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Fantastic!! Now  we have 2!!  Odin has been  very busy  fishing and defending the nest. I have  heard him alarm calling from a  nearby tree.  He  definately has a "no-fly zone" over HIS nest.!! Yesterday I saw him sitting on  the  edge of the nest when an intruder came too close. He  took off after it  "screeching" .    With  great protection and  enough food maybe  all of the chicks  will fledge this year. Fingers crossed.

I just posted on the previous blog about seeing EJ feed two tiny balls of fluff when this stop press appeared. They seem to have huge food calls for such tiny chicks. Wonderful !!!

EJ makes a rather loud contact call to the chicks as she feeds them. They reply with very quiet calls, only just audible. Debbie Aspinall, Loch Garten Team.

Thanks for the confirmation about the "new-born" Claire, wonderful.  :)

Is that the most common time for Ospreys to hatch -early in the morning?

So lovely to see both chicks side by side getting fed EJ is such a good mum making sure of fair shares for all :)

I love the way Odin stands on the nest after delivering the fish and looks at the chicks as if he can't believe what he is seeing........he looks so chuffed with himself :)

You must be so happy at LG it makes all your time and effort worthwhile I bet!!!

Hi DaveC......don't worry about the babies at Goshawk Manor, I saw them being fed at 6am and 9am. The, slightly, smaller of the two had a good feed at 6am but will need to learn how to push his/her way in....got nothing at 9am.  Mum seems to be leaving them alone for longer periods, but, she is still there. Hope this puts your mind at rest?  I, like you can't help worrying!!!

Aren't 'our' babies at LG just gorgeous?

just logged on to the brilliant news of the second chicks appearance. havent seen it as yet but am about to glue myself to the screen to see it if i can. well done ej,odin and everyone else

Dinner time! I have just seen EJ feeding the 2 newcomers. It's a bit windy up there today, or is it just my imagination? Congratulations to the proud parents (waiting for the third to appear...)

17:00 and just  logged in after being out all day. Was at Fineshade where there is a live webcam of a red kites nest. Congratulations on 2nd chick although I have not seen both of them together  yet.

I found it  interesting that when EJ takes her very short exercise flights or when she left the nest to eat   she  chirps and greets the  eggs and now the chicks on her return.

I've just got back from an overnight stay at friends up near Llandovery in mid-Wales.  Red kites galore!  They are everywhere now - it's wonderful to see.

Great news about chick #2.  Odin just brought in a fish which EJ ignored.  I assume she and the chicks are still full from all the food he's delivered today.  What a provider he's turning out to be.

Switched on this morning and when EJ went on an exercise flight, was sure I saw a second chick at the back of the nest, which was confirmed at the 11.17 feed on the Facebook Bloggers.

Had a wonderful start to our holiday in Speyside when we went to LG on Friday morning for the last Caperwatch and were greeted with the news of the first hatching not long before, so we walked up to the centre with big smiles on our faces and did managed to get a quick peek of the chick before we left.  It was good to meet Richard and Julie too.

Will be back there in the next day or so to see chick no. 2 now!

Odin brought a fish. EJ only ate a  little of  it and gave  two bites to the #1 chick. Then she left the fish and  sat down to  brood. Odin flew away with the  fish. It is very windy. Maybe she is worried about the  chicks being exposed in the  wind.

Brilliant!  Just logged on after being out all day and read the news.  When I had a quick look at the webcam Odin was standing on the edge of the nest and EJ was'chucking' gently.  They are a lovely family.  Haven't seen the babies yet.

5.30pm.....Odin brought a big fish, EJ not interested so he flew away with it. EJ proceeded to gently food call and Odin returned at 5.43pm. She ate a few bits gave some to the babies, left it on nest and started brooding. Odin took fish and flew away.

I am sure there is ANOTHER CHICK!!!!!!

Great to see the chicks getting well fed! How is the fund raising going for tagging the chicks? I think a "thermometer" showing how close we are to getting the £4500 for the tagging would help raise the funds?

congratulations with the two chicks. I have been away for four day's, four day's no internet, and now being home again, I just read about the chicks on the Dutch Scotlandforum. Fantastic news!!!!!!

wishing you all the luck with te little one's and mum and dad.  See you and them next month!!

Wonderful news and what a Dad Odin has turned out to be, EJ is one very lucky lady.  Not seen a lot today but have just logged in and read the blog so I know that food is coming in.

21.15 Just seen EJ eat some from a fish on the nest.  Fed one chick a morsel but not the other.  Chicks looked almost as if they were trying to play together - wait for it, here comes the big word! - are we anthropomorphosising the interactions of the birds?  If so, I don't care, they still seem like a happy family to me.  Fingers crossed for another healthy chick in a day or two and more work for Odin

Some time ago Odin brought in another fish.  EJ had been food calling, but made no move toward the fish, which Odin still had clutched in his talons.  After a couple of minutes, Odin flew off with the fish.  EJ is now settling herself down for the night, drawing the soft furnishings in around her body to keep her chicks cosy.  What a lovely sight!

Odin returned to the nest, with the fish he recently took away, and proceeded to eat the rest of his share there, just out of reach of EJ!  It's obvious the boy is angling to get at leat another look at the chicks, and perhaps even a cuddle???  EJ is not budging though!  After some minutes, and after the camera has switched to infra red, odin gives in and moves the fish closer to EJ.  At last she gest up and has some fish, while Odin does his usual stare at the camera and block the view for a few minutes, before moving to the side to watch EJ and the chicks.  EJ begins to feed the chicks, largest one first, until it's quite full, then very gently, the smaller one, but only after it manages to get closer to EJ.  She is teaching it to stick up for itself already!!  Odin sees all is in order and flies off.  EJ continues to share the fish with each of her chicks until they are all full, and then settles down gently on them again, drawing the 'cushions' in close again.

Thanks for your exciting upate Claire. By the way it was great to meet you face to face at the centre two weeks ago. Its nice to put a face to your name. You must all be rushed off your feet at the moment with the bank holiday and new chicks to show off! One more chick and we'll have a full house! EJ and Odin are certainly model parents and their offspring will have the best possible start in life.  Tuesay is my bet for the last chick.

The few times I have had the chance to see Odin's reaction since  the chicks hatched, he seems a little unsure  and lost as to his new role. Before they hatched he took turns several times a day sitting on the eggs and seemed to enjoy it. Now  he stand on the nest  quite unsure if  he should brood  them or just look. At one point today when he started eating the fish he brought he kept looking  at the chicks as he ate  and I  thought  he may offer them a few bits. However,  EJ took the  fish and started eating and feeding them so  that   question was settled "for now".   He really took ownership of the eggs so I'll bet  he won't be satisfied just to fish and look at his  precious new family.

Good news again. I just hope that after last year we have a better long term out look on this years brood.

Odin just brought another whopper!! He had already eaten the head and more , and what  is left is nearly as long as his body! EJ is not getting up to eat  or feed the chicks. Odin looks  puzzled that she is not excited about his gift. Now he flew off with the fish.  If she keeps this up he may feel there is no point in  bringing  fish to the nest.

EJ sitting on nest preening herself not in the least bit interested  in the big piece of fish lying near by, again Odin surpasses himself, a great provider for his family.... so different from last year when EJ had to beg for every meal!!

7.55 EJ take a quick exercise flight. 7.57 Starting to feed the chicks, the biggest one is trying to climb up from the nestcup to met mum :) Ah, she is such a good mother, making sure they both get their shared part. 8.05 Feed is over.

Just logged on and saw EJ feed the last few bites to the chicks then settle down to brood.  From the remains left on the nest it looks like a very large trout.  Nice to see the weather is calmer.  EJ looks like she's nodding off to sleep - new babies and disturbed nights!  It's the same the world over!

Isn't it just wonderful? It all seems to be going like clockwork this year. Hope I'm not speaking too soon. My last blog for a couple of days as Sally and I are driving to Yorkshire. I shall be able to log on when I get there so I'm relying on all bloggers to keep me up to date, please! Thanks LG team for all the work you do and to Claire for the latest update. Met you all last year, so hope to meet again this year, new members and 'old'!! Looking forward to it. Maureen McCann, do you mean a THIRD CHICK? EJ still sitting tight so haven't seen babes this morning.

What a difference to last year!!  EJ leaving fish lying beside nest: last year she was lucky to get even one fish a day!!!

Odin 'you are the daddy'. WELL DONE.

EJ now eating fish from the larder and chicks waiting patiently.

Seems to be getting plenty of good sized fish brought by Odin .... good Daddy !

CliveT

I'm intrigued, yet again EJ has had her fill and left the fish aside... I think that fish will last all day, how big was it??

I have just seen EJ feeding both chicks (9.48)! The older one is much stronger, but the younger one also looks well and interested, although it did not get a lot this time. There is still bits of a huge fish on the nest, obviously the whole family is stuffed... Well done Odin!

09:50 I have just seen the 2 of them for the first time and watched EJ giving them a feed from half a discarded fish on the nest. Odin is certainly supplying the goods. It is wonderful to watch these wild birds looking after their young.

10.13am Monday: thank you Wattle 15 I am glad EJ is teaching the second chick to stick up for itself but it still only got three measly beak fulls. The older chick got at least a dozen. It was still straining for food when EJ stopped feedding and I am not happy.

11.21 Well I know Odin was in the way a lot at feeding time but as far as I could tell only one chick was fed !! And I bet it wasn’t the one that was sort changed last night.

Do Ospreys have favourite chicks?

REPLY: No, why would they? The larger, stonger, more demanding chick, who "shouts the loudest" will command the lion's share of any food available.  EJ will respond accordingly.  -  Richard

just caught a beautiful moment when EJ went for an exercise flight and Odin appeared and stared and stared  went forward as if to sit on the babies then looked up and decided not to now he's on a nearby tree.  Sort of typical man . "if I start I might always have to"  Or maybe he just doesn't know what to do or he's maybe scared that EJ will give him such an earful,   The Goshawks look like they;re going to fall out of the nest!!!!!

'Home Alone' and there are THREE 'babies'.!!!!! Im not seeing 'things'.

The proud daddy visited and he looked at them...mesmerised!

REPLY:  Three? Not yet there aren't.  Third egg is yet to hatch.   - Richard

EJ took a "long" exercise flight. Odin came flying in when he saw  EJ was not on the nest. He  stayed a  bit , flew away and then quickly returned.  He seemed a bit unsure as to what he should do as he looked around for EJ. . He walked up to the nest cup as if he would brood them , but didn't actually sit down on the chicks. Their little  heads were  bobbing in all directions  as they looked at their new big world.

15:15

Odin brought a whole fish in,which was tail flapping for a while.The larger chick is getting more food, but maybe once it starts to vocalise more, it'll get more feeding. it does seem unfair though!

REPLY:  That's the way it goes.  Larger chick gets more, that's why eggs are laid and hatch at intervals. Usually though, once larger chick is satiated, then smaller chick will get some.  -  Richard

3.15pm-3.22pm...Odin arrived with a large fish :still alive!!!! Chicks fed but wee one didn't get as much as bigger one. The wee one will soon learn how to push in.

this is my second year of watching the Osprey chicks, but I have never commented before.  Having  just seen the chicks been fed I was quite surprised to see the fish alive still.   Is this quiet normal for a fish to be eaten alive?  It was still flicking its tail a good minute or so after been fed to the chicks.  poor thing.........

REPLY: More often than not, male ospreys will eat the head of a fish before bringing it to the female at the nest, in order to kill it, for that very reason, that live fish can flap about the nest and potentially harm eggs and small young.  However even after death, as the fish is eaten it may buck and flick as it is pulled apart - just nerves making it twitch.  Nature, red in tooth and claw an' all that. -  Richard

EJ had taken an exercise flight . Odin just brought a large fish and had not  killed it. It was flopping around  next to the  chicks.  EJ came dashing in to kill it. It is on the  right side of the nest cup this time and both chicks are  getting fed!! However, the #1 chick is stilling getting more . EJ still has one  egg to  keep warm so she  doesn't stay off of it  long enough to  fed the chick until they are full or finish the fish

SORRY EVERYONE AND RICHARD.....I am just so excited at the 'births' OR maybe I should pay a visit to the opticians!! Ha Ha Ha.

I too was surprised at fish flopping about.  Poor fish...but....

I haven't seen the LG chicks feeding but I've watched the two at LotL. It seems to me that the smaller chick has less appetite in the first few days - I watched it feeding, then resting, then being fed again. I also suppose until the muscles develop, holding it's head up to feed must be tiring, plus it's digestive system must be smaller. Hence the need to take a breather !

Surely as long as it is getting as much food as it ASKS for, all must be in order ?

Maybe Richard and others could comment

Great news about the chicks! I was just wondering, on your home page about the ospreys, in the fact file, it says that they survive only on fish. But as I was watching the Loch of the Lowes osprey webcam, the female was feeding her two chicks and herself what looked like a blackbird or thrush (it was a bit mangled). Is that unusual for this to happen? Or did she decide to be adventurous and taste something different?!

REPLY: No, I doubt that. Very, very, very unlikely Becky.  But then again I didn't see it.  Could it be dried (and thus darkened) fish skin, that made it look blackish?  -  Richard

I just saw Odin perform a magic trick.  He landed on the nest, had a couple of cheeps, checked out the family and miraculously produced a large fish out of EJs wing and flew off with it!!

Now I've read the above I know what really happened but it made me smile.!!!!

Thanks Richard. Nature has it's way of sorting things out.

this is my first year of watching and tonight I saw the chicks for the first time !  absolutely amazing! I was so excited to see the chicks .. so much smaller than I expected but I am sure they will grow very quickly !

REPLY: Welcome Yvonne.  You're on a slippery slope now.  -  Richard

Have just watched EJ feeding at 7pm Monday 25th and giving the larger chick a titbit or two. It looked as though there was an empty egg shell on the nest. Is that the third egg hatched or broken or did I just not see it?

REPLY: Yes I saw that, this afternoon Mitch and I think it is part of the shell of the second hatching.  Third egg still ok I think.  We'll know more tomorrow when it is due to hatch.  -  Richard

Well what is going on now? Odin brought a fish which EJ didn't want for a while. Eventually she took it and ate some whilst the young ones begged for some - and got none at all - ( No 1 might have got one mouthful).  She then stopped eating and started tidying up whilst the kids turned and begged for food again in every direction she went.  She ignored them and then sat on them. That shut them up!!!

Been away since thursday and come home to two new chicks and all seem to be doing well. Excellent.  No computer access since thursday mornign but believe it or not we were not Osprey free.  Couldn't believe our eyes when walking from tongland bridge to Cumstoun Bridge in Kirkcudbright on Friday morning when we were alerted to a commotion, something disturbed the ducks and they all flew up. yep. an Osprey fishing, tho unsuccessfully, and we watched it fly off over the Dee.  Unfortunately we were taken so much  by surprise we forgot to notice leg rings but brilliant to see and then again  today from the car in around same area but a few hours later in day.  Off now to get myself up to date with all the happenings on the nest before Springwatch starts, looking forward to Chris Packham

I know it's nature, but I do hope that all the chicks get fed. And not like what happened last year with the youngest chick. I think it was sad. And now I am afraid it will happen again, although I know from previous years that things can go well for all the chicks. Let's hope so!!!

Hi Amy here wow was that exciting as I was going to bed EJ stood up saw the chicks and remaining egg, then Odin arrived with fish, laid it down and started eating the tail of one the other three could'nt finish and then flew off into the sunset. Made my day but don't know if I will be able to sleep but will try. NiteNite Odin ,EJ, Two chicks and the egg zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz.

Re osprey varying their diet;  yes, it is possible!  In the 'top end' of Australia, our sub-species have developed a taste for bats, which are very plentiful in some areas - perhaps a lot more plentiful sometimes than fish!  It would depend on opportunity and need though.  A lone parent trying to raise hungry chicks would be much more willing to try ANY food source to feed them, for instance.

Re #2 chick not seeming to get enough food;  we feed our local Australian magpies each spring, and we've noticed that as the crops of the young fill, the sound of their begging cries changes - they can't fool Mum!  The fuller the crop, the higher and thinner the note of the begging cry.  When completely full, they can't get a sound out at all, despite continuing to beg.  Perhaps a similar thing happens in ospreys, but we aren't close enough/trained enough to pick up the change in note.  Two days is also a huge time difference in hatchlings.  #1 chick will have a much more developed digestive system and have much more food capacity than #2.  Another thought;  perhaps EJ can tell, even at this infant stage, which sex the hatchlings are.  We've all seen just how difficult it is to get chicks to breeding age, and that rearing chicks really needs two parents to be successful.  If both chicks are the same sex, it makes sense that #2 chick should not be given too much advantage over the yet-to-hatch #3 chick.  It will be very interesting to see what happens when #3 arrives!  If it seems to be favoured over #2, I will bet my boots that #1 and #3 are different sexes!

It sounds like it is raining quite hard on poor EJ. She is flat on the nest to protect the chicks and egg. Last night's dinner fish is still laying on the nest too.  I hope chick #3  doesn't hatch today in the rain. One  chick at  Loch of the Lowes hatched in the wind and rain and  perished

EJ is eating last night's fish that was left on the nest. #2 had figures out  it needs to be  right next to #1 and chirp loudly to get fed. EJ is feeding them "Equally"!!

Breakfast time, 7.05AM. 'mum' feeding the chicks and 'dad' doing some tidying up.

A picture of domestic bliss!!!!!

Your not the only one to "jump the gun" GaryS, as I was convinced I saw 3 bobbing heads yesterday. Be glad when they grow a bit bigger.

REPLY:  No third hatch yet.   Though we've had the scheduled two days between hatch-one and hatch-two, last year I think there were three days between hatch-two and hatch-three.  So maybe tomorrow.   -  Richard

I think I've just seen EJ give the chicks their first flying lesson!!!  She was on the far side of the nest, preening while the chicks had a sun bath.  The wind increased in strength, and EJ, whicle looking directly at the chicks, raised her wings and stretched them out, letting the wind lift her clear of the nest, before actually flying off for a short excercise circuit.  Then back to the nest and settled down on chicks and egg again.

Richard : a reference was made a while ago to strange feeding habits (not Ospreys) well I have many bird feeders at various places at my M-in-laws garden (where I did the bird watch this year) and we were amazed to see a Jay actually clinging upside down on a mesh nut feeder, had its fill and left only to return next day to do exactly the same .... is this an odd thing for a Jay to do ? ?

CliveT

REPLY:  New one on me, CliveT.  Never heard of that before.  I'll see what I can find out and report back. - Richard

REPLY: CliveT a colleague has got back to me on this - yes, not exactly common but not unheard of apparently.   Yet another example of how a greater variety of birds are 'learning' how to take advantage of free food and of course the highly inteligent crow family are better at doing that than many. On photo sharing sites, there are regularly pictures of jays on bird tables, so it's really only the next step up from that.

Quite a few years ago now, the (then) YOC leader in Moray took a picture of a Rook hanging from a bird feeder. I don't imagine many people have seen that !  -  Richard

Quite a few years ago now, the (then) YOC leader in Moray took a picture of a Rook hanging from a bird feeder. I don't imagine many people have seen that !  -  Richard

Tish, I was surprised when I started watching this Web Cam that they "definitely" have personalities. I guess I didn't realize how much birds do have personalities, because   I never had the opportunity to watch a nest on a daily basis.  The soft calling and chatting between EJ and Odin  is priceless. The way Odin always proudly checks on his  new family each time he comes to the nest is delightful. Last year all we heard was EJ's frantic calls for food.

I'm glad I started this year Barbara Jean.  Its a sheer delight to watch.  Selfishly I'm glad I didn't watch last year by the sounds of it it was heart wrenching!!!!Kleenex must have made a roaring trade  

Odin has brought the supper now, EJ tucking in, and two chicks struggling to reach her! I'm getting so much enjoyment out of watching the webcam. Will Odin ever help with feeding , please can someone answer that for me?

REPLY:  He might do.  Former Garten male osprey, Henry did.  -  Richard

18.25pm - Oh dear- excitement got the better of me I'm afraid! I now think there are only two- sorry everyone!!

REPLY:  Wee Jeannie, by the time you read this there will be/are three!!!!  Just took the call from the volunteers on duty to say yes the third has just hatched at 9.30pm-ish.  Wonderful.  -  Richard

up to date with all comments now. glad all going well today. Its a busy time keeping up to date with live webcams and checking on all the young ones. Last night I had 7 screens open at once on my screen and trying to watch Springwatch as well. Mad,  Isn't Chris Packham a brilliant presenter.

my first time seeing the chicks being fed. seems like even stevens.

oh she's decided they/ve had enough and leaving some fish for later. Odin obviously been providing well again today/

Wathed the Lowes being fed earlier. Quite a difference there between the two. but the wee one still managed to get plenty

I have not been on for a couple of days but great to get all the news I feel as if I have not missed a thing with Amy and everyone keeping the latest news from the nest going thanks to you all .I am just going to send my donation now as I did not get round to it before. I like the rest of you are awaiting the third hatch it will be great to see three healthy wee chicks in the nest.

Well, there are certainly 3 chicks now!!!  When I went to Webcam just now, OJ was feeding the chicks, and there were THREE little heads wobbling about!  #1 and #2 had a really good feed, but I didn't actually see #3 have anything.  the feeding was well in progress when I first came on though, so it may well have had its first few morsels then.  It seemed ready to go back to sleep long before the feeding of older chicks was finished.  OJ did tap it on the head while holding a small morsel in her beak, but #3 didn't raise its head, so #2 got the morsel before Mum settled back down on them.  Much wriggling and poking about before all were settled comfortably, tail-end snack left in the larder for later.

REPLY:  Yep, a hat-trick for Odin and EJ.  The evening watch volunteers just phoned to confirm that the third has indeed hatched.  Marvellous.  -  Richard

Well done Congrats EJ Odin LG etc etc etc  Missed all todays actions due to work - but caught up with all blogs and forums... can sleep hapily now...

Oh that is amazing news Richard, a late hatching this time too!

Congratulations EJ and Odin you deserve to have all three chicks thrive and fledge you are such a great mum and dad!!! :) :)

You must be so pleased at LG ... I bet there will be a bit of a celebration tonight or tomorrow what satisfaction it must give you all.

Wonderful stuff Richard, thanks for the confirmation.

CONGRATULATIONS LG  (oh, and of course EJ and Odin!)

Congratulations!

Fantastic!! So far everything is  going great for EJ and Odin.  #3 was probably exhausted from breaking the shell to get out and not  interested in eating much right now.   Odin  certainly knows what he is doing.  He fed EJ very well throughout this and now that the  chicks have  hatched he has brought so  much fish there are  left overs  each day. :) He is a keeper!!  I sure  hope  he makes Loch Garten his permanent  summer home.

Yea Yea brilliant news ... Okie Dokie it's all go for Odin now ... hope he performs his fishing skills are up to daily needs.

CliveT

SPLENDID! I haven't been keeping track of the days when I read the blog I was so excited. I can't wait for the third chick to arrive, then there will be a family!

It is 6:40 UK time and I just checked on EJ. She is  serenely just brooding the chicks and  looking around. I think she has come to trust  Odin will bring  breakfast as soon as  he  can.

That's excellent news to wake up to this morning! Congratulations everyone!  Hope all's well with the little one- I'd be grateful for anyone posting today's happenings as I won't be able to see video till I get home tonight - thanks.

Three chicks hatched........wonderful news.  Lets hope between EJ and Odin they can rear all three chicks successfully this year and that they survive their hazardous flight to and from Africa!

I was up at LG yesterday and thoroughly enjoyed watching the birds.  Odin sat in the Camera tree which is a small distance away watching over the nest.

He really is proving to be the perfect father/provider and partner for EJ who is a wonderful mother.

I was also delighted to see him bring in another fish last night as there had been only 1.5 fish as at 3pm.

I am addicted to these webcams, it is a privilege to be able to watch these birds so closely. Thank you RSPB

Fantastic news to wake up to this morning. Three chicks safely arrived despite the bad weather and the intruders they have had to put up with.  Was watching Odin this morning...he is so caring...he flew onto the nest with a fish just before 8am and EJ didn't want to move off the chicks so he started eating the fish on the nest and then fed some to EJ.  What a caring male he is! I wish them every success in rearing their chicks and look forward to lots of happy viewing.  Keep up the good work Loch Garten looking forward to meeting you all in late July!!

13:58 ... EJ is sure getting stuck in to the fish it's like she hasn't had a meal today but she is sharing it out very good all should be happy after as it was afair sized fish ... good on Ya Odin.

CliveT

Oh Wow! That is one very big fish Odin brought to the table this time, still with the head it appears, although it does seem dead. EJ got very excited when she saw Odin coming with it, started calling and was off the babies before he landed on the nest. Odin has left the nest now and EJ is already feeding the family. Not sure about chick three, he seems to be facing the wrong way if he wants feeding. It's nice to see the sun shining on them all now.