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I will be glad to make a donation when appropriate. The peregrine falcons webcam in pennsylvania is great and the five chicks are just balls of fluff. The peregrines at Huntly have 3 chicks now. I visited the site last year when on holiday and I saw last years chicks. They were a bit larger than this years brood are at present. In fact their parents had just brought in a rabbit for them to feast on.

Richard Thanks for setting this up!!

Odin just brought a fish for Ej and it is "very"  windy.  I couldn't see the size as he came in  at the  back of the nest near the camera and she quickly grabbed it and  flew off.

Fine idea.  Will be contibuting, and perhaps whenever you add to the blog, you could give us a running total of contibutions to encourage others to chip in too?

I am about to renew my RSPB membership- do I still use the code PR08 for it to be credited to Loch Garten. I will be making a  donation towards the tracking project at the same time of course.

REPLY: Hi CarolR.  First and foremost, what is important is that you are intending to renew your membership, which is great, thanks for doing that, much appreciated. However, I dont think as a renewal it will be credited to us as such.  You could try though!  Use PR08 again and we'll see what happens!  Kind of you to have us in mind though, thanks.  Renewing is what's key, thank you.   Richard

Hi Tish. We've got a page of 'frequently asked questions' which should hopefully cover what you'd like to know about satellite tracking, and why it's worthwhile to do it: http://www.rspb.org.uk/wildlife/tracking/lochgartenospreys/faq.asp

I have donated and I am hoping my money will go towards tracking as promised , it will be lovely to feel I am part of the rollercoaster ride that Deshar and Nethy gave us last year . I was just a little uneasy about the donation page as it seems to mention mainly the forest and what each £ can buy .  I am donating for a cause and that is the tracking device , I do appreciate we may raise over the amount for 2 so can we not buy 3 , I know it is difficult to put one on a adult but perhaps that could be talked about and also (thinking positively) the 3rd chick .  Have donated online and like others would like a running total so we can see where we have got to .

2.52 pm and Odin and I are back. Hurrah!  So good to see him, it must surely be a fish for EJ.   Ah, I see by PaulaP's comment that the fish arrived at  14.02pm. Thanks so much for that PaulaP and let's hope Odin has had one himself too.  Jane A

Thanks for all the updates and really enjoy reading them all, especially Jane A:))

I was very glad to make a contribution to the tracking. I haven't looked too much at the "big picture" but wanted to help towards the specific project that gives me and my family so much enjoyment.

I urge everyone else who enjoys watching the birds and follow's their progress (I couldn't wait to fire up Google Earth last year to get my latest "fix" in more ways that one!) to do the same if they are in a position to do so.

Anyway, looking forward to next 7 or 10days for the hatchings, fingers crossed.  Nothing at Lowes yet, don't think, -  could be any hour now.

I'm sure they wouldn't have asked if there was not a good reason for research about what and where and when Ospreys do what they do. I don't have all your words or been all your places but lighten up and enjoy.  RSPB do a lot more that Protect. How could they do all they do if that was all they did.  

I really don't see where this is getting us. You have both had your say now, so why not agree you are both entitled to your own opinions. Those of us who wish to donate this way will, and those who don't, well, that's okay too. Me? I prefer to read about 'our' ospreys and what is going on with them.

Thanks Richard. I also have donated to what I think is a great cause and I hope that you meet your target! The cold Winter days last year were certainly cheered by Nethy's antics in Africa. I can't yet believe that Nethy is no longer with us and still hold out hope. I'm sure that we will again go through the roller-coaster of emotions with this year's youngsters. I can't wait!

3.30 pm and EJ comes home after her lunch.  Odin immediately vacates the nest  - maybe he’s fishing for his own lunch now. Making the most of a respite in the rain. Winds still up though with gusts of up to 49  mph according to the Met Office; temperature and pressure falling. And worse: a flash warning for Aberdeenshire - HEAVY rain ! Oh dear oh dear.  I’m still confused about where Abernethy Forest is. Near Boat of Garten, OK, but is Boat of Garten in Aberdeenshire?   Jane A

REPLY - Boat of Garten is near to Aviemore, in Inverness-shire. The weather doesn't seem to bad just now. Debbie.

Everyone had their opinion and that is fine. My feelings on the tracking are that by knowing where to  stop on their migration may in time help coordinate groups in other countries to  protect them. Tracking has  shown that there are  specific areas where many of them stop to rest on their journey.   I think the tracking qualifies as  protection  For us it is interesting to  watch their migration  journey, but it provides valuable information on their habits for those  charged with protecting them. Even  if they perish  their satellite tags can often help find their bodies and  determine what cause their death. Some have been poisoned while  others killed as a sport  and  that leads to laws against  these   practices.  Even having volunteers  stand guard  over the nests to  stop human egg poaching  have come into   being  when  it was determined how much that was  reducing the  population  Just leg rings  are  a bit unreliable for  compete data since  a human  must be able to see and record their movements. No one knows  Odin's place of birth. Will his chicks inherit  his  migration direction and path? Only a  satellite tag will answer that. If we can only raise the money to  tag one of  his chicks, I think it will at least provide valuable  information on migration from his gene pool. Just my thoughts  

I agree with Soosin, there is little DIRECT benefit to the protection of ospreys, or other birds, by tagging. However, I'd like to postulate two INDIRECT benefits.    

Firstly, look at the entheusiasm it has generated in the ospreys and the RSPB in general. Many bloggers have commented that they have joined the RSPB as a result of visiting LG, especially after the tagging excercise. I'm probably one such ! I'd wager that the subscription income so gained outweigh the project costs.

Secondly, there is possibility (albeit remote) that RSPB  could use the tagging data to create similar interest in the countries on the migration routes. By understanding what befalls these birds during migration, RSPB would be able to work with conservation societies in those countries. For example, simply raising awareness might be enough to influence some of the barbaric hunting practices in southern Europe.

Tenuous, I know, but that's the nature of the beast. If we already knew the answers, it wouldn't be called "research" !

Appreciate all the different points of view on donating for satellite tagging, and it is of course, a personal decision for each.  All I can say is that it was the tracking that brought me to the LG site last year, and I'm sure I'm not the only one.

4.52 pm and as dreary and inhospitable a day as it can be at Loch Garten.(Well, maybe not – it isn’t winter after all.) Hope there’s been lots of visitors though – resplendent in sow ‘westers and kept warm by their enthusiasm. I certainly wouldn’t be a bird this weather! I truly hope their feathers are properly waterproof and really do keep them warm. EJ, bless her, looks a little like I do when it’s close to zero and I have as much on as I can possibly wear and sit under a blanket so I don’t have to put the central heating on.   Jane A

Oh, thank you so much Debbie. I picked up your relply too late to comment before I submitted my last comment. Inverness- shire. Right . I'll take your word for it that the weather doesn't seem so bad now but the wind noise on the video and the rain splashes on the camera do lower my spirits somewhat.    Jane A

I can see both points of view in the tagging debate but on balance I think it will be beneficial to tag the chicks on this occasion. It is discussions such as these which make this blog so fascinating and interesting for so many people and I am sure that the RSPB has benefited from last years tagging exercise. We need more knowledge so we can continue to protect these beautiful birds.

Poor EJ is in for a wild and wet night, it would seem. Forecast is dreadful and she is in such an exposed position. My heart goes out to her. A bird with true grit! Luck me, I have a fire burning and a hot meal awaits.

Absolutely pouring with rain here in East Lothian and know it's heading north.  Been a good season so far - just hope rain passes over LG quickly.  Sit tight, EJ.

At 6.37 pm someone EJ knew flew over the nest and away across the forest – she watched him go and gave a quiet ‘peep’. I saw the Osprey briefly but a large rain drop did obscure the sighting somewhat.  After which she has been calling Odin intermittently and from 6.56 pm onwards every rain drop on the camera lens has been a returning Odin with a fish.  I wish……Jane A

7.13pm - Head down and quiet, silently waiting for Odin and supper. Body flattened over the egg hollow and then at 7.31 pm a fast exercise flight of just a few seconds and maternal peeps to let the eggs know mum was back.  Hurry up Odin boy! It must be horrendous for you but I know youcan do it.     Jane A

7.13pm - Head down and quiet, silently waiting for Odin and supper. Body flattened over the egg hollow and then at 7.31 pm a fast exercise flight of just a few seconds and maternal peeps to let the eggs know mum was back.  Hurry up Odin boy!  It must be horrendous for you but I know you can do it.   Jane A   LG if you get this twice, sorry, I've been having  problems with my PC  Jane A

9.00 pm and EJ alone since 3.30 pm. I just can’t go and watch the series finale of NCIS. Like I’m sure EJ does, I need some encouragement now. Every fluttering, trickling rain drop down the camera lens sets my heart going !! Odin IS a good fisherman but the wind has been so horrendous and the rain pounding on the loch sending the fish down low.  I feel sombre, like the weather. Oh well.  Does anyone have anything cheerful to say?    Jane A

9.29 and the infra red camera has come on and, tantalizingly, immediately before an Osprey flew by  and then back in the direction from which it had come. EJ’s heart did a rise and flumff, as mine did. She gave a quiet enquiring ‘peep’. Now at 9.40 she is calling for Odin.      Jane At

Well Richard that report caused a bit of heated discussion,and I don't think you meant to be controversial!I guess we all need to respect one and others views and do what we think is right for ourselves,(to your own self be true).I will donate,simply because I don't think we know enough about the routes our Ospreys take and the difficuties they face en route.I think last years tagged birds go some way to illustrate this.Good luck with your appeal and perhaps if there is some cash left over it could be put towards the Capercaille or Black Grouse projects,both Abernethy species and on the brink.Just a thought.

On a lighter note ,welcome back Jane A.,its great to have you and your vivid reports back again(misty forest,butterflies ,cuckoos and Odin's quiff)great!!

Thanks to everyone who posted reports today. Weather not very good but Odin is still coming up trumps,he's definately The Man.

I have been reconciling myself with late Peregrine watching,it's daylight over the pond.I can report that the 55 Water Street four were fed by both parents,the female brought in a pidgeon closely followed by the male with what looked like a mouse.The Pennsylvania five are still thriving they're fast asleep,despite the traffic noise,waiting for their next meal.Thats enough from me tonight,back to Osprey watching for the weekend.Goodnight &thanks J.

As of today, the 16th ,  we are down to around 7 days until the first chick should hatch. Then the  fun of watching them grow and learn will  begin!!

Morning all - Loch of Lowes second chick is hatching right now. It is still half in the shell. Amazing. It will our turn soon.

Just made my donation towards tagging, due to last years tagging it made me aware of the fact how precarious life is for our feathered friends once they have fledged and although it was news that no one wanted to hear regarding the fate of Nethy & Deshar I'm sure it helped other novices like myself to understand a little bit more about the highs and lows of nature.  Thanks LG team and I look forward to visiting in a few weeks time.

Have been keeping an eye/ear out since 6am.....EJ waiting for breakfast. The weather does not look good for Mr. O  this morning but I have every confidence in him. Since he seems to be houseproud, maybe he will clean the webcam!!!!

Mr. O has not let us down....has just delivered breakfast, which EJ flew off with.   Couldn't see what size it was because of rain on camera.

I have to agree that tagging is a valuable way to increase the pool of knowledge about osprey behaviour.    While the osprey as a species is not endangered it is certainly persecuted.   This attitude is far from uncommon and any data which 'our' ospreys may provide to further our knowledge of their life cycle can only help to educate the less aware among us and protect these fabulous birds.  Research and education is exactly what the RSPB should be doing.

What a dreadful lot of weather there!  I can hardly see the nest and have no idea which bird is sitting -  though the shiny white breast may belong to Odin.  Could someone pop out and wipe the lens please? :-)  Perhaps we could install windscreen wipers for next year?

REPLY: Hi Kitty, the small nest camera that gives you the live-streaming picture, does not, I'm afraid, have a wiper.  The camera is too small.  When installing this camera we position it so that it catches the rain in order for the camera lens to get washed by the rain. This is necessary to clean the lens in case the ospreys projectile-poo on the lens, obscuring the view!   This has happend before.  The rain at least is temporary and soon dries.  The larger, wider shot,  pan & tilt nest camera does have a wiper and we can wipe the lens.  -  Richard

Well, it's the 16th now and not rising early I need to know if Odin who is currently egg sitting (9.15 am)brought EJ a fish. Any of you early rises catch a glimpse of a breakfast fish?  According to my observations yesterday the lunch fish (around 2 pm) was her last fish of the day. The weather was awful, the fish must have been very low down in the water and Odin was away from the nest from 15.30 pm until I don’t know!  I watched and waited with EJ all through the dusk; every fluttering rain drop trickling down the camera lens became a returning Odin with his prize but at gone 21.40 pm EJ was still alone and quietly resigned. I wondered if Odin was too embarrassed to return empty taloned. I thought I recognised EJ's warning shriek (not a fish call) this morning but the rain on the lens made it impossible to tell for sure which of them was on the nest. Then , now, currently, 9.15 am I definitely spotted Odin sitting. So I’m hopeful. But if anyone knows for sure if he delivered a breakfast fish please, please, let everyone like me, needing to know, know.  Thanks.  Jane A

Good news. We have our first osprey chick at Loch of the Lowes. Still have not seen it yet on webcam. Weather looks pretty bad in Scotland this morning.

Thank you, Maureen (McCann) - Just the news I've been waiting to read. Breakfast for EJ. Great stuff Odin, and trust you've eaten yourself.   Jane A

10.41 am. Odin took off from the nest very purposefully and EJ arrived back a breath later. She always lets the chicks in the eggs know that mum is back. Maybe Odin is now in search of his own breakfast and making the most of a break in the weather. Each day is different, isn’t it?  Let’s hope today is dryer at least, although the Met Office if forecasting light rain. And now EJ is calling ….. but after almost an hour and a half away eating fish I wonder why!!!     Jane A

EJ has been calling for Odin on and off since she returned from having her breakfast which I personally thought was a bit steep!  After all Odin needs to feed himself. He looked to have flown off on a mission when EJ returned from having her breakfast. A fishing mission I’ll warrant. Finally at 11.38 am EJ took off for a fast exercise flight – or so I thought. Just as I said to myself, well, go on then EJ greet the eggs with a few peeps I realised ‘our’ precious Odin had flown in to attend to the eggs…..what ho ! I sincerely trust you’ve had your breakfast Odin.   Jane jA

Even though we had two tragedies osprey trackingy last year, it was quite an experience and well worth the cost. I will certainly donate when I come to LG next month. I'm bringing my 3 young granddaughters who will join up too - to ensure my successors are encouraged to support the RSPB !!!!!!and maybe they will become osprey fans too!!!  

REPLY: Vivienne, we look forward to you visiting us next month and to introducing your 3 grand-daughters to the Loch Garten ospreys - and to signing them up to support RSPB!  Thanks for that, much appreciated.  The more we can interest the young in wildlife and its conservation, the better.  During my involvement at Loch Garten, for me it is always the most heartening aspect of what we do here, that it is a generational thing.  I've met so many people over the years, who visited as children, who then return with their own children, their grand children and even their great grand children.   -   Richard.

Richard Thaxton - Loch Garten Site Manager

EJ returned with more furniture at 11.52 am – a number of soft cushions and immediately wanted the eggs back. I think she knows the time is near and wants to be sure she is on the eggs when the first one hatches. Odin bless him only resisted briefly and then made himself scarce.    Jane A

Ok avid viewers, I’m off to see the new Star Trek movie now (smile, yes, really) so I’m depending on you all to be my eyes and ears Osprey wise whilst I’ve gone. I shall be rushing back to boot up and feast my eyes on all the news. (hopefully). EJ currently all wide eyed and attentive but content. The rain at least seems to be holding off. And I do have to admire her new cushions.    Jane A

An 8:50 fish ,good old Odin.Any more since?It looks as if our pair are in for some more bad weather,it looks a bit black over the hill.EJ looks pretty alert ,head going all ways can't tell if she's looking for Odin or watching things flying over.

Just had a look at Loch of the Lowes and saw both chicks. Absolutely amazing. Cant wait for EJ and Odins to hatch.

I've just had a wonderful view of the two chicks at Loch of Lowes.  Fantastic.

It's nice to see the weather has calmed a bit at LG since I last looked in and I can actually see EJ on the nest rather than what looked like an impressionist painting done by a short sighted artist!

Lovely descriptions JaneA.  It really helps to fill in the blanks when I can't watch myself.  Thanks.

Just a word for those visiting the area who want to see crested tits.  We saw one on feeders set up in the forest above Nethy Bridge.  Walk up past the football field to the playground, turn right onto the road and follow it into the forest until you see a huge feeder.  Locals told us we'd see one there and sure enough we did - within 5 minutes.  My husband got a couple of good photos too.  

Odin just delivered a fish.  Good lad.

15:37 and Odin has just delivered a largish fish. He really is a super osprey, come wind or rain he delivers the goods. EJ has gone off to feast. and Odin has settled on the eggs.  

Odin came through again with a nice sized fish!. Looks like a  brown trout.  . I wonder if he prefers the taste of the brown trout or   the  fish supply is closer than the fish farm. In bad weather  he doesn't need to fly as far to  catch  dinner. OR Maybe he was raised near a body of water that had  brown trout.

Just as the first raindrops started to hit the camera lens EJ started calling quite loudly and looking around,Next the sound of wings and at 3:40 Odin delivered what looked l

like a fairly respectable fish.EJ lost no time getting her talons on it and flew straight off.

Odin stood and watched her go, moved a chunk of moss,walked very carefully to the eggs and settled himself down.Well done Odin.

NEWS BULLETIN!!!  3.40pm.........Large fish delivered for afternoon tea, by 'our' boy.  EJ must have been hungry, she didn't wait to say thank you!!! Odin did his tidying up, looked at his future'babies' and then settleed down to 'cuddle' them.

THIRD BABY born at New Forest, awww!!!.....hope it doesn't get bullied by the 'elder' siblings.

Watched the chicks being fed at Loch of the Lowes. The smallest one was lying on its back while being fed.

EJ back exactly one hour after departing with her fish,Odin looked a bit startled,maybe he wasn't expecting her back quite so quickly.Never the less he moved over & flew into the trees behind.EJ is now back in charge.

I've just been watching L. O' Lowes chicks being feed and then (good timing) switched over and caught the Goshawk chicks having their feed.... won't belong until there's another set of little chicks to enjoy watching, meanwhile EJ has just given a little shuffle over her eggs and is waiting patiently....... oh happy days!

I've been watching the Loch Garten, Loch Of The Lowes and the various Peregrine Falcon nests over the past few weeks with great interest, I have even got my 8 year old nephew interested. My thoughts are that these various webcams have enabled me to get him interested in the world and his fellow inhabitants, whether they be covered in skin, fur or feathers, in such a postive way that the work the staff do to enable these processes to take place is truly invaluable. If we are to get our youngsters away from computer games and back into the real world we need the dedicatio and hard work from all of the relevant teams to enable this process to happen. keep up the good work teams everywhere and thank you for letting us share your knowledge and experience. Purse strings permitting after pay day I will be glad to make a donation.

LOL, there you go Kitty, you can't beat local knowledge

Soosin - you are so right, local knowledge is essential.  Unfortunately it didn't work for the crossbills which my husband really wanted to see but that's birds for you!  I'm from the north of England (many years ago) and spent  childhood holidays at my great aunt's B&B on Loch Ness so I saw lots of them then - but no monster!  Can't win 'em all:-)

Can I try to reassure janeA about something ? sure, EJ will get peckish if she isn't fed twice a day, but let's not forget the ordeal of the desert ! Almost every osprey crosses the Saraha, which means going hungry for up to 8 days AND doing all that flying. She's not going to be happy, but she's in no danger of starving !

Have just seen a Chough chick at South Stack Cliffs....so tiny.

AMY....I haven't heard from for a couple of days. Have you seen the baby Goshawks yet? They are gorgeous. Nite...Nite....Amy, EJ and Odin.

20.54 just logged on to see Ej fly off with a decent sized fish for supper. sorry jane didn't see what it was

9.27 pm and a cuckoo calling: Odin on the nest . Please let someone have news of a supper  fish for EJ.   Jane A

Just watched EJ return to the nest with a beautiful landing.  There was an unhurried but co-operative changeover, with a few words to each other and the eggs.  Odin flew off in quite a relaxed manner, and EJ settled on her eggs again, chatting to them as she did so.  It's wonderful to see such a harmonious relaxed nest this year!  ;-)

Just a quick up date on the peregrines before I turn in for an early night. The Pennsylvania five have just been fed and have now settled down to sleep all in a straight line. The 55 waterstreet four are waiting in eager anticipation for mum or dad to return. Goodnight J.

How lucky!  I just dropped in about 2 minutes ago with my morning cuppa and there was Odin delivering a good sized fish for breakfast.

The weather looks nice - calm and dry, unlike here is S. Wales where it is foul!

Sunday, with a good start to the morning I’m grateful to say (after just looking in on Mrs G – oh dear, disgusting weather where she is). 8.40 am found me looking at EJ on her own on the nest but immediately there was a ‘flyby’ by an Osprey and she starts calling urgently  - and oh yes indeed, faithful Odin with his first fish of the day – a large one. EJ, in her eagerness for breakfast almost took one of her new ‘cushions’ with it. Had one peck of the head in the nest and then grasped it in a talon and flew off.  Odin now egg sitting.   Jane A

EJ sitting comfortably this morning...wating for her breakfast no doubt. At least the weather is calm for her, not like poor Mrs.G in the New Forest....she is absolutely soaked.

Just seen the Loch of the Lowes Osprey nestlings. I'd forgotten how much they resemble a couple of mint humbugs at first. Female had a brief excercise flight and the babes enjoyed a little sunshine. I see Odin is on the nest so I'm hoping EJ got a big fish this morning. Weather much better today, apart from the New Forest where the rain seems heavy and prolongued. what patience and endurance these birds have.

Been in Ceredigion the last week so have been "cold turkey", if that is appropriate for missing osprey news! Trying to catch up on the blogs this morning- Sunday. Will go and donate next. Great news to hear that the tracking will happen again this year. Lets all hope for a happier outcome.

10.10 am and EJ returns to the nest after a very good breakfast with two talons full of soft green moss – still on the soft furnishing kick I see. Those kids must be imminent. It’s still a quiet morning so far at LG – weather wise that is – for   which I am very grateful – it makes it so much easier for Odin to bring in fish.  There is a little bird with a very lovely song defending its territory in the traditional way  -  not the chaffinch, I don’t think, the ending of the song isn’t quite right. A thrush? And I can’t make up my mind whether the robin is in Loch Garten or my garden !!   Jane A

10.38 am EJ arrives back with more green moss (told you!) and a stick which she cunningly nudges Odin with, and then adds to the broad hint by swiping his head with her tail (getting her own back!). Odin gives in. He acquiesces to her wishes and flies off leaving her with the eggs. So why is she demanding his presence again?   Come off it EJ, Odin’s only just left!  Jane  A

Well, ….it’s 12.08 pm and EJ has been nagging Odin since he left at 11.25 !!  He must have been near by cos she suddenly leaves home and Odin dutifully flies in to mind the kids. Mmmm, is that the wind getting up I can hear? Jane A

16.50 :)) I was sitting in my sofa and heard A LOT of noice from the computer, EJ is talking a lot, she keeps looking up in the sky (something there?) Odin just flew of.

Odin has come up with the goods again, at 15.45. EJ took her time before flying off, something was worrying her. But once she left, Odin stayed where he was, warning off something over head, before settling down with the children. Whatever it was seems to have gone now thank goodness. Jane A, I love your way of describing what's going on, please keep it up, it's so entertaining. Whatever it was worrying Odin, it's still around, he's warning it again. Not sure I would ever want to get close to those talons and the beak!!

I arrive home from a long trip to Boots ‘cos there are so few buses on a Sunday these days and boot up at 3.45 pm to find EJ on the nest. But within seconds our dashing hero not only arrives home avec a big fish but immediately starts repelling would be boarders. Both EJ and Odin have beady eyes aloft. EJ stops to take a quick gulp of fish and then grabs it with a talon and heaves it into the air with her to take a more comfortable perch elsewhere. Meanwhile, Odin continues to screech warnings but eventually settles on the eggs figuring the light aircraft that is suddenly in the nest air space will have a quicker effect on the marauder.  Peace reigns.   Jane A

EJ is back already! It didn't take her long to eat that fish, maybe it wasn't very big, does anyone know? Of course, Odin is playing 'I can't see you or hear you, so I don't have to get off the children!' EJ is gently nattering to him, and now he has got up. He's flown away and EJ has settled back down.

Hi Amy here could someone tell me if that was Odin sitting on the nest at 16.15

EJ back at 4.10 pm. Golly, hardly enough time to eat a fish that size. She must have swallowed mouthfuls whole! And once more she’s nagging away (4.32pm) and Odin not long gone at her wish! I hope Odin bags himself a whopper of a fish and ignores her until he’s eaten it.  Just shut it EJ, please, give the boy credit and room.  Jane A

janeallport, the bird you could hear was probably a willow warbler - more fluid than a chaffinch.  It always seems like the voice of summer to me, though the weather sure ain't summery at present!  Keep up your brilliant comments - I don't have a lot of time to watch the video and it's great to read your updates.

Well, what I thought was a fast exercise flight by EJ isn’t. She took off at 4.59 pm and a little later Odin appears. Knew it was him before I could confirm by feather colouration ‘cos he didn’t ‘peep’ over the eggs before he brooded. Good boy Odin. You’ve really been hounded today and you’ve still to get supper in.    Jane A

Lovely to have all the many commentries on the nest activities for the last few days..... especially the fish deliveries.

I really feel weather permitting, there shouldn't be a lack of fish this year, as Odin has been such a good fisherman :))

Not long now folks and we will be glued to our screens, watching as the day approaches for the first Loch Garten chick of 2009 to appear.

Last year we had a guess the first chick to hatch date contest are we up for that this year?

Watching the Goshawk chicks being fed and the smalles chick did not get much. I guess it is survival of the fittest.

7.56 pm! Odin has come after he must be nearly deaf with EJ’s incessant calling but no fish. What does EJ mean by interrupting a very important fishing trip?  He’s so amiable and obliging but if EJ doesn’t get supper it’ll be nag nag nag all over again. All hail the Cuckoo again.   Jane A

I wonder if this is a first? I print 6 copies of each blog entry and pass them on to several octogenerian friends, some of whom are housebound. The daily antics of the osprey nest have been a real highlight for them for the last few years. Thanks to the live video and dial up mobile broadband I have been able to show them the ospreys live adding a new dimension for them. I took my laptop to our church lunch today and the children all wondered what the 'oldies' were looking at. They too became hooked. While we were all sitting down for our meal I heard EJ calling and beckoned to the children. They left their food and watched as Odin flew in and they swapped nest duties, giving a good view of the eggs in the changeover. Maybe we will have some younger recruits to the Osprey watch. We are now all eagerly waiting for news of the first chick. Rosemary

REPLY: Rosemary, thanks for sharing that, and for doing that! Just brilliant.  -  Richard

Have just donated £10 Richard wish it could be more but times a bit hard at the moment.  Hopefully you will raise enough to we can keep track again of the young ospreys but I really hope for a happier ending this time but as we know life is tough out there.

11.33 am .Well, it’s a quieter day all round. Maybe the weather has something to do with it. Misty and moist. EJ the model of maternal fidelity. Yes, I agree with you Barbara Jean, EJ is fidgeting a lot more.    Jane A

In answer to Jane's question - 'How does one get to work for the RSPB I wonder – lots of birdie qualifications I suppose' - no, not necessarily!

There are loads of different roles within the RSPB. I'm a web editor, for example - I have a lifelong interest in birds and wildlife (which is helpful), but my career background is in journalism. We employ all kinds of people... economists, ecologists, people who greet visitors on our reserves, IT technicians, people who make the cakes in our reserve cafes... you name it! It's not all just reserve wardens or scientists, though we have plenty of both.

Volunteers are also hugely important to what we do - we couldn't do it without them. And it's a great way to get experience if you did want to work for us.

Well, the weather is a lot more intimidating up at LG now than it was when I booted up this morning.  But so far at 16.26 pm it isn’t actually raining. I wish EJ a very fond farewell as I hibernate my system now and go to work. See you when I get home lovely bird – with it being lighter up in Scotland than down here, I just might catch you before the infrared takes over. And hopefully, there will be news from someone of a supper fish for you.   Jane A

Glaslyn ospreys now have 3 chicks and dad is bringing in 4 fish a day. Having watched the Loch of the Lowes chicks quite a lot today I cant wait for EJ and Odins eggs to hatch.

Odin has just brought in another fish and EJ has flown away after a lot of calling from her!  He has very carefull taken over the babysitting!

Odin just brought a  nice  size fish for EJ.  She must have seen   him with  the fish in a nearby tree, and she was calling so insistently   that  he arrived at the nest still swallowing  his bits. LOL --Poor guy he can't even eat the  head in peace.

Escaped early tonight so have been able to Osprey watch in daylight.Been packing for the hols with one eye on the screen.This is for you janeallport cos I Know you can't watch tonight.  6:3o EJ very restless starts calling loudly and looking at the sky clothes  dropped and eyes glued on the screen in hope.Odin keeps EJ ann I in suspense untill approx 6:40 before he lands on the nest with what looks like a fair sized fish. Didn't get much chance to see it as EJ grabbed it and flew off leaving Odin watching her go,he does a bit of "nest gardening " before settling down on the eggs.Hope I've put enough detail in there for you J.

Hey ho! and a new day. Tuesday begins at 09.30 am for me ‘cos that’s when the redoubtable Odin arrives with breakfast. EJ is suitably appreciative and flies off with a medium sized headless fish. Odin gives a few warning shrieks before settling down on the eggs – just letting local inhabitants know he’s back and to keep well away from his kids.  A head of a fish is surely only a snack so when does our boy really eat? I really do trust he fishes for and eats a whole fish to himself sometimes. Is any one able to enlighten me on this issue please?  Ta. (Odin is still shrieking)  Jane A

Hi There,

  I have been watching the webcam of the Ospreys at Loch Garten with avid interest. There are also a number of other types of birds I can hear singing around the Osprey's nest, I would like to know what the other types of birds are, as I cannot recognise their songs.

Many Thanks, Mike.

REPLY: Mike, you could well be hearing redstarts, as they are prospecting nearby and very vocal currently.  The cuckoo you'll know of course, are often in the nest area too.  Chaffinches might well be what you can hear also.  -  Richard

EJ arrives back from breakfast  at 09.51 am and starts to move the furniture as Odin doesn’t immediately get up and leave but, bless him, he recognises the signs and resigns himself to another day of being bossed around. Smile. I hope he is now fishing for a proper breakfast for himself.   Jane A

10.14am . Odin’s been guarding for a while. Shrieking at intruders whilst EJ calmly and confidently leaves security to him. She sure is fidgeting a lot.  (and obviously no proper breadfast for the man of the nest).  Jane A