Blogs

Odin - I like it!

Richard - having read on this blog, as well as the Facebook Loch Garten Bloggers, various suggestions for a collection for a memorial for The Wee Yin, Deshar & Nethy may I suggest the following:

An RSPB fund raising campaign with any monies collected to go towards research and, hopefully, resolution of the problems faced by Ospreys on their African wintering grounds.  I imagine that some of the local fisherman see the Ospreys as competition and drive them off or kill them.  Fishing nets may well be another hazard that they face.  Roy Dennis made the comment that there is severe over-fishing along the West African coast by commercial trawlers and I fear this will exacerbate the current situation.

We have all heard about the success of The Albatross Campaign and a similar effort by all of us would make a terrific memorial to 3 “Special” Osprey chicks.

Pip

REPLY: It is of course kindly & thoughtful of you and others to make such suggestions.  However it isn't always straightforward to suddenly initiate new campaigns and work programme areas, which can need quite a lot of planning and long lead-in time, and it is difficult to know just how much such financial support might be forthcoming, in order to make plans and get the campaign machine running etc. and there is a "waiting list" of sorts for campaigns, usually of global or UK importance.

I would suggest that in the first instance, if you and others feel you would like to do something, then the first key things you might like to condsider are; a) to join RSPB to support it's wide range of work, (if you are members already, then spread the word and encourage others to join too), b) consider becoming a Friend of Abernethy and so support the work we do here at Abernethy (which includes Loch Garten) and c) be sure to sign the Bird of Prey campaign pledge.  We will though give thought to what else might be appropriate.  Thanks Pip.

Richard 

I love the name for the new male, rolls of the tongue nicely with EJ.  Good luck to them both and look forward to all the blogs as 2009 season gets under way.  Thank you Richard for keeping us up to date, especially as we are unlikely to be coming to Loch Garten this year, living in Hampshire it is a bit of a long way for a dya's trip!!!!! So I shall revel in the delights of the web.  What would we do without it!

Odin is a fine looking bird and seems to be pretty well house trained doesn't he?  Some of those furnishings are bigger than him :-). I know we had sound on something last year, but could  it have been the Goshawks do you think.

Also I saw the return of the Peregrine Falcons on The One Show the other day...will their cameras be on here this year as well please?

I just saw a great tit on the (empty) nest! Wonder if it was eyeing up some of EJ's moss for its own nest?

Perfect name for EJ's new mate.... I too have great hopes for this new partnership this year.

What amazes me is how he just flew in and took over,as if he was used to the nest and EJ.

So different to last year when she was lucky to get half a fish out of VS.

Let's hope for good weather and then all will be set fair for a good season ...provided of course that another male doesn't evict Odin from the nest.

Thanks for the info, Richard! Odin is a very good name for our mystery male, who seems to be doing all the right things so far. Good luck to both of them! I wouldn't like to think anything bad has befallen Orange VS - but I'm sort of glad he's not with EJ this year. She deserves a bit more looking after this time! Is it feasable, Richard, that he could still turn up and oust Odin?

REPLY: It is of course possible that VS could yet turn up, he's an old stager now at 17 years of age, but older ospreys have and do return.  He was though, in my opinion, always a bit of a feartie, a great Scots word that, meaning a scardy-cat.  In the years when we had Henry, always arriving back late as was his want, he had no problem seeing-off VS, who would wimp-off at the first sign of trouble, tail between his legs. Odin seems to be very a confident male, seems to know what and who he wants, so if VS dares to darken the LG doors, I reckon that he'll take one look at the God of (variously) War, Battles, Death and Thunder and think twice about making a move on re-taking the Garetn nest and re-claiming EJ.  However, we shall see.  Much intrigue to come no doubt in the coming days and weeks.  -  Richard.

 FANTASTIC NAME I THINK ODIN IS A NORSE GOD NOT SURE ANY WAYS

 I WOULD JUST LIKE TO SAY WELCOME ODIN TO LOCH GARTEN.

 THANKS FOR THE UPDATE RICHARD ABOUT THE PROGRESS OF THE

 OSPREYS AT LOCH GARTEN.

 FROM SIMON JOHN LEACH.

It's great to be able to have a birds eye view of the nest ( excuse the pun )

Will there be sound this year? I ask this because I leave my laptop logged into the webcam, if i need to potter about the house I can hear them calling, so I come running back !

REPLY:  We're working on trying to get the sound sorted.  -  Richard

Thanks for the  update and what a wonderful name Odin is.  As yet I have only seen EJ but looking forward to seeing Odin who from all accounts is doing all the right things for EJ.

Odin is a good name for the unringed male and hopefully EJ and Odin will have a successful season. On another note the resident female in Galloway has turned up minus her leg ring so lets all hope something similar has happened to Nethy s tag.

Richard a question you ... are you able to give an approximate age of Odin - are there any tell tale signs which ages an Osprey ?

I watch two kinds of Ospreys, Fearthered and ones that play Rugby http://www.ospreysrugby.com/  and I must say the Feathered kind are doing heaps better than the Rugby ones Ha Ha

Good choice, Odin is a fine strong name, most appropriate.  I’m so glad, well more relieved we have a new male at LG.  EJ deserves a good mate, someone to look after her.  Odin is so handsome and so far is showing many qualities.  I’m confident Odin will defend EJ, the nest, and be a fine provider.

BTW anyone living/visiting south east Scotland, “The Life of Ospreys” - Roy Dennis is speaking at Edinburgh Zoo this Thursday.  Talk will be held in the Zoo’s Education Centre between 4.00pm and 5.00pm.  Tickets can be booked by telephone – 0131 553 0322 or online www.sciencefestival.co.uk  

I, too sincerely hope that Odin will be able to fend off other suitors and become a good provider for EJ and ‘family’. I would also like to reiterate what the majority of bloggers have written and that is your are all doing a remarkable job at the centre and both the wildlife and selves are indebted to you. I will certainly be visiting next month. As to whether I take up the challenge and bring a number of my students is as yet undecided. A question – Do incoming unsuccessful male ospreys spend a solitary summer within the location they were born or do they actually in any way ‘socialise’ with other ‘batchelors’?

REPLY: Intruder males will just contunue to try to find an unoccupied nest, preferrably with an unattached female, or find a suitable location to build a nest and atttract a mate. Obviously this is time-limited to some extent, in order to settle and breed, but even after that time has passed, they will continue to search for nest and mate, to stake a claim on a nest and start to build a bond with a partner, with the intention of returning to that site the following season. - Richard

Hello Maureen McCann. Good to see you in print again. Yes I'm all geared up for the season. Started to get really excited at the beginning of March and willing EJ to arrive back safely even before I heard of the sad news about Nethy. I have a corner of my heart and brain that is hoping that Nethy has just lost her tracker.

I suppose I may find it on the website somewhere but, how do you become a Friend of Abernethy? I've just become a Sea-life Guardian, so why not a Friend of Abernethy! there are so many ways to help our precious wildlife and their habitats that I think trying to set up another would not be so productive as to be worthwhile.

REPLY: For now, if you are interested in becoming a Friend of Abernethy and supporting the work we do here, then please contact my colleague Aileen at aileen.fox@rspb.org.uk  Aileen will send you a form for you to complete.  Many thanks for considering doing this.  Much appreciated.  -  Richard

hazelwoods:

We are going on the 18th, so hopefully we can all say 'hello' then and maybe talk about how many eggs are in the nest too.

Hi Richard - I have been out all day so I have not seen Mr & Mrs O so can you tell me what all the Red is in the nest ... is it some kind of plant material such heather for extra bedding to be honest it looks somewhat gruesome. CliveT

REPLY: The red material in the nest is fresh sphagnum moss, ripped out of the ground by the ospreys.  It is very soft and easily plucked by them, in a fly-by manoeuvre, or grabbed whilst stalling and hovering momentarily. -- Richard

Starting to get a bit jumpy. neithe EJ nor Odin was on the nest on the last three occasions I looked - yesterday evening, the middle of the night  and just now. Do they roost in nearby trees?

REPLY: Yes, this morning when I arrived at the Osprey Centre at 4.45am whilst still dark, both EJ and Odin were roosting in the dead tree immediately adjacent to the nest.  They have other favourite dead trees that they use too.  Over the years, quite often we've noticed that female ospreys often roost on the nest the night when the laying of the first egg is imminent.  So you night-owls might want to watch for this, from Monday onwards,  you'll see her on the nest via the infra-red camera.

The night watch told me that Odin was displaying to EJ in the dark in the wee small hours, at about 3am, they heard him over the microphone.  He couldn't sleep, obviously, so was in the mood  for love.  -  Richard

Good Morning LG ... Soosin, you will find lots of Osprey information at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Osprey where many a question will be answered unfortunately not one on Mating times - I got that from the amazing film of the "Osprey" an RSPB film shown on the BBC "The World About Us" series way back in the late 1970s which I still have a copy of .... lucky me.

Has anyone noticed that EJ stands on one leg a lot of the time?  Am wondering if she's hurt her left claw.

REPLY: No, not as far as we can tell, just a mater of comfort probably, like crossing one's legs, or putting one's feet up. When in the nest, she has to stand flat-footed, as opposed to perching, when her talons more comfortably grip and wrap around a branch.  -  Richard

Well done team LG. With all the other things going on you managed to get the sound set up for us. Many thanks, it really does make a difference, doesn't it, bloggers?

THANKS for taking the time to get the sound working. You take very good care of us and the  Ospreys!

The ups and downs in the world of Ospreys, keeping people all over the world informed on the day to day  progress at the nest,  plus managing  LG must be  exhausting.

I envy the people who live in your country, they can  come to see LG in person.

With the apparent loss of Logie, I am happy for Roy Dennis that  Beatrice came back safely

Clive, iirc from last year, the fish farm are quite happy for the ospreys to fish as there is a charge visitors to come in and watch for fishing birds. They have a hide at one end of the loch, where osprey are often spotted (just not on the day I visited last summer). The ponds where the fish are raised are all covered except 1. This is to allow the osprey to either fish directly from the pond or from the loch where humans fish too.

another fish, good for him   - she doesn't waste much time thanking him lol

Have just heard EJ 'singing'...FANTASTIC !!!!  I am always amazed at how sweet it sounds, especially from such a big bird. A question for SOOSIN...WHAT IS BWP?

Question for Richard....any idea of Odin's age?

REPLY: BWP is Birds of the Western Palearictic.  Hard to say how old Odin might be. At least 3-4, the age at first breeding, but judging by his competencies, I reckon he's done all this before and is not a first time breeder.  So 5-6 minimum I'd hazard to guess.  -  Richard

Been watching EJ on the nest and then in pops Odin, tried to mate but don't think it happened as he just looked to be standing on EJ's back more that anything which look uncomfortable.

Off to Aberfoyle (40 mins drive from Glasgow) on saturday as they have an Osprey Event/Walk happening, there blog is saying that they have 4 Ospreys in the area all trying for the same nest by the sounds of it.

My bets are on Easter Monday for an egg :-)

Wonderful to have sound again!  And for all those who have 'changed their identity this year, so have I - I was Patricia Thomson last year till a computer crash wiped me out, so to speak!  Can someone tell me how to tell EJ and Odin apart, when they're not mating?  Richard, you are obviously really devoted to duty (or, more likely, to ospreys).  4.45am is 'Thank goodnss its not morning yet!

REPLY: Hi Patriciat. EJ has leg rings, is larger than Odin and has a much darker breast.  As for mating, Odin's always on top.  Richard

Hi, being new to watching the ospreys live this year I was wondering if anyone could tell me if the red blotches I am viewing on the nest is some kind of fish remains from the ospreys, or is it just a technical flaw to the colouration. I have seen nest building and mating but have not noticed any kind of food being brought back.

REPLY: See earlier answer, it is sphagnum moss.  Richard

not wishing to sound alarmist,  have just logged and the light is fading but it appeared to me that  that last mating  was performed by a ringed male. Hopefully I.m  mistaken.

REPLY: The volunteers on watch reported nothing untoward.  -  Richard

Hello All. First return to the blog this year and just catching up on events. Last year was my initiation to "Loch Garten Osprey watch" and I loved it! Have just booked a fortnights holiday in Nethy Bridge in July and can't wait!!! Please breed well EJ (fingers crossed). Look forward to reading all up and coming news.

Comparing nests with Loch of the Lowes, they have a very definate nest cuep hollowed out for their eggs but Loch Garten nest seems to be particularly flat.   I have noticed Odin bringing in a lot of large twigs as if he knows that he he has to build up the sides of the nest more.  I know Osprey nests are quite flat but will the eggs have enough protection if they're laid now?  Have there been any incidences when eggs have fallen(not been kicked) off the nest?

REPLY: Back in the 1980, there was a year, can't remember which, when the pair that year hadn't made a particularly good job of refurbishing the nest, especially the core.  We noticed the female's agitation and when we inspected the nest, an egg had fallen part way through, down into the nest out of reach of incubation.  A quick trip to the nest with a bag of moss, to stuff into the cavity did the trick and all was well.  -  Richard

Just been watching the nest again and it seems Odin must have read my last posting because he now seems to be hollowing out a nest cup.....does this mean an "Easter Egg"!!

REPLY: Too early for Easter eggs, mid to late next week I reckon, assuming those first few matings were successful.  -  Richard

Hi CliveT. I live in the Isle of Man so my visit involves hours on a ferry and a long drive! Believe me it's worth it, I go 3 times a year and hope to retire to the area (future volunteer here Richard). Have you ever visited the area? Apart from the ospreys the scenery is incredible and the people are wonderful. If you haven't been treat yourself and book a holiday cottage for a week (or longer). You will have the best holiday ever.

Hi everyone. Been watching all morning and have seen several 'matings' but not seen a fish delivered yet - I live in hope!

Thanks for the reply Richard, I too hope that Odin will see any intruders off, especially as he will undoubtably now be the father of the eggs !!!

Lets keep our fingers crossed that VS has got waylayed ( so to speak ) by a blonde further south !!!!! I don't want him back but like others before I don't want anything to have happened to him either...Maybe he will remember those nagging cries from EJ and think twice before returning....and has found an easier to please girl....

Does the osprey live a solitary life when they migrate to Africa in winter?  I'd like to think that just before they flew north she hinted to OVS that he wasn't required this year and then met up with Odin and told him to come try out her wonderful pad in Bonnie Scotland.

I can't believe that he is maybe aged between 5 to 6 years, a bird in his prime by the looks of it, lucky EJ, a toyboy to show off and be pround of :-)

Thank you Richard for being so positive about Odin.....you have made me feel really glad that he got here first.

I felt fairly sure that he would see VS off if he turned up and now seeing EJ looking so happy and well fed things are looking good.

I thought I saw three eggs yesterday in the New Forest Goshawks nest pleased to see Barbara Anne confirmed today that there were.

Also thank you Richard for the information on when we might expect the first egg at LG much appreciated.

I am enjoying all the posts here, so thanks.

I want to congratulate you Richard, and the team on this blog. I was looking back at previous blogs and a year ago there were 3-4 comments from bloggers and now we are up to 143!!! I think that shows the level of success you and your team (and Dave from last year) have achieved.

oh he's back -  with moss, she's off to catch her own fish

REPLY: Soosin, she will not do that, he is proving to be a good provider of fish, so she'll leave him to those duties.  EJ is now unlikely to catch her own fish until late July.  -  Richard

EJ was calling for  food and Odin came and mated instead.  She complained while he was  on top of her. I hope  soon he  starts to understand the meaning of her calls .

Hi Richard......thanks for info. re Odin's age.......like today's ladies she likes toy boys then!!!      8.08pm last night saw EJ mating with "don't know who".     She was sitting on the nest with ??Odin who flew off, and immediately another Osprey landed on her to mate!!!!!

HI everyone. Was in at the centre today,Odin and Ej perched together on camera tree looked very settled,they made a handsome pair fingers crossed all goes well for them

Just turned on my laptop and EJ and Odin are on the nest together. They look fantastic together. They have just mated yet again and then left the nest. I am looking forward to the eggs to be laid next week.

Have to agree with Geoff about the area around LG.  We holiday there every year = from Northern Ireland, also big  ferry fares and long drive. But it's all worth it for the scenery, wildlife and people.  Unfortunately I can't get there while the Ospreys are there this year - cN't get there till October.  I'm very jealous of those whol will make it.

There is a second egg at Loch of the Lowes laid yesterday evening!! Come on EJ, we want one for Easter!!

Hooray...........9.39am, just logged on in time to see my first fish delivery! EJ grabbed it and flew off. Odin perched on edge of nest going "well-she didn't even say thankyou!"

Oh Poor EJ, the wind is so strong here today she nearly got knocked off the nest by a large twig that flew across the nest and hit her....

Odin is now trying to rearrange the house and get it back to position !!!!  Brrrrilliant

For those interested in the windy weather...we have sustained winds of 29mph SSW with gusts of 45...