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That says it all!!  A Great Ode Patrick, thank you.

I have visited LG for the past 6 years although this is my first year watching these great birds on webcam....it has been fantastic viewing and I have the website bookmarked for future years. It is been a real privilege to have a birds eye view of those birds.  My gratitude to those who work at LG. Keep up the good work.

Great poem Patrick! Great fishing Odin! Great, great EJ who watches over her babies (teenagers) like the best mum in the world! And last (but not least) Great staff at LG who seems to work 24/24. Thank you Clare & co!

ANOTHER ODE....

Oh! Odin!

You don't realise, your Fan Club here is vast

Your performance as a dad and mate

All others has surpassed.

Long may you live, and fish, and grace

The skies with your great verve and pace:

Long may you be a Dad supreme

To keep the osprey line so strong

That it will go for centuries on,

Filling the air with osprey strength

As nature shows it's perfect form.

All 3 laments were very good. Just back from work, very hot and humid on the south coast of England today. Richard-As we look at our computer screen is the Loch to the left of the picture ?. I assume the low building in the distance is the visitor center and in between I can sometimes make out a tower, does this have a camera with a view for the centre looking at the front of the nest and well as the visitors having a view from the back of the nest like we see? When I have brief looks at the Loch Lowes chicks on several occasions their camera zoomed in and also went from side to side so that we could see the dad fishing. Is there anyway with some of the monies raised above the total for tagging that for next year you could have a camera to zoom in and move in the direction of the loch as well? Please. Jillian.

 REPLY - Hi Jillan, the loch is behind the camera and to the right.  It is quite a distance from the nest.  The visitor centre is not visible from the camera, as it too is in a different direction.  The tower that you see, can only be a dead tree, as there are no towers in that direction.  Hope this helps.  Claire.

Hi Bjane - thanks for your comment. Only a tiny number of osprey chicks are satellite tagged - it's relatively new technology and very expensive!

However, lots more are ringed, like EJ is. Generally, all the chicks in a nest will be ringed together, as the visit by the expert ringers is timed for when they've all reached the right size.

As well as the satellite tags for two of the chicks, all three will be fitted with lightweight leg rings. It's harmless to the birds but helps us find out more about them.

They'll get two each: one plastic ring with big letters/numbers on it, and a smaller metal ring with a unique number and details of how to report it if it's found in future. These days, bigger sizes of ring also have a web address on them: www.ring.ac!

So we might hear about the untagged chick again in the future, if its ring is found or if someone manages to read the plastic ring - which is possible through a telescope if you get a good look.

You can read more about bird ringing and what we learn from it on the British Trust for Ornithology's website.

Unfortunately, because Odin hasn't been ringed, we can only speculate about his true identity. I like to think of him as the osprey version of Top Gear's 'The Stig'...

16:41. Another fish, brown trout? and quite big. I think that is no. 6, but have been out so may not be correct. Love all the odes/poems, plus the pictures (Simon) and the videos (BigRab?) so we can catch up on the bits we missed. Thanks to you all. Liz

REPLY - You are correct it is 6 fish.  Claire.

Have really enjoyed the Odes to Odin. Can some of you clever bloggers please do one for EJ as I think she is very deserving as the greatest osprey Mum.

I hope all the young people who follow these marvellous birds will learn from their commitment and dedication to to the family unit. I feel very privaliged to be able to observe them, and my heartfelt thanks to the bloggers for filling in the daily fish count and all the humerous comments etc.

And of course many many thanks to the LG team whos dedication to these birds goes way beyond the call of duty. Also a big thank you to them for their endless patience with all us bloggers and answering all our questions etc.

Great poem, Patrick.  Now we know why Odin stepped up his game - he couldn't afford another Tesco's bill.  When he arrived the other evening and saw the huge fish EJ brought in, He must have thought it was another one from Tesco and got worried!!

Thank you for the excellent info about "ringing". I didn't understand the difference. I feel better knowing that we might see them all (hopefully) in the future!

First flight... that's a tough one. Looking at last year's blog posts, I'm going to guestimate 15 July, as this year's chicks hatched a few days earlier than last year, and they've been fed so much better. Of course, I will now be completely wrong...

An osprey version of 'The Stig' - hmm, that gives food for thought Katie!  Some say his beak is made of titanium; others say he can spot a fish blowing bubbles from 50 miles away - all we know is, he's called Odin.  Other people have referred to the meaning and origins of Odin's name - I came across an article the other day that mentions Odin had three specific offspring (with reference to certain texts) - though there may be others that are not specifically referred to - the offspring were named Thor (Thunder), Baldur (Brave Warrior) and Váli (Warrior Son of Odin) and Vidar (Silent Tree Warrior).  Admittedly, the offspring were all males, and by different mothers... but... maybe scope for name possibilities?!

Fish #6, great.

TriciaR ...... that is a lovely poem, Pam Ayers couldn't do that!!!!

Well, I see teatime fish is being eaten now, with the usual bit of a scuffle from chicks.

There doesn't seem to be any real agression behind the scuffles, more of just pushing and shoving.

EJ - Odin - and the 'Three Muskateers' - love you all.xxxxx

The intruder came back and is so close I can see the  shadow of the  wings. Not only EJ is alarm calling  but all the chicks are  joining in. What a racket!! If that  doesn't chase  it off nothing will.   EJ is still calling Odin I think he is in the  area  chasing the intruder.  If that intruder is wise it won't tangle  with Odin  !!

Barbara Jean...I too saw the wee one imitating EJ... and the intruder flying past the nest.

Question for Claire:

What are the intruders after at this stage of the game, is it the fish??

REPLY - They will be singletons who haven't got nests or partners for the summer.  I wouldn't have thought they would be after the fish.  Claire.

Right here's my attempt lol,

Surely all will fledge this year

Odins fishing prowess deserves a cheer

Oh, and what about Ej,

She chose very well, a male

Incognito, what can you say

None of us knew him,

So how would he fare, but

Over time he has shown, and told

Doubters like me

EJ chose wisely, we have a family of three

Thank you Claire...NOW I FEEL SORRY FOR THEM.   NO NEST, NO PARTNERS...nobody like ODIN to love them. What a shame. I wish I hadn't asked now!!!

Lindybird.... have just read your Ode....brilliant.

The gap between first hatch and first fledge at Loch Garten since 1991 seems to  have varied between 50 and 57 days. It was 50 days with Henry as dad in 2006 and 57 days, you have guessed it with OVS in 2008.

We have had 51 days once, 52 days four times, 53 days twice, 54 days twice, 55 days once and 56 days once.

This year we reach 50 days on 11th July. So I will be very bold and predict that one of these chicks will fledge on 10 July at 49 days.

Patrick's Ode is a real classic, brilliant.  Love all the others too. I really think that everytime I check in the littleuns have grown a bit more.  It all looks very crowded now! Their markings are so beautiful and their eye stripes are becoming more and more prominent. x

Odin just delivered another large fish!

18.40 Fish

Wow, so many people good at writing here, thanks for sharing your poems :)

Well done all you poets, all well truly GOOD!! Cleverclogs!! How do you do it.  

I have come to the conclusion that No 3 has small osprey syndrome!!!

 Poor Odin he gets no rest. EJ  is  calling him again!!. She feeding the  chicks and is  down to the  tail of the  fish he  just delivered and letting him know  they need another one !   Now there is a "chick chorus" for more fish and a pushing contest  between two of the  chicks who wanted more  food.

When the chicks fish for themselves they will need strong legs to carry the  fish. The pushing contests actually   strengthen their legs. They use their legs to either push the other one or firmly plant them so as not to fall off the nest.

here's one for the chicks then:-

we used to be like balls of fluff,

one fish all day was quite enough,

but now we call for seven or eight,

poor dad - he has to fish till late,

we know we're growing big and strong,

and we know that before too long,

we'll learn to fly - we're sooooo excited,

we'll make our mum and dad delighted!

then our own fish we'll have to get,

tho we think that means that we'll get wet!

we know you'll watch us flap and soar,

three young Ospreys - chicks no more.

We'll look around as we fly away,

you know that we'll be back some day,

to the loch that is our home,

to start some families of our own.

What Odin says ...........

Dear Bloggers you might think this really absurd

Well, it’s not everyday you get a note from a bird….

But I thought I must bog you (because I’m clever I can)

Simon is right, I’m ‘Capital S’ … SUPERMAN!

Soosin another good one wish I could do the same.  Have been thinking all afternoon but can only come up with a couple of lines because I would like to include EJ in a litte tribute.  Unfortunately I do not seem to have talent in that respect but I am sure someone will come up with more.

when no 3 looks into the camera his eyes glow!!  I wonder....

Very good ! Soosin . Many thanks.

EJ eating and chicks indulging in a bit of shoving and pushing but nothing too serious.  they look as they have more than enough to eat anyway thanks to their marvellous Dad Odin.

Another fish. I have lost count today LOL

I've lost count, is this no 7, or 8? Well done Odin, whichever it is.

Hated writing poems but I'll have a go.

Title "3 chicks and a fishing line"

EJ's back on her favourite nest,

the one in Britain that she knows is best,

been on her holiday to warmer climes,

back now in Scotland for springtime,

looking out for a passing mate,

when along came Odin, Odin the great,

then laid 3 eggs and sat in wait,

until one morning when one emerged,

by the end of the week she had a herd,

the chicks grew bigger every day,

until one day dad went away,

human stupidity led to his woes,

so Richard stepped in and on his toes,

climbed the ladder to deliver some fish,

which was the osprey's greatest wish,

to keep them going until Odin grew strong,

to bring his family's food along,

4,5,6,7,8. and 9,

even though he was attacked by a fishing line,

the chilcks grew bigger before our eyes,

getting stronger to be sexed,tagged and fly,

when its time to leave the Loch Garten team,

they will say "What a season it has been".

Jillian-Never writing a poem again

20.14 Fish delivery, and pretty rough "fights".

20.22 So far ... I think C2 is the one who has got the biggest part of that fish.

No 8 fish has just been delivered .... does Odin use a Net I ask myself

CliveT

Good sized fish delivered around 8pm ish. Lovelly view of Odin who sat on nest for short period. Bit of pushing and shoving with one chick sent to the naughty corner, but not for long as he/she suddenly stretched to full height and rushed the one who had bullied him, then took his/hers place at the table. I dont think any of the chicks were hungry and EJ had a good portion of this fish herself.

it is great to see that all three chicks appear to give as good as they get and that has to bode well for their future.

But of course it would be a different kettle of fish :) if there was a shortage of food (fish) as there was last year. Thank goodness there is no comparison.

Hi Amy here with Dad. Inducted into P1 today so did'nt see the Ospreys but dad has let me see them early tonight as I am tired just like the chicks but I think it is over eating is their problem lucky devils. EJ seems to stand on the edge of the nest and admire her brood like a proud mother she is so good with them. Odin is a star because of all the fish he brings in. Thanks for the reply last night Claire but i think it may be longer this year as they won't be able to fly because they are to full. I would'nt leave the nest if there was that amount of fish being brought in. Anyway have to go to bed now as P1 was fun but tiring NiteNite EJ, Odin, The chicks and everybody on this blog zzzzzzzzzzzz

I know we say it a lot but hats off to the superstar Odin

Just seen some clips of his fish deliveries today and some of them were BIG!!

Great stuff

Well done Jillian, and nitenite Amyxxxx

Great stuff Jillian!! Really good and hit the nail on the head.

Thank you tish-I havn't written a poem for 35 years so will probably wait another 35 now.

These birds are just sooooooooooo inspiring. Jillian.

A BIG THANK YOU to ALLl our poets, I think they are great.  I could never do it...it takes me all my time to write my blogs. So it is fish #8..what a boy.

Hope you enjoy school when you start Amy, I'm sure you will and I just know that you are a clever girl.

Nite Nite AMY - EJ - ODIN - and their wee ones.

Goodnight Amy pleased Dad let you catch up with things.

Well done to all our poets today!!  Fantastic reading!  I agree that the pushing and shoving is excellent excercise for these growing chicks.  First flight?  How about Bastille Day, 14 July?  The first flight really does signify liberty, doesn't it?

just scrolled back and read some more poems I missed I've cried and laughed.  What has Mr. Preston started.  It's bad enough Odin has even written one!!!!!

Ever noticed when they move there heads from side to side it's like "Whatever"  LOL

This is a bit of a cheat, but I couln't resist.

Odin Roosting ( with apologies to Ted Hughes)

I sit on the top of a pine my eyes closed.

Stillness between my hooked head

And hooked feet:

And in sleep rehearse perfect kills and eat.

The convenience of the fish farm!

The water’s clarity and the still air

Are of advantage to me;

And the fish gliding for my inspection.

My feet are locked upon the rough bark.

It took the whole of Creation

To produce my foot, my each feather:

Now I hold Creation in my foot

Or swoop down and plunge in feet first.

I kill where I please because it is all mine.

There is no sophistry in my body:

My manners are tearing off heads -

The allotment of death.

Then the one path of my flight is direct

To the nest of the living.

No intruder asserts his rights:

My family have food.

Nothing has changed since I began.

My eye has permitted no change.

I am going to keep things like this.

Does Odin bring in sea trout as well as brown trout? Lets hope for 9 today again as those monster chicks are stll shouting for food!

REPLY - Odin has sometimes brought in rainbow trout. These may be escapees into the river from the fish farm. Debbie. 

jennyw  that is far better than Andrew Motion's effort that he produced recently

http://www.rspb.org/news/details.asp?id=tcm:9-215273

jennyw  Clever girl.. He could actually have been writing about ospreys not hawks

All of the  poems are  fantastic!!  Someone at LG should print and frame them for the center.

thanks to whoever is keeping the blog up to date, is it you Claire or Richard.  Lovely sight on the nest 3 sleepy well fed chicks.  At last EJ and Odin can have a rest.

And it also describes Odin to a T

Odin just delivered #9 !! And the two of the chicks are  fighting again. It certainly isn't for lack of food they  just must  not like each other

10:05 UK and fish has arrived. Charming display by pushy chick (I'll rely on smarter bloggers to decipher who pushed who!)

Sorry but that was a h0rrible picture.  At this moment  No 3 chick is not my favourite chick.   He's so busy being nasty he misses out on food!!

It's so good to read all early reports, thanks :)) Interesting to read that EJ went away during the night ... "the kids" must be big enough now to sleep alone.

Quick word of appreciation to Annette for the long distance night shifts. Great to keep tabs on events in the wee small hours :-)

I've not had time to watch for a couple of days and the chicks have grown so much.  It's not surprising, of course, as Odin is supplying so many fish.  If this keeps up they'll be the giants of the osprey world.  I think they'll take their first flight early rather than late and selfishly hope it won't be before I get back from a week in the Isles of Scilly on July 10th!  All three snoozing contentedly while mum stands watch.  A lovely sight.

REPLY: Chicks usually fledge at between 50 and 56 days so you should probably be ok getting back on the tenth! David.

Fish arrives and the chicks all stay lying down for a minute or two before sauntering over. Chicks 1 and 2 fed first with 3 right up there but not hungry enough to care. No fighting at all although a few 'warning looks' were exchanged between 2 and 3.

Chick 3 begins to eat now and 2 turns away for fear of attack. 1 and 3 fill themselves then 2 moves back in for more. All get a good feed and as none seemed very hungry to start with, there was no aggression.

MAUREEN  just had a silly moment last night!!  I've only seen one goshawk  lately. It must return to its nest.  They are sturdy chunky birds.  But beautiful..You are a wee gem....