Well, not a lot new to report today, I'm afraid. Mallachie still hasn't roamed very far from the nest. At 5 am yesterday she went to the shores of Loch Garten again, but the data doesn't show her exploring any further afield as yet.
Meanwhile, as of 7 am this morning, Rothes was still in residence on the banks of the Gironde. She's been spending nights in what look like big trees near the big fish ponds. However, I've been able to fill in some gaps in the data from Saturday (15th), when she took herself off for a tour of the local area.
Between 11 am and midday she crossed the Gironde, which is nearly 4.5 miles (or 7.3 km) wide at that point. Then she flew north-west and crossed back to the north side of the estuary. By 4 pm she'd completed her circuit and was back at her regular perch - in time for tea, perhaps...
ChrisJB asked about Rothes' altitude seeming low. My guess is that the area she's in at the moment is very low-lying. The numbers you can see on Google Earth (in the middle of the bottom bit of the screen) refer to the land's height above sea level, so she won't necessarily be very high above sea-level when flying, if you see what I mean! That said, she did get up to 479 m on the afternoon of the 15th.
Heather asked how she could follow Rothes and Mallachie on Google Earth. You'll find instructions here, and I included some pictures which might help in a post in the Loch Garten osprey group last week. Hopefully that's all you need to get started.
If you're already having fun with Google Earth, have you tried exploring the Layers section on the right-hand side of the screen?Tick the 'Geographic web' box, then click the + sign next to it and choose 'Panoramio'. You'll be able to see photos on the map of Rothes' range. There are also more photos on the Panoramio website. To me, the landscape looks a bit like the north Norfolk coast, maybe the wilder bits of the Fens, or perhaps Holland.
Have a look and tell us what you find!
The map will be published some time after 7 pm, as usual. No excursions to Mongolia, with a bit of luck...
Katie, thank you for the update and for the information about Google Earth. I've just downloaded a more recent version than the one I had, so hoping for more chance to see what's going on.
Thanks Katie, interesting information about Rothes' flying heights ... and Mallachies' lack of exploration!! I will try exploring the Layers on GE.
Thanks Katie for that update. Garten and Mallachie on nest waiting for supper......might be a long time coming, who knows.........
6.13 I think that they now have a fish & it looks like such a big one they can both tuck in!
I am beginning to wonder if Mallachie is a boy instead of a girl as she seems to depend a lot on mum!!! She is definitely not as independent as Rothes and Garten!! I wish she would go and explore a bit more for her own good!
I don't see a fish Tinker:(
Thanks Katie:)
Thankyou for the updates, Rothes does seem pretty settled, so just wonder when she will set off again, and I always marvel at how she will know to set off, and how will she know what is her final destination
Dont forget theres the programme on tonight ITV 7.30 about Ospreys
Katie thank you so much for that update. Richard now owes you one or two? LOL What are we going to do about Mallachie and Garten ? . They have to go! What happens if they leave it to late???
Going to try the layers thing so thanks as well for all that info xxx
I can't see a fish...
Thanks Katie for the update. Poor Mallachie seems to be regressing not progressing - perhaps she has eaten so much she just doesn't want to or can't be bothered to go any further. If only someone could tell her!! Lovely pics of the pair of them on the nest over the past half hour or so. Wonder if they communicate (talk ?) to each other? :o) x
Thanks Katie. Always appreciate any updates!! With this group no big news is good news. Has anyone seen EJ and Odin? I will miss seeing EJ but she needs to get moving. I think she is 2 weeks past the day she left last year.
WOW - Great write up Katie! and hints will definitely be tested out... (Watch out Richard - you may have a lot to compete with, with Katie)
Many thanks Lynne
Can't see a fish now - I must have been seeing things, I could have sworn they were both eating something - so sorry Gary & everyone!!
Thanks Katie for the update, haven't been around much today again so it is nice to catch up with everything in the evening. We all appreciate the updates!!!!
Great update Katie. Will look at the layers thingy on GE later after the update.
Have not seen a fish delivery today just M & G hanging around on the nest looking hopeful.
Time to get fishing methinks.