After entering the latest data yesterday, the map up-dates automatically, but not until about 7pm in the evening. When I looked last evening, the map showed Rothes' route was all over the place, she appearing to have yo-yo-ed south, then north, then south again in several places en route. This is very unlikely behaviour!
When checked, the data had indeed been entered correctly, but quite what caused the map to depict her route in this way, we are not entirely sure. However, web-colleagues at HQ Katie and Olivier have worked on this throughout today and we believe it to be sorted now. We shall see, later this evening after 7pm-ish. In addition, Alice and I have looked at the latest data and in-putted that now too, so the map should show you Rothes' movements from her last know position on Anglesey to her latest know position at 10am this morning.
Her route has been as follows; she moved on from Anglesley and at 10am yesterday she was flying through the Snowdonia National Park, at 11am she was just west of Machynlleth, at 12 noon she was just east of Tylwich, and at 1pm near Aberedw. Later yesterday afternoon, at 4pm Rothes was near Highbridge, just south of Weston-Super-Mare and appears to have roosted near Branscombe, Devon at 9pm. This morning at 9am she worked her way west a little, along the south Devon coast towards Salterton, over the East Devon Golf Club. Her last known position was inland a little just north west of Torquay at 10am. So Rothes has made further great progress, she's on The Channel coast already. What did she do later today, bide her time, refuel perhaps? Or press on, to make that Channel crossing to France? We'll know more tomorrow.
Meanwhile back here at the rez, the remaining fab four are fine & dandy. All birds; EJ, Odin, Mallachie and Garten, were all in-about the nest area at intervals during the day. Who'll go next? And when? Despite not yet being mid-August, there is an Autumnal feel here already, we are getting cool evenings now, and the nights are drawing in. A frost before the month's out, I'd wager - all cues that will some time very soon, prompt our birds to leave. EJ will go this weekend, I reckon.
Today, we held the last guided walk of the season and it was distinctly quiet in the forest; redstarts & tree pipits appear to have gone already, there were precious few willow warblers to be seen either, suggesting they too have also left. Swifts, normally to be seen hawking insects over Loch Garten, were conspicuous by their absence, and we found no common sandpipers along the loch shore. Just a lone spotted flycatcher was seen, flying the flag for summer migrants. Still, we enjoyed a fledged family of resident crested tits and the children in the group were thrilled at the mouse-like treecreeper we saw scuttling up the trunks of pine trees. But, I'm afraid the signs are there, of a summer almost passed. It's such a long time coming, but then it seems to go all too quickly. Bah!
I hope she sticks around Torquay for a while, I can go and find her then. Wherever she goes, safe journey Rothes.
Thanks for that Richard. It is amazing that Rothes has reached Torquay already. She is not hanging around.
As they say on BB who will go next YOU DECIDE.
I think it will be EJ but who knows with this wonderfully unpredictable family.
It has been a great season. Now lets look forward to a successful migration. F.A.B.
Thanks for that information Richard! I have been without my internet connection from Saturday evening until lunchtime today ... what a nightmare :(( Have spent ages catching up on the diary and blogs. Glad everything is ok with the family still at LG ... and of course Rothes on her travels. The guided walk sounds lovely ... even though a bit autumnal.
Thank you Richard. This is my first migration and it brings mixed emotions. Happiness that they find their way safely to Africa and sadness at gtheir absence.
You do a nice blog .
Richard, thanks for yet another welcome and informative post. If you've read the blogs you'll know we're all on tentehooks for information - well, we have been all season. Great to know that Rothes is coping, so far.
Thanks for your report Richard, as ever excellent.
Can't help thinking 'poor' wee Rothes "flying about on her own", but that's what Ospreys do !!! I also think it is nothing short of miraculous that they know where to go on their maiden voyage. They don't have the land marks that seasoned flyers have. Shall be watching her progress with excitement and a few tears in my eyes.
Thank you so very much Richard for such a detailed report. She can certainly move. Looking at GE when she was still at LG didn't give the impression that she was ready for such a flight. If our wishes for her were able to be transferred, then she will have no problems reaching her future home. Looking forward to seeing GE maps.
Sorry to hear that you think Autumn is showing it's hand already. If that was summer, didn't think much of the weather! Sparrow's young. in garden, only just fledged, (3rd set this summer.)
Thanks again, again, again... Richard :)
WOW thanks for the update Richard. Hasnt Rothes done well to be so far on her way already. I'm hoping at least some of the family is still around at the weekend as we are planning a visit to LG sat or Sun (or both if i can sweet talk hubby). I also hope it doesn't get too cold too quickly as after LG we are heading north so will miss the rest of the action for two weeks, unless anyone knows where ther is an internet cafe ect in John'O'Groats and/or Durness areas so I can get my fix of Osprey life. Off to catch up on daily updates now as whoever was on the nest has gone. Many thanks again.
Brena
Been having a wee bit of trouble with comp this afternoon so slow. So THank you for the warning of a new blog. I just switched off in disgust and rebooted. Still seems slow But just as long as I see the family less Rambling Rothes of course.
for brena Read Brenda H oops!
Thanks for the update! Much appreciated . We are biting our fingernails down to the skin ! None of us know what navigational genes Rothes inherited from Odin. She was very eager to fly and explore and now it appears she is wasting no time getting to Africa. Rothes and Nimrod would make a great pair. They would make the trip in a week. LOL I think Garten will leave before Mallachie. Mallachie is the timid one. She was afraid to let go of the branch on the nest as she exercised her wings.
Wattle15..... Have just had another look at your Ospreys. Again didn't see any chicks but saw what looked like two GIANT Woodlice ha ha ha!!!
I also saw what I thought was mating last night and did think it strange, if there were two chicks in the nest.
I will keep looking....maybe get lucky. ~(:0)
Excellent, if she heads straight from the Torquay area she will end up on the pink granite coast my favouirite holiday destination in northern Brittany. Please go a little to the east Rothes and make sure u have your passport ready. I would personally have a days rest on the south coast before setting off for france or catch a lift on the Plymouth to Roscoff ferry.
JILLIAN
Thanks very much for the latest Richard, Thoroughly enjoyable read.
I noticed the horse chestnut trees this morning in the hospital grounds are turning already.
I had an Osprey fly over heading in the Arran direction at 4.30 this afternoon, too high and no bins to check for Leg rings.
Cloud building around here presently so Don't think its going to clear enough to get good views of the meteor shower.