As I sauntered through the forest this evening, getting wonderfully lost, I was brought to my senses by a text message from Richard. It said Two chicks. Can u blog 2morrow morn please. (Yes, Richard has learned txt spk!) Well, I can’t wait ‘til tomorrow to tell you, so you don’t have to wait ‘til tomorrow to find out.At around 7 O clock this evening, as the rain stopped and the sky cleared for the first time in a week, our second little hatchling of 2012 made that brave breakaway from its cosy cocoon into the fresh Abernethy night, under the doting gaze of both (or at least one of its biological) parents, and our dedicated volunteer Stuart. EJ has done a sterling job over the last few weeks, keeping the eggs and the first chick warm and dry. Odin is also upping his game by bringing in plenty of fish. I’m sure they will both continue to raise the chicks with such commitment, whatever the weather...If you’re visiting the Scottish Birdfair tomorrow (www.scottishbirdfair.org.uk) please pop along and see Richard, Abby, and Caroline (last year’s long-forgotten Osprey Warden) who will be manning (and ladying) the RSPB stand. If you’re in Speyside, please pop along and see the rest of us and our new addition to the LG family. If you’re anywhere else, please enjoy watching our second stripy superstar on the internet.So as the sun sets over the nest, EJ settles into a snooze, oblivious that thousands around the world are wishing her, and her chicks all the very best.Finally, a heartfelt hello to John and Paul (but not George or Ringo), who both had to cut their volunteering stays short. Hope you’re both doing well, and that you’ll be back next year.
Just got back from holiday to see that there are two chicks. How wonderful. Thankyou John for the update and uphoria after being away for 5 days to come back to this news. So sorry the weather has been aweful up there.
It was lovely to see John. There is a video from MOFFER at 6.53pm on today's Daily Update Page, which is when EJ introduced us to her latest chick. Such an achievement for EJ & Odin in caring for these eggs under such atrocious weather conditions.
Thanks for the blog, John. Absolutely delighted about chick 2. It's fantastic to see those two wonderful chicks. Hopefully they are joined by a third. EJ and Odin have done fantastically well in such awful weather this season.
Holy moly....two chicks in two days. Well well.....what a delight. The weather forecast is for improving weather over the next few days so I'm sure we'll see EJ and Odin combine forces to nurture the little ones. Thanks for overruling Richard's instruction to blog this tomorrow. Hope you have a good weekend at the centre.
Yes, it is wonderful to welcome 2 chicks to Loch Garten. I hope the weather improves for them. It is so cold and wet.
Please can you continue to send this excellent blog to my new email address to be found in my profile .Thanks,Moelfre
Thanks for this John...many of were glued to our puter screens watching the little 'un "make its brave breakaway from its cosy cocoon" ....beautiful description. Utter delight and pleasure and such a testament to EJ's and Odin's devotion in this all too wet and cold incubation period and a testament to LG's guardianship. Hers's to a continuing successful season to all.
Congrats to all , so pleased Stuart was on to see the hatch , I did my first volunteering with him so he has had a great week , sorry to hear about John thou hope he well and Paul .
Thanks for the blog John, it was very exciting to watch Chick No.2 pop out from its shell yesterday, to be able to see this happen live on the webcam was such a priviledge, EJ and Odins dedication is heartwarming to watch, especially during a difficult incubation period, it proves what amazing parents they are.
wonderfull to see hatching of chick no2, i agree amazing parents and without the £100 voucher maybe some humans should be made to watch how wildlife cope with bringing up theire young ones.
It's wonderful news! I can't, however, agree that Caroline is long-forgotten - she came across as a great character. She's at Loch Leven now, isn't she?
Yes Clare Caroline is at Loch Leven and John and Caroline are the best of friends I know , so that was a very tongue in cheek comment because John knows she will probably read it and think cheeky . Richard certainly knows how to pick wonderful staff for LG .
The little humbugs had a lovely feed around 8 ish
Lovely to join in your excitement John. It was fantastic to wach "live" on the webcam and brought such a feeling of happiness on a cold, wet, depressing day.
Thank you John. It was amazing to watch. :o) Chick#2 has it's first feed at 07.56 from a huge whole fish that Odin brought in. EJ and chick#1 fed too, before Odin returned to collect the uneaten fish.
Thanks, John, for confirming the good news.