Flying lessons are going well here and Caledonia is certainly getting a bit more adventurous. Today she treated us to a wonderful flight display as she soared higher and higher before dropping back down and swooping down past our astonished faces, flying so close to the centre that she could probably hear the gasps of amazement from our impressed visitors. Landing however is still to be perfected and these two could probably use some stabilisers. On Monday evening Cally flew smack into an unsuspecting Alba who was perched on the nest for the evening. Both birds took a tumble out of the nest and one of them managed to cling onto the underside of the nest before letting go to find a more suitable perch. It was Alba’s turn yesterday to make a crash landing. Obviously keen to get her share of a fish she came charging towards the nest and landed clumsily on top of EJ’s back.
To fuel their aerial acrobatics Odin is making sure to keep his two girls stocked full of energy by bringing in plenty of fish. Despite the continuous downpour of rain on Wednesday Odin managed to bring in fish after fish, possibly trying to beat his own personal best by bringing in another fish 18 minutes after the previous one. Not to be out done by Odin, EJ then returned with a fish of her own but her trout was more than twice the size of Odin’s tiddlers. Wednesday’s fish round up came to nine, seven of these coming from Odin. I’m surprised that either chick was able to take off again after eating so much!
After all his hard work on Wednesday, Odin clearly felt like he deserved the morning off on Thursday as he sat dozing in the Camera Tree whilst Alba shouted at him for a fish. She was calling (very loudly!) for so long that we eventually had to turn the mic down in the centre – not that we needed it as we could hear her clearly enough through the open windows. Eventually she flew into the Camera Tree, followed by her sister and they sat either side of Odin, nagging him for a fish before he gave in and flew off. Both Alba and Cally are feeding themselves now and neither of them are shy about snatching a fish from mum and dad. They are very much becoming two very independent ladies and we’ll start to see less and less of them as they start to venture further afield. Hopefully next week we will have our first piece of data from the transmitters and we can find out just how far our flying duo have explored.
Whilst on the subject of transmitters, we are aware of what may be a loose piece of thread hanging from the strap on Cally’s transmitter. When these are sewn on the thread is sealed with glue to prevent the thread from unravelling so it is possibly fraying from the strap. We are however keeping a close eye on this.
Finally, Brian Anderson (Black Jaguar) dropped by to hand over the cheque for the money he raised for Loch Garten on his bike ride confirming the total amount of £2106. To show her appreciation Cally kindly took her first flight during his visit!
Thanks Jen for an amusing and detailed blog of happenings that we just don't see on camera. Thanks also for the reply about the thread and transmitters.
Great Blog , Jen - thank you so much and for info re the thread. Glad the Centre is keeping an eye on it. Odin has done brilliantly - my hero . (please arrive earlier next year Odin).
Congrats once more to BJAG - on an outstanding achievment. You're The Man BJag :)
Thanks for the excellent blog Jen :-) The girls are doing really well, supported by the Magnificent Odin as usual.
What a great moment for Brian to present the cheque, and nice that it has been captured on camera. All the best for the rest of the season, it won't be long now....
Thank you Jen for your lovely informative report. Odin the Magnificent continues to live up to his name! I am so glad that the piece of thread has been noted, and will be monitored. It must have been amazing to see Cally flying so high and to come down so quickly and so closely to the VC. What a wonderful treat for your all. And again I have to congratulated BJ on his achievement for which I was more than happy to contribute.
Brilliant blog, Jen. Thank you. See you tomorrow for another week of excitement!! Been busy baking today so plenty of cake to come. xx
Thanks for the great blog Jen. Watch out on Wednesday when the Loch Garten Bloggers emerge on LG.
Thank you Jen for the very informative blog. I will be up touring Scotland and will be calling in at the centre probably on the mornings of the 28th, and 30th or 31st of July . Are there any bloggers who will be visiting the centre on those mornings as would love to meet someone? Can't wait to see our osprey family again.
Brilliant blog, thank you Jen. Sorry I can't be with you next week when the LGB's arrive but so glad I volunteered in April and feel part of this fabulous 'story' once again:)
Fantastic Jen, they are almost a Laurel and Hardie act with their antics.....A wonderful blog!!!
Thanks for the wonderful words Jen. You paint a great picture:) Those girls are growing up before out eyes:)
Safe travels to all those making their way to LG this week.
Congrats again to Brian for the money he raised.
Thanks for the great blog Jen. Wonderful to see how well both Caledonia and Alba are doing. Odins fishing skills are amazing and EJ keeps things ticking over with the extra fish or 2.
Thanks for the BRILLIANT and very informative blog Jen.......bit like a theatrical farce. LOL! I must admit I was very impressed with Odin this week with all the fish he was bringing in. Well done Black Jaguar for your impressive fund raising! :) Looking forward to being up at LG next week.......let's hope the girls are still around :))
Nice to hear from you Jen...what a lot of excitment. Looking forward to catching up with all of you and a few others on Wednesday. Roy needs to refresh his needlework skills maybe;)
Thank you Jen for a wonderful blog , I am missing the girls and EJ and Odin sooooooooo much , it was lovely to meet you all while up for my two weeks volunteering , my thanks to you again for keeping that naughty John away from the hide at 11pm !!!!! you are all lovely and so wish I could come back but will have to wait till next year (already booked !!) Have fun this coming week with all te bloggers and enjoy the rest of the season , love to everyone xxx
Really good to read your up-to-date commentary, Jen, on the comings and goings of 'the family' including the fish quotas......thanks.
Lovely photo ~ Black Jag ~ hope you caught up with Sunshine on your way back from France.
Valerie ~ sounds as though you had an interesting time during your 2 weeks volunteering ~ you have left us all wondering....... It doesn't seem like a year since Crafter and I met you ~ it is still so vivid.
Thoughts to all bloggers ~ and I'm sure you know by now that Blue 44 (Rocket) returned to the nest at Loch of the Lowes at 11.29 am today ~ Leen