Saturday May 26, 2012
Very frustrating day for the nest watchers. The live feed camera was down nearly all day. Several people posted screen shots to try to piece together what was happening on the nest.
There were at least 3 fish deliveries confirmed by a report from the center. The posters think there may have been 4 fish, but it was impossible to confirm the 4th under these trying conditions . It appeared all the chicks ate their fair share as they were seen several times during the day collapsed in a heap sleeping off their meals. EJ spent most of the day shading the chicks from the hot sun
At 8:37 pm the Live Cam cam back on . Cheers all around. The repaired cam has a crisp clear picture! People were even happy to be able to hear the Cuckoo which normally gets on their nerves LOL
At 9:13 an intruder was seen trying to land on the nest. Ej started alram calling and manteling. The intruder was seen on the camera as it flew away. It returned and this time Odin came to the nest to handle the situation. He bolted off the nest to escort the intruder out of the area . moffer posted a video of the intruder incident as well as another video of last time bedtime poo calls for the chicks :)
Thanks to everyone who did their best to keep the information flowing about the activities on the nest
Formerly known as Barbara Jean
SUNDAY 27TH MAY 2012
Fantastic start to the day with live cam and good quality picture.Weather continuing fine and warm.
3.53 Day cam reveals the ever gorgeous EJ in all her colourful splendour
4.43 She stands expectantly and gives a clear view of the 3 darling chicks
5.04 FISH Delivered seconds after EJ has returned from a short fly around. Chicks eager for breakfast and all receive numerous beakfuls, even #3 swallowing one which is huge compared to his size.(vid p9 5.08 Scylla/ 5.27 RtB/ 5.32 Moffer)
5.16 All settled again with fish left for later snacks. All chicks rest with full crops
5.18 Barbara reports that #3's crop so full that (s)he toppled over (vid p10 5.20
6.07 EJ calling She gets up. looking all around. Alls well so she may as well feed the kids again......by way of a change! #2 (?) and #3 don't take much but #1 (?) carries on stuffing for a while. It looks as though #3 would like some more but is squashed under a sibling. Feeding over and EJ nestles down over them (vid p11 6.22)
6.34 EJ calling
6.48 Time for another feed, still from first fish but #1 and #2 only take a little. #3 asleep so EJ feeds herself Than a couple of minutes later she makes sure #3 has some more, but then(s)he turns away and rests on #2 but then (s)he takes a little more. as does #1 Sated they fall asleep in a heap. (vid p12 7.12)
7.46 EJ takes a quick comfort flight and decides to tempt the brood once more.However, they are full and show scant interest. Just to oblige, #3 takes a bit more. The biggest surprise is that even #1 refuses. ( vid p 13 7.49 Scylla/ 8.06 Moffer)
8.11 Just a little more food
8.28 Once more EJ tries to feed them but only #2 interested. The others sound asleep.
8.45 Odin seen flying past in the distance
8.58 Odin arrives with a small stick in exchange for the rest of the fish. (vid p14 9.00)
9.25 Like a gentleman Odin brings back what is left of the fish
9.27 Little #3 attacks #1 whilst Odin waits on EJ who is busy preening.Eventually, she condescends to take the fish and then proceeds to begin stuffing the chicks again.
10.02 Still some fish remaining with EJ and Odin standing on either side of it, panting in the heat. whilst their children sleep. Then Odin departs, leaving the fish on the nest.
10.34 EJ preening whilst shading the chicks with her shadow. Every now and again she chirrups and looks closely at the chicks, but they do not stir.
11.10 Another feed from the early fish All getting a good share, whilst Odin tidies the nest.
Feed only lasts a few minutes before Odin leaves and EJ shades the chicks again.
11.50 EJ gives herself another comfort break and returns seconds after Odin has already arrived. Chicks move towards him expectantly.
That must have been an enormous fish that Odin brought at 5.10 as EJ is still feeding the chicks from it. Little 'un gets a really good amount.
Odin remains on the nest
(vid p16 11.53 Moffer/ 12.01 RtB)
12.01 Same routine again= feeding time. (3rd picture in RtB capture sequence clearly showa #3 with fish in its bill.)
1.08 Feeding stations AGAIN.
1.21 Time for EJ to feed herself
1.25 Alarm calling
1.32 EJ tidies the nest cup of fish scraps and takes off for a break
All 3 babies up and looking around and when they spot dad the move towards him expectantly. clucking.The chicks squirm around keeping him in their sights. He gives a loud screech and listens Chicks lay flat. EJ returns. (vid p19 1.44 RtB/ 1.44 Moffer)
1.48 Both adults still on nest but seconds later Odin leaves.
1.54 Chicks active, as is EJ nestorating.
1.55 #1 duffs up #3 who ducks down submissively.
2.52 FISH No 2 All 3 chicks sit up eagerly. Unclear how much #2 and #3 got (vid p20 2.52)
3.32 Feed from 2nd fish 1 of the older chicks wobbles forward almost underneath EJ. Because of EJ's shadow it is difficult to see how much fish each chick gets but they don't seem to want very much as EJ feeds herself.
4.02 FISH No 3 Odin starts tucking into it and EJ feeds the chicks from fish 2 but then at
4.09 #1 approaches Odin and wonderful father that he is HE FEEDS IT, to everybody'd delight.
EJ goes for a fly around and the threesome head towards dad, frantically clucking and HE FEEDS #2 EJ returns and grabs the fish from Odin
for some reason berating him (vid p21 4.23)
4.32 Odin leaves
4.57 *** MOFFER posts 3 amazing videos of the whole of the FISH3 "story".
5.12 The sun goes in and at last there is some welcome relief from the heat
5.12 Just in case they starve ,it is feeding time for the 3 siblings, and this time little one manages to be at the front of the queque,
5.41 And just to be on the safe side once again EJ feeds her brood, ensuring that #3 gets a good feed. Eventually, they are all full to bursting.
6.02 FISH No 4.......but Odin takes it away with him!!!!!! (Vid p24 6.28)
6.31 EJ takes a break and Odin returns, but doesn't seem to be carrying fish
6.36 Odin leaves again
7.05 EJ calls and undertakes some HW
7.34 Odin comes back but without fish and #1and #2 have a fight as there is no food to fed them and no leftovers (vid p26 8.04)
8.41 Odin has got the message and comes with FISH No 5 and its whole. Feed time and once again #3 is at the front
The feasting doesn't take long and EJ settles over the chicks . Plenty of fish left over for snack before bedtime
9.15 Odin comes for some leftovers and prompts EJ to feed the chicks again, but it only lasts briefly. EJ potters then settles back down over the youngsters (vid p27 9.24)
9.45 EJ flief off again, but is back in seconds The chicks are flat out She rouses them but they seem little interested. After a while #1 accepts a little fish, as then does #3 and #2 but they soon flop down again (vid p27 9.52) Mum covers them, although one squirms for a while under her breast
Maybe EJ will have a peaceful night.......if the animated cuckoo clock will let her What a time of night to start!
10.21 Night cam
At one point there were a couple of blips with the camera , but thankfully it has remained working all day, allowing some beautiful and, at times amusing, videos from Moffer, Scylla and Robert the Bruce, as well as some wonderful captures from too many to list, as well as all the detailed observations.
Good Night out wonderful family and Good Night all Sleep well
Monday 28th May
04.00 The first daycam photo by Heron77 is really atmospheric with EJ sitting and the mist low over the distant trees.
04.27 EJ starts to feed the chicks with leftovers from the previous day.
05.21 another feed from the leftover fish.
06.15 Whole FISH number 1 is delivered and feeding commences. This is an account from Barbara who was watching.
#3 is in front of the feeding line and just took a poke at #1 .
Now #3 is trying to take the food from #1's beak. LOL
That is a feisty chick !
#2 is in the back but EJ is making sure it gets it's fair share
#3 just turned away full and laid down. The other two continue to eat
#1 is full and only #2 continues to take food offer by EJ.
EJ is getting a good feed from this fish too
Video by Scylla page 4 DU
06.48 Odin flies in to take the uneaten fish.
07.14 Odin brings the fish back. videos page 6 DU
07.51 Battle between the two older chicks. #1 is always ready for a battle.
The rest of the morning is warm but windy. Odin flies in to the nest several times without fish, he brings moss at one point and potter. He is seen spending considerable time sitting in the tree.
13.06 Odin brings in a whole live flapping FISH number 2. videos by Scylla pages 13 and 14 DU
14.39 FISH number 3 arrives. video by Scylla page 15 DU
15.22 Odin starts to alarm call.
15.45 An intruding male osprey is heard displaying (sky dancing) and getting ever closer. Odin is still alarm calling.
15.55 Intruder approaches the nest. EJ is screaming at it. Odin flies in and also sounds off. Odin remains near to the nest and alarm calls periodically.
17.08 FISH number 4. Odin delivers this fish only 27 minutes after being seen in the dead tree. video page 19 DU
18.24 Odin flies to the nest shouting. Clearly someone is upsetting his day.
no post until 19.19 Birdsong posts a pic of the chicks being fed. has there been another fish delivery?
20.24 Fish number 5 or 6 delivered.
As far as I can see, all 3 chicks fed well today. Several fights broke out between the chicks with #1 always finishing it. This is a very basic summary as I missed most of the day myself and had to use the wonderful posts in the DU to write it. Thank you all for posting.
Loch Garten stats. and All the important links for LG.
Tuesday 29 May
Early peaceful shots on the nightcam opened the day, and when the daycam came on it reveled a damp and misty scene.
03.38 Interruption to the peace as one of the larger chicks wriggles from under EJ to fire a laser over the edge of the next (Scylla vid P1 of DU)
05.05 First feed of the day from the remains of Fish 5/6 from Monday 20.24 delivery. (Scylla vid P2)
05.16 Odin arrives with part eaten FISH 1, to find the rest of his family engrossed in last night's fish. (Scylla vid P3). He leaves again with this fish, which is brown/yellow in the belly - subject of alter discussion.
06.23 Further feed from yesterday's fish. (Scylla vid P3, Moffer vid p4) #3 still seemed to want more at the end, but the others seemed full.
07.21 ........another feed from y'day fish Moffer vid p4 - #3 didn't do too well again - bad position, but he was learning - see later.
08.25 ....yet another feed from that fish. Started with #2 out of position, with #1 and #3 getting a good feed. EJ then moved the fish, and fed #2 with #3 staying in prime position as #1 had fallen over stuffed. Moffer vid p4
09.11 The last feed from that fish. Moffer vid p6.
EJ gathered the brood under her after these feeds. It was noted throughout the day that the colder and wetter conditions than the last few days had EJ being more of a duvet or umbrella for the chicks rather than being a sun-shade. Getting all 3 underneath her is becoming a distinct challenge, especially when they are wriggling.
10.13 Odin arrives for a nestoration session, and then returns to the dead tree where he spends the next hour ignoring food calls.
11.25, Odin returns to the nest calling as there may be an intruder about Moffer & Scylla vids p8
Calm descends for a period, interrupted at
13.37 when EJ takes a fly around. giving #1 and #2 a chance to indulge in fisticuffs with #3 in the middle. All of course is quiet by the time EJ returns.
14.36 FISH 2 is delivered by Odin, noted to be large and luminous by several folk. Good feed for #1 and #2, but #3 seemed to want more when EJ called a halt and gathered them under her again. This fish subsequently identified as a brown trout, same as fish 1 today.
14.57 Odin arrived back and took the remainder of the fish away.
15.31. Odin arrives back with some of fish 2 in his talon. EJ talks to him but doesn't get up, so he leaves again with the tail section of said brown trout. Scylla vid p13
For the next while Odin is seen perching the tree either resting or snoozing depending whose posts you believe. He is definitely ignoring increasingly loud food calling from EJ, until he leaves his perch just after 17.00
17.24 he delivers FISH 3 - 22 minutes from leaving the tree perch to delivery! A good feed for all - Moffers vid P 17 shows one chick launching an exocet during the feed to make more room!
18.06 EJ starts food calling again - it has to be said fish 3 was not large and more seems to be needed.
18.47 Classic Moffer poop video P 18 shows its getting wetter at LG.
19.02 FISH 4 delivered by Odin. (Moffer vid p18) #1 and #2 fed well - again #3 might have wanted more, but not sure if he could have eaten it! However EJ started to call again after she had gathered the brood under her.
The video feed became irregular in the evening
21.33 Another brief feed. Difficult to say where the fish came from due to camere intermittency, but Odin was not seen and feed was only about 4 minutes long so on balance more likely to have been left-overs from fish 4.
Babes gathered under Mum again.
Thanks to all posters and video makers (describing people as video recorders makes them sound like 1980s technology!) Also congrats particularly to Dyfi and Aberfoyle on the hatchings which have been reported and hoping for good news for 2nd hatching at LotL.
Wednesday 30 May
Overnight the cam was irregularly streaming. Chicks wriggling underneath made it hard for EJ to settle in the early morning hours. Plenty of fights now between #1 and #2 (usually instigated by #2), and often when EJ is off taking a short flight break. #3 still manages to angle into position for a feed. It was a FIVE FISH day today.
04.58 First fight of the day [VIDEO page 2]
05.27 First FISH of the day, a whole flapper [VIDEO page 3: Fish#1] for breakfast
05.45 Odin takes the considerable remains of the fish [VIDEO page 3: Odin Takes Fish#1 remains] and [VIDEO page 3: Odin Flies in to Take Fish] and at 05.47 an intruder may have been heard in the area.
06.29 Odin brings back some of the remains in response to EJ’s calling, though when he arrives, she doesn’t get up for 7 minutes! She then feeds the kids. [VIDEO page 4: Odin Brings Fish#1 back]
08.39 EJ leaves for a break, and you guessed it…another fight between the 2 oldest. [VIDEO page 4: Fight #2] She returns with a talonful of nesting material.
08.48 EJ goes foraging to bring back another stick. [VIDEO page 4: Fights, Preening and Sticks]
09.08 EJ begins calling Odin back for…more fish?!
10:08 Odin is heard calling back to EJ.
10:35 EJ flies off and yes, there is another fight. [VIDEO page 5 Fight#3] [VIDEOs in Part 1 and Part 2]
Discussion ensues regarding the darkness of the chicks, and past chick colorations, including Bynack and Tore, Garten and Mallachie. Also noticed by Brenda, is that one of the chicks has begun to develop the orange ruff at the nape of the neck.
11.43 Fish #2, arrives headless. While Odin is on the nest, and two chicks are being fed by EJ, the other one waddles over to Dad to look for a fish feeding. [VIDEO page 8: Fish #2 delivered] EJ eventually finishes off the tail.
12.35 and EJ is calling again with Odin answering to her.
13.36 or so, EJ flies off to return with nesting material. So of course Fight #4 breaks out. [VIDEO page 10, Fight #4] and a VIDEO “Chick Study of #1 and #2” as well as a VIDEO Closeup.
13.48 Fish#3 arrives as a golden brown trout, whole and flapping! Hooray Odin! [VIDEO page 11: Fish#3] and [VIDEO page 12: Fish#3 and Feed] The chicks are getting full…
14.05 Odin retrieves the remainder on the nest. [VIDEO page 12 :Odin Retrieves Fish #3]
14.23 EJ starts calling for the fish again.
15.37 Odin is spotted sitting nonchalantly on the dead tree in the wide view.
15.40 Apparently EJ kicks #3 out of the nestcup by mistake! :O [VIDEO p.13: #3 isolated and finds its way home]
Sometime after this rain starts, ruining what has otherwise been a nice day.
16.16: Odin is still on the tree! Lovely captured silhouettes of him.
17.20 EJ has a flyabout, and the chicks look even larger. [VIDEO p.14: EJ Breaks]
18.06 and it is STILL raining.
Sheila has posted a 2010 LG guide to the different varieties of fish likely to make an appearance on the nest. You can see the beautiful colors of the brown trout.
19.19 FISH #4, whole and flapping, delivered to a wet nest. [VIDEO p.16: Fish Delivery] All act like they have not eaten for days, and the whole fish is vacuumed up in no time (18 min) [VIDEO p.16 Fish#4 and Feed from Alpha to Omega] so by the time –
19.47 Odin shows up for leftovers, there is none for him, which makes him very grumpy. Not to be outdone, EJ grumps right back at him until he flies off at 20.00, leaving EJ to look cross.
21.32 FISH #5, a brown trout, is delivered much to the excitement of the family. #3 is trapped in the back between his big sibs. [VIDEO p.20: Fish #5]. Odin is calling offstage for leftovers, but there are none left AGAIN. This fish was gone in under 14 minutes.
The chicks will rest with full tummies tonight.Good night to all you dedicated watchers of the details of osprey behavior and family dynamics (for this particular family, anyways!), and to all the media mongrels with the captures and videos that bring it all to life and keep our memories. I will see the night spirits on the other side of the midnight hour across the pond.
Tiger and ChloeB's Osprey Index Page
Thursday 31st May 2012.
Here's a summary of happenings at the Loch Garten Osprey nest for the date above. Please feel free to correct any mistakes that may occur.
04.37: An early pic from the day cam, shows a damp looking EJ.09.22: Odin laughs in the face of the damp weather and brings FISH #1. Feeding commences.09.49: Odin takes the tail section of fish 1 away so he can feed himself.13.40: FISH #2 is delivered. The youngsters line up for the feed.14.03: With the second fish of the day devoured, EJ calls for more for her and her rapidly growing brood.15.42: Don't normally summarise branch deliveries at this stage of the season. However EJ brings a massive branch. Then eventually uses it to build up a side of the nest.17.12: Odin brings FISH #3 to the nest. The chicks line up for another feed.18.48: An intruder tries to land on the nest. EJ defends her territory and chicks with the usual efficiency.18.56: The intruder tries again. Once more EJ succesfully defends.20.37: Odin brings FISH #4 to the nest. Courage, Wisdom, and Bravery line up to be fed.22.18: The night cam comes on.
Thanks to everyone who posted in the DU for the above date. Without the posts, pics, and vids, this summary wouldn't be possible.
Paul.
Warning! This post contains atrocious spelling, and terrible grammar. Approach with extreme edginess.
FRIDAY JUNE 1ST 2012
4.09 Daycam finds sleepy chicks tucked under a doting mum, and the scene is dry.
5.28 Fight between the usual combatants as EJ takes a short flight (vid p4 5.30 and 5.34)
5.39 Sunshine bathing the ever beautiful EJ
All peaceful on the nest for now (vid p6 6.59)
7.08 Odin starts alarm calling. Intruder, which has the audacity to land on the edge of the nest. EJ soon puts a stop to that, literally giving it the brush off with her wing......although not unduly perturbed. Odin lands on the nest and screams his head off. The high pitched screech which is interspersed throughout is haunting and evocative. EJ, on the other hand, starts nagging Odin for breakfast, whilst HE continues with his full blown alarming. Meanwhile, #1 and #2 take the opportunity whilst their parents are other wise occupied to have an out and out boxing match. Chaos reigns.
7.16 Odin departs and EJ settles the chicks under her (vid p 6 7.25)f
8.43 FISH, headless. A hearty breakfast for #1 and #2, and #3 doesn't do too badly either. Initially, (s)he went to the wrong feeding station, looking eagerly to Odin. (vid p7 9.06)
Peaceful with chicks asleep and EJ doing her one-legged stand at the back of the nest. (captures p8 10.45/ 10.46/ 11.20)
10.48 Comfort break for mother and 2 older chicks DON'T FIGHT!
11.23 Little battle scene instigated by #3 who quickly moves out of the way. (vid p12 3.35)
11.43 EJ leaves again and returns with a cudgel of a branch, to the accompaniment of Mr. Cuckoo. Stepping back to admire her handiwork, she treads on #2, who takes it in her (?) stride. (vid 9 12.12)
12.09 2 bigger siblings have a short tour of a small area of the nest. Luckily, it seems to be the area where EJ recently placed the new branch. Perhaps they went to admire her handiwork too. (captures p9 12.09)
12.13 FISH No 2. Whole, Odin has delivered lunch and departs almost immediately.
Guess what! It is feeding time again....all closely huddled to mum. The 3 had all stood up in anticipation as soon as EJ started shouting her excitement at Odin's imminent arrival. (vid p10 12.27 p11 1.14)
12.48 All quiet on the chick home front, mostly tucked under mum but with a few bits sticking out. Little bit of wriggling.
1.09 Whole FISH. No.3 Looks as though Odin delivers it on little'uns head! #1 and #2 stand up and, at first, don't appear very interested, but once EJ starts stuffing tasty morsels into them they "co-operate" (vid p11 1.19) When they flop down, EJ feeds herself.
1.17 Intruder!
(Fish3 & intruder 2 vids p 12 2.05)
2.31 EJ has a longish break of about 6 minutes and, once more, there's no fighting. Probably too full up.
2.37 Older 2 tentaviley exploring whilst #3 sleeps on in the nest cup. Still on their tour of inspection nearly 3/4 hour later, but EJ keeps a close eye on them.
EJ has spent much of the day standing on the side lines, although ever alert, as the kids sleep. It must be warm enough for her not to have to brood them.
3.45 EJ moves to the chicks to provide some shade.
4.03 Odin the Magnificent with FISH 4. (Beautiful capture of the expectant EJ looking skywards......and of the "unconscious" chicks)
4.09 Their caring mother is feeding the little chicks.....all getting a share of the repast.
4.27 Chicks spark out and EJ feeding herself. She has done better today getting her fair share of the food. ( 2 vids for above p12 4.33)
It has also been noticed today that #3 is getting darker and will soon catch up with its siblings.
5.12 FISH No 5 and another feed. Unfortunately, EJ stands in front of the camera and its impossible to see how the fish is shared out. (vid p13 5.15) (2 vids p14 6.13)
5.30 NEW BLOG link..............interesting comment at the end....."2 years after (the Queen) was coronated, ospreys first nested at LG."
6.51 FISH No 6.....and they all manage a little more "They can hardly keep upright where their crops are so full" (Moffer) (vid p 14 7.01) (vid p15 7.23)
7.26 Unbelievably, the chicks have some more to eat and it looks as though #3 is getting a really good share. Eventually, EJ is able to have some more herself.
8.10 EJ has a fly around and returns to feed the chicks AGAIN with the remains of fish 6 (vid p16 8.41)
Their crops are full to bursting. (vid p16 8.19)
9.05 EJ calls for food!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! and when she fears that Odin will come to pinch it, she grabs the tail end that is left of fish 6 and feeds a little to #1 and #2. #3 is asleep. She then finishes the rest of the fish herself. (vid p16 9.17)
9.30 EJ wants the kids to go to bed but they have other ideas and squirm about as mum tries to brood. A rugby scrum springs to mind. Suddenly Odin stats calling sharply off-stage and that settles the matter. (vid p 17 10.22)
9.36 Odin lands on the nest to collect some fish for supper but, alas, the cupboard is bare. He roots around a little but has no luck (vid p16 9.37). No wonder.....mum and the chicks have eaten the lot and the youngsters are in a fish-induced stupor......what little monsters will they have grown into by morning.?
10.07 EJ semi-brooding (2 bigger chicks well poking out under her chin) peacefully Hopefully it will be a quiet night for her as the chicks are fishily exhausted.
10.23 Night cam comes on.....end of an excellent day in both the weather front and fish front. Hope to see 3 bouncy chicks in the morning.....if they haven't exploded!
Thanks for all observations and captures and to MOFFER and SCYLLA for their wonderful videos and to chicks for their entertainment value, not forgetting the inspiring dedication of dear EJ and Odin.
Saturday 2nd June 2012.
A restless night for EJ as the chicks move under her, but she managed a few naps,
04.15 Day cam is on and it's raining. It's all very quiet, not even the Cuckoo is singing.
05.18 Large headless FISH number 1 is delivered, and the rain has stopped. Videos page 3 DU
EJ gives the chicks a good feed, but there is a lot left. She continues her little and often feeding routine.
06.12 While feeding the chicks again from fish 1, #2 poops right on the camera :o( The picture for the rest of the day is somewhat limited. Video by Scylla page 4 DU
07.33 #3 starts a fight. There is very little fighting for the rest of the day.
A quiet morning followed. EJ pottering and collecting small sticks, bark and moss for the nest. Odin is in the dead tree at 10.30. and remained there until almost mid day. Even the chicks were seen to be moving twigs and moss. There was a lot of stretching and the first attempts of a flap were seen from all the chicks.
13.22 Whole FISH number 2. EJ and the chicks ate the lot in one go. videos page 6 DU
15.01 The camera starts to have problems. 15.36 and the live cam has crashed.
15.48 Shows still pics of the chicks being fed, so there must have been a FISH delivery, number3. There is even one with Odin in flight, snapped by TheBagerofLurve.
16.42 - 16.45 EJ was absent from the nest. pics on still cams.
16.46 Both EJ and Odin are on the nest. Pics on still cams.
16.48 Still cam pics of the chicks feeding on a large portion of fish. Could this be FISH number 4? Still feeding until 17.03 at least.
17.53 live cam is back.
17.55 Whole FISH number 4 or 5. Video on page 11 DU of the em eating the entire fish in one go again.
19.15 Whole large flapping FISH number 5 or 6 delivered. Videos page 12 DU. They ate about a third before having a break.
19.28 Odin claims the leftover fish.
Shortly after Odin takes the fish, EJ starts to call for it back. (Not a chance) and continues to call. Odin makes the odd noise but does not return to the nest.
EJ continued to call until 21.30ish, but fish did not appear.
22.34 Night cam on and the birds have gone to roost.
Thank you all for your posts, pics and videos. It's been difficult today looking through poop on the screen and no live cam for a while, but we got there :o)
Sunday 3rd June, 2012.Welcome to a summary of events at LG for the above date. The weather for this day is best described as mixture of sunshine and showers. Please feel free to point out any mistakes etc.Day cam comes on at around 4am, and the first pic posted shows the three youngsters on the nest. The lens shows the residue of Osprey guano, fired by Wisdom, the previous day.06.08. FISH number 1 is delivered by Odin The magnificant. Feeding comences.07.36. A video is posted of a fight between Bravery and Courage. Wisdom is involved too. Fights between Osprey chicks are not uncommon, and something I'd think is expected in a species that in adulthood will defend a large teritory. I tend to look at these fights as sparring practice, and EJ never looks bothered by them so it's all just part of a young Osprey's development.08.34. FISH number 2. A whole fish is delivered by Odin. EJ then starts to feed this fish to her brood. Courage, however is not initially interested becuase this young Osprey had a large feed from the 06.08 fish. An amazing statistic about the deliver of fish number 2, is that Odin delivered this only 19 minutes after he'd previously left the nest.09.24. Odin arrives, with something is his talon. IT'S FISH number 3! EJ The Phenomenal then begins to eat from this fish although her well fed offspring don't exactly clamber to be fed.09.48. Intruder alert! Odin alarm calls. EJ mantles. Their combined efforts see the intruder off.10.10. The cam is down :-( But quickly comes back on again :-)11.08. Odin is alarm calling again. At 11.26 he is pictured standing guard in a nearby dead tree, while EJ collects nest materials.11.42. Odin flies in and pretend mates with EJ. This is a ploy to inform a nearby intruder that this nest is taken and "we are a couple" Either that or there making a DVD of Season 2012 and the production company discovered they'd need to reshoot a scene from the mating stages of the season ;-)11.45. Intruder! Dealt with.13.02. There's a knock at the door. It's FISH number 4! It's a whopper! Odin then stays on the nest and does a bit of tidying while his family are feed.14.01. Odin is alarm calling again. EJ then briefly joins in. Their joint efforts succesfully defend the nest.At this point I should point out that fish 4 was so large that the chicks could eat plenty from this and at numerous times.19.10. It's FISH number 5! Feeding of the giant baby Ospreys gets underway.20.47. It's six of the best from Odin. FISH number 6! Courage, Wisdom, and Bravery line up to be fed.22.38. The night cam comes on.Many thanks for all the posts, pics, and vids in the DU for the above date. Without these this summary wouldn't have been possible. Also means that looking back through 18 pages to find material for this summary is actually a pleasure :-)Paul
Monday 4th June 2012
02.37 In the dark, EJ starts to feed the GEMs from last nights left over fish! Video by Scylla page 7 DU
03.48 More feeding begins as it starts to get light. Video by CC page 4 DU
04.05 Day cam on, EJ is huddled down covering the gems. It's started to rain.
05.12 FISH number 1 is delivered. Video page 4 DU
06.03 feed number 2 from first fish and the rain has stopped. The sun is coming up.
07.50 more feeding from first fish.
09.08. After much conversation, Odin visits the nest. The conversation continues but then before He leaves, they fake mate again. That's two days running!
There are some wonderful close up stills of the gems from the wide angel camera this morning.
11.46 Odin was heard on the cam post, but no sight of him on the cams. He flies off. It is noted the wind has become quite brisk.
14.34 FISH number 2 video by Scylla page 9 DU
15.07 mild alarm calls from EJ.
13.48 A lovely video by Scylla (posted at 14.06), showing that #1 is finding his voice. page 9 DU
16.53 FISH number 3, video and some great still pics page 10 DU. More great pics page 11 DU
20.52 FISH number 4 is a live golden flapping Brown Trout. Videos page 12 and 13 of DU
Many thanks for all the posts videos and wonderful stills today.
TUESDAY 5TH JUNE 2012
4.08 Day cam on a minute after there is a fight between #1 and #2 whilst EJ has a bit of a fly around. (vid p3 8.26)
5.03 FISH No 1 Whole...one of the golden ones(?) or has Odin visited the fish farm for a rainbow trout? All well fed, #3 ensuring (s)he was at the front (vid p2 6.45)
5.22 How is it possible?????????? FISH No 2 but chicks and EJ still replete from the first show no interest so Odin leaves with it, no doubt to enjoy at his leisure (vid p2 5.47)
5.34 EJ wants the fish back (Tough luck!)
6.43 EJ takes a break (?) and returns to stand on the extreme right of the nest. Chicks standing in wobble mode and size each other up but no fisti-cuffs ensue. #2 looks as if it finds a couple of scraps of fish which are quickly eaten. In the end they settle down to rest, now and again giving a little stretch or preen. (vid p2 6.55)
8.00 EJ shouting for more fish please
8.33 Another fight, seemingly instigated by #3 but doesn't end as the victor (vid p3 8.40 & 8.41)
8.59 EJ takes a long break, not returning until 9.23
Feathers are noticeably coming through on all 3 so lots of preening going on.
11.14 Yet another batte with the usual victor. It seems as if #1 has become quite a bully at times.....both #2 and #3 were minding their own buisneses at the time (vid p4 11 .14)
11. 22 FISH No 3....all chicks waddle eagerly over to EJ (vid p5 11.30)
and, of course, are fed. It is difficult to see how much each gets because of the blurry lens but certainly, initially, #3 is sideways of to EJ and the other 2 lean over to reach the morsels and (s)he almost gets squashed. Once it takes up a better position, it gets its share of the bounty too. (vid p5 12.30)
12.56 EJ takes a short break and returns with nesting material.
1.18 FISH No4 #3 is in the centre once more but in a better position from the start this time.
3.07 FISH No 5 headless. The second EJ starts excitedly shouting at Odin's approach, #1 is up and clucking. #2 slowly gets up for a looksee and #3 remains asleep. Odin poses in front of the camera, obscuring the view but as he departs 3 chicks feeding are revealed, standing in a slightly curved line. They all seem to get equal shares, even #3 managing quite large pieces of the fish. A mammoth feed lasting over 20 minutes and all the fish is consumed. Hope Odin wasn't expecting a share. (Vids p7 3.16 p8 3.21 & 3.22 & 3.44....you pays yer money and yer takes yer pick)
After the feed EJ broods them as best she can. Perhaps it is a little cooler as all day they have been sleeping "out in the open".
4.52 EJ brings more mesting material and does a little light HW
5.15 All quiet and content on the nest.
5.53 EJ takes a 3 minute break and comes back to find her kids still spark out
6.11 FISH 6 A whole whopper! (vid p9 6.15)
"equal big piece shares" (Moffer) Little fiesty in the middle (vid p10 6.23) and best table etiquette. #2 has an amazing capacity! and, eventually, EJ gets to eat (vid p11 7.04)
7.11 EJ has been feeding the GEMs and herself off and on for an hour! The fish probably all disappeared . The chicks appetites are not just a testament to Odin's prowess as a fisherman and EJ's excellant catering skills, but also to the chicks health and robustness.
7.30 Chicks sleeping and digesting the last of their umpteenth meals whilst EJ dozes over them. A few fidgets and clucks.
8.10 FISH>>>>>7 and yet another meal. #1 and #2 soon satisfied so #3 able to get sole attention. (vid p11 8.20 p12 8.32 & 8.41
After they have all caught their breath, feeding begins AGAIN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
8.31 Odin is seen resting in a nearby tree, and, later, dozing there.
EJ does a small amount of HW before dozing and brooding.
9.56 A short break for EJ whilst Odin remains in his tree......and EJ calls for MORE fish, but the request can only be wishful thinking.
10.33 Night cam and again EJ is sleeping and brooding....but how long for? She has her back to the camera so it is impossible to say how much of each chick is actually protruding from under her.
A fairly quiet day SEVEN fish caught by Odin and distributed fairly by EJ.
A huge thank you to all for observations and explanations , and for captures......and to Scylla, Moffer and CC for more wonderful videos. Rain is forecast for tomorrow. Let us hope it cleans the lens without leaving the birds damp under their feathers.
W E D N E S D A Y 6th JUNE SUMMARY
A quiet start to the night and all is peaceful on the nest, EJ tries to cover her three chicks, but they are growing so fast it is nigh impossible. The dawn chorus begins @ 04.17 am & there are two nice captures from Moffer @ 04.19 am.
04.23 Day Cam On
05.23 FISH NO. 1 – Video half way down Page 2.
05.58 FISH NO. 2 – Video top of Page 3.
07.22 FISH NO. 3 – Video top of Page 4.
07.46 All 3 fed, blissful scene, now sitting quietly.
08.30 EJ starts to call Odin “More Fish Please”
09.11 FISH NO. 4 – Video top of Page 5.
09.20 Plink Plops of rain but Camera lens still foggy!
09.24 Scylla makes comment they are not Osplets they are Gannets!
10.28 EJ is asking for Fish AGAIN!
11.55 EJ goes fly about. All 3 are “coorying doon”….
12.03 EJ returns with a twig & gives the little uns a quiet pep talk!
for being good little Osplets while she was away. Little does
she know they have been having a go. Moffers Video Page 6.
13.11 All 3 chicks have a stare off. CC Video Middle Page 6.
14.04 Great selection of nest shots from TBoL Page 6.
14.39 FISH NO. 5 – Video on Page 7.
14.49 Fish all gone, all 3 get fair shares. EJ has the tail.
16.07 FISH NO. 6 – Video on Page 8.
17.04 Feed 2 – Video top of Page 9
17.59 Feed 3 – Video Page 9 (All 3 feeds from Fish No. 6)
19.14 Raining heavy now, poor EJ soaking wet now.
19.16 Odin flies past & lands in tree. Video Page 10.
20.14 Still raining. Capture of EJ by Moffer Page 10.
21.35 Odin arrives with what looks like a Sod. EJ not pleased!
22.25 Night Cam on
Thanks to everyone for the comments, pics and videos
which makes the Summary possible.
Tomorrow is another day in Ospreyland,
what will we see tomorrow!
oooOOOooo
Rothiemurchus Red 8T
T H U R S D A Y 7TH JUNE SUMMARY
By 12.51 it looked dry on the nest and EJ was having a few quiet winks.
00.51 EJ takes a quick fly around.
02.56 Chicks have settled EJ sleeping now
03.14 Moffer posts a nice photo to show that its getting light.
03.33 EJ is calling for Fish
04.11 DAY CAM ON
04.33 Beautiful vibrant coloured Capture from Moffer Page 3
05.03 FISH 1. Video Page 4
05.30 FISH 2. Video Page 5
07.07 FISH 3. Video Page 6
07.54 Brilliant Video Page 6 EJ with Big Stick
08.45 EJ goes for 2 hrs 10 mins but is sitting nearby
watching her brood.
10.05 Beautiful blue sky background captures of EJ in tree
Page 8
13.15 Intruder about Odin chases off.
13.36 FISH 4. Intruder flies by during feed Video Page 14
14.26 Intruder returns. Video Page 15 (Fly By)
Some Nice Captures Page 17
16.44 FISH 5. Video Page 19 Full 21 mins by RtB, a must
watch video as No.3 Chick gets the lions share
18.54 FISH 6 - A BIG one. Video Page 19.
19.41 FISH 6 finished now. A 45 min Fish Feast!
Lots of nice Captures from RtB on Page 20 of the Feed
As is the full 45 min feed @ the bottom of it.
21.12 FISH 7 – Video Page 21 as Fish Feed.
22.29 NIGHT CAM ON
22.40 Strange sound heard – Video Page 22
23.05 EJ trying to cover the chicks & get a bit of shut-eye!
Unsuccessfully as one chick pops out from under her.
At least it’s dry and hope it stays that way overnight.
Thanks to all for their videos/pics and comments these are what make’s the summary possible. Another successful days passes, Odin the Magnificant delivers 7 fish with ease regardless of the weather conditions, and EJ so proficiently feeds the three GEMS, what wonderful parents they make and could show their human counterparts a thing or two. If there are any discrepancies please advise on DU. If anything happens between now and midnight I will amend the summary in the morning.
---oooOOOooo---
F R I D A Y 8TH J U N E
Its windy overnight and it stays windy for most of the day.
01.02 Hollow Hammering sounds heard once again
03.34 Getting light already
04.23 FISH 1. - VIDEO PAGE 2
04.23 DAY CAM ON
04.44 Chicks full up and lying down now Photo Page 3
04.45 Banging noise once again.
06.38 ODIN drops by for a quick visit Video Page 4
07.39 Fight breaks out between #3 Chick and other 2 Video Page 4
09.39 Rain on the lens makes it look like there is a big
Green fish on the nest Video Page 7
EJ waits, and waits, and waits until there is:-
13.40 FISH 2 - VIDEO PAGE 14 & by which time sun has broken through
14.52 More fights break out - Video Page 17
15.30 FISH 3 - VIDEO PAGE 20
17.19 Huge stick appears on nest EJ has bother placing it.
Video Page 21 from RtB
19.06 FISH 4 - VIDEO PAGE 21
20.53 Great video by Scylla of EJ being blown across nest. Video Page 22
21.16 FISH 5 - VIDEO PAGE 22
21.37 FISH 6 - VIDEO PAGE 23
22.18 FISH 7 - VIDEO PAGE 23
22.45 EJ still calling but all 3 chicks settled down for now.
No wonder we call Odin the Magnificant, what a very special Osprey he is, in these very windy conditions he still delivers 7 YES 7 fish to EJ and his lovely family. Its been a good day for EJ and Odin, although windy, weather has been kind to them in comparison to further south, it is heartbreaking to see what the weather has done down at Dyfi and I along with many other Ospreyfanatics are praying tonight that Nora and Monty and their two chicks come through this terrible ordeal and that all will be well tomorrow! If we do not have HOPE we have nothing. If anything else happens between now and midnight I will update the Summary tomorrow morning. Thanks for all the DU posters, without them we have nothing to report.
SATURDAY 10TH JUNE 2012
Whilst we record the day's events at LG out thought at with Dyfi
The order of the day here has been feeding and sleeping, mostly
Once again Odin surpassed himself by bringing in 3 fish before 8.00 a.m.
5.44 FISH ! Small but whole (vid p3 8.32)
6.04 FISH 2 Which EJ must have eaten as she was seen to fly off with it and return empty taloned (vid p3 9.04)
6.43 FISH 3 (vid p4 9.23)
Then at 8.06 FISH 4 which was eaten by #2 and #3 but perhaps not #1 who may have been full from eating earlier As usual #2 is the last to comnplete its meal (vid p4 9.23)
9.17 Scylla shows a vid of a nasty, unprovoked assault by #2 on #3 when they both stood up to stretch (vid p 4)
9.38 Another vid showing #2 and #3 cozying up to each other (p4)
9.43 The best of pals (vid p 5 9.43)
10.00 On her return from a fly around EJ nestorises
11.36 At its tender age #3 follows in mamma's talon-steps and engages in a little HW
(vid p6 11.36)
11.39 FISH No 5 Odin has some trouble with fish scales on his beak and #2 can't make up its mif whether it wants to feed again or not
How the feed progresses is difficult to say as EJ and fish are out of sight in R hand corner of nest (vid p6 11 ,43)
Eventually, the siblings settle down to sleep and EJ tries covering them (vid p6 11.57)
EJ persistently calling.
12.50 Sleeping chicks seem to be home alone but shortly EJ appears on the side of the nest as revealed by the still cam and seems to be preening
1.12 FISH No 6 "a whopper". (Fish delivery p8 1.17 and p9 2.41)
The feed seems to take the longest on record (vids p 9 2.08 and 3.00 and 3.18)
and EJ is left with the tail end
2.03 Just as it all seems to be over little #3 thinks it can manage a bit more
2.05 Chicks comatose. EJ feeding
2.24 To prove that it WAS a whopper #2 also takes some extra
3.00 Intruder alert
The chicks proceed to sleep the afternoon away but at
4.48 A little activity is witnessed coming from 3 thoroughly stuffed GEMs (vid p10 4.48)
5.48 EJ on alert
6.08 Intruder
6.18 Chicks still suffering from soporific fish syndrome whilst EJ stands close by #1 stratches and has a look around EJ stretches her wings/ Bit of shuffling and clucking which doesn't amount to anything. They seem to have been too full to fight, which is no bad thing.
7.40 No change except EJ sitting down now
8.17 FISH 7 (vid p11.8.22)
After a feed all zonked out in the same area where they have been for most of the day, behind the annoying branch
9.14 EJ calling and it is like one of the chicks is answering her. When she draws breath, it clucks.
#1 pushes past the other 2 and disturbs their slumber, but soon all 3 settle again whilst EJ continues to call, getting ever more frantic. This goes on for over 12 minutes.
9.30 At last Odin brings headless, FISH No. 8!!!!!!Well done The Magnificent (vid p13 9.37) Chicks line up eagerly.
Whilst EJ starts catering to her brood, Odin does a little stick moving, but, unfortunately does not tackle the big annoying branch. #2 waddles over to see what dad is doing but soon returns to the fish. Odin leaves.
Feeding going welll All getting a share but perhaps#3 doing best of all. In a better position to be seen this time.
9.41 and #1 and #3 are satisfied but, not unexpectedly. #2 carries on. The first 2 finished are soon asleep.
Where does #2 put it? 7 minutes after its siblings have finished it is still devouring fish and more fish.
9.52 #2 satisfied AT LAST but then #1 thinks it would like some more! EJ gives it one piece then starts feeding herself Pitiful cties from half starved #1 so mum gives in but continues to eat herself as well ALL GONE (vid of the feed p13 10.19)
EJ gives another brief, sharp call but then settles to brood as best she can.
10.22 Nightcam
10.53 Ej has a bit of a fly around.
Hope all is well over night and EJ gets some rest With full tummies the kids shouldn't be restless.
Thanks to SCYLLA & MIMS for all their excellant videos and to all for posts and captures. Whilst this is the LG update we cannot help having at least part of our minds on Dyfi and hoping for continued good news in the morning and another fish filled, disaster free day for "our" dear GEMs and their parents