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.
Lovely large fish delivery at 3.20 pm ~ think it was still wiggling!!!! Now Odin is incubating. It is good to see that EJ is dry ~ she looked so wet earlier today.
Rothiemurchus arrived back in England this morning.
Oh, brilliant news Alan!! :-)
Fantastic news! This is going to be so exciting to see where she ends up. Hope she flys over LG!!
Yes-Roy will be pleased, I think it is a male chick, correct me if I am wrong. Hopefully he will stay in the LG/Avimore area.
Just what the birds don't need at the moment is more rain, last nights weather forecast showed snow for that area so we will have to keep fingers crossed.