.

Poor EJ - it's snowing

Poor EJ !! Her nest is covered in snow. I hope the tree she is in  has some cover for her

Great news about EJs return the weather looks dreadful up there today - poor EJ hope she is snuggled up somewhere safe .

Loch of the Lowes webcam is here she seems to sleep on the nest but just as well EJ didnt last night .!! http://www.thewebbroadcastingcorporation.com/swt/swt.php

Poor EJ -she's left the warmth of North Africa and look whats she'scome home to! Will the male go to the nest as usual if he turns up?

OMG what a scene I have just witnessed through the webcam SNOW SNOW and more SNOW sorry EJ but I'm sure you have seen these stuff before

CliveT

Winter isn't letting go just yet, is it? You have had a lot of snow! What was EJ's reaction I wonder. Poor thing, having just arrived from her nice warm winter quarters she has to put up with this sort of weather. Has this delayed your preparations for April 1st., or is there lots to do inside? Hope you've still got your thermals to hand.

9.12AM EJ landed on nest....9.19AM took off again....just the claw prints in the snow now!

Snow?!?!? Nice welcome back for EJ!! Good to hear she's come back and am looking forwards to another 'exciting' breeding season! :o)

Just checked in to see the snow covered nest - poor EJ she'll be shivering after her winter sunshine.

I haven't been lucky enough to see EJ yet.

The weather looks rough up there today hopefully it'll clear soon.

Looking forward to 2009 Osprey viewing!

For everyone wondering why there is no camera availability it's because we awoke to masses of snow and it is covered in snow... Be patient it's now 10.30 and the suns out and hopefully thawing it.!!!

This is the web site you want BarbaraAnne  http://www.thewebbroadcastingcorporation.com/swt/swt.php  

Can anyone tell me how long the camera will be off - is it the snow that is affecting it?

Once again it is great to hear EJ is back at her summer residence - However lets all wish the other Ospreys returning to their breeding grounds the very best. Some have returned, some still on their journey with stop overs and some still to leave. The winds are worrying this weekend - already one of Roy Dennis birds has been blown west out into the Atlantic a little but made landfall North of Cadiz but may have to traverse the Bay of Biscay being so far west. Still an arduous journey even for the most experienced of birds and brings back the thoughts of Deshar.

The weather today in Aberdeenshire very cold back to winter - EJ will want to go back to her winter resort. Not spotted any residents returning to their usual haunts in Aberdeenshire yet but am on the look out coming weeks. HASTE YE ALL BACK SAFELY.

Is it just me or is the picture from the web cam a little strange this morning (9:00am US time). I can tell right now that there is a bird on the nest (hopefully EJ) but the picture appears to be in color negative.

Is it just my computer? Or is piture all red and blue? Think I can see an image of EJ

REPLY: Camera problems yesterday, Saturday.  Took us all day to find the fault and rectify.  Should be ok now though  -  Richard

Thank you so much Richard for letting us know EJ is back. I only just tuned in and couldn't believe she is back safe and sound so soon. I can't get the webcam for some reason its funny colours but never mind I know it will be sorted in time. Welcome back everyone for another fun filled season.

Looks as though winter has returned today (Saturday 28th). It was nice to see EJ this morning even if she was in 'glorious technicolour'. Glad the webcam is back to normal now, hopefully my next glimpse won't be too far away.

Having followed Nethy's long and hazardous flight south, it makes it all the more amazing to see that EJ's managed a similar journey (in reverse) yet again! So glad she's safe and sound.  

Have enjoyed watching a pair of bullfinches on my feeders today.  The male is looking magnificent!  The frog in my pond laid spawn on the 19th March.  Is that early?

REPLY: Bullfinches on a feeder, wow.  That's unusual.  As for early frog spawn, that depends where you are.  It would be early for up here in Hyperborea, but in the deep south, then I doubt it.  -  Richard

Is it possible that EJ has moved house as she seems to spend very little time on this nest and is not bringing in material?

REPLY: Fear not, she is sat in a nearby tree eating a fish.  -  Richard

The female Osprey at Loch of the Lowes, for which I have chosen to give the name Loti, ( she has no identifying leg ring due to being an older lady ) has been joined by two other Ospreys and this morning she has commenced mating with one of the new arrivals ( could not identify the leg ring that would confirm her long term returning partner ). I have yet to capture sight of EJ, but I am sure with today being warmer and the sun putting in an appearance, it might inspire her to make a start to preparing her nest and keeping an eye on the sky for this seasons mate.

Will it be harder for EJ to find fish whilst it's so cold? Don't they swim deeper? Any sign of a male yet? Haven't managed to see EJ yet....each time I tune in the nest is empty.

REPLY: EJ is there, on station, perched in a nearby tree.  I suspect that perching and gripping a branch, is more comfortable than standing flat-footed in the nest, which she will be doing for long enough, eventually & hopefully, so it is perhaps more comfortable to perch nearby while she can.  Why sit cross-legged on the floor if you can have a chair.  Rest assured, she's there.  No sign of any males yet.  Yes fishing can be more difficult when it is cold, as you say, fish tend to be/go deeper and rain and wind ruffles the surface of lochs making seeing fish all the more difficult.  She's managing though, having returned with several fish since her arrival last Wednesday evening.  -  Richard

Haven't managed to see EJ since the first day - so thanks to everyone who's reported seeing her, I'm not so worried now!  Hope it's not long before a mate arrives for her!

BTW - is it unusual for Bullfinches to come to feeders?: We have a pair that come regularly- the tits and robins take one seed and fly off, but the bullfinches just perch and eat their fill!

REPLY:  Well I just say it is unusual, but that's because I've never seen it.  Perhaps it's more common than I know.  Saw a robin doing it yesterday and long-tailed tits doing this winter, the first time I'd seen that.  Maybe I need to get out more!  -  Richard

Richard, a question...

How long from mating to egg laying ????

REPLY: Whilst mating might be seen to occur, not all matings are successful, hence they mate very frequently. Eggs could be expected about 10-14 days after a successful mating.  -  Richard

Hi Richard - I was away with your group of staff in the Peebles doing our RSPB training when we got the message EJ was back!   A great cheer went up and not on the first occasion, during that week, I had a tear in my eye.  You have a great gang joining you at LG - we had a great time! Dont forget, anyone planning to come to Mull, the Eagle viewing hide opens on Monday 6th April - full details here http://www.rspb.org.uk/datewithnature/sites/mull/index.asp

Here's to a great season - for both ospreys and sea eagles!

Glad to hear EJ is nearby.  Sensible to stay out of view of the camera for as long as she can.

Richard - we have long tailed tits on our feeders and birdtable - they pass through several times a day, but they only appeared last autumn.  I'd never seen them before that.

REPLY: Given that L-t-tits featured highly in the recent Big Garden Birdwatch, suggesting a move into gardens like never before, that this has given rise to some newly learned behaviour - eating at feeders.  After all, it stands to reason that if you're there and see blue, great and coal tits tucking in, you'd want a piece of the action too, wouldn't you?  -  Richard

Thanks for your reassurance Richard, that EJ is OK and nearby the nest.  I was beginning to get that familiar feeling of Osprey panic that I experienced so much last year!  So early in the season too!  

I've seen her at last!  And isn't she fat compared with the old girl at the Loch of the Lowes!  Great to see her looking so well.

I've just seen her for the second time, tidying the nest again.  What a consciencious nestwife she is.

The turquoise evening attire gives an exotic look.  This is so exciting.  I thought I might not get so gripped this year, but I feel it coming on.  My husbands membership renewal came through so we have upgraded to joint membership and I have my own card for our visit in August.

EJ doing a bit of housekeeping in the last of the sunshine......she is looking good.

Once again thank you. Cam pictures are excellent. Just been watching EJ nest building and to see the vaious shades of colour and sheen of her feathers so clearly is lovely. Wish I could look so good after such a long journey!

Hello Watchers .. you may or may not know but you can watch the nest at Full Screen .. put your curser in the video field and then Richt click on your mouse and choose Zoom and the Full Sceen .. to returrn to small screen right click and choose Exit Full Screen.

Happy Viewing ....

Richard, is there any chance of sound as we did last year.

CliveT

I've finally seen EJ! At 6:55 pm Sunday, UK time, there she is standing bold as brass on her nest. A wonderful site indeed!

After spending my last 3 years visiting loch garten and falling in love with the ospreys its great to be able to keep updated about their progress. Ive just been watching EJ at the nest for about 10mins she even arranged a few branches (must be trying to settle in) great to see her back. Keep up the good work at Loch Garten and I look forward to visiting whilst on holiday again this year.

AT 6:15 UK time  EJ is on the nest restlessly moving twigs around, while looking around  as if  she is looking for someone. I wonder if a male arrived

Hooray!! Have just seen EJ....she was making an interesting job of nest arranging. I do wonder what a nest would look like if it was entirely left up to her, instead of being provided by LG!!

It's great to see the live streaming of the nest when I'm at home, but I like to check in during my lunch as well and office computers are not so accommodating.  Is there any chance that you will also be showing a static picture of the nest that updates every two minutes (like the feeder)?

Richard, I know you must be really busy doing last minute things to prepare for opening on Wednesday but any chance of an update...

Has any male been seen around the nest or with EJ ? plus as she has not been on the nest for a while is all O.K ???? Can you see her in the tree or around ??

Thanks Barbara

REPLY: EJ's fine.  On site most of the time, just prefers/more comfortable (?) to perch in a tree than stand in the nest.  Once we get a male then she'll be at/on the nest much more often.  -  Richard

Still no sign of VS Richard, EJ looks so lonely sitting all by herself. People are saying on another forum that he may not come back this year as he is quite an old bird now, what do you think? Do you think that EJ will be looking to set up with a younger model this year?

REPLY: At 17, VS is no spring chicken that's for sure, as to whether he'll show, who knows, we'll just have to wait and see.  Any day now we'll get a male, I'm sure.  -  Richard

I started to follow the Loch Of The Lowes & Loch Garten Oprey late in the breeding season last year, I got hooked then, now I'm here right from the start and even more hooked!!

It's both reassuring and frustrating to read the blog when EJ is off the nest, reassuring to know she's safe but frustrating not to be able to be there to see her!!!

Like a few other followers housework is now a thing of the past and I have both web cams running simultaneously on minimize!!

I started watching The Loch Garten & The Loch Of The Lowe's osprey late in last years breeding  season, I got hooked then, this year I'm in from the start and I'm even more hooked, like everyone else the mundane day to day living has ceased and housework has become a thing of the past.

I find it both reassuring and frustrating to read the blog, reassuring to know that EJ is safe when off the nest and frustrating not to be there to see her!

Thank you all for the hard work which must take place to enable both experienced and novice watchers like myself to witness this natural and wonderful thing!

Hi everyone, Wee Jeannie - we also have bullfinches come to our feeders even though the RSPB book says it never happens! It's a joy in May when the male brings the fledglings to learn. We also have a group of 6 long-tailed tits come several times a day and they all feed together on the one feeder with all their heads packed close together. The colour and song from these gorgeous balls of fluff makes them my favourite "from the window" birding. Here in Eskdale we are lucky enough to have a thriving red squirrel population and this week we've had otters back on the tarn outside my windows - who needs Springwatch! Happy Spring to all and especially the LG team - I'll be back up there with you in May.

In reply to Wee Jeannie about the Bullfinches, I have a pair that do exactly as you say. They normally perch in a tree for a few minutes then both land on the bird table, eat until full then fly off. This is the 1st year I have seen them and I have lived here for 10 years.

Scoops said

A safe return! Very well done EJ.  For yourselves and all the volunteers, my heartfelt congratulations.  Without your dedicated work, we would not be able to share in this amazing spectacle each year.  A sincere thank you. It was thrilling to see her on the nest once more and certainly looking in beautiful condition.

Richard – Do you know if there has been an occasion in the past at Loch Garten when a returning female osprey had a futile summer wait for a male?

REPLY:  No we have never been without a male osprey.  Their arrival times have varied though.  One will show, soon.  Or I'll eat my binoculars -  Richard

Fantastic - been waiting for 4 days to see EJ and have just watched her now.  I do wonder how far she has travelled and where from.  Very glad she looks so well.  

Just to follow on about various birds on feeders we too have bullfinches, goldfinches, robins, long tailed tits, plus the other tits and redpolls all feeding off niger seed and sunflower hearts - wonderful to watch - no wonder I don't get any housework done and there will be even less now EJ is back!

Interesting comments about bull finches and longtail tits, we have both visit our garden, the bull finches i've only ever seen eating seeds from the wild flower garden (despite having a feeder - so far untouched) but the longtails (I'd never seen them before a couple of years ago) congregate in the lime and apple trees and also eat at the feeders.... We also have recently had a woodpecker (I think Greater spotted, but not sure) move in recently, aren't birds fantastic??!

if you haven't heard about the new RSPB site at Saltholm you should look it up, it's not far from where we live and is going to be a fantastic site to view all sorts of birds.

i haven't seen EJ on the nest yet, so thanks for the information that she's close by.

can't wait for a male to arrive, wonder who it'll be?

I've only just managed to sign in as I got my long awaited laptop!! Great to see that EJ is back and hopefully a male is on his way, so my addiction to this has started already. What am I going to do this year having to work, last year I was off with a broken ankle. Not that I want that again, but still.....

I am getting Osprey panic now - Where is EJ's mate? It seems most other nests have their male osprey there. Is it still early?

How is Nethy doing? Do you have any more information on her?

Thanks for everything you do x

REPLY:  Fear ye not, we will get a male.  It is just a matter of time.   -  Richard

Not being able to watch during work hours I am wondering if any males have attempted to land on the nest. If a new male does turn up will EJ mate with him or hold out for her regular partner?

REPLY: I suspect she'll accept whoever shows first and is most persistent. - Richard

Richard - Many thanks for your convincing and reassuring answer though I have been told by 2 young children that in fact there are edible jelly sweets in the form of ‘binoculars, spectacles, telescopes etc’.

I hope at least one other member of this blog is being as wrongfully sentimental as I am in convincing self that the beautiful EJ looks somewhat forlorn as she gazes skywards in the hope of spotting her mate.  For someone who teaches all levels of conservation students, I find it astonishing that just one wild bird can bring out such irrational human emotions, especially when the saga has hardly commenced.

Fantastic to EJ on the nest again this morning. I too will have the scene in the background on my work computer all day again to see this year's story unfold. Although watching the antics of the little birds and squirrels through the winter has been quite amusing too!

One question, is there any sound, or is it a fault on my computer? I'm sure I remember there being sound last year.  I looked at the SWT one and there is sound on that.