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...

Gone fishing....may be some time...

As you have probably noticed, we have had a few days up here where it’s been a little blustery. Well… that’s putting it mildly! Saturday was a really wild day and EJ had no option but to sit tight, while Odin was away fishing. There was no way she was going to leave those eggs, even for the shortest of exercise flights.

We are all agreed that Odin is the exact opposite of Orange VS; always busy. So, when he disappears for a long time fishing, we fully expect him to return with a good meal. Yesterday, however, he was gone for eight hours! He did not return empty handed, although he had eaten the head along the way.

The fastest delivery of a fish came on Sunday, with Odin being spotted by a visitor on top of a small dead tree, with a 12'' pike, just 40 minutes after flying off! It wasn’t long before EJ spotted him too! Our many Bank Holiday visitors were very happy as Odin also brought back a brown trout in the afternoon. Sunday was a good calm day on the water, but even so…

Many people are asking where Odin goes to fish. That’s a good question! In the last six days, he has only brought back one rainbow trout  from the fish farm.

Today, Odin left at 9.30 am and we expected another long wait. He finally returned with a 10’’ brown trout at 2.12 pm,  much to the delight of a rather large group of visitors! EJ has now sent him off again, despite him trying to keep her happy by moving those huge sticks around. She can be very insistent!

Posted by debbie aspinall at 18:26 on 6 May 2009.  86 comments

Comments

Margobird
Posted on Wednesday, 6 May 2009 at 18:34
Thanks Debbie I have felt so sorry and worried for EJ and Odin but it looks as though they are coping with the appalling weather. Odin seems to be doing his very best for EJ and we must make allowances for her as she is an old lady bless her.
Anonymous
Posted on Wednesday, 6 May 2009 at 18:59
I have just seen the weather forecast and it's not looking good. Sleet, Hail, Rain and Wind. Our poor birds. Hope they'll be alright!!!! And I agree with Debbie Ej can be insistent to the point of nagging poor Odin.
LesKane
Posted on Wednesday, 6 May 2009 at 19:57
Thanks Ian and Debbie for your updates. I've been away for a few days and have been missing them terribly. Glad to know everything has been OK. Can't wait to get up there myself. Hope they continue to get on 'till then!
Ali
Posted on Wednesday, 6 May 2009 at 19:58
Thanks for the fish update, Debbie! I don't envy poor Odin having to fish in these windy conditions!
WEE JEANNIE
Posted on Wednesday, 6 May 2009 at 20:12
Thanks, Debbie - good to know Odin is still fishing well! Bit worried about him being away for long periods, though - hope he hasn't got another lady friend somewhere!
quietwoman
Posted on Wednesday, 6 May 2009 at 21:25
Thank you, Debbie, for that update. Sounds as if you had an exciting and busy weekend.This morning I watched EJ getting a bit worried by a Crow making a lot of noise somewhere close to the nest but, it wasn't long before Odin came to her aid and stood on guard until the offending bird went away. I didn't see it but, thought it might have been newly fledged and calling for food. Odin is so protective and it's just great to see EJ with a mate up to her standards.
Gary
Posted on Thursday, 7 May 2009 at 0:24
Thanks so much for the blog Debbie. Good to know Odin is doing what he is meant to do. He does like moving those big branches around.
Jay Jay
Posted on Thursday, 7 May 2009 at 0:30
Hi every body managed to log on slightly earlier tonight.Hello Debbie thanks for your very infomative update.Its good to read about Odins exploits he seems to be great provider E.J. is a very lucky lady.I cannot believe that he doesnt use the fish farm he obviously likes doing things the hard way! Perhaps when he has more little mouths to feed he will make use of it. Can I say a big thank you to everybody who posted updates today, I cannot watch live at the moment so its good to get home and read the blog .Iwanted to say a really big thankyou janeallport for your efforts yesterday they were very entertaining and interesting and I did appreciate them.Lastly- Amy I missed you this evening hope you are ok.Im glad to see that you are growing up to appreciate the good and special things in life. Goodnight J.
joelann
Posted on Thursday, 7 May 2009 at 1:33
It is obvious,Odin is a professional fisherman!! He obviously realises that no easy caught fish is good enough for our EJ
Kitty
Posted on Thursday, 7 May 2009 at 7:21
I saw the weather forecast was predicting very strong winds and rain and it certainly sounds like they were right. EJ looks wet but she's hunkered down and seems to be riding it out ok. The fishing will be tough today!
WEE JEANNIE
Posted on Thursday, 7 May 2009 at 7:46
7.40am- just logged on for a quick peek before I leave for work. Oh dear - it looks really wet and windy again up there! EJ hunkered down over her eggs- she looks wet through! Hope she's had some breakfast - but not good weather for fishing I'm afraid. Here's a test for Odin's devotion!
Anonymous
Posted on Thursday, 7 May 2009 at 10:08
Could someone let me know if EJ has been fed this morning. Every time I take a peep at my comp. she is sitting sedately on her own.
Cirrus
Posted on Thursday, 7 May 2009 at 11:31
Well, I do agree Odin is sterling ! However, EJ only got one fish at 2.12 pm yesterday and no supper fish. He didn't even seem to say'good night, sorry but no fish' to EJ all evening and the infra red camera came on with EJ still alone. Despite her calling for him. Breakfast has just arrived at 11.15 am for which I am very grateful. But if I've missed something here about fish deliveries yesterday I'd be grateful for someone setting me straight. Thank you. Jane
ayjaysea
Posted on Thursday, 7 May 2009 at 11:37
Just logged on in time to see Odin bring fish to EJ - 11.14 am
ayjaysea
Posted on Thursday, 7 May 2009 at 11:44
Odin arrived at 11.14 with a fish which EJ accepted and then flew off with it.
BarbaraAnne
Posted on Thursday, 7 May 2009 at 12:41
12.39...EJ back on the nest having eaten a nice fish... Considering the wind I think that Odin is doing a really fantastic job finding fish for her... Barbara
Anonymous
Posted on Thursday, 7 May 2009 at 12:42
I thought Odin arrived about 12.05 wothout a fish EJ flew off and had arrived back about 12.40. Would Odin leave a fish somewhere for her that she could see and would collect. EJ has returned and Odin flew off.
Soosin
Posted on Thursday, 7 May 2009 at 13:09
Same forecast on the cards for the next few days. Think we could be in for yet another poor breeding season. When one thinks of the the difficulties of migration that birds (all birds , from Warblers to Ospreys) face every year, to arrive in Britain, just to be met with this weather - rain, floods and winds ( and lack of heat, its baltic here today) - its just really sad. It seemed so promising at the beginning of the season - ce'st la vie????
M G
Posted on Thursday, 7 May 2009 at 13:39
Good to know E J is being looked after and fed quite a change from last year I think she is the boss in that nest.
Ali
Posted on Thursday, 7 May 2009 at 14:44
Tish - Odin was on the nest at 12.05 and he flew off and left the eggs unattended but was back very quickly - maybe he needed a comfort break!!
Kitty
Posted on Thursday, 7 May 2009 at 15:20
EJ is having to fend off another osprey. I think this may be the second time but I was in another room and only heard her a little while ago. She remains very alert, watching the sky, so I assume it is circling around the nest.
BarbaraAnne
Posted on Thursday, 7 May 2009 at 15:47
Goodness me, thought one of my trees was coming down in the garden..The wind up here is awful.. Just tuned into the lovely site from Eastern Europe to watch the White tailed Eagle feeding her 2 young beautiful chicks... For anyone who missed the earlier posted link here it is again... Lovely to watch whilst we are awaiting our precious cargo to arrive at LG !!! http://www.looduskalender.ee/en/node/3465 The nest looks really low on camera until you click the White tail eagle name and see just how high it is...Scary first flight for these young birds...
Joan B
Posted on Thursday, 7 May 2009 at 16:25

Hi everyone - my first blog this year.   Our IT won't let us get onto the live webcam at work so I am having to content myself with all your wonderful mesages.   I feel very sorry for EJ and Odin at the moment - the wind noise being picked up by the microphone seems quite horrendous.

Down in Bedfordshire it's a bit quieter.  My husband and I went fishing near Leighton Buzzard last weekend and on Sunday when it was not really a very nice day with lots of wind, etc, we were treated to a flying display by a common tern on the lake.   He was not diving but just skimming the surface and picking up flies and insects etc.   It was so graceful and quite an honour to watch him/her.

I hope the weather picks up a bit for our family (well nearly), fishing when it is cold and windy can be very miserable.

Keep up the good work Odin!!

Libs
Posted on Thursday, 7 May 2009 at 16:31

BarbaraAnne - have been watching the white tailed eagle too. What a great website to watch until our chicks hatch although the stork never seems to be there. Weather seems better in Estonia than here.

WEE JEANNIE
Posted on Thursday, 7 May 2009 at 17:49

Just home from work and logged on - EJ on the nest, still very windy up there but at least she looks dry now. She was a very dejected looking bird this morning!

Thanks Janeallport, Ayjaysee and BarbaraAnne for reporting the lunchtime fish! I have to go to an RSPB meeting now, out all evening, so would be grateful if someone could report any more fish?   Thanks.

Cirrus
Posted on Thursday, 7 May 2009 at 18:54

Well, here's my take on the day: Thursday VERY VERY WINDY-  11.15 am Odin arrives with a medium sized fish which EJ eats elsewhere leaving Odin on the eggs.   12.04 pm Odin leaves the eggs and is back in the same breath. Probably just needed to stretch his wings.  12.38 pm EJ arrives back with some moss. Nice break away. Odin gets up immediately and flies off. 3.17 pm an intruder Osprey tries to mate with EJ  - easily sees him off ( the cheek ! not even a fish in his talens). 4.50 pm a very bried exercise flight by EJ. And now, EJ and I are awaiting the supper fish. You're so skillful Odin, you can do it. If I miss a delivery, PLEASE someone make a note of the time and the size of the fish.  Thanks,             Jane

Soosin
Posted on Thursday, 7 May 2009 at 19:06

Phew, silence at last, at the lowes, Eric finally arrived with a fish, she's been calling for AGES lol

Soosin
Posted on Thursday, 7 May 2009 at 19:39
ooo what a whopper.
Jandy
Posted on Thursday, 7 May 2009 at 19:41

7.40 Fish delivery.  EJ said "thank you", flew off with it in her beak.  Odin wriggled his way on to the eggs.

Cirrus
Posted on Thursday, 7 May 2009 at 19:41

Ok, like wee jeannie I have this real need to know: Odin came back to the nest at 7.39 pm-  DID he bring a fish?   How big was it ?  Oh, I've been glued to the screen waiting for Odin's appearance and missed it by a nano second. Rats ! PLEASE someone have been viewing at the time.    Jane

Cirrus
Posted on Thursday, 7 May 2009 at 20:13

Oh dear, oh dear - Odin currently choosing to have the wind immediately aft - feathers all over the place. EJ prefers to take the wind broadside - very  sensible since it's often an 8 hour shift or more.  I do believe Odin brought a fish this evening otherwise I feel EJ would not have been away so long.  At 8.12 pm she is still away. You are an excellent fisher and altoghther a very personable chap Odin.  Jane

Gary
Posted on Thursday, 7 May 2009 at 20:37
EJ had a fish at about 7.40pm tonight:)
Liz LFW
Posted on Thursday, 7 May 2009 at 20:53

EJ left nest at about 19.36 with a fish and returned about 20.35.  She must have enjoyed the break away from sitting in the rain!!  Hope the forecast for next week turns out to be as hopeful as it seems at present!!

M G
Posted on Thursday, 7 May 2009 at 20:54

I have just been reading the blogs and I don't have any sound can some one tell me how to aquire the sound as it quite frustrating not hearingg anything other than a buzzing noise and reading about what you lot out theree can here,I am sure some kind soul will assist me thanks. I have sound on Loch of the Lowes hear every twig crack

quietwoman
Posted on Thursday, 7 May 2009 at 21:18

I think Odin is doing a splendid job in rather adverse conditions and we should remember, shouldn't we, that Odin has got to feed himself otherwise he will not be the very strong and healthy bird he needs to be when he has extra mouths to feed.

linny m
Posted on Thursday, 7 May 2009 at 21:39
9:30pm and the weather's atrocious. Just wish EJ knew we were there with her.
Anonymous
Posted on Thursday, 7 May 2009 at 22:02
Oh Jane I DO love reading your comments. I find myself smiling at all of them. You should write a book about EJ and Odin Lord of Garten or something LOL Don't ever stop you must give so much pleasure to all us bloggers. Thank you and wherever Amy is Nite Nite xx
Gary
Posted on Thursday, 7 May 2009 at 22:08
Poor EJ is having to lay flat out in the nest to avoid the horizontal rain at the moment :( 10pm
WEE JEANNIE
Posted on Thursday, 7 May 2009 at 22:23
22.14pm . EJ laying low over her eggs- still sounds extremely windy up there and sounds like rain as well, but can't really see. Thanks to Jandy, Gary, Jane and Liz for reporting the evening fish delivery - I really do feel better for knowing EJ is at least putting up with these awful conditions with a full tummy! Be much worse for her if she was cold, wet AND hungry! Well done Odin for managing to catch fish in these conditions.
Barbara Jean
Posted on Thursday, 7 May 2009 at 22:23
I agree with others that Odin is doing a magnificent job fishing in the bad weather. He has proven that he gives his best effort to caring for EJ and the nest. I saw Odin when EJ showed him the first egg. He peeked under her several times to look at it. Now I hope I can see his reaction when he see his first chick.
rosie
Posted on Thursday, 7 May 2009 at 22:34
Good to see that Odin is still bringing in fish has been really windy here today now we have the rain and the planes are still flying to night hope EJ gets some peace tonight and weather better tomorrow goodnight all
Sheila
Posted on Thursday, 7 May 2009 at 22:39
Oh dear - EJ looking awfully wet in the wind and rain, but she's fast asleep, bless her! Hope Odin's getting a bit of shut eye too.
Cirrus
Posted on Thursday, 7 May 2009 at 22:48
Well, I meant talOns of course and EJ's flight was brief not bried. And I certainly didn't have it altogether at 20.13 hours . Sigh. Anyway, my heart goes out to EJ right now - the rain coming horizontally and EJ with her wings spread out to protect the eggs. And me about to slip into a warm comfy bed. Precious precious girl , if only I could provide a large thermal umbrella for you. Jane
Brenda H
Posted on Thursday, 7 May 2009 at 23:07

Just looked in at EJ at 10.50pm to see, what seems to be a very tired and no doubt exhausted bird. She appears to be asleep. She cannot have slept the previous night, due to the very bad weather. How she physically stays on the nest in the gale force winds is beyond my comprehension. Odin has done so well to be able to catch and deliver the fish to the nest. My admiration for these two birds has incresed so much more. Once again thank you Debbie for the update and to all the Bloggers.

BarbaraAnne
Posted on Friday, 8 May 2009 at 0:08
Hi Libs, Yes, I too have been checking Stork Cam, I am sure I saw one earlier last week... and Hi Joan B, I wandered where you were this year !!! Just to let you all know Carrbridge, where I am, is going to be on 'Have I got News for You' tomorrow, apparently talking about the weather here and also 'The Golden Spurtle' competition which is our World Championship Porridge making comp !!!! As we are only 6 miles from LG it might be of interest to some of you...and I know that lots of you know Carrbridge well.. We have been in lots of papers because we complained to BEEB about bad forecasting up here....Since then though it hasn't stopped raining and howling with wind !! Serves us right !!!! LOL...
Jay Jay
Posted on Friday, 8 May 2009 at 1:27
Just finished reading todays reports, ouch what a day ,poor E.J.and Odin it cannot be very pleasant out there.Neither have it very easy in these conditions its cold,wet and windy and E.J.just carries on stoically keeping her eggs warm.Odin is still providing fish which also cannot be easy in this weather, choppy, cold water means the fish will be lower down in the water and much harder to see I think. I had a look at E.J. just amoment ago and its still pretty wild out there,she's crouched right down in the nest and her feathers are blowing about a bit ,but I think she's dry,it's hard to tell on the infra-red.Thanks again to every one who posted reports today I have enjoyed reading them and they make me feel a little less deprived.Its pouring down with rain here now so may be it's all moving south,the weather forecast for Aviemore today is for sunshine but I don't know about the wind.Thanks once again everybody and goodnight J.
Barbara Jean
Posted on Friday, 8 May 2009 at 6:42
Poor Ej. The wind is so strong she looks like she will be blown off the nest. If that isn't bad enough there are intruders tormenting her. With this wind it is unlikely Odin will be able to bring fish today. So she may have to endure this with no food or exercise flights. I wish I could reach into the computer monitor and give her a fish.
WEE JEANNIE
Posted on Friday, 8 May 2009 at 7:42
7.39am - Still blowing a hoolie up there , but looks dry.- EJ sitting tight! She's not calling, so hopefully breakfast has already been eaten! I'd be grateful for fish delivery reports during the day, as I won't see video till I get home tonight. Thanks.
Chris
Posted on Friday, 8 May 2009 at 8:49
Poor EJ looks absolutely frozen this morning. I keep expecting her to be blown off the nest. She is doing a grand job of caring for her precious clutch. Odin also has got his work cut out for him. Feeding himself and EJ must be very difficult with the harsh weather conditions they are experiencing. We are staying at Coylumbridge next week and will be visiting EJ and Odin, so we are praying for a turn in the weather. I cannot think of a more beautiful area in spring and there is such a lot to do there. Last May I was walking about in the snow at the top of the Cairngorms, and in the afternoon I was paddling on the banks of Loch Morlich!
patriciat
Posted on Friday, 8 May 2009 at 9:45

Christina K.   The forecast for Strathspeey next week is MUCH better.  My sister and her husband are braving a very rough North Channel today to go for a week in Nethy Bridge.  They're hoping the forecast is right.  Bet EJ and Odin are too!  They are wonderful, arent they?

Cirrus
Posted on Friday, 8 May 2009 at 10:37

I'm shaking my fist at the wind but my faith is in Odin - such a canny fisher. Well, what was that all about then ?  Odin arriving at 10.22 am with a fish neither small nor meduim which he proceeds to eat in the nest ! EJ 'gently' solicites fish but doesn't get up to take it from him and seems quite ambivalent to the situation.  The entire fish, bones and all, is eaten. I didn't realise Ospreys did that. EJ takes a very short exercise flight and then 'demands' the eggs back and Odin goes.  NOW EJ most definitely wants a fish and is making her wishes known.  I knew Odin was a canny fisher - and I'm so glad to see HIM eat !  My positive thoughts are wrapped around him in his efforts for catching a fish for EJ.  I'm not sure if Odin ate yesterday - he seemed really ravenous eating the fish in front of EJ.

I'm working this evening so llike wee jeanie I'm trusting someone to notice and comment on fish deliveries - times - and approximate size of fish.  Thank you , Soosin for your 'oh what a whopper' comment.

Chris
Posted on Friday, 8 May 2009 at 11:17
Thanks for the weather update Patricia. I feel a little better now. We'll be there sunday to wednesday. Hoping to say 'Hello' to some of the wonderful staff at LG. Looking forward to seeing our favourite ospreys in the flesh and some other critters. I'm very fond of red squirrels and as yet have never seen a crested tit. Whats the chance of seeing one of them?
Sixy
Posted on Friday, 8 May 2009 at 12:03

Catch up time for me and I am so pleased that Odin is looking after 'our girl' so well.  Thanks to everyone for all the news and fish reports.  I remember my life last year was taken over by fish deliveries!  Pity about the weather but EJ does seem to have dug a deeper hole for herself but it must be a bit of a shock from the Gambia.  I watched the Wildlife Osprey programme and it was brilliant.  How great it was to see what goes on outside the nest, things we never get to see or hear about very much.  Fabulous footage.  Maureen, is the Goshawk OK?

Sixy
Posted on Friday, 8 May 2009 at 12:06

Maureen, don't panic, cancel that question.  Mrs G is OK!  She seemed to be in a very strange position for a while.

BarbaraAnne
Posted on Friday, 8 May 2009 at 12:11

As the weather seems to be worrying everyone except EJ I thought I would give you our local forecast for today...

The winds will ease tomorrow and Sunday....

Forecast for Cairngorms National Park for Friday

Sunny intervals and occasional showers, snow above 700m, temporary summit blizzards. Freezing level 900m. Severe southwesterly gales, veering west.

Sheila
Posted on Friday, 8 May 2009 at 12:58

Really feel for EJ at the moment - head down protecting those eggs for all she's worth.  But the weather does look set to improve.

jswscot
Posted on Friday, 8 May 2009 at 13:28

13:20  Odin landed on nest but no fish for poor EJ.  She just got up and stretched her legs a bit before settling back on the eggs.  I think she is being pounded by hailstones just now or, at least, very heavy rain.  Odin has flown off.

Cirrus
Posted on Friday, 8 May 2009 at 13:32

Odin having a hard time of it, fishing wise. Comes to EJ's persistent calling at 1.22 pm sans fish. EJ stands up and flaps her wings to iron out the 'crinkles' all the while asking Odin for a fish but leaps to the protection of the eggs when it starts to hail leaving Odin only one option - to try again for a fish.  Big hail - not 'on' at all - surely this is unseasonal !?? EJ, EJ - little girl, you're cared about and I forbid this hail to harm you.  Hail, turn to rain immediately. And wind die down !  Beastly weather .     Jane

PaulaP
Posted on Friday, 8 May 2009 at 13:34

Poor EJ! Odin arrived about 10 minutes ago, 2.20 ish, without a fish, EJ got up and looked at his empty talons, flapped her wings and got back on the eggs. Odin I think realised his mistake and flew off again. Then hailstones started hitting EJ.

I feel so sorry for them both!

Maureen
Posted on Friday, 8 May 2009 at 13:44
Hi Sixy, I know what you mean that Mrs. G is in strange positions...I can't relax until I see her breathing!!!! Her 'egg cup' seems to have gotten deeper so I think she has 'cooried' in well. I am waiting with bated breath, both looking forward and worried for the chicks. Odin has done extremely well for EJ so far, so maybe we should not worry for the chicks. It is a matter of who is going to be the 'bully' this year. Janeallport...agree with your sentiments...care for Odin as well!!
Cirrus
Posted on Friday, 8 May 2009 at 13:53
Met office say the barometric pressure for this region is rising. That IS good, isn't it. Only it just doesn't SOUND good right now. Jane
patriciat
Posted on Friday, 8 May 2009 at 13:57
Christina We had a crested tit visiting the garden of our holiday house in Nethy every day last October, so just keep looking.
Sixy
Posted on Friday, 8 May 2009 at 14:21

If Odin keeps providing plenty of fish, we should be spared the trauma of the bullying of last year and 3 healthy chicks will be the reward.  Hopefully the weather will improve soon, but from Barbara Anne's forecast, it does not look good.  Positive thought: At least it is not happening with chicks to feed.  

PaulaP
Posted on Friday, 8 May 2009 at 15:06

Bless him, Odin has just this minute come up with the goods! A nice sized fish for EJ, who looked only too glad to see both that and Odin. Phew, I was getting worried about them both. Even the weather has changed, EJ has been sunbathing.

mozziecat
Posted on Friday, 8 May 2009 at 15:10

15.05 Fish delivery.  medium size.  Ej was calling.  She grabbed the fish out of Odin's claw and pulled it away.  Then she flew off and he took over the eggs.  Weather looks a bit brighter now.  Hopefully there's a bit of warmth in that sun.

Cirrus
Posted on Friday, 8 May 2009 at 15:14

3.04 pm and EJ starts to call for Odin, me thinking 'I sure hope that's because she has seen him' . And Lo ! at 3.05pm in flies the heroic Odin with  a fish - not a bad size either . Now he just needs another fish for himeself today and (hopefully) a supper fish for EJ. Only, the fish Odin ate in the nest at whatever gone 10 am wasn't very big and he does need to keep his strength up (hark at mother speaking !). But now it will be up to other observers to take note of any other fish deliveries (please) as in just over one hour I'll be going into work .Sigh.  I think we'll have to be grateful that the winds at Abernethy are only gale force not storm force. Bigger sigh. I tried my 'Gandalf' bit at 1.32pm   Jane

Cirrus
Posted on Friday, 8 May 2009 at 15:47

Precious boy, (EJ back at 3.44pm) - go and get yourself a fish now. EJ brought back what at first I thought was a fish !!! But no. Just some bark.  Bark?  Which was dumped unceremoniously at the back of the nest. Oh well.     Jane

Soosin
Posted on Friday, 8 May 2009 at 16:42

Lets hope the weather picks up soon, we'll be expecting a first hatching over the weekend of the 15th at Lowes,  her first egg was laid on the 8th.

Soosin
Posted on Friday, 8 May 2009 at 17:09
Both adult peregrines in the nest in NY and all four are being fed, the wee one I thought wasn't going to make it the other night, seems to have a wee pot belly this afternoon. Sixy, Bullying? last year, or survival of the fittest and pecking order. Certainly was traumatic to watch, but that's nature.
WEE JEANNIE
Posted on Friday, 8 May 2009 at 17:49

5.41pm- Just home from work and straight on to see what EJ is up to.

Thanks to everyone who posted fish deliveries and weather forecasts! It certainly looks a bit calmer up there just now- sunny and dry, and not  too much wind - thanks Janeallport  for ordering this!  Sixy - yes, plenty of fish is the answer to 'beat the bully'. Odin CAN do it, weather permitting, and if we get the bad stuff over with now, hopefully the better weather will come when the chicks arrive. It would be great to have three fledged chicks, wouldn't it?

PaulaP
Posted on Friday, 8 May 2009 at 17:59

Odin has just returned with another fish for EJ, a few minutes before 6 tonight. Good lad, he does love our EJ! I can't get over how much time I devote to watching the webcam, I've never been interested in large birds at all, let alone birds of prey. Whatever will I do when the eggs have hatched, the chicks have been raised and they all fly away?

Sixy
Posted on Friday, 8 May 2009 at 18:01

Soosin, wrong word admittedly and I agree with you.  The more I watch birds, the more I realise how fragile their little lives are!

Maureen
Posted on Friday, 8 May 2009 at 18:11

Soosin...how do I get to see Peregrines in NY, without flying over?

I loved watching them at Chichester Cathedral last year but they don't have webcam this year.

Anonymous
Posted on Friday, 8 May 2009 at 18:16

Whay a difference in EJ compared to this morning.  She looks so relaxed and Jane- still loving your comments!!!!

Maureen
Posted on Friday, 8 May 2009 at 18:16

Janeallport....Odin visited at approx. 5.50pm., my 'better' half was supposed to be watching for me but couldn't be sure if there was a fish! Needless to say I have been vocalising just as loud as EJ!!!!

Anonymous
Posted on Friday, 8 May 2009 at 18:18
I don't beleive it I leave for 5 minutes and Odins back. Did he bring a fish???
Barbara Jean
Posted on Friday, 8 May 2009 at 18:30

Odin is on the eggs. I didn't see if  he brought another fish, but  at least EJ is getting a  break from sitting in the  wind. I am sure she is grateful for small blessings. Let's hope the weather improves tomorrow.

Jay Jay
Posted on Friday, 8 May 2009 at 19:32

Hurrah! home early enough to see Ospreys in colour.Logged on at 6.45 pm to find Odin on the nest & looking pretty settled so I trust a fish had been brought to E J(yet again I missed it).About 6.58 Odin started calling quite loudly and looking around and at 7.00pm E.J.arrived back on the nest, Odin did not move,there was then some chatter between the pair but Odin still did not budge.Finally E J gave him a few pecks and a shove sideways,he took the hint this time and flew off,E J settled herself back on the eggs.  I have read todays reports - Jane A. your a star, I too love to read your reports,they make me smile please keep them coming.Thanks to every one else who posted and can I ask if anyone has noticed if ,when Odin brings a fish to the nest, it still has its head.I ask as I still have to see a fish delivered and I have been told that some times the male will take the head as his share of the catch so I just wondered. J.

quietwoman
Posted on Friday, 8 May 2009 at 19:58

World Championship of Porridge making! I thought I was the chanpion at making porridge!! EJ is still keeping her head low but she and the nest look very beautiful at sundown. The light is perfect for showing all the colour and detail. Wishing you a better night, EJ. I hope Amy is snuggled in her bed, too. Nitenite., Amy.

Maureen
Posted on Friday, 8 May 2009 at 21:40

Nite, nite EJ, Odin and Amy. It will not be long now until the 'baby' chicks are here.

What age are you Amy?

Barbara Jean
Posted on Saturday, 9 May 2009 at 5:44

A bird that looked like an Osprey ( all I saw was the  tail) tried to land on the nest. It flew over the nest to the right. Then another bird that looked like Odin came flying in from the front of the nest and  it sounded like  he chased the intruder off. I could hear the other bird calling and then the call became fainter. EJ didn't stand up and alarm call or flap her wings she  just sat there  looking around and was  very alert.  

WEE JEANNIE
Posted on Saturday, 9 May 2009 at 9:05

9.00am - Just in time to see a change-over. Odin reluctant to give up his  nice warm eggs - EJ really had to nudge him off!  Suppose that was the breakfast fish?

Looks dry and sunny up there- though still very windy. Going to be out all day, so reports of further fish deliveries will be most welcome! Thanks.

quietwoman
Posted on Saturday, 9 May 2009 at 9:09

There is no mistaking Odin incubating on the nest, he is such a fidget and seems to want to be absolutely sure that all three eggs are under his prood patch. Missed a delivery but EJ was away long enough to have eaten a fish, so I'm hoping. The Goshawk eggs are due to hatch next week and both birds are standing over the eggs as if waiting to see their first offspring appear.

Cirrus
Posted on Saturday, 9 May 2009 at 9:27

'Morning all you Osprey fans: I saw Odin's fish delivery at 8.46 am (a decent size) and EJ must have wolfed it down 'cos she was back at the nest at  9.00 AM. I'm sincerely trusting Odin is now out catching his own breakfast.

And now I'm off out hiking all day and won't be back till late so like so many others I'm relying on y'all to note the drama of the day and particularly fish deliviers. Many many thanks in anticipation.  I'm hoping there are more comments to publish from yestersay (goodness knows how the centre manages to keep track of them all with so much to do) as I wonder about supper fish and whether EJ got another yesterday after the the one at 3.05pm.  Jane

mozziecat
Posted on Saturday, 9 May 2009 at 12:25

About 12.10 Odin flew in with a talonful of moss.  EJ went off for a good fly round and straight back to the nest.  Took her a couple of minutes cheeping and pushing to get Odin to let her back on the eggs.  He then flew off.  I have twice seen crested tits on the LG webcam.  Hoping to see them in the real world some time.  Feathers on the grass here look as if the local sparrowhawk has had a go at a pigeon that got away.

david anderson
Posted on Saturday, 9 May 2009 at 14:54

In response to Jay Jay's comment, we normally expect the male to eat the head before he comes to the nest for two reasons; first of all fishing can make you hungry and Odin will want his share of the fish! Secondly eating the head means the fish is dead (look at that I'm a poet!) so the fish won't be thrashing around on the nest and causing a danger to the eggs. Hope that answers your query.

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