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...

Three is not a crowd at Loch Garten!

Stop press

The third chick has hatched!  Unlike its siblings who hatched in the early morning, it decided to exit its egg in the evening!  Odin delivered a fish, a whopping 18" rainbow trout, at 21.20 yesterday evening, and when EJ stood up, she revealed not only the two chicks but also the third which was hatching!  Yay!

Odin has been busy already this morning, bringing in a 12" brown trout at 7.50!  He has flown off now, possibly hunting, the breezy conditions will make it a bit harder for him, but I'm sure he will rise to the challenge!

We await the next fish...and our next glimpse of the three chicks!

Posted by claire foot at 10:07 on 27 May 2009.  99 comments

Comments

Margobird
Posted on Wednesday, 27 May 2009 at 10:26
Congratulations to EJ and Odin you now completed your family. With the amount iof fish that Odin brings in I am hoping that all 3 will survive. Ospreys fill me with awe and how gentle EJ is when feeding them. Fingers crossed for good weather now.
Valerie
Posted on Wednesday, 27 May 2009 at 10:32
Congratulations to Mum and Dad and all at LG , loved Odin this morning when he bought a fish and fed EJ a small bit she didnt get up and he eventually flew off with it . I think I am in love , he has such a lovely look on his face when he lands and looks at EJ adoringly and then down towards the chicks . Odin I cant wait to meet you . Well done everyone I am sure Odin will rise to the challenge.
mozziecat
Posted on Wednesday, 27 May 2009 at 10:35
Thank you Claire. I was watching last night but not sure what was happening till I got confirmation this morning. Congratulations to all LG team and Osprey family. Thanks to all bloggers for keeping up the news. Lots of hard work for Odin now but he seems to be up to it!!
Kitty
Posted on Wednesday, 27 May 2009 at 10:42
Second breakfast - or is it elevenses? Teeny-tiny is up there gaping with the others. It looks so small but seems to be strong and determined. It's just had a bite of fish which seemed to overwhelm it completely and over onto its back it went. But 10 out of 10 for determination because it got right back up and back to gaping!
Patrizia from Spain
Posted on Wednesday, 27 May 2009 at 10:45
Odin has just brought another fish! He is a great father and partner. EJ is a lucky bird! She is feeding the chicks at the moment. They are so lovely...
mozziecat
Posted on Wednesday, 27 May 2009 at 10:45
Fish came a few minutes ago and they are ALL being fed. Odin hung around for a minute or so. So fantastic to see the family all together on the nest.
Kitty
Posted on Wednesday, 27 May 2009 at 10:47
That was wonderful to watch. Teeny-tiny had a good feed and now EJ has settled down to brood.
KatieM
Posted on Wednesday, 27 May 2009 at 10:51
Nature is just wonderful - what a lovely sight, all three chicks getting fed ! Was privileged enough to be watching EJ last night as Chick 3 was hatching; I just didn't realise it at the time. Looked like she had fleas or something to me !
jswscot
Posted on Wednesday, 27 May 2009 at 10:56
Great news Claire. A rainbow trout - does that mean Odin has, again, visited the fish farm? 10:34 Odin brought in a nice sized fish and I just caught my first glimpse of the third chick and watched all three being fed. Hope the weather improves for them. It is very damp on the Black Isle this moring. Pru
Carol
Posted on Wednesday, 27 May 2009 at 11:03
Wonderful news. I am so sad that I will not be able to visit Loch Garten this year during the osprey season. Last year we arrived just as Nethy fledged and took her first flight. I will miss my visit so much but we are not coming up to Scotland until September this year and going to the north west and Skye.
Alice Potter
Posted on Wednesday, 27 May 2009 at 11:21
Really good news. When I was watching at 21 20 last evening (mentioned on earlier comment), Mum was feeding her two littlies, but seemed from time to time to touch the third egg, I wondered if things were happening. Congratulations!
Valc
Posted on Wednesday, 27 May 2009 at 11:36
Absolutely wonderful news! I must just have missed the hatching last night! Doesn't look like they will starve this year! Let us just hope for good weather this year too and all should be well!
Libs
Posted on Wednesday, 27 May 2009 at 11:36
Congratulations - and look Odin has bought in some new red moss to celebrate. It is pouring with rain here but I have a big grin on my face - I wonder why!
Jandy
Posted on Wednesday, 27 May 2009 at 11:51

Bother bother bother!  I so nearly saw the exciting events of last evening, but got Skyped (and lost the LG screen) by two of my own fledgelings at what turned out to be the crucial period. I did see lots of wriggling about by EJ later, and wondered what had happened. This means I'm going to have to sit in front of my computer, neglecting everything else, until I see all three. A big 'thank you' to all who took the trouble to answer my query about zooming - what a great, friendly bunch you all are.  I'd already tried the full-screen, and abandoned it as too indistinct, but I did try the 200 and 400% on Internet explorer once you'd put me on to that, but in the end I'm back with the little  picture, which is much clearer.  I was interested to read about Odin feeding EJ; I'd watched a robin yesterday taking seeds from my feeder and passing them to what I assumed was his mate (definitely not a chick), who had already been helping herself, and was now sitting on a branch about 6 inches away.  Is this pre-mating behaviour?

BarbaraAnne
Posted on Wednesday, 27 May 2009 at 12:02
Brilliant news LG...Thank you Claire for the confirmation... It looks as though it will be a bumper year for LG this year.. If there is ever a time to visit the Cairngorm National Park and the Ospreys, this is going to be the year to do it.. So Hallo to little Hamlet...Triplets !!!!!! Yippeee
Glynis H
Posted on Wednesday, 27 May 2009 at 12:45
Great news, let's hope the weather stay fine for the family, as with a dad like that they have no hunger fears. Thanks also to the LG Bloggers for alerting me this morning. I look forward to seeing the new arrival
Glynis H
Posted on Wednesday, 27 May 2009 at 12:45
Great news, let's hope the weather stay fine for the family, as with a dad like that they have no hunger fears. Thanks also to the LG Bloggers for alerting me this morning. I look forward to seeing the new arrival
Pia
Posted on Wednesday, 27 May 2009 at 12:48
12.46 It looks a bit rainy at the moment ...hope the sun will come out soon. CONGRATULATIONS for the third time --> EJ and Odin, and thousands of thanks LG for this site. All fingers crossed for the three siblings :)
audrey
Posted on Wednesday, 27 May 2009 at 13:02
Mesmerised as usual by this wonderful site! What a joy to see the latest addition..things can only get better!!!!. Best wishes to all at LG and thanks for the updates which are greatly appreciated, what a great team you are.
Sue Stephen
Posted on Wednesday, 27 May 2009 at 13:32
Well done EJ and Odin - family complete! Looking so much forward first of all to seeing the third chick then of course watch all three thrive and grow. Odin is certainly not camera shy. Its wonderful seeing him perched on the edge of the nest surveying EJ and the family. Not something we saw much of last year. Off to watch the live webcam! Busy day at work in between viewings!!!
Kitty
Posted on Wednesday, 27 May 2009 at 13:53
Lunch! How does Odin manage to be so good? It was just raining heavily which must make seeing the fish very difficult but he's coming up with the goods and now everyone is being fed again. This is very good news for these chicks. I'll keep it on in the background all day (the benefits of being retired!). It's so bad outside my dogs went back to bed when I made a move to walk them!!! Sensible beasts! All three chicks feeding well.
Sally-A
Posted on Wednesday, 27 May 2009 at 14:35
Thanks Claire. Wonderful news, especially for the Loch Garten team. Let's hope that the weather is kind to all the little ones and gives them more than a fighting chance. With such wonderful parents, they have certainly got the best of starts! I've got everything crossed.
Barbara Jean
Posted on Wednesday, 27 May 2009 at 14:35
3 is great news! A million thanks to LG from me too for giving me, and all of us, the privilege of watching this miracle of nature!! I realized maintaining the camera and all the updates to keep us informed is extra work for all of you
Cirrus
Posted on Wednesday, 27 May 2009 at 14:37
Well, hats off to Odin then, I’ve missed fish deliveries and been commenting on the wrong blog. Serves me right for hibernating my system. I’m taking comfort from positive comments about the chicks. I haven’t seen chick 3 yet. I watched Odin bring in bed linen and decorations and maligned him in my thoughts ‘cos he wasn’t stocking the ladder, when all the time he was. Apologies Odin. Nevertheless, I've decided to restrict my viewing somewhat for a time for the sake of my peace of mind! So, I'm relying on you fans for the facts. Thanks.
jswscot
Posted on Wednesday, 27 May 2009 at 14:44
Does anyone know what happened to Alexander Thomson, the lad in Saudi who produced the wonderful video on YouTube entitled "Flora the Osprey" which he dedicated to Deshar? Pru Ward
Barbara Jean
Posted on Wednesday, 27 May 2009 at 16:38
One eager chick keeps trying to get out from under mom LOL He/She is ready to experience the world
Babs
Posted on Wednesday, 27 May 2009 at 16:53
I haven't managed to see the LG chicks yet, much to my disappointment. Hopefully all three will thrive and look forward to watching them "grow". I have been watching the chicks at Loch of the Lowes and they appear to thriving so far. I sometimes feel as if I gave birth to the chicks myself as I am so concerned about their welfare - looking to see if they are still breathing etc!!!!!!! Anyway hope to catch sight of the LG chicks soon.
Barbara Jean
Posted on Wednesday, 27 May 2009 at 17:45

Odin just brought in a huge fish for the family. #3 is  at the back of the line, but  he/she  will learn quickly that is not were the fish is. LOL

Barbara Jean
Posted on Wednesday, 27 May 2009 at 17:48

This is great !!#3 just pushed itself  inbetween the other two to get  fed

Soosin
Posted on Wednesday, 27 May 2009 at 17:50

just logged on to see family of five on nest and the wee one trying hard to get forward for a share.

Wendyb
Posted on Wednesday, 27 May 2009 at 17:54

Hi everyone and thank you for all the updates. New to this but I can possibly provide accurate weather reports as I live a few mles up The Spey and if it's raining on EJ it's raining on me. So nice to report sunny here.Visited the centre on Monday lots of happy people. Thank you to Richard for spotting a Cappercaillie and sharing your enthusiasm with one and all.

Maureen
Posted on Wednesday, 27 May 2009 at 18:00

EJ feeding wee ones from what looks like a very large fish and making sure that the new 'baby' gets a share!!!! Fantastic.

Maureen
Posted on Wednesday, 27 May 2009 at 18:00

EJ feeding wee ones from what looks like a very large fish and making sure that the new 'baby' gets a share!!!! Fantastic.

ALAN PETRIE
Posted on Wednesday, 27 May 2009 at 18:00

17:45 and Odin has just brought in what looked like a whole rainbow trout. He had a little talk with EJ and had a good look at his offspring. Once he was sure all was well off he went. He really is a super dad. EJ fed the chicks making sure all 3 got their share then settled down again and all is well in the world.

BarbaraAnne
Posted on Wednesday, 27 May 2009 at 18:01

Oh that was wonderful, to see all 3 chicks together and all be fed until they could eat no more !!! Even EJ has left some fish again...The little one is strong and got his/her fair share.. Their little crops only need a few mouthfuls at this age to be full...

It is really looking good for all 3 chicks to get to fledging this year...

Odin has been a Godsend for Loch Garten...Thank God he got lost on his way to Scandinavia, if indeed he did...I wish him many happy years at LG....

Barbara V
Posted on Wednesday, 27 May 2009 at 18:03

I am becoming as addicted as last year. Wonderful to see all 3 chicks moving about, haven't seen the little one get any food yet though.

Any ideas on names yet... maybe Snap Crackle and Pop?

Anonymous
Posted on Wednesday, 27 May 2009 at 18:15

This is the first time I've managed to see the third baby. Oh Joy and Bliss!!!  Not wanting to offend goshawk people but our EJ is a much more refined lady altogether. She has a much softer voice and her movemengts are more gentle.  But on Spring watch the Goshawk was very manoueverable Imust say   .. amazing.  Wattie I loved your comments,  very interesting..,.

Soosin
Posted on Wednesday, 27 May 2009 at 18:17

feeding times are great seeing the three of them vying for food and attention they flip flap and flop over each other to get EJs attention and ultimately food

Barbara Jean
Posted on Wednesday, 27 May 2009 at 18:28

The fish was  so large EJ left  half of it for later. It is so wonderful to see that Odin is providing so well there is  plenty for everyone and  fish left over. Last year  I recall many times OVS only brought  snack size fish and EJ just ate the skin and tail so she could give what little  there was to the  chicks. I am so happy  Odin came along!!

Sue Nicolson
Posted on Wednesday, 27 May 2009 at 18:33
Loch of the Lowes does not appear to have the same abundancy of fish; the older chick is doing a lot of pecking on the little one, and there is isn't even a fish to fight over; littlin has taken quite a few beatings this afternoon!
Anonymous
Posted on Wednesday, 27 May 2009 at 18:53
Please don't stay away to long janeallport. I miss you already, I haven't heard enough of you for a long while. Hope you're ok. Tish
vivienne L
Posted on Wednesday, 27 May 2009 at 19:06
First let me apologize to all osprey experts if this is a stupid question. I noted the comment that Odin actually fed EJ you see, which made me think(dangerous). Several times Odin has looked as if he thought he should feed the chicks but of course he doesn't get trusted with the task. So, my question is, IF, a mother osprey went off on an exercise flight and didn't come back( what a ghastly thought) for any reason, would some fathers take over? feeding of the young. I know OVS didn't have a clue but Odins behaviour is so different i had to ask.
Lorraine
Posted on Wednesday, 27 May 2009 at 19:26
I only saw #chick 3 for the first time this evening when the large rainbow trout was brought in by Odin and what a treat it was, to see all the family together, with dad surveying his family with pride :) It seemed fair shares for all again and part of the fish left for dad to take away. Odin is doing so well, EJ hardly needs to food call this year ,as the fish keep rolling in :)
Soosin
Posted on Wednesday, 27 May 2009 at 19:34
wonder how many days will pass before we can't see the nest because the camera is covered in guano.
JMcCaw
Posted on Wednesday, 27 May 2009 at 19:45
Brilliant news on the arrival of the third chick and what a guy Odin is. Much better than OVS! Hope all the chicks survive and we have a good season!
M G
Posted on Wednesday, 27 May 2009 at 19:51
It has been a nice sunny day no rain here but the icing on the cake was to see three beautiful chicks well cared and catered for by two great parents what more could I ask for . Barbara Jean you are so right thank goodness for Odin Three cheers for the great provider he is a real darling that one. E J really you deserve a mate like him after the trials you had last year providing for your little family and you done your utmost for them sit back this year you have a great mate in Odin. I am sure with him at the helm this will be great news all the way.
Wendyb
Posted on Wednesday, 27 May 2009 at 19:56
Still brilliantly sunny for EJ and family.Never ever had a sense of direction but after 8 years in this area not a problem as when you get lossed you find the best scenery.So as my husband says we live north of the Spey and if Odin was looking for fish about 7 mins as he would travel along it.
Maureen
Posted on Wednesday, 27 May 2009 at 20:36
Hello Amy... aren't the new chicks beautiful? It will be great for you to watch them grow, and they grow very quickly: especially with a clever daddy who brings lots of fish for their mum to feed them. Nite nite Amy, EJ, Odin and three 'babies'.
trevor park
Posted on Wednesday, 27 May 2009 at 21:01
Hi Amy here just missed the third chick hatching just went to bed before it. EJ is not happy at this moment as she is very restless I wonder if there is an intruder about. Anyway have to go to bed so NiteNite EJ,Odin and now the three chicks. zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
pabraham
Posted on Wednesday, 27 May 2009 at 21:01
EJ is really unhappy about what ever is flying around the nest right now. I got a glimpse of something attempting to land on the nest and she had to rise to chase it off.
BarbaraAnne
Posted on Wednesday, 27 May 2009 at 21:29
21.25 and EJ is yelling at EJ...Presumably for food again.... Honestly, just as he has got his feet up to watch the Aprentice she is yelling for MORE supper again... She is beginning to look like a fat chicken she is so well fed.!!!! Poor Odin....The phrase 'give an inch and take a mile' springs to mind !!
pabraham
Posted on Wednesday, 27 May 2009 at 22:10
10:10pm really nice fish delivered in the gloaming! All the diners are excited though!
vivienne L
Posted on Wednesday, 27 May 2009 at 22:21
Oh i cant watch this feeding time any more as it looks like the little one is not getting more than a couple of mouthfuls!!!
Jandy
Posted on Wednesday, 27 May 2009 at 22:33
Supper arrived at 22.09. Odin stayed a short while, then flew off. EJ took some herself, then shared with the chicks, one (the oldest, presumably) got the lion's share, the youngest didn't seem to get much at all. A moment of comedy when the middle one, pulling fish away from mums beak, overbalanced backwards and ended up facing the wrong way and apparently couldn't work out for some time where mum and the food had gone. 10.22 saw EJ deciding it was bed-time and settling down to brood, leaving some fish for a midnight snack perhaps, and ignoring the cheeps from her offspring. So much better than television!
Elizabeth
Posted on Wednesday, 27 May 2009 at 22:52
Yes Odin is proving to be a tremendous fisherman! I have been watching the female at Dunkeld......she has been calling to her mate for fish from mid afternoon with no luck. The chicks keep begging from her too. I do hope they have a nice big fish delivered tomorrow. Well done to EJ and Odin.....perfect parents.
patriciat
Posted on Wednesday, 27 May 2009 at 22:56
Really great that the littlest one seems to be holding his/he own withnumbers 1 and 2. Haven't seen the new baby yet - 4 Border Collies to exercise and train take up a lot of time. But I can happily ignore the housework to watch the lovely little family. Isn't Odin a star!
Maggie
Posted on Wednesday, 27 May 2009 at 23:25
EJ has just been for a quick flight & is now having a snack from a fish that was on the nest. She is also feeding the chicks. I wouldn't have expected an osprey to be flying around at 11.20 at night. Is it a moonlit night?
vivienne L
Posted on Wednesday, 27 May 2009 at 23:28
Life is full of surprises!!! I left the webcam on but forgot it was there as it's so quiet . I've just seen EJ feeding the babies but can't see which ones are being fed. I didn't know they did this!!
Chris
Posted on Wednesday, 27 May 2009 at 23:29
Congratulations for a third time. The family is complete. Havent managed to see the little un yet but early days. By the way Odin is providing for his new family the little ones wont be little for long. There seems to be a surplus of fish so no one will go hungry. EJ will have a more relaxing summer this year. Thanks to Claire, and all the bloggers for their constant updates. I dont feel that I am missing anything when I am working, knowing I can catch up with all the goings on when I come home!
mozziecat
Posted on Wednesday, 27 May 2009 at 23:30
11.20 pm Just logged on for a last look and, would you believe, EJ is eating a fish. She has held bits out a couple of times towards the little ones, who look quite strange in the night camera, but they don't seem to be getting much. I'm off now for a couple of days to Edinburgh, but no time to get further north. I'll catch up with the blog as soon as I get back so please keep the news coming.
Chris
Posted on Wednesday, 27 May 2009 at 23:32
The children have just had a late night supper with the remnants of todays fish!
mozziecat
Posted on Wednesday, 27 May 2009 at 23:33
Looking again they have had some nibbles. Can now hear their little squeaks and cheeps quite clearly. Mum settling back to brood after the night feed.
Barbara Jean
Posted on Thursday, 28 May 2009 at 5:14
EJ is feeding the chicks the fish that was left over from last nights supper. She is making sure all get their share. Great to see that even the littlest one is getting it's share!!
Tiger
Posted on Thursday, 28 May 2009 at 8:51
They look such strong chicks.
m lake
Posted on Thursday, 28 May 2009 at 8:55
Worried last night when EJ was food calling as it was getting dark. But all was well as Odin arrived with large fish and EJ fed all 3 chicks. Then at 04.30 ish EJ moved very gently off the nest and proceeded to have a couple of beakfulls of some of left over fish which was on the nest. As soon as she did this the babes woke up so she left her meal and covered them again. Sometime later saw her feeding all three. Odin on the nest also but dont know if he had brought another fish or if she was feeding from the same fish. I was working so unable to watch continuosly. Suffice to say I am very glad to see all chicks getting there share. Wonderful !!!!!
Kitty
Posted on Thursday, 28 May 2009 at 9:36
Lovely to see all three chicks being fed. Teeny-tiny doesn't look so small - has it only been a day? It's certainly pushing itself to the front to get at the food. EJ calling softly and the small ones are now audible, great to hear their little voices.
Elizabeth
Posted on Thursday, 28 May 2009 at 9:43
9.30am and Odin has dropped another fish off for his family. Amazing the difference there is in their sizes, with each hatching two days apart. No doubt this will be less apparent as they get older. Just wondering how old the chicks are before they start tearing chuncks off the fish for themselves? Also wondering does EJ start fishing too when the chicks are bigger and the demand for food greater?
Cirrus
Posted on Thursday, 28 May 2009 at 9:44
I have to say, I heaved a heart felt sigh of relief and joy at 21.20 last night. I saw Odin arrive with a LARGE fish, still with its head on, couldn’t have been a trout (very much doubt it) and EJ heaved herself up off three precious chicks and was properly appreciative of the night’s supply. She ate, then the chicks. Greedy guts of course made sure he got the lion’s share but the second chick wasn’t doing too bad at all and did even better when greedy guts keeled over with soporific satiation. And to satisfy a sensitive human heart little teeny weenie was also fed, quite deliberately, by mum, stuck at the back of his mountainous siblings as he was, as if to say ‘It’s OK Jane, I love teeny weeny too’. And there was even almost half a fish to see the family through the night. At 09.28 this morning Odin brought in a fish – not quite as big as the supper fish but a very good size. I hardly dare watch. But it seems that if the fish is large enough (‘cos EJ needs a fair bit) and mum is sure of supply, she does make sure all the chicks are fed. I can’t tell you how happy that makes Jane
jswscot
Posted on Thursday, 28 May 2009 at 9:46

09:29  Fish delivered to the nest by Odin.  EJ feeding all three chicks.  09:43 feeding time over and chicks all cuddled in under EJ.  Some fish left over for Odin perhaps.

Wendyb
Posted on Thursday, 28 May 2009 at 10:09
Just a thought on night flying...up here in the Highlands we have 2 things in our favour. The first being no light pollution and the second is that we are coming up to the longest day and with that comes very long daylight hours.The two things combined means you can make very late cup of tea without the lights on. Come December you draw the curtains about 3 30pm and open a good single malt!
ALAN PETRIE
Posted on Thursday, 28 May 2009 at 10:23

Logged on at 09:30 and yes you ve guessed it EJ was feeding the little ones with yet another fish. All 3 chicks seemed to be getting their share. I think the little one is going to be a bit of a character as he was certainly holding his own with the other 2 larger chicks. EJ left some of the fish and in came Odin to remove the remains and have his breakfast. Bassenthwaite ospreys now have 2 chicks and site B at Rutland Water also have 2 chicks now.

quietwoman
Posted on Thursday, 28 May 2009 at 10:40
saw the 3rd.eyas hatching, but the picture quality was poor, so itwas very good to have it confirmed. thank you Claire. watched them being fed last night. EJ is so gentle. Odin brought in a fish that EJ wasn't iterested in, so he stayed on the nest and ate it himself, and flew off with the tail. Such an unbelievable change from last year. Congratulations team LG. Looking forward to seeing you all.
Tiger
Posted on Thursday, 28 May 2009 at 11:13

Hi quiet woman. We have not talked much this year. I hope it was not a young eyas (young peregrines are usually known as eyases)  you saw as that would be very strange. Over on another forum they have taken to call the young ospreys osplets. Osprings have also been suggested. Perhaps we should try to forge a name for young ospreys.

pabraham
Posted on Thursday, 28 May 2009 at 12:06
12:06 Decent fish arrives courtesy of our fish provider. Every up for lunch.
Lesley Gadsden
Posted on Thursday, 28 May 2009 at 12:10

Am I seeing things or has anyone else noticed.  Odin, bless him, just brought in a great fish and EJ appears to be feeding "teeny-tiny" first and then the second chick.  That would be great news if anyone else can confirm as well. x

Margobird
Posted on Thursday, 28 May 2009 at 12:14

Lovely to see EJ feeding all 3 chicks, what a provider Odin is.  All growing quite well so fingers crossed all will be well this year.

Maureen
Posted on Thursday, 28 May 2009 at 12:16

12.05.......large lunch delivered by 'dad' and EJ making sure that all wee ones get their share. At the moment there doesn't appear to be a bully in the nest...what a difference from last year.

EJ and Odin should get the 'Parents of the Year Award'.

David Lacey
Posted on Thursday, 28 May 2009 at 12:20

Just seen Mum feeding the little ones. Amazing pictures. Hope that she manages to give them all equal shares. Planning a trip to see them this next week

ALAN PETRIE
Posted on Thursday, 28 May 2009 at 12:25

12:15 and yet another fish on the table. EJ diligently feeding each chick in turn. Eventually all full with half a fish left for later or for Odin. EJ has a brief exercise flight and returns to settle on the chicks. Great viewing.

pabraham
Posted on Thursday, 28 May 2009 at 12:25

12:22 what a great lunch they all had, with fish left over. This years Wee Yin was in prime position and got a great feed, although everyone seemed to get a fair share. At least so far they are sharing nicely. Keep the fish coming Odin.

Maggie
Posted on Thursday, 28 May 2009 at 12:25

Thank you for that Wendy Bunce.  I realise that you will not have very dark nights now, compared to Essex, but then we never experience dark here - street lights are always on and London always glows.  I have mainly been in Scotland in winter. It did come as a shock to be out on a moonless night for the first time - it was totally dark!  

Lindybird
Posted on Thursday, 28 May 2009 at 12:26

It's lunchtime now (12.22) and the family have just settled down again after being fed. Most of the food seems to go to the two larger chicks but then I suppose they have bigger stomachs!  EJ tidies up the nest after a feed, she is really fussy about any bits of stick which seem to have strayed, and needs to get it all just right before she sits down on the babies again.  Hope they get a bit of the warm sunshine predicted for the next few days.

pabraham
Posted on Thursday, 28 May 2009 at 12:29

I have to laugh. Odin must really be nearby. No sooner does EJ get settled down to keep everybody warm, than Odin returns to get the left overs. Takes a quick bite then flies of with it. I don't remember there ever being any fish left over at last years meals, maybe because there were fewer fish last year? Are there any stats to compare?

Cirrus
Posted on Thursday, 28 May 2009 at 12:32

Sound the clarion!.  Did I or did I not see Teeny Weeny take pole position?  I think he should be nicknamed Stewart H. Came in half way through the feeding session but how it gladdened my heart to see Greedy Guts take a back seat (well fed back seat though) and second chick allowing the youngest to feed without intimidating him. Methinks we have a peaceable family here and the first born will learn tolerance bless ‘im.  And once the family had fed to their full dad arrives to take the rest as his share. . What a guy!! Full marks Odin.  In fact I give you an A+ (reserving the distinction for when the chicks are adolescents.)

Soosin
Posted on Thursday, 28 May 2009 at 13:15

glad to hear all going well re feeding.  At home our feeders are being well used and we have young starlings, sparrows and blue tits being fed just now regardless of the SIX cats in the vicinity, who know to stay away whilst I'm at the door with garden hose to hand.

pabraham
Posted on Thursday, 28 May 2009 at 13:32

1:31pm I don't remember as much intruder activity last year, but here we are again and EJ is getting all excited about another Osprey (I assume) right close to the nest (just saw their shadow)

P3 Newark
Posted on Thursday, 28 May 2009 at 13:35
Grow strong and healthy wee ospreys! We're looking forward to seeing you after our weekend holiday.
Suzi M
Posted on Thursday, 28 May 2009 at 13:51
Hi one and all, this is my second year of watching the Osprey (and any other wildlife webcam I can find!), and I have to say how different the situation seems to be this year! I have yet to see the chick #3, but by all accounts he / she seems to be doing well. I have a wee question - when I was watching at the back of 1, I was sure I saw EJ roll the remaining egg shell underneath her? Did anyone else see that, or was it just my eyes ? Or maybe it was actually the third chick? it just seemed a little strange to 'brood' an empty egg shell. Can I also just say a massive thank you to all at LG. Always so informative and enthusiastic and of course a huge thanks to all the bloggers for providing lots of information etc- I feel like I know you all so well, so thought it about time I joined in!! Happy watching!
Kathy J
Posted on Thursday, 28 May 2009 at 15:21
15.20 A feed going on now. Have been so busy I haven't had time to sit and watch as much this year which is a real shame. Great to see No 3 has hatched, and I just saw him get some food. Hopefully there will be more food to go round this year and therefore no bullying as we witnessed last year. Fingers crossed.
Lesley Gadsden
Posted on Thursday, 28 May 2009 at 15:33

Have been absolutely transfixed watching them take their "afternoon tea".  I found it very heartening that when EJ was feeding "teeny" she kept taking her beak away from No. 1's direction and was determined that "teeny" would get his mouthful. Just wonderful and fascinating to watch :o) x

patriciat
Posted on Thursday, 28 May 2009 at 16:34

Earlier I had my first sight of the littlest one and also my first sight of the whole family together, with Odin looking at the chicks as if to say @Did I do that?  4:30 and the babies having another feed.  ope O can keep up the good work as they grow.

Jandy
Posted on Thursday, 28 May 2009 at 16:46
16.30 To reassure those who haven't managed to see the tea-time feed which has just finished (and, yes, once again there is fish left over!), and who have expressed concern that Tiny One isn't getting enough to eat: it was obvious that EJ was deliberately choosing who to feed, and ensured that s/he got what was needed. It seems that the good supplies of fish enable feeding to be carried out calmly, rather than mum having to respond, as she did last year, to the most demanding of her ravenous chicks. Nature never fails to astound.
Suzi M
Posted on Thursday, 28 May 2009 at 17:08

thanks Jandy - just signed in to see the end of feeding and my first glimse of chick #3. but coming in at the end, I didn't see he/she get much. So good to know that it was just left overs and that all had a good feed earlier. It just goes to how how easy it could be to misinterpret the situation, if you don't see the 'full' picture!

vivienne L
Posted on Thursday, 28 May 2009 at 18:25

Thanks to all you good people who blog so much.  As I was priviledged to see no 3 hatch and was upset like many of you last year I was watching as close as I could but my pictures not good this year. I'm elated having been out at work all day that my fears appear totally unfounded - I should have had more faith in our wonderful couple!!

Barbara Jean
Posted on Thursday, 28 May 2009 at 18:32

To those concerned about the littlest one not getting enough food, I'll bet EJ knows how much to allow him/her to have during the first couple of days . Just like babies they only get a little  milk at a time  for the first couple of days.  Their digestive systems must become accustomed to  digesting  food. She only fed each one a couple of bites at each feeding  for the first couple of days after they hatched.

Barbara V
Posted on Thursday, 28 May 2009 at 18:53

Thank you Barbara Jean, guess that makes sense, can't have the poor little one with too much in his tummy at once. Others seem to have seen him being fed but I was concerned he was being overlooked at first.

Wendyb
Posted on Thursday, 28 May 2009 at 20:02

What an amazing picture new fish, mum feeding all 3 and dad standing there thinking what do I do now?

Soosin
Posted on Thursday, 28 May 2009 at 20:07

all full up even EJ,  and plenty left for later

Angie_40
Posted on Friday, 29 May 2009 at 0:13

just had my first glimpse of all 3 chicks as EJ was feeding them

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