Over the last couple of weeks the ospreys (and us!) have endured some very testing weather. We’ve had wind, rain, sleet, hail, snow, with everything else in between. EJ has done a sterling job of protecting the eggs from this weather, whilst Odin has been keeping her fed with a fish or two each day.
But all this is behind us (for now...) and we are currently being rewarded with clear blue skies and brilliant sunshine. After such a long period of cold and wet, it’s absolutely glorious to see the nest and loch swathed in sunshine. And with the snow covered mountains providing a fitting backdrop, it’s simply stunning here at the moment. Long may it last! We’re not the only ones enjoying this sunshine: several common lizards and a dor beetle have been seen basking outside the Centre today.
It’s three weeks tomorrow since the first egg was laid. With the average incubation period of around five to six weeks, it hopefully won’t be long until the first hatching. Things are moving quickly and we’re all very excited, particularly as the weather seems to be picking up.
There are plenty more signs that Spring is on its way. There was a male redstart flitting around the camera tree earlier this week. You may remember redstarts were nesting in the lower branches of the osprey nest last year, and they will certainly be a welcome side-attraction if they chose to do so again. We have seen several swallows in the area, willow warblers are singing everywhere and common sandpipers have been displaying on the loch this week. Oh, and I saw a beautiful male wheatear on my way to work this morning, which is the first one I’ve ever seen round here.
Just a quick word on the upcoming inaugural Scottish Birdfair. It’s taking place on the 19th and 20th May at Hopetoun House, just outside Edinburgh. It promises to be a fantastic event with something for everyone. Further details can be found on the website at: www.scottishbirdfair.org.uk
And last but certainly by no means least, the intrepid Black Jaguar (Brian in real life) has today completed his bike ride from Loch Garten to Rutland. It sounds like he’s been up against the weather, which I’m sure will give him a greater sense of achievement and pride. So on behalf of the whole Loch Garten team, I’d like to express our sincere thanks to Brian for raising so much money for us. It was great to meet you on Monday Brian, so huge congratulations on making it down there in one piece.
Tore is still near Bissora as at 30th April. She had one longer flght to Bafata and back earlier in the week.
Odin has taken over egg sitting duties!
EJ's returned, and requested that Odin remove himself.........she's happily settled.
Ruthie you are a star and I will be going to LG this year and it would be great if is at the same time. probably not but I hope to be there for fleging :)
I am so happy to see EJ in the sun, wonderful and eggs hatching soon in another week or so.
Rothiemurchus on 29th and 30th was in the estuary at Ortigueira. Waiting to head north over the Bay of Biscay, but the weather in Spain and France continues to be poor for migration, with cloudy wet conditions.
EJ incubating again ~ came back at 9.39 am, and it took a couple of minutes of chirruping, sticking tail feathers in Odin's face, etc, to dislodge him from his duties!
Just received this link in an email. Incredible footage of osprey fishing - well worth a look! x
www.youtube.com/.../nA3LtXnNIto
Brodie
Superb footage. Thank you Lesley
What a lovely clear picture this evening ~ thank you to those who achieved this for us ~ Leen
Thanks Lesley, that's brilliant. What a whopper that last fish was!
Great picture this evening a lot better than it was yesterday, many thanks to those who fixed it.
Lovely to see the nest in sunshine instead of rain. Good picture, thanks. Bright and Breezy - yes it would be good if we were at Loch Garten at the same time; you never know!
Wow, weather super.... picture super....scenery super...and our girl (I think) sitting there...er well super.....Oh and sound super.
It looks a lot better than we have in Newcastle, a bit sun today, but LG looks fab (thought I'd better not use super again.) Thanks to all, I really do think you need a bit of praise after the last few weeks. Crafter x
Sorry I've been away from this blog for a few days but how lovely to see our EJ bathed in a bit of sun, I've been watching the tragic events on the Nottingham peregrine webcam after the awful weather at the weekend.
Lesley - Good Grief I've NEVER seen anything like that in my life, that whopper of a fish looked like it was being used like a skateboard at the end of that clip !! Please can someone explain to me how to attach that to an e-mail, I have GOT to send that one on. What amazing 'fisher's' the osprey are
Many thanks to All at LG for the picture quality:)