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For Jabe_  17.36 Odin bought in a real whopper of a fish he is incubating (don't you just love him) and she flies away and feasts>

I guess there will always be a problem with unringed Ospreys but as Richard once said its only a few days that ringing is possible and to get to as many nests with young in within those days must exceedingly difficult so we must be grateful for the ones that do get indents

CliveT

Wow, Malcolm! Hope you saw them! Thanks for the news although it all seems a little confusing. There seems to be a few young male Osprey around and unless they keep still (Ha, ha!) they are impossible to identify. The swallows that come to my bothy to nest have added to last years nest and the female seems to be incubating already. I haven't checked yet, I'm going by the droppings that have accrued under the nest site.

Well done Richard and Adam! wish I had been there.

Thanks for the update, Malcolm! It certainly seems there's never a dull moment up there!  Good to hear Odin is doing all the right things at the moment -  but will two fish per day be enough when the chicks arrive? Will he know instinctively that he has to catch more? So many questions - when all we can really do is wait and see! What a nerve-racking time this is!

REPLY - The male will usually catch more fish when the chicks arrive.  I'm sure Odin will deliver the goods.  Claire.

Glad to hear they are managing to cope with the intruders and what a treat for EJ to have such a good mate this year.

Hi Amy here just off to bed. Love to the Ospreys. Is it really windy tonight as the noise is unreal. Will watch from Nursery tomorrow so if you could get Odin to do plenty off fishing that would be great HeHe NiteNite zzzzzzzzzzzz

Thank you for such a descriptive blog - I can see this all happening above the nest although I am many miles away in Portugal. I shall be coming to  LG later in June!  I am still keeping a check on the nest and love spending time watching the goings on.  Thank you again.

EJ clearly can tell Odin from an intruder.  He's such a good boy and a great provider.  What a treat for you all at LG having lekking capers!

Just had a really good view of all three eggs. EJ is so gentle when she is stretching and moves with such grace when doing so to keep the eggs intact. Wonderful viewing.  A great way to spend my lunch hour!

Have just sat and watched Wildlife on Two - the Ospreys, on BBCi player. Fantastic.  and doubly so since David Attenborough was narrating.  If Amy and her dad are reading this you should try and watch. Its 30 mins and Amy  you will see what will happen on LG nest in the coming few weeks and months.   Brilliant.  If anyone else missed it I think its on BBCi for a week.  Nite nite Amy

Talking of unringed Ospreys. the ones we saw on holiday last year, would probably come into that category Both nests had two young and I'm sure no-one in their right minds would attempt to climb up where they were to do any ringing. The 'powers' that be would never allow it.  So I'm sure that there must be many from similar nest sites that it would be just too dangerous to attempt and hence many returning unringed Ospreys.

JANE:  Won't manage supper tonight but I think she possibly had one about 4.30 ish.  When I came in EJ landed on the nest and Odin got up and left without a fuss.  Is it raining and LG it might bne my screen of course but EJ looks wet!!

REPLY: It chucked it down for about half an hour yesterday afternoon but it didn't seem to bother EJ to much. David.

Good news from the Tweed Valley ospreys. 3 eggs confirmed. I am off to Wales on saturday to visit the Glaslyn site. No laptop for a week so I will be having withdrawal symptoms while I am away.

For  people who are watching this for the first year, and are amazed at how carefully she steps around the eggs, wait until you see how tenderly she feeds the chicks. After they hatch she eats  on the nest and feeds them.

To see this  huge  bird of prey  reach down with  tiny bits of  fish and almost put it in their  little beaks is  a thrill.

To get an idea of her size,  last year, some one from the center said the nest is  about the size of a double bed.  

Thanks Soosin for that, fantastic watching, it explains a lot about the gulls behaviour when our local ospreys are fishing in the firth.  Question the American ospreys are a different breed from the European ones? I seem to remember from last year the question was raised & answered but I cant remember what David Gasgoine wrote.

Quite exciting here apart from watching our local osprey & LG we have a couple of wood pidgeons building a nest in my neighbours holly tree & I can see straight into the nest from my bedroom window. Going to be a busy summer.  Cats are going mad as I won't let them out for the village birds who are nesting in every nook & cranny.  Tough.

REPLY: There is only one species of osprey, they are found on all of the world's continents apart from Antarctica. David.

Thanks Malcolm for your update. I wonder if I could ask a really daft question? You described crows and  greylag geese above the nest, causing distress to EJ and Odin. What are the intentions of these birds and others? Are they being mischievous or do they want to oust the ospreys from their nest, for other reasons?

REPLY: It's possible the crows could have a go at the eggs, its something they do every year and it doesn't cause the ospreys too many problems. David.

Isn't Odin just a good daddy!!!! Not only is he bringing enough food for EJ, but he is also protecting her. These birds that keep intruding the nest are really starting to be showing up more often right? Where does Odin go all day and at night? I am upset I missed all the action, but I am sure there will be much more coming up!!!!

REPLY: Odin is away most of the day fishing and will roost somewhere else at night. David.

Soosin - I watched the Wildlife on Two - the Osprey  It was brilliant.  Watching the first baby fly off the nest was Tear jerking.  David Attenborough is so good as was the photography.  Thanks again.  Does anyone else think EJ is a bit fed up today!!!

Just finished watching the Osprey programme on BBC iPlayer. Wonderful. The Ospreys just outstanding, but:  'our' EJ is much prettier than any Osprey I saw and Odin is also much more handsome than the male Ospreys I saw. Of course, I may be biased. Will Odin be able to fish in this gale today I wonder? He brought in some nesting material ealier . Does anyone know what time EJ got her supper fish yesterday 30 April?      Jane    A

REPLY: Odin is a very very handsome bird!!! He has caught fish in bad weather before however it does obviously make it more difficult for him so don;t be surprised if he perhaps only brings in one during the day today. David.

Just watched (on BBC i-player) the Wildlife on Two programme on the Ospreys.  It was wonderful, and I'd urge everyone to look if they haven't already.  

Wildlife on Two

Ospreys - the Fish Hawks

Following the trials and tribulations of a pair of ospreys as they raise their young

Tish, I missed it thanks, now have it downloading, from BBC iPlayer.

Best Wishes to all at LG, thanks to you for your ongoing efforts and the enjoyment you provide to us all.

I haven't had much time to contribute but am really grateful for everybody's comments and especially from the centre staff.  Worse scenario from Alan Petrie - don't expect internet access for two weeks from tomorrow!  But hope to see the Glaslyn birds in the flesh in compensation.  Back in time for the hatching.

Well what a week...

My wonderful dog Murphy died last Sunday and last night I became a Grand mother for the first time !!!!

A really extraordinary week for me..that ends on such a wonderful high...

So watching EJ on the nest softly cuddling those precious eggs this week has been a great support and has calmed me when things got fraught...

With all the frightening news this week about Swine Fever and the collapse of another huge chunk of ice from the Arctic etc, it is wonderful to watch new life begin...

The Ospreys reintroduction here in the UK and particularly Scotland and their continued success in breeding and expanding their foothold here is soooo important..

Lets hope that all 3 eggs hatch and that Odin brings in more fish than EJ knows what to do with so they are able to grow into fat healthy little birds that will one day come back to Scotland and breed lots more chicks..

Tish - may thanks for your observation. Much appreciated. It really is a gale force wind at LG today. It's a work evening for me and I'm out all day tomorrow walking on The Quantocks so any news of any sort would be appreciated in a comment. Nesting material - intruders- fish. I almost don't want to go hiking - 14 or 15 miles in quiet beauty is a hard choice suddenly !!!!    Jane   A

I agree,EJ is just so beautiful. Can't wait for the chicks. Off away to Lakes for 2 weeks now...no net access, booooo!! May try to get to Whinlatter if we can to get our 'Osprey fix' Should be back just in time for hatching.

Jane A, I just love your enthusiasm and thirst for knowledge of all that's going on.  Your blogs make me laugh, not at you, just at recognising your traits in myself in previous seasons. Its compulsive viewing isn't it. x

2.30 ish pm- EJ has been looking up a lot and there is a bird calling that sounds a little like an Osprey to me. So, anyone know what the bird is?  And why EJ looks aloft so much?  Still no sign of Odin . It looked like the wind was dying down for a little while but it's really got up again now.  Hope Odin is able to catch one fish today -  he sure has a difficult time right now.    Jane   A

REPLY: There was a buzzard flying high above the nest, we think thats what EJ was looking at. David.

OH, thanks David. A Buzzard was it - well at least it wouldn't take a fancy to EJ like the intruding Osprey did just a little while ago and I don't think it would  raid the eggs like a Crow or a Magpie.  

Yes, Soosin I just wish I knew EVERYTHING there is to know about Ospreys and could see a skydance for real. This year I went to Mull for my ****birthday needing to do something exceedly 'Jane' special. So it was Fish Eagles. Goldies, and Sea Otters. All 'ticked' off in rapid succession. My next trip Scotland wise is going to be LG but I really do need to plan time away and be meticulous with my finances but, hopefully, next year.   Jane A

No-one tell Odin but it is a lot less windy at Loch of Lowes - easier fishing there. Has Odin found the trout farm yet? - LG team said on a previous blog he wasn't bringing trout in.

REPLY - Odin has been to the fish farm a few times as he has brought in some rainbow trout. Perhaps he prefers the taste of the the brown trout and pike. The fish brought in recently looked to be a brown trout, although he did bring a rainbow trout in yesterday. Debbie.

Congratulations BarbaraAnne on the birth of your first grandchild.

It's a bit blustery at LG today.  Saw another osprey trying to land on EJ at 2.50pm - she soon saw it off.

Odin has just delivered a fish (4.15pm).  

Great news from Caerlaverock - their osprey pair now have 2 eggs.  The first eggs in Dumfriesshire for 150 years!  Well done them.  If they hatch, they will be grandchildren for the female H/D at Wigtown as her son AW is the father.

Oh, good boy, Odin - a large fish at 4.15 pm and how timely 'cos I've shortly gotta go to work (gloom). You've really had it tough today and I was hoping you hadn't got water logged or anything nasty. 'Corse you haven't and wouldn't but with such wind it must be difficult to take off out of the loch again !

Once more a plea to whoever watches tomorrow  - please post comments on all the doings of our most treasured Ospreys so I can (hopefully) read 'em Sunday or Monday.   Jane A

16:15 just saw Odin starting to incubate eggs now but don't know if he brought in a fish for EJ - missed the changeover!!

REPLY - Odin did bring in a fish! Despite it being so windy here today. Debbie.

I think perhaps there is confusion over species and sub-species. I understood from last year's answers from LG that there are at least three sub-species, the American Continent, European and Australasia, with possibly a fourth. Cannot find the relevant blog at the moment, but will highlight it if I can. Looking forward to three week's time when I shall be at Loch Garten to renew an aquintance that started in 1974! Yes, the family was all enrolled into the RSPB at that time and the fascination with Ospreys has now been passed to grandchildren.

Congrats BarbaraAnn on the new grandchild, it will be the greatest of fun, enjoy every minute.

Going to home to Galloway at weekend so might call in at Caelaverock on way.  Excellent news for them

am watching a pegrine live webcam, 55 Water Street, New York, I think there is 3 small balls of fluff. Mother got up momentarily, stretched, then stood on them.  Definitely 2 but possibly 3

Thank you Debbie, it's always good to know when EJ has been fed.

E.J.just very recently returned to the nest and pushed Odin off-he seemed a bit reluctant to leave ,got a great view of three eggs as they changed over.

Odin has certainly proved himself as a  great provider !  Lest we forget,  Odin has to fish for himself too!  He is burning up extra calories fishing for two. Plus he must need to fly for longer periods of time to see and catch the fish with the strong  wind causing ripples on the water. I was not worried if  he  was not able to catch a fish for EJ today. He has provided ample fish in the  past  few weeks so  her fat  reserves must be good.

Janeallport. "Roy Dennis" has a great book titled "A Life of Osprey's" if you want to  learn more  about them.  He answers a lot  of questions about their habits and  history. He has great pictures in it too. There are  pictures of EJ. OVS and  I think  Henry. I am in the USA and I had to order it from Amazon, but  if you order it directly from Roy he will autograph it for  you.  

Did anyone else hear the BBC weather tell us yesterday that we're in for a BBQ summer? Don't think I'll hold my breath

BarbaraAnne, I am so sorry that your dog died, it is so sad when we lose a pet

Congratulations on becoming a grandmother...it is the best thing in the world. My daughter asked me what it meant to me being a grandmother, I said one word......FUN and it is!!!   Now back to EJ and Odin.....aren't they doing well? I can hardly wait for the first 'birth'.

Odin really does get full marks for fishing. It can't have been easy these windy days. In spite of all the fish thieves, fishing looked a bit easier in the Wildlife on 2 programme (yes wasn't it superb?) as the water seemed very calm most of the time. Congratulations Gran. Barbara. It's wonderful, believe me. You get very spoiled when they grow up :))

So sorry about your dog, BarbaraAnne.  I have Border Collies and know how much we miss them when they go.  But how wonderful that you now have a grandchild!  Many congratulations.  And, hopefully, later this month we will all become surrogate grandparents to 3 lovely osprey chicks.  Aren't EJ and Odin doing well?

Just had a quick look before bed as I'm off to sunny Gower in the morning (red kites, buzzards and wonderful singing skylarks).  EJ is quiet and so is the weather!

It's great to know I can come back next week and catch up on all the news.  Thanks everyone for your comments.

All the best from Wales.

Thank you everyone for all the news on EJ and Odin over the last few days.

I am having computer problems and so it was really great to catch up on all the news as I managed to log on this evening..... first time for five days!

I was getting osprey withdrawl symptoms :)

Glad they are doing well and that the fish are still coming in regularly for EJ and Odin still taking his turn to incubate...bless him!

BarbaraAnne, congratulations on your grandchild. So sorry about Murphy, I'm a dog person too and I know what it's like. A wise friend of mine once said 'dogs are not for ever, but the memories are'. It's true. Lets hope we see 3 more new lives in the next few weeks!

Just had a quick look - this is very addictive - before heading off to Gower and saw Odin bring in a good size fish.

Now I really must drag myself away and get on the road!!!!!

Oh Joy ! Just about to leave for The Quantocks (Somerset - I live in Bristol) but had to have one look for today ! (won't be home until very late) and I saw Odin deliver a breakfast fish a little after 8 am today, Saturday. So, there you are for all those of you who like me like to know about breakfast fish.  See you much later EJ and Odin.   Jane A

Thanks everyone for updates.  I've not been able to log on much last week so much appreciated.  As recommended, I watched the Wildlife on Two which was just brilliant.  This is what I love about this blog - everyone so friendly and the info we share is just fantastic.  Nice to log on to see Odin deliver EJ some breakfast - a jack pike at 08:12 which EJ took and flew off to eat in peace leaving Odin incubating which he seems only to happy to do.  

The small number of rainbow trout delivered to the the nest,may indicate that Odin has,in fact ,not found the fish farm, but some place that the fish farm supplies.

If I were an osprey and found a fish farm I know where I would be getting my "takeaway"every evening.

Thanks everyone for the congrats on my new baby Grandaughter !!

As Patriciat said we will all soon be surrogate parents to these wonderful Ospreys.!!!

I just hope than Janeallport will be able to bear all the ups and downs that will no doubt happen this year without having a heart attack !!! Regulars here will know that life on the nest can be eventful to say the very least !!

Sun coming out now so hopefully EJ and Odin are now drying out..

It's a great weekend to get out to a RSPB reserve near to you and see some great spring action...

Poor Odin, he sits there incubating the eggs while EJ goes off for her lunch, then when she comes back she does everything she can to annoy him. A few minutes ago she was moving all the branches in the nest around and generally annoying him untill he flew off.

I think he would be quite happy to stay there all day.What a good dad he is going to be.

Thanks everyone for posting today's fish delivery!  Been out shopping all day- got a 'milestone' birthday treat coming up and needed a new outfit! I hate shopping!

Anyway, back now and straight in to see what EJ's up to. She's sitting patiently as ever on her precious eggs - sounds  like it's very windy up there today. Noticed some large sticks have been moved around the nest - hope they stay clear of the eggs!

So sorry to hear about your dog BarbaraAnne they certainly are a great miss I can't live without dogs have 2 cockers great company but you have a new grandchild and that is the most wonderful thing bet baby gets spoiled. In a few years time you can tell your grand child all the lovely stories of the ospreys, Congratulations Granny it's a great feeling

18:50  Odin just landed on nest with a fish for EJ which she has flown off with in her beak.  Third fish for EJ today so far.

Question:  When Odin delivered a fish to EJ at 18:50 today she took off from the nest with the fish in her beak.  This is something I have never seen happen before.  Is it common for this to happen?

Hi all have not been in touch for a wee while.Gongratulations Barbara Anne, also wee jeannie i also have a milestone birthday this week so happy birthday to you ,we share our month with the most loved birds that we all adore.EJ and Odin are doing a grand job so far. Will be in past LG on sunday goodnight all

Not been able to watch during the day today so thanks to everyone for their news and comments greatly appreciated.I have had a a late evening watch from about 9.30 to just a few moments ago.E.J.has been a bit restless, a lot of calling and looking around she has also turned and changed the position of her eggs several times.No sign of Odin,obviously off doing his own thing!

Just also wanted to say if anyone gets the chance they should head off to Spey Bay on the Moray Firth. I guarantee that they will see fishing Osprey on the incoming tide.We watch them every year and it is also good for Dolpin and occasional Otter.It has also got a great cafe and dolphin watch station.

Didn't get to log on yesterday so thanks to everyone for keeping me up to date with the blogs. EJ looks very content incubating this morning and her head keeps dropping. Crop looks very full so she must have had a good breakfast.

9.43am- Just logged on to see Odin incubating. EJ returned  with a stick and was re-arranging the nest. Odin reluctant to go - didn't want to leave his nice warm eggs!  Much 'chirruping' and a quick poke from EJ and off he went!

EJ surrounded by some new pink moss....maybe Odin 'knows' that she likes it and it is his way of strengthening their bond. Just watched the 'change over'.....EJ came back with a stick for the nest, she then did a bit of tidying up then proceeded to 'tell' Odin his time was up. Poor Odin, she should allow him to stay as long as he wants!!

Just to answer a couple of queries about EJ taking a fish off the nest in her beak, usually the ospreys will carry the fish with their feet but if its easier to carry then they can initially take the fish off the nest in their beak. Taking the fish off the nest is important for EJ as she will not want to contaminate the nest by eating the fish there, as this could possibly attract crows etc.

Liz H  - re sub-species query -this next paragraph is taken from BWP -

Osprey is the only member of the genus. However, the Ospey is polytypic with the nominate species Pandion haliaetus haliaetus being found in the Palearctic including southern China, Taiwan, and Japan. P h carolinensis and P h ridgwayi are the subspecies found in north and central America. Another subspecies, P h melvillensis and cristatus is found in south-east Asia and Australia.

Geographical variation is slight. For instance, carolinensis, is slighty larger than haliaetus, has upper parts more heavily pigmented and lacks breast band formed by entirely pale brown feathers. Cristatus averages smaller than haliaetus,with white head and few brown streaks on head.

Ruthland Osprey project show pictures of the sub-species

Hello Qietwoman  Jane (Allport ) here - I've been out since about 10.am this morning. I did see Odin deliver a stick to the nest which I was hoping would be a fish but I note you say that EJ's crop looked full so she must have had breadfast. How can one tell if the crop is full please? What are the tell tale signs. If I look at EJ's neck I just see a neck !! Is is a little like a hamster ?  That is, the neck looks fat?? I'd appreciate knowing what to look for . Thank you.  And BarbaraAnne - yes, I too take stock of myself and hope I can 'take it' when nature gets tough on EJ, Odin, or the chicks. It took me quite a while to get over Deshar.       Jane  A

16.07- Odin just brought in a decent -sized fish. EJ seized it immediately and flew off- not so much as a "thankyou"!

4.07 pm -and a medium sized fish for EJ. Great stuff Odin - and you brought in lots of nesting stuff today, well done.   Does anyone know if that's two or three fish today?  Anyway, Odin reallly is 'the man' . Wonderful bird.     Jane  A

In the mean time MR Eagle in the Estonian forrest has been on his own with the two chicks for quite some time  - one ear splitting few moments of calling did not bring her home but he is patienly waiting, hoping no doubt, to have time to bring supper in before it gets dark .   Jane A

watching New York peregrines, Jack and Jill,( yes, I know), have 4 hungry mouths. Really difficult to see just a couple of days ago. definitely 4, Its amazing how quickly they grow and change just in a couple of days

Thank you for answering my query David.  It's just that I have never seen her do that before.  I think she must have been really hungry and couldn't wait to get away with the fish.  I was just hoping she didn't drop it in her eagerness!

16.52pm- EJ arrived back on the nest after eating her fish! Only took a couple of minutes to persuade Odin it was time to go - he stood up and left immediately and EJ is now settled back down onto her eggs.

Blow it missed the fish again what was it and how big?E.J has just returned to the nest and after a lot of cheeping Odin has moved off.She is now very contentedly in charge of the clutch again.

Odin just brought a fish for EJ.

I have just watched E J return to the nest and again Odin quite reluctant to get off the eggs, she has her ways of moving him but just the same sometimes you feel as if you are looking into someones house and you should not watch a couple have slight disputes about who is doing what but never the less great to watch. Just watched Eric Bring Erica a fish at Loch of the Lowes and she instantly took off with it.