They're under starter's orders......and they're off, well Rothes is, at least. Yep, she's gone!
We haven't seen Rothes on site since Sunday morning, 9th at about 09.30am, so we were getting a bit curious. Could she just be out exploring, venturing further afield than previously, finding her feet (wings) honing her fishing and flying skills, maybe catching her own fish but not returning with it to the nest area, to avoid squabbles with her pesky sisters? Certainly unlikely, in fact unprecendented here at Loch Garten, I think, to actually leave before the adult female EJ......but she has!!!
Rothes is in Wales already! As at 5am this morning (her latest fix), she is/was near Llanddeusant, Dyfed.
This is exciting and fantastic news, to know that Rothes is safely on her way and that she has made such good progress so far. Her route was interesting. It seems like she ventured north a little on Friday 7th, just on a wee sight-seeing day out perhaps, up as far as Garve, north west of Inverness, taking herself a set of aerial photos of Highland perhaps, before returning back to the nest area and then departing south on Sunday morning. She passed close to Ardrishaig on Loch Lommond-side at 4pm on 9th, overflew Saltcoats, Ayrshire at 11am 10th, heading out over the Irish Sea passing over Isle of Man and was at/near Llandeusant Dyfed overnight on 10th August. Wow, how amazing is that? That's the latest we know.
EJ, Odin, Mallachie and Garten are all still with us. We have been expecting EJ to go at any moment - LG females have usually gone between 8-10 August, though last year it was 14th, but Rothes is already on her way. We'll keep you up-dated as often as we can.
Here we go, here we go, here we go............ the journey has begun - both theirs, and ours! Brace yourselves, and hold on tight.
Correction: Oops my mistake, sorry. There are apparently two Llanddeusants in Wales, one in Camarthan (not Dyfed) the other in Anglesey. Rothes was near Anglesey. Having flown passed both Lochwinnoch and Inversnaid RSPB reserves, maybe she'll add Valley Lakes to her list of reserve visited en route. The map gets up-dated in the evenings at 7pm.
hi
every thing is crossed here in the New Forest..
hugs
jenny
Great News. We are busy keeping our eyes on EJ and Rothes sneeks off.
Thanks, Richard- that's absolutely wonderful! God speed, Rothes - keep safe!
It's so exciting but oh, so scary!
Thanks Richard- what amazing and wonderful news. All our hopes and good wishes go with Rothes on her journey. (I'm damp, now).
Thanks Richard. This family have changed the rule book again.
After reading about EJ last night and the "Is this her saying goodbye" messages I was in tears.
Now we have Rothes on her happy way. What a rollercoaster ride this will be.
God speed, Rothes. We will all follow you faithfully.
How exciting, thanks Richard for this latest update, great news! I was at the Centre on Saturday afternoon and saw all five ospreys in flight and on the nest/tree. Rothes must have waited for my visit before taking off south! What a distance she has gone already, just another indicator of how strong this years chicks are. Fingers crossed for a safe journey for her and of course EJ Odin, Mallachie and Garten when their departures arrive!
As promised, have put a farewell poem on the 'Goodbye Again Again' thread started by Cirrus on 28th July, for those who like that sort of thing. Wrote it way back when we didn't even know the sexes of the chicks, so it has been strangely a prophecy. Rothes, if only you knew how many of us are with you today.
Mallachie is having a good lunch time fish. Does anyone know, did she catch it herself or did EJ or Odin deliver?
God speed Rothes - we will be right there with you all the way - safe journey south.
Amazing Rothes, safe journey x
Thanks for that update Richard. Well what a surprise. This family really do know how to rewrite the rule book. Absolutely amazed that she has got so far already. Now the rollercoaster will really start. We wish her god speed and safe journey where ever she goes in the next few months/years. She has had the best possible start with the best possible parents in EJ and Odin. I have gone quite emotional (in an International Rescue sort of way) as Gary would say. FAB.
Amazing news! God speed, Rothes. Show the others the way. Keep safe, girl.
Lindybird- Thank you for a lovely and very apt poem.
I have seen Osprey on the Dee Estuary (Wirral) in Spring/ migration time, there is also a nest in North Wales so I presume there is no reason why Rothes wouldn't migrate down the English/ Welsh coast. We have no idea which way EJ or Odin travel so maybe something in the genes. It is going to be so interesting to find out.
Oh my goodness - good for Rothes. I'm now on the edge of my seat again with all fingers crossed!
Can't believe Rothes has gone before EJ. God speed little bird and safe trip, please don't get lost in the Atlantic like your big brother did last year we couldn't bear it!!