Sunday 13th May, 2012Here's my attempt at a summary of happenings at the LG nest on the above date.We start the day with the live streaming cam still not functioning, and EJ is pictured on page one of the DU at 04.55. She is incubating on a dry nest. There is no sign of the climatic crazyiness that was to come.07.32. Odin is pictured on the nest for the first time today, looking his usual splendid self. Due to lack of video, there is only speculation as to whether a fish was delivered. (DU, P1)08.07. EJ is pictured on a dry nest, having replaced Odin. A few minutes later some excellent shots are posted of the changeover, and Odin's flight from his nest.(DU, P2)09.48-09.51. EJ is pictured from the stills, apparently shouting, perhaps at Odin for a fish. (DU, P2)10.06. Odin arrives. With a fish? We're not quite sure from the stills, although they do look pretty stunning together. A wider shot seems to indicate EJ may be holding a fish. Oh for a live vid cam! (DU, P3)11.38. What appears to be disturbance of an electrical nature is pictured by the stills cam. Perhaps we'll have moving pics soon. (DU, P4)12.02. Odin The Magnificant, is pictured in a nearby tree. (DU, P4)13.32. A rather beautiful picture of EJ and Odin, together on their nest, is posted. (DU, P5)13.42. We have webcam! Very strong winds, however. They are relentless for just about all of the day. (DU, P6)15.26. Odin is pictured by the wide-cam, on a branch in a nearby tree. EJ calls having spotted him. (DU, P7)18. 26. EJ is not put off from her task by rain and gale force winds. She checks her eggs. (DU, P8)19.14. EJ stands above her eggs and stretches her wings. Perhaps checking exact wind direction. (DU, P9)20.02. Amazing! It would appear that the sun is trying to appear at LG in 2012. (DU, P9)20.15. EJ leaves the nest for the first time in several hours. Then quickly returns. (DU, P9)21.02. Odin is spotted flying towards the nest, low down on the far side. Blurry picture means there no point posting a video. (DU, P10)21.52. A picture is posted of EJ, in nightcam conditions. (DU, P11)Right that's it folks. I'm done. Feel free to correct anything where required. Many thanks to everyone who posted in the Daily Update for this day. Without all the posts, pictures, and videos, this summary wouldn't have been possible. Paul :-)
Warning! This post contains atrocious spelling, and terrible grammar. Approach with extreme edginess.
Monday 14th May 2012.
The early hours were very windy, but not as bad as yesterdays gale force winds, but still EJ was hunkered down for most of the night. She has been on the nest since about 1pm yesterday with only a 30 second flight in the evening.
04.33 day cam on and the nest looks a mess with sticks strewn about. EJ is hunkered down in the middle on the eggs, and they are still eggs.
06.30 EJ starts calling.
07.15 Odin arrives with a large headless FISH. What a boy in this weather! Video page 2 of DU. EJ leaves and Odin sits.
08.11 The wind is calming down as the sun tries to break through.
08.46 EJ returns with her lovely chirrup. It takes Odin a minute to get up off the eggs.
09.49 EJ takes a break after turning and checking the eggs for the umpteenth time this morning. Odin flies straight in to take over. He also checks the eggs frequently until
11.23 EJ flies in with a stick. She has to chirrup a lot before Odin will get off the eggs.
12.02 Another egg check (cos she went a whole 5 minutes without doing it) a stretch and a quick comfort flight.
12.25 Heavy persistent rain can be heard. EJ is laying flat out to protect the eggs.
12.53 The rain has stopped and EJ is calling Odin.
13.01 Odin arrives and EJ leaves. The sun is out again.
13.48 EJ is back with a piece of wood. She nudges Odin with it to move him. Shortly after it starts to rain.
14.14 EJ is calling and moving the eggs at the same time. Odin is found in a dead tree.
14.56 Odin gives in to her calls and returns to the nest. EJ leaves.
15.11 and EJ is back with a big stick. Odin sits tight so EJ plonks it on his back. He gets the message and leaves.
15.23 EJ starts to call again. Odin is "hiding" in the big dead tree almost out of sight. It's raining again and gets quite hard before it stops. EJ still turns the eggs every few minutes, but using her wings and head as an umbrella to keep them dry.
14.35 Something has EJ's attention. She is staring silently in the same direction.
17.06 An obvious threat to EJ flies close to the nest. She mantles, flaps and screams and it flies off. It had made a previous attempt to land a couple of minutes before but EJ stopped it. No sign of Odin for all this time. Videos on page 13 of DU.
We are later informed that face book are saying that intruder was a Red Kite followed by a Buzzard
17.35 A brief hail storm.
17.38 EJ starts to call. She continues to call (and turn the eggs) until
17.59 Odin arrives with a headless FISH. EJ does not get up, and after a minute, Odin flies off with it. video page 16 of DU He is seen in the small dead tree eating.
18.08 EJ now wants the fish back and calls loudly.
18.20 Odin returns the half eaten fish and EJ eagerly takes it and flies off. Odin sits
18.36 EJ returns in the pouring rain with no fish. She has to strong arm Odin off the eggs, checks them and settles. before Odin leaves he moves a big stick that got blown around by the wind, back to it's place.
18.53 EJ is soaked again and looks a sorry state.
19.20 EJ is egg turning a lot. She is giving quiet peeps.
20.00-Onward the rain has stopped and the sun is trying to put in a final appearance for today. EJ is still peeping to the eggs. She has had a big wing flap, but has not left the nest.
21.49 Night cam is on and EJ is settled down.
I wonder if tomorrow will bring the first hatching. It will be 36 days since egg number 1 was laid.
Thank you to all on DU for your pics, vids and comments. Some really great posts again today.
Loch Garten stats. and All the important links for LG.
TUESDAY 15TH MAY
Several of us stayed up late or looked in bright and early in eager anticipation of seeing a chick or, at least, the beginnings of a hatching.....but no....NOT YET.....just a waiting game now and discussion "Is that a crack,,,or not?2 and it proves to be NOT.....but a few individuals with higher quality hearing than the average reported cheeping!
4.32 Day cam and EJ sitting calmly on the eggs....a complete contrast to our heightened tension.
4.46 EJ departs after calling to her other half,and revealing that the eggs are still intact as she stands for a stretch.Odin obligingly and willingly comes to egg-sit.(vid P4 4.53)
Whilst Odin is incubating he turns the eggs before having 40 winks and then around (vid p5 5.14 / 5.36)
6.30 the sun breaks through and there are some lovely captures of him sunbathing on P. 5
6.50 A chirruping EJ returns, having been away for over 2 hours. There is a suggestion that she went to catch her own breakfast as she didn't call to Odin for food, even when she could have seen him in a nearby tree. (vid p5 6.50 / 6.54)
EJ turns the eggs a couple of times
7.57 EJ calls and 5 minutes later Odin arives bringing some moss . He undertakes a little nestoration before settling on the eggs, but he is very fidgety (P7 8.08).
8.26 EJ comes back carrying bark and strongly "persuades" Odin from the eggs.(vid p7 8.26)
And he returns to one of his favourite trees.
9.30 A house (nest) proud Odin comes once more to carry out some determined HW and briefly egg-sits too.(vid p8 9.31 / 9.38)
9.57 Odin rejoins EJ on the nest. Both very alert. Intruder? (vid p9 10.06)
10.20 Hail, followed by rain.
11.02 Precipitation ceases
11.42 EJ shouting at a handsome stranger sitting calmly in a nearby tree of whom there are some beautiful captures on pages 12 & 13. There is no alarm calling or mantling. Does EJ recognise a previous year's offspring? Eventually, the intruder departs without making any attempt to approach the nest.
12.04 Odin puts in an appearance with......a small stick and, once more, fixes some of the nest in a way pleasing to him.
Apart from the period of rain/hail, the morning has not been too bad weatherwise, except that there have been sudden windy outbursts.
1.43 EJ definetely alarmed by something....shouting and craning her neck in all directions....but it passes, as the hail/rain begins again.(vid p16 1.44)
2.40 EJ starts calling and Odin comes and an extremely excited EJ makes off witha whole FISH. The eggs are still whole and Odin gently lowers himself onto them with WWNs. But, after a couple of minutes he gets up and has to start all over again.(vid p17 2.46 / 2.47)
The rain which had previously stopped, starts up again, but, luckily, only for a while.
3.05 EJ returns, cheeping as usual, having consumed the whole fish, presumably, in record time. Is she anxious to get back to the eggs more than usual? She has to practically elbow Odin off of them.(vid p 18 3.12)
The wind sounds stronger and more continuously so, but not gale force like Sunday.
3.25 EJ looking overhead with some calling. Alert but not alarmed......but something flew close enough to the nest for wing beats to be heard.(vid p19 3.32)
4.07 EJ looking beautiful sitting in sunshine
5.15 EJ turns eggs which still seem to be intact. As she sits EJ takes a leaf out of Odin's book and moves a few sticks which are just in front of her (vid p22 5.28) Completeness of eggs confirmed by vid (p 22 5.41)
Lovely evening sunshine but with just a few drops of rain now and again.
7.14 EJ calling and continues to do so off and on, gradually getting more frantic. Odin is seen flying past but doesn't come to the nest
8.32 EJ has a quick fly around and the visible eggs show no action having occurred (vid p24 8.40)
8.49 Poor EJ still calling and at last Odin obliges
8.52 FISH...."a fair size portion" i.e. half of a large fish and the latest delivery of the season so far (vid p24 9.00)
And whilst EJ feasts Odin does a spot of egg-sitting
Then begins a tantalising saga Is It because there is an intruder about, although Odin appears unperturbed
9.09 EJ returns with some of the fish
9.10 She leaves, still with fish
9.11 Back once again......and
9.12 Leaves again
Only to return, staying on the edge of the nest eating the fish and chatting to Odin......then she leaves AGAIN (vid p26 9.30)
9.57 Night cam comes on. This is the latest EJ has "stayed out"......but seconds later she returns, cheeping as is her wont, and has to practically roll Odin off the eggs. Poor guy thought he had a cosy bed for the night (vid p27 10.06)
So although there hasn't been an osplet there has been other unusual behaviour in the almost-acceptance of the beautiful specimen of the stranger osprey; the very late fish delivery and the shennanigins of EJ late in the evening.
Thanks for all pics and posts and an especial thank you to Moffer and Badgie for videos.
Wednesday 16th May 2012
Day 37 since the first egg was laid. The day started with much speculation about cheeping noises and eggs hatching. Not quite yet, but we get there.
04.30. First day cam pic of the day by Scylla. EJ is frosty again and there has also been recent heavy rain. She is huddled down over the eggs.
04.49 EJ takes a break and Odin comes to take over.
05.07. EJ is back. EJ has to persuade him to leave.
05.40 EJ is on the nest in glorious sunshine.
06.21 Odin brings in more moss. EJ leaves and he sits.
07.34 EJ evicts him from the eggs once more.
08.39 Odin brings in a stick and is doing much nestoration. EJ scarpers.
09.32 EJ returns and Odin flies without too much effort.
10.12 EJ starts to call. Shortly after it starts to rain.
11.01 Odin comes to the nest and just stands there. A show of strength perhaps that this nest is taken. As he leaves, rain and hail start to fall.
13.08 EJ is checking the eggs for the hundredth time today. A quiet "clucking" noise can be heard. IT IS THE EGG Video by moffer on page 17 of DU
13.24 Odin brings in his first FISH of the day. EJ takes it and leaves. Video page 19 of DU
13.29 EJ is back without the fish. It has been lost. EJ shoves Odin off the eggs but before he can leave the nest a very heavy hailstorm starts. Both bird stay on the nest throughout. Video page 19 DU
14.33 Odin brings in the second FISH of the day. EJ takes it and leaves. video page 22 DU. Odin sits. The noise of the egg is unsettling Odin and he keeps getting up. This is to be his last sitting on the 3 eggs session.
15.12 EJ returns and Odin who is standing, can't wait to leave. video page 24 DU
Wind and rain with some hail continue to fall sporadically.
17.52 The egg can be clearly heard making a clicking noise, followed by a more baby bird sound.
19.10 Odin delivers the third FISH today. EJ does not get up and he flies off with it.
19.27 EJ calls for the fish and Odin returns. She still does not get up, so Odin eats on the nest.
20.09 EJ is heard softly peeping to the egg.
During the evening there is persistent rain. EJ turns herself into an umbrella to protect the eggs.
21.22 EJ takes a mini comfort break. One of the eggs looks different.
After the night cam came on, more rain and sleet fell. Egg continued to be heard. We hope to have the first chick by dawn.
Thanks as always to the many really lovely photo's today as well as the videos and posts.
EDIT. From Richard on the blog.
So rejoice! We have an osprey chick. It was witnessed last night at c.11.30pm by the equally dutiful volunteers on the night shift, and I believe, seen by you our virtual audience out there in web-land at c. 2am when EJ stood up to reveal the wee one to the wider world for the first time.
Thursday 17th may 2012.
A restless night for EJ and several chatters as egg continues to make sounds. There is sleet and snow, EJ almost impossible to make out on the still photos at one point.
02.13 Chick #1 is seen for the first time by Robert the Bruce and Scylla who video it. Also Birdsong, Alicat, Heron77 and patily witnessed it. Videos on page 3 of DU. Fantastic and thank you guys for waiting up to see our first chick of the year.
Frequent snow showers followed by rain make viewing through a wet lens a bit tricky.
04.15 EJ starts to call.
05.54 Odin arrives with a FISH. EJ does not get up to take it as it is snowing. 05.58 Odin flies with the fish.
06.26 EJ takes a very quick comfort flight, and we see the chick in all it's glory :o)) Videos on page 9 of DU
06.41 Odin returns with the fish. EJ still does not move. After much conversation, again he flies off with it in tow.
07.09 For the third time Odin land with the now half a fish. This time he leaves it on the nest, and after moving some sticks, leaves. Video on page 11 of DU
08.58 A brief glimpse of the chicks head is seen as it pokes out from under EJ. She is calling Odin.
09.03 Odin returns and takes the fish from the nest. Video page 14 of DU
09.22 Odin brings the fish back. He stands on the nest trying to look under EJ. She stands and flaps. Odin sees the chick for the first time. EJ starts to eat the fish, and then flies off with it leaving Odin home alone with chick and eggs. He does not sit, but does some careful manoeuvring around the nest and commences nestoration duty. Video page 15 of DU
09.29 Odin leaves and EJ returns chirruping. She settles back on chick and eggs warming them. She still has a part of the fish on the nest.
10.51 A Raven is calling overhead. EJ is watching it. Odin soon appears and stands on the nest with EJ. She is alarming. A second corvid (Crow)is heard in some distress. They fly off and so does Odin
The cam went down for a short time
12.11 The cam is back and Odin is alarm calling.
12.17 EJ gets up and with her back to us, so that we cannot see clearly, gives the chick it's first feed. AT 12.28 it's all over and EJ settles back down. Videos on page 22 and 23.
12.28 Odin carefully brings in a big stick.
12 34 New Blog from Richard.
13.54 EJ takes another mini comfort break.
2 more mini comfort breaks are taken during the afternoon giving us water splattered views of chick wobbling and opening it's beak.
17.30 Odin arrives with a whole live FISH. EJ takes it and starts to eat. Video on page 28 DU
17.35 EJ starts to feed chick. It has quite an appetite. Video page 29 DU
17.56 Odin returns and takes the uneaten fish.
18.16 Odin land on the nest and gets nagged by EJ 18.31 Odin does some pottering.
19.27 Odin flies in and puts a stick on EJ's back. After no response, he flies off again.
21.24 Odin arrives with another whole FISH. EJ does not get up and he flies off with it.
21.38 Odin brings the fish back, but again EJ does not move and he leaves.
22.08 Night cam is on and EJ is calling.
What a day. A new little Osplet, 3 fish and some stunning photos and videos. Thanks to all on DU for suppling the information.
Thursday 17th May, 2012.Okay so here's a summary of events at the LG nest for the above date. Normally I start these timelines from first light but it starts in the wee small hours. Well let's just say there has been fantastic developments. Videos posted near the end of yestatrday's DU show brief glimpses of something under EJ. Could this be a chick!? In the earliers part of May 17th, chick noises are reported.02.13. EJ gets up for a break. We can see chick #1 of 2012. What a fantastic site! Pictures and videos of the new arrival are soon posted of the new arrival.04.38. The day cam comes on. The weather's not great for the little bobblhead's first full day.05.54. Odin arrives. Water on lense causes a lot of visual disruption but he looks to have delivered a FISH. There were other fish deliveries from Odin but because of rain, EJ didn't feed the chick for a while. Thank goodness for egg yolk pre-hatching.06.29. The CHICK is revealed for the first time on the day cam. What a little cracker!09.25. Odin sees the chick for the first time. EJ then leaves him with the chick for a few moments and Odin, slightly confused, does some nestorations. The chick watches, learning. 09.29. Odin flies off. 09.30. EJ returns. The chick is alone for hardly any time at all. Still not fed though. EJ must produce very nutritous yolk.10.52. A corvid is heard. Odin quickly returns. He is very thorough in defending the nest, and will take no chances.12.17. EJ starts to feed the chick! Her back is to the camera but clearly the new arrival can be heared being fed his first fish :-)12.26. A new blog is posted.14.09. EJ flies off for a quick break. The tiny chick doesn't have to wait long for mum to get back.17.30. Odin brings a FISH.17.32. EJ starts to feed herself. Then she feeds the chick. The fish looks to be still alive. A very fresh fish indeed.18.18. Odin returns. EJ is in full nag mode and her calls continue.19.27. Odin returns and places a stick on EJ's back. Not the first time this has happned this season. I wonder if this is some sort of in-joke.21.24. Another FISH from Odin. EJ doesn't get up, so perhaps she and the chick are full. Odin flies off with his capture.10.08. Night cam on.Thanks for all the posts, pics, vids etc in today's DU. Without which, this wouldn't be possible. Paul
F R I D A Y 18TH MAY
After the excitement of yesterday with the new arrival of Chick 1. All we were hoping for was some good weather for today and a clear webcam, alas so far today this is not to be, the WEATHER FORECAST forecast does look promising for the next few days so lets hope they are correct and EJ and Odin get some respite from the continual cold & rainy weather.
04.03 am EJ takes a quick break, Video Scylla Page 1 Daily Update.
04.15 am Light snow is reported by Scylla
04.36 am Day Cam On.
05.21 am EJ starts to call
06.05 am Odin arrives with FISH 1. as reported by Moffer.
06.10 am Odin still standing with FISH 1. EJ doesnt move. Light snow flakes falling.
06.17 am Odin flies off with FISH 1.
06.34 am Odin brings FISH 1. back, EJ flies off with it, Odin carries on fiddling with sticks, and drops one right across the chick. Video from Scylla on Page 5.
06.46 am Odin flies off again leaving the chick home alone, but was back within 2 minutes, just seeing off some Corvids.
06.57 am EJ comes back and covers up her precious chick.
07.14 am Three different videos on Page 5 DU recording events. Comments made about it being unusual behaviour that EJ is not feeding the chick.
09.14 am A nice little Video from Moffer of EJ and chick - bottom of Page 6 DU. Not a lot happening in the next two hours.
11.15 am EJ leaves nest only to come back a minute later empty taloned, then starts to feed the chick with a fish which appeared to be on the corner of the nest all along we presume this is still FISH 1. Video middle of Page 9 DU. EJ settles down again and stays like that until 12.26 when it looked like the rain had stopped so she started to feed the chick again. 3 nice captures from Moffer 2/3rd down Page 9.
12.44 pm Odin arrives with a FISH 2. Video 2/3rd down Page 10 EJ doesnt take it so he flies off again with it.
13.29 pm Odin returns with FISH 2. Video bottom of Page 11. He flies off with it once more when EJ doesnt take it again.
13.59 pm Odin returns with FISH 2 for the 3rd time.
14.06 pm Odin flies off with FISH 2 once again. All very confusing, wish she would either take the fish, or he would leave it on the nest, would make the summary a lot easier to report LOL.... This behaviour continues until:-
14.53 pm Odin brings FISH 2 back for the 5th time. Odin proceeds to eat the fish and looks like he is offering the fish to EJ but she still just sits chattering away to him. Videos from Moffer on page 17. Debates taking place whether EJ actually did take some fish from Odin.
15.14 pm Odin flies off.
15.25 pm Sheila FE produces a link to the DU of 20 May last year where similar behaviour happened on the nest. Near top of Page 17.
16.12 pm Odin returns, EJ flies off and immediately comes back. She is seen eating a fish tail, and feeds chick with it. Video Page 21.
18.44 pm Odin comes to nest, intruder alert, alarm calling - Video bottom Page 27. He brings FISH 3 and is eating it himself, then EJ gets up and starts to feed Chick 1. Video by Moffer top of Page 28.
18.54 pm RtB notes that there is a second chick poking out of the shell, while EJ is still feeding Chick 1.
19.00 pm EJ settles back down on her two little chicks with her usual wriggle...
19.17 pm Corvids close to nest, Odin flies in to defend his territory.
19.23 pm Discussions by DU's on the possibiliy of the third egg moving on its own. Page 28.
19.39 pm 2 Chicks seen and possible 3rd egg moving on Video bottom Page 29.
20.00 pm Still daylight EJ settled nicely over her two precious chicks, she has an odd wriggle every now and then. Looks as though its stopped raining.
20.30 pm EJ continues wriggling making sure she keeps her chicks warm in the cold night air.
20.53 pm Odin arrives with a clump of moss. Video Page 31. Arranges some sticks before leaving again.
21.45 pm EJ fidgeting and wriggling, looks she is trying to get comfortable for the long night ahead of her. Moffer posts a nice set of captures on Page 32.
22.00 pm Night Cam on.
Well its been an eventful and another exciting day, hence the rather long summary. What will tomorrow bring, hopefully dry weather and chick number three then we will all be very happy bunnies. Thanks to all the people who keep the Daily Update alive with the many Videos/Captures and comments, where would we be without them.
Rothiemurchus Red 8T
Saturday 19th May 2012
Fish deliveries 3
Chicks - 2 and 1 egg
There are 30 pages of posts as at 9pm so upfront i will thank everybody for the multitude of wonderful screen shots and videos of todays events. Too numerous to quote individually so i have only added into summary where they coincide with a highlight. There are however some beautiful screen shots of Odin on pages 13 - 15 of the DU thread. The cuckoo has been fairly active in our birds life today calling on and off all day, and it would seem that the weahter has been quite good all day as well. The morning passed without much interference in the Osprey's lives but the afternoon was a different matter, with a very persistent intruder.
Saturday started early for our Osprey family with EJ starting to become restless and chick and egg shuffling from 00.35am.
02.30 more shuffling and lots of thread discussion as to whether a third chcik could be on the way today
04.24 daycam on
04.47 EJ gone for comfort break. Video page 6 from Scylla
05.35 Sun coming out at LG - when did that last happen?
05.47 Odin visitsthe nest with a gift - but not a fishy one - Moss. Video page 8 from Scylla
05.55 Odin guarding his family on the nest post. Photos page 8 from Moffer
06.15 Odin leaves
06.36 Alarm calling heard, EJ alert
07.07 EJ callling, Odin answering
07.08 Odin visits with his Talons the same length as they say and leaves by 07.10. Photos page 9 and video page 10 both from Moffer
07.56 FISH Ej straight onto it and feeds the bobbleheads. Video page 11 from Moffer
08.25 Odin arrives to take the remains of breakfast. Video page 11 from Moffer
09.00 EJ calls and Odin must return the fish (photos page 12 and video page 13 from Moffer
09.07 Third egg moving...... EJ takes fish remains and leaves......Odin left babysitting
09.08 EJ back, chats to Odin and he leaves.....feeding bobbleheads starts again. Lots of photos page 12
09.15 Feeding over, bobbleheads covered and still some fish left for elevenses
09.51 More feding of bobbleheads, however view blocked by EJ
10.30 Odin arrives and walks over EJ's back to steal fish leftovers. Video page 14 from Moffer
11.19 Bobbleheads and egg home alone as EJ takes a comfort break. Video page 15 from Moffer
12.00 Odin back and away again by 12.02. Video page 17 from Moffer
Relatively quiet afternoon, while we wait for Odin to brink in a wee snack, and weather was not too bad either ....and then it all went a bit crazy.....
16.05 FISH from Odin. Bobbleheads at attention. All the family on the nest as EJ feeds bobbleheads. Photos page 21 and Video from Moffer on page 22
THE FOLLOWING HIGHLIGHTS FROM 17.34 TO 18.04 ON VIDEO ON PAGE 24 FROM MOFFER
17.34 Alarm calling from Ej
17.37 Osprey in tree but not Odin
17.45 EJ still alarm calling. Photos page 23
17.57 Instruder still around
18.05 EJ leaves nest to chase instruder
18.26 Intruder back and tried to land on nest. Video page 24 from Moffer
18.36 No sign of Darvic rings on Intruder when VT checked by bloggers
18.43 Intruder back on nest with EJ alarm calling furiously. Video on page 25 from Moffer
18.49 FISH in with Odin. He is alarming, EJ is eating
18.50 Intruder landed on nest - 3 adults, 2 bobbleheads and 1 egg all on the nest. Video on page 26 from Moffer (includes fish delivery)
Video of EJ feeding bobbleheads on page 26 from Moffer
19.09 Odin in to nest alarm calling
19.10 Intruder back and lands again on the nest with EJ, Odin and family, Odin makes chase. Video on page 27 from Moffer
19.12 Odin back to protect nest
19.40 Odin back alarm calling, stays short while and then leaves
19.55 Odin in with nest materials and away
20.05 Odin back and trying "stick trick" to get EJ to stand up so that he can steal the fish remains. EJ continues to food beg (obviously stressed and has forgotten she is sitting on the fish)
20.20 EJ finds fish underneath her and feeds bobbleheads
20.25 Intruder back again - her is persistent if nothing else
20.29 Odin back to defend nest and leaves again at 20.33
21.15 Odin on nest with EJ as she begs for food (has she forgotten how much sh has eaten today?)
21.30 Odin leaves and I am fraid so must must I.......
Another busy and exciting day on the LG nest.
SUNDAY 20TH MAY 2012
What a lovely, sunny, fishy day! Bring on another........!
00.17 Usual clucking and tucking in of chicks
00.26 EJ having a snooze. Has a wiggle as something moves beneath her.....ah, the joys of new mummyhood. DU, p.2
00.30 Turned egg, it's still whole.
00.57 She takes off for a comfort break and returns 2 minutes later . DU, p.3
01.49 EJ asleep again. For however long it lasts!
02.23 Intruder heard around nest and traces of music heard! Not seen. DU, p.5
03.29 EJ starts calling, loudly. Stops a few minutes later.
03.38 Cuckoo starts calling, the first of lots today. Much to everybody's evident pleasure.......NOT.
04.32 Curlew heard from nest - lovely. Poor old EJ covered in frost.
04.45 First sight of intruder osprey as it flies past nest. Odin gives chase - that's what you call the man of the nest! DU, p.7
04.49 EJ takes a comfort break.
05.08 Corvids heard close to nest. EJ's getting a right old procession this morning - too bad they haven't all come to admire the babies!
05.12 FISH, headless. That's an instant improvement to the morning. DU, p.8
05.22 Odin still standing on fish and EJ alert as they continue listening for corvid, probably a crow.
05.24 EJ takes fish and calls the chicks to feed. Odin watches them, fascinated. Bless! DU, p.8
05.28 EJ feeds chicks after Odin has flown That's a seriously early breakfast.
05.57 EJ starts to call softly.
06.14 Something passes nest very quickly. Odin alarm calls, but it doesn't reappear.
06.39 Odin starts alarm calling from cam post. The intruder osprey attempts to land on the nest - EJ goes mental - and Odin gives chase again. DU, p.9
06.49 EJ has stretch and goes for a comfort flight. She returns and feeds chicks from earlier fish. At the end of the feed she tries to remove the fish but Chick 1 isn't having that and holds on tightly, resulting in it being lifted up with the fish! That's tenacity for you! DU, p.10
07.06 Odin arrives with big clump to moss. He doesn't take the leftover fish. DU, p.10
07.44 EJ's food calling again even though she still has some left. Sensible girl.
07.46 EJ alarm calls, with Odin joining in. The intruder tries to land in the nest - again! - then leaves and ends up in far off tree.
08.18 All calm on the nest. EJ has been preening and seeing to nest and chicks. A few minutes later she has a good stretch and shows off her gorgeous chicks. DU, p.11
08.25 EJ calls. She gets up, moves sticks and almost falls over! She manages to find earlier fish and starts feeding the chicks. At this rate, they'll be elephants next week.
08.30 She successfully maneuvres large stick.
08.31 Odin seen sunning himself in trees. DU, p.12
09.06 EJ feeds chicks again!!
09.33 Cuckoo heard again, but EJ seems unfussed.
09.36 She has a good flap and goes for a break. Maybe that cuckoo is driving her potty after all.
09.52 EJ has a good preen and another flap. DU, p.14
10.26 She has a stretch and calls to Odin, who takes no notice. Perhaps the cuckoo has sent him to sleep. DU, p.15
10.34 EJ and the chicks feed, still from that first fish. That was some fish!
11.50 She has another stretch followed by a comfort flight, leaving the chicks to use the last egg as a pillow! Might as well enjoy it while it lasts!
12.12 EJ panting on nest - great to see her warm for a change! DU, p.15
12.36 FISH. A whole one, too. Odin stays long enough to look at the chicks then EJ feeds them He is seen 5 minutes later in dead tree, watching the nest. DU, p.16
13.19 She's panting on the nest again - lovely! DU, p.16
13.27 EJ has a good preen in the sun - a few minutes later she feeds the chicks from the second fish. DU, p.17
13.38 She settles on chicks and egg.
13.40 Quick Goldeneye update: Gloria is still incubating.
13.44 Cuckoo calling again - lovely picture on DU, p.18
13.50 EJ cleans her beak and does some nestoration.
14.01 FISH, another whole one! Odin takes the remains of the second fish and then tours the nest proudly as EJ eats and then feeds her chicks. Again. DU, p.19
14.07 Odin leaves.
14.09 EJ cleans pieces of dropped fish from nest. That's a seriously conscientious parent.
14.26 EJ calls softly.
14.32 Comfort break. EJ and Odin return to nest and Odin watches as she feeds chicks.
14.42 She settles onto chicks as Odin leaves with the fish.
15.08 Odin brings the fish back - she feeds the chicks yet again as Odin watches. Wonder if he's considering being the totally modern daddy and feeding them himself? DU, p.20
15.22 Odin comes back and starts to eat fish as EJ watches. Not such a modern man then!! DU, p.21
15.45 Odin nestorates, EJ preens and the chicks look around. Perfect Sunday afternoon!
15.53 Odin leaves as EJ settles on chicks.
16.56 FISH! DU, p.22. Live cam goes down briefly then comes back up. Still pixellated.
17.03 EJ feeds chicks.
17.30 She starts calling. Odin is in the dead tree.
17.34 EJ checks the chicks and settles.
17.44 She's getting very fidgety. She has a stretch and the chicks get some fresh air. She settles again after a few minutes.
18.02 EJ finds leftover fish and feeds chicks. DU, p.23
19.14 Another comfort flight. With all those feeds, she's earned it.
19.49 EJ starts calling again - the chicks, adorably, join in! Odin seen hiding in the camera tree.
Accountants of the world unite!
CONTINUED: SUNDAY 20TH MAY 2012
The rest of the evening is much the same - EJ has a couple more comfort breaks and settles down for the night. Maybe there'll be 3 chicks in the morning? Everything crossed. Thank you to all contributors, as always.
MONDAY 21ST MAY
Thanks to Scylla, Heron and Barbara who were on night vigil.......nothing happening as regards 3rd egg
4.06 Day cam on to see a restful and dry EJ but once agin with frost on the ends of her wings and on her tail EJ engages in a little calling
4,23 EJ takes a break and little'uns take the opportunity for a look around and see 3rd egg still intact (vid p5 4.23)
5.12 And the sun has broken through Weather looks good
7.28 A new delivery of moss from dear Odin (vid p9 7.28)
7.41 vid of chicks p9
7.44 EJ potters with moss and sticks (vid p9 7.44)
7.52 She loudly calls
8.03 And chicks join in
8.54 EJ wandering around nest Seems frustrated that no breakfast has arrived
9.10 FISH and 2 youngsters are eager to feed
Odin stays for a while watching feeding time Weather still fine (vid p11 9.16)
9.31 Odin comes to collect his share of the fish. EJ doesn't bat an eye
9.42 He brings back what is left of the fish but EJ doesn't respond. He waits a good few minutes even though EJ explains that she doesn't want it at the moment "Do you want to turn our kids into little pigs?" Odin leaves
9.52 Odin makes a second attempt to give EJ the remainder of the fish and this time she uses it to feed the chicks (all this on vid p12 10.28)
10.48 Continues to be a fine day but EJ feeling the heat somewhat judging by the way she pants
10.53 When EJ gets up to move a stick the 2 in the nest cup can be heard chattering
EJ actually gets up fairly frequently, presumably to give the brood some air and to prevent them from becoming too warm
11.38 SECOND FISH so fresh that it is actually alive, poor thing.
Once again the chicks get a feed (vid p15) 12.08 Moffer / 12.10 Scylla)
12.05 Odin comes back for spare fish (vid p15 12.13)
12.18 EJ is caught on the wide cam standing and shielding her children with her shadow
EJ calls and at
12.21 Odin obediently returns with the leftover fish, which is just more or less, a fish tail (vid p16 12.34)
The slighly bigger of the 2 chicks goes for some more food but no. 2 appears to be asleep Then it realises it is missing out, and tucks in too as proud dad looks on until
12.24 when he departs
1.06 EJ quietly sitting on chicks and egg, which doesn't appear to be engaged in any activity
1.38 THIRD FISH Whole (vid p17 2,01)
2.22 EJ herself manages some more fish......and so chicks have to get stuffed too
2.27 EJ alarm calling Intruder? She stops shouting and settles back over nestcup but remains vigilant and alert (vid p21 3.01)
2.46 Chicks awake so, naturally, mum starts feeding them. (vid p21 3.10)
3,00 And she has settled down again
3.22 FOURTH FISH Unbelievable! Odin the Magnificent indeed! (vid p23 3.49) The fish is whole again and little 'uns get fed ONCE AGAIN
3.36 EJ takes a comfort break whilst dad watches the kids (vid p23 3.57)
3.39 When EJ returns Odin finishes off the rest of fish 3 which has remained on the nest, but he is gone a minute later (see above vid)
3.43 Chicks seen to be dozing whilst digesting their umpteenth meal whilst mum stands at the edge of the nest
4.00 EJ clearing up pieces of dropped fish from the nestcup(by eating them!)
4.43 FISH No. 5!!!!! brought again by the bread (fish) winner but he doesn't stick around for very long. Chicks cheep in anticipation and once more their demands are satisfied (vid p25 4.55)
4.49 The saited chicks and the egg are covered by EJ whilst a portion of fish 4 lays on one side of her and fish 5 on the other
5.23 More FEEDING
5.29 Feeding session over for now as EJ takes her cue from chick #2 who turns away, and she settles down on them
5.51 EJ takes a short exercise flight
5.58 And Moffer says, " EJ calls the chicks to eat and they scramble like they're starving !!!"
6.05 Feed over and EJ covers them again
6.14 A very welcome breeze starts
6.48 Both Odin and EJ alarm call , EJ particularly frantic as an intruder lands on the nest. She manages too see it off but it was very daring landing right in the middle of the nest. What a fright for poor EJ (vid p26 6.48)
6.56 Odin comes to the nest with, of all things, FISH No 6!!!!!!!! Headless. Wonder if these intruders are following him knowing him to be a particularly good fisherman?
6.59 Supper time commences but EJ uses some of the fish remaining from a previous delivery whilst Odin tucks into the fresh one "All the family are having tea together" (Niteowl) (vid p27 7.13)
7.59 EJ calls for a while
8.04 More left over fish for the kids who, consequently, seem to be growing at a phenomenal rate. The feed comes after EJ has taken a brief flight.
8.10 Only a short feast this time and EJ settles
8.25 Odin is heard to be possibly seeing off an intruder
8.44 EJ allows herself a comfort break in the beautiful evening sunshine
8.51 Odin visits to grab a little more leftover fish (vid p29 8.51)
The evening is glorious
9.04 Chicks chatting as EJ once more turns the egg Is there still hope?
9.21Yet another period of feeding (vid p30 9.33)
9.33 EJ sitting quietly on her charges, dozing
9.56 EJ still dozing as the light begins to fade, but has a bit of a preen and a wriggle in between
10.11 Night cam comes on....and all is well
What will tomorrow bring? definetely more fishing and feeding, but, hopefully no more intrusions, and, perhaps, a successful hatching of the third egg........although there are mixed feelings about that.
Thanks to all contributors today, in whatever capacity. Sleep well dear EJ, Odin and little'uns.
Tuesday 22nd May 2012.
An excellent day. Warm with sunshine, 4 fish and 5 birds!
Thanks to the overnight team of Scylla, Heron77, CC and Barbara who kept a vigil and watched for #3 hatching.
It didn't then but......
at 18.53 #3 made it's appearance. A RED LETTER DAY for LG and us :o)
Warmer weather at last. EJ's first day cam photo at 04.09 by birdsong shows no frost, hooray!
04.25 EJ is calling and continues to call intermittently until 06.19. The chicks are joining in, bless. No sign of Odin.
06.23 Odin is heard giving an alarm call.
06.31 Odin arrives for the first time today, with a big stick which he plonks on top of EJ while she sits on the chicks. Video by Scylla page 6 of DU.
EJ and the chicks wait for breakfast. EJ sits and potters. The chicks squabble, even at 3 and 5 days old! Video on page 8 DU
08.34 #1 is trying his best to get out of the nest cup. He even pecks at EJ's foot to help himself out. When that fails he pecks at #2. EJ steps in and sits on them. Video page 8 DU
09.10 The chicks have another squabble, this time locking beaks. Video by RtB on page 10 DU
09.56 The chicks are shrieking for food and scrapping. Video by RtB on page 11 DU
10.27 EJ's shrieking gives the game away. At last, Odin with a whole FISH. Videos page 13 DU
Feeding the chicks continues until 10.43. EJ continues to top them up every so often with the leftovers from fish one. It's a warm sunny day and EJ is panting a lot.
11.29 EJ moves a rather large stick and the chicks have a near miss. Video page 13 DU
12.12 FISH number 2 is delivered. Odin stays on the nest and eats the tail from fish number 1. videos page 14 DU
EJ continues to feed them little and often.
13.26 EJ takes a short flight and has a good clean up by eating all the dropped bits of fish. She then starts to call to Odin for more fish as she has run out.
Odin was sitting close by. Some lovely still shots by AG and Birdsong on page 15. Odin leaves.
14.56 EJ found a small piece of fish on the nest and fed the chicks again. Photo by SheilaFE page 16 DU
The wind picked up considerably this afternoon, but EJ was still panting.
15.14 FISH number 3 was delivered, more feeding. Video page 16 DU
Little and often feeds continue, along with periods of rest. EJ shades the chicks.
18.15 FISH number 4 is delivered! Both adult Osprey, 2 chicks and an egg all on the nest together. Odin eats the tail of fish no 3 while EJ feeds herself and the chicks from fish no 4. When EJ settles, Odin takes the remainder of fish 4 and flies off. Video page 119 DU
18.42. After EJ calls, Odin brings back most of the leftovers from fish no 4. EJ takes it and feeds the chicks for the umpteenth time today. Video page 19 DU
18 52. Maria says that she thought she saw egg hatch.
19.14 Odin flies in to take the leftover fish tail
19.26 I looked at the video for the period Maria said, and she was right. #3 has hatched!!! I am sorry Maria that I didn't look sooner. WELL DONE. Video bottom of page 19 DU
19.53. Confirmed on the blog by Richard Thaxton.
A third indeed :-) John will be blogging
EJ has called softly for most of the evening. Odin has not brought anymore fish.
20.30 Odin is spotted in the tree by Sandy.
The evening is quiet for the ospreys. EJ chuntering and looking beautiful, chicks all snug beneath her and Odin still in the tree. It has been jubilant, for us the viewers and chatters. We started the day with 4 birds and finished with 5! WOW.
Thank you very much, to everyone that posted today whether, videos, pics or comments. All are most welcome.
23rd May 2012
Here's a summary of events at the Loch Garten Osprey nest for the date above. The weather has been absolutely gorgeous today, with temperatures reaching 29C. Making this the hottest day of the LG season so far Please feel free to correct any errors.
04.12. Day cam comes on, and EJ is pictured brooding her chicks and looking phenonemal of ever.
04.58. Odin brings the first FISH of the day and the first feed commences.
06.13. Second helpings from Fish1. The new chick, Bravery lives up to his name by forcing his way to the front.
07.21. Feed three from fish 1.07.55. EJ flies off for a quick break. The chicks are stuffed so don't demand more fish.07.56. Odin flies in and begins to eat the fish. The returning EJ isn't happy. He then flies off with the fish. 08.21. Odin returns with the tail end of fish one, and feed number four from this fish commences.09.27. The bobbleheads are eating again. Odin stands guard on the nest.
10.44. Courage, Wisdom, and Bravery are fed again, with the tail end of fish 1.11.55. EJ flies off for a break and Odin comes back to guard the nest.13.33. Odin brings FISH number 2. the first feeding from this fish commences.13.54. A second feed from fish 2.14.45. Another FISH. Odin brings the third catch of the day.
15.29. A new blog is posted by Abby.15.45. A second feed from fish 3.
16.03. Odin brings FISH number 4 of the day.16.44. EJ flies off for a break and Odin returns to the nest. He has some of the fish to eat.16.52. Odin has a go at feeding the chicks, the EJ comes back, takes the fish from Odin and shows him how an expert bobblehead feeder operates.17.40. Another feed for the rapidly growing chicks.18.23. Odin flies in and takes the fish.18.32. EJ finds an old piece of fish and feeds the chicks again.19.49. The bobbleheads enjoy a snooze, so EJ has peace to stretch and preen.20.32. EJ loudly calls to Odin.20.52. EJ is still calling and one of the bobbleheads peeks out from under mum to see whats going on.Thanks for all the posts, pics, vids etc which have made this summary possible :-)
Paul.
24th May 2012
Here's a summary of events at Loch Garten for the above date. It was another day of bright sunshine and warmth and plenty of fish for the ever expanding chicks. It is with great sadness though that I link this update from Richard. Sadly Tore is now missing in action, so we must presume the worst. She may be gone but she'll never be forgotten.
03.39. The live cam which had been off since just after midnight is back on04.21. First day cam pic of the day shows Odin and EJ on the nest. The chicks are out of site under their mother.05.15. FISH from Odin arrives and breakfast is served to the bobbleheads. 05.57. A second feed from fish 1.06.34. The third feed from fish 1. Bravery, the youngest of the chicks is still stuffed from the earlier feed.07.24. Feed 4 from fish 1. The chicks don't look interested, so EJ has a bite to eat.07.26. Odin arrives and drops a big clump of yellow moss on the chicks. Either he was joking or forgot that EJ is their blanket until they are bigger. EJ has to tidy up the moss.09.40. Odin the Magnificant brings FISH #2. Feeding of the chicks quickly commences.10.13. Odin brings FISH #3 in! The bobbleheads have another bite to eat.10.43. Courage, and Wisdom are fed again but Bravery is stuffed so just sleeps off the last meal.11.00. Odin flies off with fish 2 to have a well earned meal.11.17. The rapidly expanding bobbleheads are fed again.
14.20. Odin arrives with FISH #4. EJ then feeds her brood again.14.57. Odin returns. He has something under his talons. Man alive! it's FISH number 5!15.04. Odin alarm calls and stands guard.15.16. Odin The Magnificant flies off with one of the fish he brought for a meal. He certainly earned it.15.47. Odin returns with the remains of the fish he ate from. EJ feeds them again.16.38. A FISH is delivered. It's six of the best from Odin. EJ feeds her chicks.17.04. EJ flies off for a break and Odin flies into claim the remainder of fish 6. EJ feeds the chicks from another piece of fish on the nest.17.52. Another feed commences.
18.41. EJ calls her brood to feed again.19.41. EJ wakes the bobbleheads for yet more feeding.20.11. The chicks are fed again. One of them even eats while lying down LOL.
Well this was a day that saw Odin, EJ, Courage, Wisdom, and Bravery all get plenty to eat, and plenty of sunshine. Many thanks for all the posts, pics, vids etc on today's DU. They made this summary possible :-)
Friday 25th May 2012.
A very hot and sunny day today. Magnificent Odin delivered 7, yes SEVEN fish to the nest!!
EJ had some sleep on top of a pile of restless chicks, while Odin slept on the lower branch of the nest tree.
03.01 Barbara saw #1 scratching his new feathers. This chick is coming on so quickly.
04.20 Odin leaves his branch to go fishing
04.39 FISH number 1 in record time! 19 minutes from leaving the branch to delivering the fish to EJ in thick mist/fog conditions. EJ feeds the chicks. videos by Scylla page 4&5 DU.
05.22 EJ feeds the chicks again. #3 is at the front and getting a big meal. video by Scylla page 5 DU
05.47 sees Odin back on the branch. Great pic by Barbara at the bottom of page 5 DU
05.53 EJ and Odin are "chatting" He is on the branch, she is on the nest. Two minutes later she feeds the chicks the last of fish 1. Videos page 6 DU
07.31 EJ shouts over the edge of the nest for Odin to go fishing. He leaves.
07.55 Odin arrives with FISH number 2. 24 minutes this time, lol. Feeding starts again. video by Scylla page 8 DU EJ continues to feed little and often to all 3 chicks until the fish is gone.
09.29 FISH number 3 arrives! Feeding starts again! video page 10 DU. How much can they eat?
Little and often feeds resume. The mist has burned away, and now it is wall to wall sunshine and warm.
10.15. A squabble breaks out between the two older chicks.
10.18 #1 chick makes a break for freedom. He is out of the nest cup, but not for long. Video by moffer page 12 DU
11.07 Odin flies to the nest to claim some fish. After eating he starts moving branches, dropping one across the nest cup.
for over 2 hours EJ just stands casting a shadow, protecting the chicks from the hot sun.
13.22 FISH number 4. Straight away EJ feeds the chicks. Video page 15 DU
14.36 FISH number 5 arrives. EJ has just fed the chicks from fish 4 and doesn't take it. Odin carries it off again. videos page 17 DU
15.33 Odin returns fishless. EJ takes a 10 minute break while Odin minds the nest.
17.28 Odin delivers FISH number 6. The live cam is breaking up so no videos. From a very stop/start live cam and stills we can see that EJ fed the chicks.
20.10 Fish number 7. The live cam was intermittent to say the least, but we did get some still shots. page 19 DU. EJ fed the chicks with #3 being right at the front.
20.37 Odin arrives to claim the uneaten portion of fish. Well, he has brought 7 to the nest today!!!
21.48 EJ is settled on the nest and Odin is back at last nights roosting place, the lower branch of the nest tree.
Thank you to everyone who posted a comment, pic or video today. It has been trying with the live cam not on top form, but I think that together, we covered it :o)