TUESDAY 3RD JULY 2012
The day started well but then in the middle we experienced camera problems again so a lot of the info is based on still camera views. Having said that there have been more than superior captures and observations.
4.10 Day cam At the start of the day the weather looks promising.
5.04 EJ lands on the nest calling for fish and a minute later....
5.05 In comes Odin with FISH No 1. (vid p3 5.10)
Caledonia eats and Alba wing flaps off-stage.
5.15Caledonia is full and Alba starts feeding. Unfortunately, there isn't very much left and she only gets a few beakfuls. (vid p5 6.25)
5.18 All fish gone.Within a few minutes, EJ leaves. (vid p5 5.53)
7.03 Caledonia gives Alba a sharp rebuke (vid p5 7.46)
9.35 FISH No2 brought by EJ. Looks as if it could be a rainbow trout Alba feeds first. (vid p6 9.47)
9.55 Alba satisfied. Caledonia just watches EJ before she too moves in for a feed.
10.01 Really strong wingercising from Alba. From the picture you wouldn't know that she's supposed to be a chick ll!!!!!!!!!!!! (capture p6 10.07)
10.13 Caledonia finishes her meal and there is enough left for EJ.
10 32 Did Alba alarm call and put her mum and sister on full alert????? (vid p7 11.01)
11.13 Caledonia asks for a little more to eat (vid p7 11.13)
12.01 Bit more of a feed for Alba and a preening session for Caledonia (vid p8 12.02)
12.07 2 earnestly flapping sisters (vid p 8 12.24)
12.17 Live camera gives up the ghost!!!!!!!!
There was some fish still left which EJ deposits whilst she engages in some HW. Both chicks spot it simultaneously (Lovely capture p 8 12.30) and it seemss that it is Alba who grabs it.
c. 1.03 Because of the camera problems there is some confusion as to whether Alba is being fed again.
1.20 Odin arrives with FISH No 3 (capture p9 1.23) but EJ doesn't seem to move for it so it is possible that Odin takes it away, with himself.
1.58 Still cam shows Alba(?) with fish! Did Odin return or did he leave it behind when he flew away? EJ no longer on the nest (?)
2.24 Alba had been mantling over the fish but now relinquishes it to go to big sister, Caledonia, to look at the world beyond. EJ takes the fish
By 2.29 Alba has the fish again and EJ stands at the nest edge with Caledonia
2.42 Is there an intruder? EJ remains on the nest and the girls flatten down.
2.48 Cirrus posts an amazing picture of the nest from which EJ fledged (P10)
3.56 EJ is on the nest, standing but dozing. Chicks resting near the right hand edge. Alba (?) preening. Fish still there.
4.53 EJ on the nest boisterously screaming at an intruder. Caledonia and Alba lay doggo. (Captures p 11 4.53)
5.09Its possible that 1 or both of the sisters were just being fed.If so, it was, presumably,from the fish that had been left on the nest.
7.28 Chicks resting. Neither EJ nor Odin seem to be around.
7.40 Now awake and preening, for a change.
8.26 Lovely picture of Alba wing stretching (p 12)
9.15 Not a lot happening......resting/moving around/preening and wingercising. Perhaps one or both are close by, but neither parent can be seen on camera. At least it seems to have stayed dry at LG today.
10.02 Both youngsters asleep arranged in a top to tail fashion. Sleep tight and hope it remains a rain free zone.
10.38 Night cam
The live camera is still "down" and the wide one has been permanently focused on the forest, proving just how dependent we are on them to ascertain the daily lives of "our" beloved osprey family. To say that the time from around mid-day has been frustrating is putting it mildly. Perhaps not a lot has happened this evening or perhaps we have not been fortunate to catch it. Sadly, we will not now know. Let us hope the cameras are soon working normally tomorrow and we will be able to view further fascinating or amusing incidents perpetrated by young Caledonia and Alba and their lovely mum and dad.
Once again enormous thanks to all who have contributed the various insights into what we have been able to witness of today's happenings.
Wednesday 4th July
With fledging on our doorstep, we were hoping that the live cam would come back on today, and it did. The weather was a mixed bag. Some sunshine but also some rain.
Cally is 49 days old and Alba is 47 days old.
04.00 Night cam is still on but the chicks are up and preening.
04.33 Day cam has been on for half an hour. Still pic shows the chicks laying down and EJ's back.
06.05 The sun is coming up. Chicks still laying down but in a different position now. EJ is there too.
07.05 Stills of the chicks preening and flapping.
07.22 EJ is back with nesting material. She is doing her job of back and forth every few minutes.
08.18 Live cam is back on, Hooray!
08.43 FISH number 1 (as far as we can tell) from Odin. Cally takes it from EJ. Videos page 4 DU She does her best to eat it and defend it from Alba who tries to nibble the tail.
09.04 All change. Alba takes over from Cally with the fish. EJ offers help but it's not needed. videos page 4 DU
09.35 EJ returns to the nest and takes control of the fish. She feeds both chicks. It starts to rain. video page 4 DU.
10.11. EJ cleans up after the meal and leaves. It's raining harder. The chicks cuddle up together on the nest.
11.33 Brief alarm call.
12.35 The rain seems to have eased up. Two soggy looking chicks are up and stretching and, preening with the odd flap to shake the water off.
13.51 Alarm call. The chicks hit the deck. video page 6 DU. CC hears sky dancing.
14.58 Another more persistent alarm call. Buzzards heard close by. video page 6 DU
EJ starts her on and off the nest again. The chicks are wingercising.
15.57 EJ is back again and food calling.
15.58 Fish number 2 from Odin, a nice size brown trout. videos page 8 DU. Alba is straight in for a feed from EJ. Cally hangs back and preens. By the time she is ready to feed, the fish is almost gone. video page 9 DU
16.24 The fish is gone. The chicks spend nearly an hour preening and flapping.
17.30ish EJ returns. The chicks are sleeping. She sits on the nest on lookout duty.
The evening is spent with the chicks relaxing, flapping and preening. EJ flies in and out of the nest sometimes with nesting material. There is a rain shower, which is odd because we can see only bright sunshine.
20.36 EJ flies in with what looks like long dry grass, looks around and leaves. The chicks get up and have an exercise session in the evening sunshine. Buzzard calls can be heard.
A very quiet late evening. No sign of EJ.
22.44 Night cam on.
22.48 Night vision wingercising from both chicks, and they are very vocal too.
So nearly the end of another day. Only 2 fish, as far as we know.
Thanks to all who posted vids, stills and comments on DU.
Loch Garten stats. and All the important links for LG.
Thursday 5th July
Today Cally is 50 and Alba 48 (days - although it is hard to believe given their size!) We are into the fledging window, and there has been much speculation on the dates and times. Tiger pointed out that the young normally do lots of staring over the edge of the nest before fledging, which had not been observed so far. It was very much in evidence today, from both Cally and Alba, although the lack of helicoptering suggests they are not quite ready to go yet!
After a misty morning with some very atmospheric views of the nest and surroundings, the weather was generally bright, apart from a brief thunderstorm around 2pm. scylla and CC provided some beautiful pictures of the scene on p.1 of the daily update.
Both girls have been panting, in between sessions of serious wingercising, and of course the ubiquitous preening. According to Roy Dennis the waxy cuticles covering the young birds' feathers do not crack and fall off so easily in wet weather, necessitating more frequent preening activity.
After a rather slow start, Odin picked up the tempo, eventually delivering four fish of increasing size at 05:03, 13:16, 14:48 and 15:38. EJ's fishing services were not required.
A rather persistent intruder caused some consternation on its second visit of the day, diving at EJ whilst attempting to land on the nest. All three birds were quite vocal in defence. EJ has been on and off the nest all day for defence, food soliciting and nestoration.
Although we are back to full live video after the frustrating events of two days ago, the wide camera is still stuck on the ground which made identifying EJ's whereabouts somewhat difficult at times. Both still images were again 6 mins behind time.
There now follows a chronological list of the major events of the day:
02:38 Cally wakes up and wingercises (pic & vid p.1 scylla)
04:27 Alba wakes up and does her ablutions, followed by her first wingercising of the day (pic p.2 scylla; video p.3 scylla)
05:03 FISH 1 is delivered by Odin, who arrives on a misty nest just before EJ. It's a medium-sized brown trout. Picture of the delivery on p.3 from scylla, and also a video of the feed.
07:21 Alba mistakes Cally's call for an alarm, and drops to the nest. Realising her mistake, she gets up and snuggles down flat beside her sister (video p.5 moffer)
09:06 EJ returns to the nest, food soliciting. Alba gives us a good 'Gimme fish!' stare right into the camera (pic p.6 Lindybird)
09:19 EJ is now frantically calling for food. Alba gets so excited she pecks at mum's wing! (vid p.6 moffer)
09:35 EJ gives up and flies the nest
10:06 Cally begins some vigorous wingercising of her own (vid p.7 moffer)
10:32 EJ is back, alarm calling. The girls hit the deck. Buzzard calls are heard in the background (pic p.7 SheilaFE)
10:56 Intruder alert, EJ on the nest and alarm calling (pic & vid p.7 moffer)
12:15 Alba goes for another long wingercising session, finishing with a satisfied squawk (pic & vid p.8 RtB)
12:35 EJ returns, and Cally squawks for Scotland. 5 mins later mum is gone, and eldest daughter is disappointed.
13:08 EJ returns to the nest again, alarm calling (pic p.10 birdsong). The girls later have a go themselves, making quite a racket while mum silently scans the area from the back of the nest.
13:16 FISH 2 arrives, a good-sized brown trout from Odin, again whole by the look of it (pic p.10 RtB). EJ doesn't immediately dole it out; is there an intruder still around? Cally stares in frustration, but mum keeps her talons on the fish for the moment (p.10 RtB)
13:20 Eventually EJ determines that the coast is clear, and begins feeding the fish to Caledonia and Alba (vid p.18 scylla - posted after the fact)
13:40 Feeding time is over
13:48 EJ is alarm calling and shrieking furiously, and mantling (pic p.11 RtB, birdsong; vid p.20 scylla - posted after the fact). The wings of the intruder can be heard as it attempts to land on the nest. Having successfully defended her nest once again, EJ decides to escort it from the premises....
13:54 Alba and Cally are wingercising again (pic p.11 RtB, Cirrus; vid p.12 RtB, p.14 moffer)
13:59 It begins to rain....
14:02 .... and a huge thunderclap causes both girls to drop to the nest (vid p.12 RtB (end of); p.14 moffer (end of)) EJ, who must have been there all along out of sight, then leaves the nest.
14:30 EJ is back again, dozing next to her offspring (pic p.14 patily)
14:48 FISH 3 - a large brown trout from Odin once again (vid p.15 moffer). Both girls eat well (vid p.15 moffer)
15:38 FISH 4 - an absolute whale of a brown trout from our Magnificent Odin once again! (pic p.15 moffer, cirrus; vid p.16 moffer). Alba's squeaking ensures she eats first (pic p.16 moffer, CC; vid p.16 moffer)
16:40 An hour later and EJ still has a reasonable amount of whale tail left, but in between bites still appears to be trying to stuff her rather reluctant offspring with it! (pic p.17 RtB) At this rate they will need a crane to get airborne! So much for tough love...
17:57 Alarm calls are heard nearby. EJ is possibly still on the edge of the nest out of sight, although without the wide camera we cannot confirm this.
18:34 EJ brings in a rather large forked branch, which she places on Alba several times before finally locating it off to the rhs (pic p.20 RtB; vids p.20 RtB, scylla)
18:38 Cally decides on another bout of wingercising, including a big jump (vids p.20, p.21 moffer)
EJ does a lot of nestorising during this period, including trying to position a lichen-covered branch (vid p.23 scylla). At 19:40 she brings in red moss.
19:56 Cally places a stick on her sister, who complains about it (vid p.23 moffer)
20:17 An alarm call is heard close by (vid p.23 moffer). It sounds like EJ.
20.55 More wingercising from Alba (vids p.24 RtB, scylla)
22.24 Alba fiddles with Cally's feathers and puts nesting material on her, then treats her aerial like a stick! (vids p.26 CC, p. 25 moffer)
23:08 Rain is heard falling on the microphone. By 23:36 it has abated.
Additionally a number of interesting episodes were observed:
Cally pecking at Alba's aerial and wing (vid p.3 scylla). Alba got her revenge in the evening!
A spider was observed dangling from a thread beside the camera (vid p.5 scylla)
Cally did a lot of staring at the camera today (pics p.8 RtB, p.9 Lynette, p.16 moffer, CC, p.18 RtB; vid p.18 RtB)
Alba spent a lot of time staring over the side of the nest (pics p.8 RtB, p.2 scylla)
Some nice shots were taken of the 'three girls' together on the nest (p.17), and of the young 'uns wings stretched out (p.18, p.23, p.24 RtB)
Alba and Caledonia are observed lying side-by-side during and after the late alarm call and some lovely pictures were captured (p.23)
As usual, a hearty vote of thanks for all the bloggers providing updates, pictures and videos, without which this summary would not be possible.
"Only two things are infinite - the universe and human stupidity. And I'm not too sure about the universe..." - Albert Einstein
Friday 6th July
A mostly dry and quite breezy day with rain arriving late. Another milestone was logged today, Cally fed herself an entire fish. Cally is 51 days and Alba 49 days old today. No fledging yet.
A restless night for the chicks with a lot of exercising during the night cam hours.
04.24 Day cam on.
04.40 Fish number 1 delivered by Odin. A medium size brown trout. Video by Scylla page 2 DU. Both chicks are fed.
05.02.A bit of wingercising after breakfast, quite jumpy ones, EJ flies off.
05.46 Fish number 2 delivered by Odin. A good size live brown trout and still flapping. Video by Scylla page 3 DU. Only Cally fed this time. Alba didn't want any.
06.18 Another bout of exercise follows the second breakfast., followed by a period of rest.
07.26 EJ is back on the nest alarm calling and mantling. Intruder about again today. Video by Scylla page 4 DU
07.50 Intruder has gone. The girls are up preening and Alba stares over the edge. Wingercising follows
08.27 - 08.31 EJ flies in and out of the nest. The last time she brought a mossy branch. Video by Scylla page 6 DU
09.06 - 09.24 EJ is on and off the nest again. She brings in a piece of bark. Alba has a good flap
10.42 EJ flies to the nest alarm calling and mantling. Cally is joining in. Both duck as the intruder approaches. Video by moffer page 8 DU
11.17 EJ flies to the nest again alarm calling and mantling. Video by moffer page 8 DU
11.31 Both chicks wingercising. They can now jump well and get some lift. Video by moffer page 9 DU
11.42 Both chicks flapping at the same time. They are both attaining some lift. Video page 9 DU
12.11 EJ is back alarm calling.
12.30 EJ is standing guard over the sleeping chicks.
12.43 Cally wakes and starts clucking at EJ. Alba starts to join in and that spurs Cally into shrieking.
12.53 All quiet again. Lovely still of EJ and the sleeping chicks by RtB page 10 DU
13.04 EJ starts to call for fish.
13.21 Alba who attacks (pecks) EJ several times here after EJ had the nerve to cover her with her tail and wing. Video by Scylla page 10 DU
13.38 FISH number 3 delivered by Odin. Video by Scylla page 11 DU Both chicks eat. This is followed by more exercises and rest.
15.23 FISH number 4 delivered by Odin. Video by Moffer page 13 DU. Both chicks feed again. This is followed by vigorous flapping. Some great stills from Lynette page 13 DU
16.31 EJ flies in a plonks a stick on Cally. She starts another bout of on and off the nest.
17.16 An update on the blog is noticed regarding the wide cam.
17.23 FISH number 5 from Odin. EJ is not there so Cally takes it. Video by moffer page 15 DU. After screaming at the fish, Cally gets to grips with it, watched by Alba. She is tearing and eating the fish by herself!
18.09 EJ returns with a massive whale of a FISH number 6. Video by Moffer page 17 DU. She starts to feed Alba.
18.02 Cally is seen to be finishing off her fish by eating the tail. Included in the above video.
Alba continues to be fed by EJ. Cally joins them for the odd beakfull at first. Feeding from this huge fish goes on for over 3 hours with all 3 birds eating!
20.03 FISH number 7 arrives with Odin. No one rushes to take his fish and he leaves with it. Video by Scylla 18 DU
21.12 Eating on the nest is over at last, and the girls are zonked out. 21.51 It starts to rain.
22.31 Night cam on.
Thanks to everyone for posting on DU today.
Saturday 7th July
Another wet day at LG as Caledonia reaches 52 days and Alba 50 days - sadly, no fledging yet. Not for lack of practice, though. Lots of wingercising going on in the dark - beats sleepwalking! - recalls that occasion when Odin treated EJ to some night skydancing, what a romantic bird.
0431 Daycam comes on to reveal two big, wet GEMS.
0501 EJ starts calling intermittently.
0534 Both girls up and wingercising starts in earnest (picture, DU p.2). Scylla treats us to footage of Tore and Bynack wingercising last season - many thanks, Scylla the Magnificent, that was very nice.
0544 Marathon wingercise (video DU p.2)
0554 Leftover fish found on nest, yummy!
0614 EJ lands on nest just ahead of Odin, who brings FISH 1 - Cally tucks in. Odin escapes, quickly. Cally eats her fill and EJ finishes it off. Too late for Alba, who decides to beg for food just as the last of it goes. She needs to work on her sense of timing.
0641 Cally gazing into the distance, following a bird's flight - was there a degree of longing there? Can't be much longer before she joins in the fun.
0708 Cally still gazing!
0825 EJ with FISH 2 - and it's number 300 of the season, excellent! It's a big brown trout, flapping away. Both girls get their beaks in there - Alba's not about to miss out on this one.
0838 Alba celebrates breakfast with an energetic session of wingercising.
0852 EJ and girls still eating - that was a worthy Fish 300.
0902 Odin delivers FISH 3, nice and whole - Cally takes it as EJ continues to feed Alba from Fish 2. It's all go!
0922 Cally now being fed by EJ while still holding on to her fish!
0930 EJ finishes her big fish and Cally has abandoned her fish. The girls indulge in some looking down from the nest - at that height, rather them than me!
0943 EJ finds Fish 3 and starts eating it - the girls are still busy contemplating life beyond the nest.
1000 Cally notices EJ is eating and goes over for some more. How did she make more room so quickly?
1006 Cally finally, and utterly, full. She moves to the side of the nest with Alba and goes back to gazing.
1013 EJ calls her girls to feed. They don't move. In fact, both girls are thought to be dozing while standing. Perhaps it's the sheer weight of fish?
1033 Alba gives in to the lure of more fish. Cally continues dozing.
1101 Alba finds a piece of fish on the nest and has a go at eating it. Frustratingly, she does this just off camera.
1117 EJ returns to the nest to try to help Alba, but Alba has got the hang of it and is doing really well.
1124 The tail disappears.....Alba has demolished the remains of the fish by herself! Attagirl.
1127 The excitement has worn Alba out, and she sleeps.
1159 Cally gets up for a stretch and potters about. Has a quick stab at preening, gives up and settles down again.
1203 NEW BLOG from Mairi. P7, DU
1223 FISH 4 from Odin the Magnificent. Isn't he wonderful? For a change, Odin stays for a while with his foot on the fish.....maybe he's working on a suitable pose? He doesn't seem the type for a big game hunter. Thank goodness.
1235 EJ has possession of fish 4 - Cally seen to be eating leftovers on the other side of the nest.
1241 EJ feeds Alba, having eaten her fill.
1255 EJ feeds Cally. Alba moves away and starts wingercising. She does it on some sticks at the edge of the nest, which look rather wobbly!
1313 Cally tries some nestorising. Not bad, she moves some branches and a stick.
1326 EJ flies off.
1358 Girls both resting on the nest, facing the camera.
1405 Alba preens Cally. She seems to pay particular attention to the aerial.
1411 EJ heard food soliciting nearby.
1525 Cally wingercises, then stops and rests on one leg. Hard to believe she was ever a wobbly bobblehead.
1536 Cally wingercises again, followed by Alba. It's proved that preening while standing on one leg doesn't really work.
1654 Cute break. Two very wet GEMS pictured, cuddled up to each other. AWWWW!
1704 The girls get up and have a good flap to get some water off. They must feel better for that.
1808 Odin brings FISH 5 - EJ arrives just ahead of him again, she's rather good at timing her arrivals! Fish looks a good size considering the disgusting weather.
1825 The fish is eaten - by Alba - Cally is voicing her disgust at this outcome! EJ starts calling for more. Poor old Odin, the pace is relentless.
1907 Cally launches into more wingercising and Alba follows, showing an impressive wingspan. EJ leaves the nest.
1942 EJ returns to the nest.
2028 EJ leaves again.
2143 EJ comes back. She does her best to shelter her daughters - what a star!
2204 Night cam comes on. EJ looks thoroughly fed up with all the rain!
2213 EJ leaves the nest. Not good news for the girls!
2216 The rain has finally stopped! About time. Hope that lasts.
It didn't last. EJ returned to the nest and sheltered her girls again. As of 2244, she's calling softly.
Not a bad day - five fish and plenty of wingercising. Surely a dry day tomorrow will see at least one of the girls taking off? We'll wait and see.
Many thanks for all contributions today (including yours, Limpy) and I'll look forward to tomorrow and what it brings.
Accountants of the world unite!
Sunday 8th July.
A quiet day in general. We hoped that the rain would stop and it did. We hoped that a chick might fledge, it didn't. After the recent heavy rain, fishing was harder for Odin and as a result, the fish that he did bring in were smaller, however EJ saves the day. An intruder around this afternoon kept EJ close to the nest.
Today (at 23.30) Cally is 53 days old and Alba is 51 days old.
A busy night on the nest. It was raining and EJ stays to try to keep the chicks dry. Lots of chunnering, stretching and even flapping. A lovely video from Scylla at 01.30, The family all had a stretch and resettled with EJ on top: Top of page 2 DU
02.05 EJ leaves the nest.
03.48 Nasty slanting rain, EJ comes into sight from the front of the nest, wants to shelter chicks but they say they're OK: video by Scylla, page 2 DU
04.47 Day cam on, and all three birds are soaking wet.
04.52 The family start to get up. EJ is food soliciting. Lovely stills by Scylla page 2 DU
05.23 Wingercising has started in earnest, or shaking off the rain. Video by Scylla page 3 DU
The chicks stand in the rain, occasionally shaking and flapping, but mostly staring over the side and napping.
07.03 The rain is easing up, and the chicks are more active.
07.55 Raining again. The chicks just stand.
08.16 EJ brings in nest material and leaves.
09.00 Alba is raring to go! A vigorous wingercise. Videos by Scylla/Moffer page 5 DU
09.12 The rain has finally stopped.
09.27 - 09.35 some wonderful stills of Alba by Scylla, page 5 DU
10.01 The first intruder alarm of the day.
10.08 FISH number 1 delivered by Odin. EJ grabs it and starts feeding. Cally has most of it. Video by Moffer/RtB page 6 DU.
10.20 The fish is gone. Just a 12 minute fish. EJ starts to call for more, so does Alba who didn't get much. Cally has a good flap and EJ leaves. Video by Moffer/RtB page 7 DU
11.18 There's a whole lot of preening going on.
12.06 EJ is back. She takes something away from the nest. Video by Moffer top of page 10 DU
12.09 EJ returns. She has a potter for a couple of minutes and leaves again.
13.04 A sharp rain shower.
13.29 - 13.35 EJ does her back and forth routine between the camera tree and the nest.
13.54 A really good wingercising session from both girls. Videos by Mims/Moffer page 11 DU
14.37 FISH number 2 delivered by Odin, taken by Cally who eats the whole fish. Video by Moffer Page 12 DU
15.05 The fish is gone.
15.31 An alarm call from EJ which is the first of several this afternoon, keeping the chicks low on the nest.
16.12 FISH number 3 delivered by Odin to EJ. Both chicks feed. Video by Moffer page 13 DU
16.19 The small fish is gone. That was a 7 minute fish. Some pottering and preening follows.
16.24 More vigorous wingercising from both girls. Video by Moffer page 13 DU
16.37 Another batch of alarm calls start, keeping the chicks low to the nest again. EJ briefly visits the nest a few times.
19.44 FISH number 4 delivered by Odin, taken by Alba, nabbed by Cally (a bit of a scramble) who proceeds to eat the entire fish. Video by Moffer page 15 DU
19.58 FISH number 5 and it's a whale, delivered by EJ. Alba takes it. Video by Moffer/Scylla page 16 DU
20.07 Alba tries to get in to her fish eat. But where does it open? Video page 17 DU
20.18 EJ lends a helping beak as Alba is having trouble 'opening' her fish. Video page 17 DU
20.35 Cally joins in for another feed
Both chicks feed well. Interestingly Alba stops feeding while Cally carries on.
21.07 Alba and Cally have stopped eating and EJ is enjoying the remaining fish by herself.
21.41 EJ has finished off the big fish. She stand out of cam on the RHS of the nest twittering and so disturbs both chicks.
21.58 EJ leaves the nest chirruping as she flies off.
22.13 Night cam on and the chicks settle down for sleep.
Thank you to everyone for some wonderful stills, videos and comments. The writing of this summary would not be possible without you all.
MONDAY 9TH JULY
Tiger started us off with a reminder that Caledonia is 54 days and the only chick not to have fledged by 54 days in recent times was Nethy.
What will the day bring.
During the night it was fairly quiet with one getting up for a brief flap.
4.22am day cam on and chicks are awake
4.30am Scylla reported first wingercising of the day and many more came from both girls
5.05am Vid on pg 1 of a long session of wingercising
7.30am both girls are awake and may have spotted EJ as they both start chattering at the same time looking right
exercising goes on intermittently during the morning with EJ paying a visit to do some nestoration
Certainly during the wingercising sessions one gets the impression that this could be the day one of the sister fledges
10.51am FISH 1st of the day, Vid by moffer on pg 6 mad scramble and Cally takes it from her.
11.03am Cirrus posted a pic of EJ looking narked that Cally had got the fish - didn't take it from her though. All Alba could do was wait and see!
11.11am Alba has come over to try and get some fish, but not aggresively pic on pg 7
11.58am Moffer reported that Cally had eaten all the fish
12.32pm EJ seems to have found Cally's fish tail and is eating it.
12.33pm Alba gets a nibble too at last.
Fairly quiet during the afternoon with some wingercising going on in between the rests. No fledging yet
2.13pm Moffer posted a lovely capture of EJ and the girls
15.26pm FISH 2 - EJ grabs fish from Odin very quickly.Alba is in first for the feed and Cally sits it out.
15.35pm Moffer posts vid of the latest delivery - Alba feeding, Cally not bothered.
15.49pm Fish all gone now time for exercise
16.26pm Just looked at the nest and all is quiet with both girls sitting and resting
17.00pm FISH NO 3 Odin delivers again and EJ quick off the mark
17.07pm Moffer posts vid of the latest fish delivery pg 15
After eating more wingercising and osprey aerobics.
18.19pm Scylla posted a lovely pic of the girls pg 16
18.32pm EJ comes back to the nest with nest material
18.59pm FISH DELIVERY NO 4 BY ODIN THE MAGNIFICENT
It looks like Alba was first to get to EJ with Cally joining them- lots of squeaks and a happy feed
Vid on pg 17 posted by Moffer of the latest delivery
20.44pm Moffer posted a gorgeous pic of the girls pg 18
Some exercising goes on
21.03pm FISH DELIVERY NO 5- ODIN is working overtime tonight- and he gets mobbed for ittoo.
21.05pm Scylla posts vid of this delivery
Both get in on the feed
As I try to go to press again EJ is heard calling at 22.12pm
Thanks for all the pics and vids - feel free to add to if I've missed anything.
http://scottishwildlifetrust.org.uk/things-to-do/wildlife-webcams/loch-of-lowes/
Tuesday 10th July
Day 55 for Cally and 53 for Alba. Would we have a fledging today?....No. The weather was pretty wet for most of the day, so the chicks stayed firmly on the nest.
A pretty restful night for the chicks with the odd fidget and stretch.
03.45 Cally is awake and flapping already, but it doesn't last long and both chicks are soon back sleeping.
04.28 EJ arrives for the first visit of the day. She starts to call for food.
04.32 Day cam on and shortly after EJ leaves.
05.24 Light rain is heard. The chicks start to wingercise.
06.20 Cally moves out of sight on the RHS of the nest.For anyone looking in, it must appear that she has fledged.
06.48 A flying visit from EJ. Cally re-appears.
08.00 FISH number 1 from EJ. Video by Scylla page 5 DU Alba is first to the fish, but both chicks eat happily together. Alba finishes first and has a flap. Cally eats for a little longer, and then EJ has the remainder to herself.
A quiet morning of sleeping, preening flapping and looking over the side of the nest. It's still raining.
11.36 Intruder alarm. Scylla posts a video page 8 DU of a parent flying to intercept.
11.44 FISH number 2 delivered by Odin. Video by Scylla page 8 DU. The intruder must still be around as EJ delays feeding.
12.41 EJ starts the feed.
12.52 Feed over, must have been a small fish. EJ starts to call for more.
More wingercising in the rain this afternoon and a lot of sleeping. Again one of the chicks goes to the RHS of the nest out of view.
17.40 FISH number 3 delivered by Odin, taken by Cally. Shortly after there is an alarm call and Cally lays on the fish. Video by Moffer page 12 DU Cally eats the lot.
18.09 A more serious alarm call from EJ on the nest mantling to keep the intruder away.
More flapping, staring over the edge and sleeping during the early evening. EJ is heard close by still calling for fish.
As the evening progresses the rain gets much heavier. Cally and Alba move very little and are soaked.
21.31 FISH number 4 delivered by Odin. EJ made a mad dash for it. Video by Scylla Page 16 DU. EJ feeds Alba first and then Cally.
21.56 The fish is gone. EJ remains on the nest calling for more fish. All 3 girls look very wet indeed.
22.16 Night cam on
EJ stays on the nest with the chicks in the rain.
As I have missed much of today, I would like to say a personal thank you to everyone who posted today. I couldn't have written this summary without you.
Wednesday 11 July 2012
Thank you Moffer for your excellent Summary of 10 July.
Scylla started the Daily Update for us, on Day 56 for Caledonia and Day 54 for Alba. Only Mallachie, Nethy, Deshar and Baldrick have taken longer to fledge in recent times.
The weather forecast was set to improve, and did by the afternoon. Could today be the day one or both chicks fledge? There was a lot of flapping and wingercising, and some 'helicoptering', but a lot of inactivity. However, an intruder interrupted feeding, and there was much speculation on whether Cally and Alba would fledge today
With all the rain that has fallen the sound continues to have the dreadful hum and pulse, and wide cam is still stuck pointing to the ground.
12.53 EJ is still on the nest with the chicks. DU p.1 scylla vid.
01.30 It is raining. EJ moved to the edge of the nest to relieve herself, and returned to cover a chick. DU p.1 scylla vid.
02.03 Chick has a flap and a preen while EJ sleeps, protecting a chick in the rain. DU p.1 scylla vid.
Some nice nightcam photos on DU p.2 from Scylla.
04.50 scylla posted a daycam photo of a very wet EJ sheltering the chicks DU p.2
05.19 A report of a good bout of wingercising and a lovely big jump. DU p.2 scylla vid at 05.24hr.
05.26 Oh dear, two very wet chicks standing on the edge of the nest. DU p.3 scylla photo.
05.49 Fish 1 from EJ, possibly a rainbow trout, alive and flapping. DU p.3 moffer photo. It was still raining as Alba got a good feed, Cally had her share and EJ was able to eat some as well as offering the chicks more. Cally accepted gratefully.
06.46 and the rain continued to fall.
07.18 EJ and the fish were both gone.
07.25 DU p.4 scylla posted a vid of Cally wingercising, and having a chunter and a natter to herself.
08.00 DU p.4 moffer's vid of Alba wingercising, while Cally chuntered. The rain continued to fall, and land on the lens.
08.39 Scylla reported a leap from a chick. Vid posted 08.43 DU p.5
08.41 Moffer's vid posted at 08.41 DU p.5 of Alba having a good wingercise. Will she go shortly?
09.05 Moffer posted a pic of Cally having a wing stretch DU p.6.
09.57 Scylla posted a vid of lively chirps, squawks and leaps by the two chicks. DU p.7
10.24 The sun shone!! The chicks began to dry out and return to their recognisable colour, and a gentle breeze started blowing – all good ingredients for fledging. But would they….?
10.40 More vigorous wingercising and exuberant noises. Vid from Scylla DU p.7.
11.02 Moffer's vid of wingercising. The chicks are able to control the wings and hold them steady. Delighted squeals! DU p.8
12.18 Cally and Alba keep a wary eye on something above them. mims photo DU p.10.
They spend a lot of time sitting side by side on the nest, doing… not much.
12.53 Moffer's video of Alba wingercising frantically
13.01 EJ alarm calls and leaves the nest.
13.13 FISH 2 from ODIN. EJ feeds Alba first, and then both. EJ had a meal too despite it being a relatively small fish. It was gone by 13.20. The girls start wingercising to work off their meal. 13.31 hr vid by mims DU p.11.
14.40 Moffer posted a video suggesting a tandem fledge! Both chicks were wingercising vigorously… but no, not yet. During her flapping Alba rose and came down on Cally's tail. DU p.12, and 14.43.
14.53 SheilaFE posted a photo showing the position of wide cam in relation to the nest and nest cam. DU p.13.
15.05 On the nest EJ does some serious rearranging of the furniture, while the chicks complain. She flies off, and in unison the chicks follow her flight with the eyes. EJ comes and goes from the nest several times. Is she showing them how to take off?
15.14 Alba has a wingercise, and grabs a stick which she had rearranged earlier, and finds it a useful perch. Video mims DU p.14.
15.23 FISH 3 from Odin. Still photos from Cirrus 15.24 & 15.25, DU p.14. Poor Odin is pounced upon, and rushes to remove himself from the harem. Cally grabs the fish, and mantles over it. EJ ignores it all and merely rearranges the sticks around the nest and for a while Alba surveys the world around her. Video from mims at 15.32 DU p. 15 and moffer 15.35.
15.39 Mims video of Cally expertly feeding herself. DU p.15.
15.29 Cally obviously hears an alarm call, and lies flat, on her fish! EJ seemed oblivious.
15.55 Alba eyes Cally and her fish, and distracts herself by moving around the nest with some high jumps. Helicoptering!
15.56 While she is eating, Cally spots someone and it's not EJ! She crouches down over the fish. Thirty seconds later EJ starts to alarm call. She flies to the nest and defends it. DU p.16 Moffer vid at 16.05hrs and and 16.10hrs. EJ continues to call and and off the nest at 16.14hrs before deciding all was safe.
16.06 Moffer's video of Alba trying to take some of the fish that Cally is eating, when Cally appears to feed Alba. DU p.16.
16.17 As Cally has had most of the fish, Alba starts calling, and by 16.20 EJ joins in. Meanwhile Cally is attacking the fish tail.
16.26 Cally has had sufficient, and EJ takes over giving some to Alba. The fish all gone EJ starts calling for MORE FISH.
16.43 Moffer's video DU p.18. Did EJ pass wind as she took off to chase the intruder away.
17.25 EJ is on the nest on look out duty, while the two chicks appear to be fast asleep in the bowl of the nest. It doesn't appear as though they intend flying off today!
17.45 TheBadgerofLurve reminds us that he raise the question of ospreys passing wind last year and posted a link to that conversation.
18.38 Lindybird has been amused by the discussions of osprey passing wind, and wrote a short amusing poem about it!! DU p.18.
18.40 ChloeB added to the debate by providing a link to an article on the subject.
18.47 The chicks had been lying down for quite a while, lying side by side, and then started another session of wingercising and jumping across the nest, giving wonderful squeals of delight. Moffer video posted at 18.55 DU p.19.
18.50 Fish 4 from Odin: EJ returns to the nest and calls for fish. She must have seen Odin, as he returns with tea, and immediately flies off. Moffer video 18.57hr DU p.19. EJ takes the fish and begins to feed initially Alba and then Cally joins in. It lasted a mere five minutes. Come on Odin! Or is this the beginning of tough love?
19.10 moffer posted a vid of the girls wingercising and balancing on sticks. A proud mum indeed!
19.12 Cally helicopters. Moffer vids DU p.19
19.15 CC explains that the possible passing of wind is the grunting/quacking sound ospreys make when they are very displeased or disturbed, which happens during fights and often when an intruder gets too near.
There was discussion again on which chick would fledge first. Alba seems keen to go, but perhaps Cally will be like Tore was last year, just go.
20.47 EJ returns to the nest, and flies off again. Was she hoping that Odin might bring supper? Nope, she returns with a clump of straw or dried grass. Scylla vid at 20.54 p.21
21.22 A restless Cally appears to have a 'go' at Alba's aerial. We have seen Alba doing this in the past, but not Cally.
21.24 FISH number 5 from Odin. Odin makes his escape. EJ was too slow and Cally took it. Poor Alba will go hungry tonight. EJ stands for a minute and then flies off. By 21.36 the fish was gone and Alba had none. Cally had another go at at Alba's aerial, annoying her so much that Alba stood up, and Cally flopped to the nest floor in front of her. They then lay down side by side.
21.41 Moffer video of Cally apparently having a go at Alba's tag. 21.42 Lynette's still photo of the same. 21.47 Moffer's video of 21.36 action.
21.47 Tiger commented that Cally was not actually having a go at Alba's aerial, but taken to moving Alba around by lifting her by her feathers. Cally has now realised that she can grip the backpack more easily than the feathers. Tiger had only seen this behaviour once before at the DPOF nest in 2006 where one chick lifted the other to make it move. This seemed an anomaly but became regular behaviour. The DPOF birds were neither tagged nor ringed.
Tiger started DAILY UPDATE (Loch Garten nest) Thursday 12 July 2012
Thank you to everyone for your contributions by way of videos, stills and comments without whose help I could not write this summary. Needless to say if I have missed anything let me know and I will amend this.
EJ's Biography
Thursday 12th July
Good evening all! Finally, a dry day at LG......did we see a fledge or two? Read on.
0320 Both girls having a flap and a tweet.
0432 Cally has good stretch and covers Alba with her wing. Daycam is on. Scylla's beautiful video on DU, p.1.
0457 Cally's up - she has a joyful flap of her wings and calls in accompaniment. She then moves to the side of the nest and admires the view, downwards. Why can't I wake up so energetically?
0521 Cally? has a stretch.
0524 A final flap and then she jumps to her sister (who looks less than impressed) and has a good preen.
0536 Cally again! Having a jump, stretch and flap.
0551 Both birds looking with interest at something around the nest. Cally lays down. Alba's up and looks down, while standing on that blooming blind spot. Somebody, please, ban blind spots. She has a good flap, still there.
0605 Their attention is taken by a Crestie calling and a deer barking.
0719 EJ the Beautiful lands on the nest, no fish. Perhaps it was to nag the girls into continuing their wingercising. They get up and off goes EJ.
0722 The wingercising starts in earnest. Cally gets her talon stuck in some nesting material and struggles to get it free.
0754 Bird flies close above the girls' heads and they follow the movement - there's no hostility or alarm calling, was that a parent?
0813 Alba does lovely jump across the nest into the blind spot. Everyone catches their breath as they hope she doesn't fledge from there.
0949 After much pottering, preening and wingercising from the girls, EJ brings FISH number 1! It's not very big. First to it is (rather inevitably) Cally. After having a right old moan to EJ Alba tries to take it from her sister, but no luck. She goes to the blind spot for a good sulk.
0957 Alba has a good bout of wingercising. I've noticed she usually does this when she doesn't get any of the incoming fish.
1000 Odin flies in with FISH number 2. EJ takes it and starts feeding Alba. The surprised look on Cally's face is priceless - she only noticed Odin's arrival at the moment of his departure!
1023 Both girls fed and quiet as they stand on opposite sides of the nest and gaze out. They then start preening. Girls, you're already beautiful enough!
1036 They start wingercising again.
1039 EJ briefly alarm calls - Cally gets down but Alba starts mantling.
1040 EJ calls again and Alba gets down as well.
1042 Cally gets up, moves twigs around and settles down again. After a few minutes Alba gets up and starts preening. EJ still alarm calls but Alba ignores her. A low flying jet comes over, which Cally clearly doesn't like.
1128 Cally wingercising energetically - she makes it across the nest and back again! So close.....but she's still on the nest. She enjoys wingercising, judging from the joyful noises.
1148 Birdsong posts a link to a beautiful picture of Blue XD with a fish in his talons (DU p.13). It's not LG but he's now part of the history and this is worth seeing.
1228 Cally pulls up what is hopefully moss from the side of the nest where we last saw Bravery. I sincerely hope it's just moss.
1326 Cally wingercising again - she jumps backwards into Alba, who decides her safest option is joining in.
1340 EJ lands on the nest just ahead of Odin, who brings FISH number 3 - it's a nice brown trout, still flapping. Good size too. EJ takes it and feeds both girls.
1404 EJ nestorises, making Cally's bedspace less comfortable. I wonder if she's trying to tell the girls something?
1406 Cally and Alba both on the edge of the nest, looking out. Alba starts wingercising and does a nice jump, but she's not there yet. She then settles next to Cally and has a sisterly moment.
1458 Alba indulges in moving furniture.
1511 Brief alarm call.
1553 Both girls up, preening. Alba starts wingercising as Cally ducks for cover - Alba's wings look so huge! Alba's attention is caught by something passing the nest and she starts preening again.
1618 EJ returns to the nest with no fish. Cally gets up hopefully but EJ hides in the blind spot and starts calling. She flies off again as Cally moans briiefly and settles down.
1643 Cally has had another good wingercise after which she settles next to Alba, puts some grass on her back and uses her as a pillow. Nice.
1656 Cally preens and has another wingercise - she threatens to take off but doesn't quite manage it.
1717 Alba takes her turn - joyful and energetic, but no fledge.
1812 EJ lands and all three alarm call, though EJ continues nestorating! She leaves at 1815 - the girls, now on their feet, start wingercising again. Nice one EJ. Alba manages to helicopter - this is getting exciting!
1925 Odin brings FISH number 4 to a nest with no EJ. Inevitably Cally gets to it first - Odin sits for a short while and calls but EJ doesn't appear and off he goes.
1936 Alba begs Cally for some fish but Cally mantles and blocks her. Alba starts flapping to take her mind off her frustration.
1959 As if by magic, FISH number 5 appears. Alba grabs it and, hilariously, appears to try to take off with it - impossible, as she's yet to take off without a fish let alone with one. EJ appears on the nest but Alba holds onto the fish and, after a short time of going completely loopy with it, finally starts eating it.
2007 EJ alarm calls - Cally drops down, Alba mantles over her fish. After a short while everything calms down and Alba resumes eating, getting some good chunks out of the fish. EJ disappears into the blind spot.
2023 EJ leaves the nest.
2045 EJ returns - Alba has made steady progress but is still eating. At 2056 she finally lets EJ feed her. That was a good, determined effort from Alba, though. Cally takes a few more mouthfuls but she's not really hungry.
2119 Alba finishes and EJ finally gets the fish to herself.
2146 EJ finishes eating - the is still plenty of fish left, it must have been an EJ Whale. The girls are replete.
2204 EJ still eating!
Nice to see EJ on the nest at the end of the day. Perhaps tomorrow will be the day of the Great Fledge. As rain is forecast, perhaps not.
Many thanks to all contributors, as ever. Sleep well.
Friday 13th July.
A true Friday 13th with gremlins in the works. Some posters were having problems viewing pictures and seeing the still cam. We all hope that it will sort itself out soon. Wide cam is still not working.
Day 58 for Cally and 56 for Alba, but both are still on the nest! It got close a couple of times, but they did not fledge today.
EJ stayed on the nest all night holding the previous evenings leftover fish! What a mother.
04.26 EJ starts to eat the piece of fish. The chicks watch but do want it.
05.07 Alba was studying how EJ deals with a fishtail.
05.33 A lovely video by Scylla, Morning wingercising and shrieks of joy. page 3 DU
Lots of preening and a sleep follow before moving to the right hand side of the nest, completely out of cam vision. Some posters were sure that they had fledged, but no, just quietly out of sight.
06.53 It starts to rain, but thankfully, it's not too heavy.
07.15 Cally reappears from the blind spot. We can hear Alba too.
07.50 The rain has stopped. The rest of the day was mostly cloudy, but dry.
08.13 FISH number 1 from Odin. EJ races in and takes it before Cally gets it. Odin alarm chirps now. Some lovely stills on page 7 DU from Birdsong and Cirrus. videos by Scylla/Moffer page 8 DU After Odin leaves, Cally takes the fish from EJ.
08.29 EJ leaves the nest
08.51 Cally has finished eating and after a wander has settled beside Alba. Alba keeps looking over shoulder to see if Cally has left any fish. Yes there is some fish left and Alba feeds from it.
09.04 Overjoyed at feeding herself Alba has a couple of post-fish MAD wingercises. Videos by Scylla/Moffer page 10 DU also stills by Birdsong/Scylla/Moffer page 10 and The Bagder of Lurve page 11
09.46 EJ is heard off nest calling, but it is a strange call. It is suggested that she may be calling to the chicks to fly. video by Moffer page 11 DU
10.18 Cally finds the small piece of fish tail that Alba left, and sets to work on it. Meanwhile Alba does more wingercise. video by Scylla page 12 DU stills by TBoL
10.44 It is noted that EJ has flown to the dead tree near the nest. She is quiet and the chicks are watching. She stays for a few minutes and then flies off. The chicks watch. Then she calls. "It's time to fly" Video by Moffer page 12 DU
11.02 EJ calls again. Corvids can be heard close-by. The chicks go down on the nest. Video by Moffer page 13 DU Once down, the chicks seem happy to stay there until
12.32 Cally gets up for a quick flap and soon lays back down.
13.03 Both girls are up. Alba has found the piece of fish again while Alba flaps like mad.
13.05 Alba starts a session of helicoptering. Cally joins in. Alba is lost from sight twice! videos by Moffer/Scylla page 15 DU stills by Birdsong and TBoL. It was amazing and even drew the attention of Mrs T, a moderator. Welcome.
13.30 EJ lands fishless. She picks up the discarded old piece of fish.
13.31 FISH number 2 from Odin. videos page 16/17 Scylla/Moffer
An account from DU. "Well that was all very strange. Cally suddenly started to act submissive, EJ arrives and picks up the bit of left over fish. 13.30 Odin flies in with a new fish, EJ takes it and Odin leaves. The girls all stand looking around silently"
13.44 The chicks are layed down. The only sound to be heard is EJ eating alone.
13.47 EJ starts to feed Alba while she is still layed down. Cally is watching the sky.
14.01 Alba has had enough to eat and moves away. Cally stands up and is fed.
14.10 Feed time over. Cally and EJ potter on different sides of the nest. Alba is looking out.
14.27 Minor alarm call from EJ. Buzzard heard overhead. There have been Buzzard calls for a while.
The chicks have a good sleep until
15.38 Cally is up and wingercising, she's so excited she nearly knocked Alba over and now she has hot up and started wingercising. Video by Moffer page 19. DU
16.18 Mega wingercising effort from both girls. Amazing, with a cheer from the VC. It was amazing !!! video page 20 DU.
This was followed by a very quiet period of preening and staring out of the nest.
17.13 FISH number 3 arrives via Odin. He flew behind the nest and landed in front of Alba. She couldn't believe her luck. Video by moffer page 23 DU. She starts to feed.
17.17 Alba's luck didn't last long. Tug-o-fish!! Sneaking up on the outside is Cally who wants that fish, and takes it . video page 23 DU
17.53 We couldn't see what was happening as it was off cam, but Alba was laying down begging while Cally ate. Cally had had enough and left the tail which Alba ate. video by moffer page 24 DU
18.10 Being not weighed down by a heavy fish supper (thanks to Cally) Alba is feeling energetic bouncing around the nest and then does some HW, knocking Cally.
18.21 EJ brings in a stick. faffs about in the rh corner where the girls are trying to sleep and leaves.
18.26 EJ is back with moss/lichen which she puts on the chicks and leaves again.
18.38 SheilaFE alerts us to a very short film on the ringing of Cally.
19.48 EJ pays a flying visit. This sets the girls off into another wingercising and helicoptering session. video by Moffer page 27 DU This is followed by more preening and sleep.
20.36 EJ is back with a squeak. She chunters to herself wandering around the nest cleaning up the mess! lol.
21.57 The chicks wake from their sleep and start to wingercise. It doesn't last for long and soon they are back down and sleeping.
22.17 Night cam on.
So, only 3 Odin fish and no EJ fish today. Will this be the last night that the chicks cuddle up together on the nest? I think that it could well be. Will we have a fledge tomorrow? I think yes.........maybe :o)
Many thanks to all the posters today, too many to mention by name, but you know who you are. There are some great photos, videos and comments on DU. Today was nail biting at times, but a joy none the less.
SATURDAY 14 JULY 2012.
Caledonia reaches 59 days today and Alba 57 days. We have all been waiting for the Magical Day for both girls to fledge. And today was that day! The first to fledge was Alba at 09:11 who took off and is yet to return. Later in the morning Caledonia took off we believe around 11:28 although there is some debate. We also think that Caledonia did not go too far - she spent a lot of time on top of the cam post (COMPOST!) - and we have had to struggle for much of the day without the live video camera.
01:47 One of the girls was seen wingercising.
02:43 The chick in the shadows was seen preening.
03:01 One of the GEMs was seen wingercising. Lovely video by Scylla the Magnificent, DU p.2.
04:22 It's getting lighter and both girls get up and start wingercising.
04:26 Day cam cam on.
04:52 Cally hard at work preening her feathers.
05:11 After treating us all to a well-fired laser shot, Alba hides in the blind spot and starts flapping away with her beautiful wings and squawking. DU, p.3
05:38 Cam post heard to be rattling, which is probably Alba having another flapping session in the blind spot.
05:44 Both girls sitting quietly and comfortably peering over the side of the nest.
05:55 Cally preens and displays the underside of her wings - still quite white and fluffy, gorgeous but most un-grownup.
06:09 EJ has returned to the nest and starts to move twigs around the nest but bringing no fish - just a small stick. Not very appetising. She leaves the girls to it after a couple of minutes.
06:19 Alba flapping ten to the dozen and going nowhere - yet. Scylla just pips Moffer in posting a video, DU p.5
06:46 EJ alarm calls and the girls mantle as something flies close to the nest. DU p.6
07:15 The girls take a well-earned rest. Well, after all, they were flapping before the day cam came on and they've have no breakfast!
07:49 EJ returnes to the nest empty taloned. She sits in the blind spot. Judging from the lack of reaction from the girls there was no fish for them. She flies off after a couple of minutes.
08:07 Cally decides to jump up and do some wingercising.
08:27 A buzzard is heard in the background.
08:34 Alba's up to more flapping in the blind spot. She likes that spot a lot more than everybody watching does! She does a big jump across the nest while is perhaps the encouragement that Cally needs as she's also up on her feet. She starts flapping as well. Meanwhile Alba goes into full helicopter mode as she gets good height and finishes with a giant leap across the nest. Video, DU p.8
08:35 Cally demonstrates that she can helicopter too. Not quite the height of her sister, though. She manages a big leap across the nest into the blind spot.
08:55 EJ appears with another small stick - I wonder if she has another use in mind for it if the girls don't fledge soon? She leaves after a short while.
09:06 Cally's flapping again, and goes into another helicopter move. A really high one this time!
09:11 The day has come - we have lift off! Alba is up up and away - yes she has fledged ahead of her older sister Cally. It feels like I've been waiting forever to get this into print! She flies off with such excited cries that Cally, back on the nest, takes them as alarm calls and hits the deck! She lies there for a considerable length of time, not moving again for 45 minutes! Video, DU p.9
10:10 Cally's up and preening. She then moves into the blind spot. She gets stuck into some good wing flapping.
10:36 Lots of preening going on. Maybe Cally wants rid of more of the baby fluff - she might also be adjusting those flight feathers for takeoff!
10:49 Cally manages a big leap across the nest followed by lots of flapping and calling. She follows up with more of the same for a good while. She's doing very well considering there have been no fish delivered to the nest today.
11:28 And finally, cautious Cally takes to the air and fledges but does not fly very far, returning to land on the cam post where she takes up residence.
11:38 The excellent Doggie posts a link to a new Blog - DU, p.19. This confirms the two fledgings.
12:22 EJ arrives on the nest - she quickly flies off only to land again also immediately. She calls to Cally on the cam post - Cally lands just in time to greet Odin the Magnificent, who brings the first fish of the day! EJ looks around for Alba, but she doesn't appear. EJ initially takes the fish but Cally grabs it and, after a brief tug-of-war, EJ lets her have it. Don't think that EJ gave that much effort. EJ leaves a few minutes later.
12:35 Live cam goes down and stays down.
12:58 Cally finishes her first post-fledge feed. Bet that tasted good. No sign of Alba.
13:24 EJ is seen back on the nest and she's eating the last bit of Cally's fish. It's worth looking at Badgie's beautiful series of stills, DU p.26
14:25 Cally has disappeared from view again. Has she hidden in the blind spot, on the cam post or is she practising her flying? The short answer is, we don't know.
16:00 EJ arrives at the nest followed by Cally then Odin arrives at the nest with a fish, the second one today. EJ feeds Cally for a good long time and then starts on the fish herself. Inevitably Cally goes back for seconds and is replete by 17:00. EJ continues eating.
17:55 EJ still on the nest and still appears to have fish under her feet - she's probably waiting to feed Alba. Beautiful close-up of Cally, DU, p.31
18:34 Cally has a good flap - EJ appears to have gone - she then sits on the side of the nest, in the blind spot again! She kindly leaves her tail visible.
19:08 EJ is back on the nest. Cally moves over to sit next to her and they both gaze out, probably looking for Alba. EJ bends to something she's holding - is it fish? Cally doesn't appear to be showing any signs of interest.
19:34 Cally is alone on the nest.
20:19 Cally still on her own - no sign of Alba. She's decided to continue the wait for her sister in a comfortable prone position.
22:43 Night cam on. Cally has been on her own for some time now, from at least 19:34 - periodically she's been getting up, preening and looking around but Alba has yet to return. Hopefully Alba has found somewhere safe to spend the night - and happily it's dry for once.
Hopefully Alba will return safe and sound tomorrow. It has been a good day for all today we have seen nature at it's best - and two fish.
Thank you to all who have posted comments and added videos and pictures on the DU. Let's hope the live cam is up and running soon!
Learning more every day about the bird heaven I live in.
Sunday 15th July.
Sandy starts the DU page for today with "One of our ospreys is missing." That really sums up the start of this summary as Alba had not been seen since she fledged, almost 15 hours ago. We were all a bit concerned for her well being. The live cam is down, so all we have are the still cam pics to go by, and the time stamp on them is 6 minutes slow, (so please excuse me if I make an error on any times)
04.40 (approx) Day cam is on, and it finds Cally lying down on the nest alone.
04.44 Cally flies from the nest, but she is only gone for a short time.
Cally wanders around the nest, and has a preen.
05.56 EJ arrives on the nest, but doesn't stay long. There is some confusion as to whether Cally left the nest again, but we think not as her tail tip was briefly seen.
06.21 Another flying visit from EJ
06.49 EJ is back on the nest and calling. Cally appears and EJ leaves.
07.25 EJ is back on the nest with Cally briefly.
07.51 It appears that Cally has flown, but no, she is in the blind spot on the RHS of the nest.
08.24 Fish number 1 from EJ. Cally is on the nest.
08.25 A still shot show TWO juveniles on the nest with EJ. Alba is back, over 23 hours after she fledged! Hooray :o))
The next few still shots show that EJ is feeding both Cally and Alba.
08.36 Odin arrives with FISH number 2. He drops his fish and leaves.
08.43 Cally spots the second fish. Cally doesn't want EJ's fish, daddy brought her one. EJ continues to feed Alba.
09.00 Alba has finished eating and moves away. Cally also drops her fish. EJ remains on the nest eating.
09.37 The chicks look worn out, putting it mildly. Poor Cally didn't get her cuddle last night, Alba had to sleep on a branch!! They could do with an hour's nap before they give us more worries. I hope that the cam gets fixed soon.
09.52 EJ moves to the other side of the nest where Cally dropped her fish.
09.57 EJ's back can been seen, but both chicks are standing with their head bowed trying to sleep, so tired after their big day yesterday.
At this point, I must say thank you to all the people that have stayed with the still cam, posting pics and keeping us informed. A special thanks to TheBadgerOfLurve who's efforts were much appreciated for their content and his humour.
10.20 Live cam is back. It is very windy indeed, something that we couldn't know from the still cam.
11.14 As a celebration of having Alba back safe and the live cam fixed, Mims post a video "Alba is Back" page 10 DU.
11.18 EJ leaves the nest. She has been there since Alba's return.
11.21 Cally flies off leaving Alba home alone. She spreads her wings but stays put. video by Scylla page 11 DU
11.35 EJ is back with a headless fish. Is this a new fish, or did she take it from the nest with her and is trying to fool the girls into thinking that it is a new fish? She was only gone for 17 minutes and there had been 2 fish before her departure, so I'm guessing that she took it and brought it back. She wanders across the nest and picks up Cally's leftover fish, so now she has fish under each foot. The girls don't seem interested at first, but EJ tempts them to some more fish. Video by Mims/Scylla page 12 DU
11.47 Odin with FISH number 3. Video by Mims/Moffer pages 12/15 The chicks are not hungry, so EJ stands with the fish underfoot.
12.00 Finds Alba lying down at last. Cally is standing next to her. EJ is still in the same place holding the fish. Still by Sheila FE page 12 DU. It is noted again that it is VERY windy.
12.12 Feeding starts at last. Both chicks are fed. Video by Mims page 13 DU
12.58 An alarm call is given. The chicks drop down on the nest.
13.00 They are back up but watching something warily.
13.03 EJ leaves in a hurry. Alarm calling
13.19 EJ returns. Both girls are still on the nest.
13.46 Alba fancies a bite to eat. EJ obliges.
14.21 FISH number 4 from Odin. Gosh, he's doing very well in this gusty wind today. Video by Moffer/Mims page 15/16 DU. Cally goes straight for a feed, but Alba soon takes over and they take turns.
14.38 Alba has finished feeding and for the second time in two days, leaves the nest, calling with joyful chirrups. Cally and EJ watch her go. It makes Cally restless and she follows her sister. :o) EJ continues to eat. video by Moffer page 16 DU. After a few seconds Cally returns for more fish. They both leave when the fish has gone.
14.56 It is noticed that Alison has posted a video of Alba's first flight on the blog. She was at LG and managed to record it. Thank you Alison.
15.40 An Osprey is heard on the campost.
16.24 FISH number 5 from Odin. A lovely entry by EJ followed by a jump down from the campost from Cally. Odin arrives with the fish, followed by Alba. They all stand and shout and eventually, Cally takes the fish and starts to eat. Video by Scylla/Moffer page 17 DU
16.40 EJ leaves the nest. Cally is eating and Alba is complaining while she waits.
17.00 Alba now seems quite excited that she's found a piece of leftover fish!
17.04 Cally has left about half of the fish. Alba is still wrestling with the old fish tail.
17.15 At last Alba finds the half fish that Cally left and starts to eat it.
17.37 Cally flies off, around the nest a lap or two and comes back with a chirrup, but leaves again soon after.
17.52 Cally returns
17.57 Alba flies off confidently in the wind.
17.59 EJ returns and claims the leftover fish.
18.20 EJ has finished the fish and leaves. Cally watches.
18 53 Cally leaves after feeling the wind beneath her wings. Empty nest again.
19.38 Alba returns to the nest with a lovely landing. She is 'chatting' to Cally who lands shortly after. Video by Moffer page 21 DU
19.49 Alba finds some leftovers (guts?) on the nest and eats it, yuk.
19.57 Cally flies off calling. A minute later Alba follows.
20.35 Cally is back on the nest in bright sunshine, but only stays a minute.
20.37 Cally's back again. Alba is calling close by.
20.51 Alba joins Cally on the nest. It is still quite windy but sunny.
21.03 Alba flies off, Cally waits a few minutes and follows
21.28 Cally is back on the nest again, calling loudly for fish!
21,46 After scavenging around the nest, it looks as if Cally has found a fish tail fin. It must be very dry and hard, But she id detemined to eat it, and she does but it takes 8 mins 16 secs.
22.11 Both girls come to the nest and settle down to roost. Just lovely after their night apart last night. Great still on page 25 as well as a video by moffer, same page.
22.21 Night cam on finds the girls settled on the nest.
Many thanks to everyone for their posts today. It was tough going to start with no live cam and no Alba, but it sorted itself out in the end, and the posters were brilliant. Thanks again
Monday 16 July 2012
Thank you Moffer for your excellent Summary of 15 July.
Heron started the Daily Update for us. Today is Day 61 for Caledonia and Day 59 for Alba. The sisters are learning how to spread their wings, but not travelling far from the nest.
The early hours of today began with Cally and Alba snuggled up to each other. What a difference to Cally's lonely night last night. Some lovely b&w stills and vid on p.1 of DU. It may be the last night we see them together like this.
Congratulations to Mrs T on her tenth wedding anniversary over the weekend!! We have to keep on the good side of the Moderator, don't we!!
04.25 Both girls are spurred into action, and, after a spot of helicoptering, Scylla vid at 04.29hr DU p.2, Alba takes her first flight of the day with an excited squeal.
04.30 Cally also flies away from the nest as day cam came on. Scylla vid at 04.35 DU p.2.
04.56 Cally returned with yet more squeals of delight after a successful flight. Scylla vid at 04.59 DU p.2.
05.01 Alba heard shouting in the distance.
05.05 Both EJ and Alba return to the nest. EJ starts her early morning HW, rearranging the soft furnishings and moving larger sticks to the edge to keep up the barrier. Perhaps EJ doesn't want them to leave just yet! Scylla vid at 05.16 DU p.3. The girls start nagging for food.
05.08 Alba leaves, and flies over to buzz Cally, who hit the deck!. She flies back and performs a perfect and controlled landing. Scylla's second vid at 05.16 DU p.3.
05.33 EJ alarm calls on the nest.
05.33 The girls and EJ are all on the nest together. Cally plonks some twigs on Alba's back. Scylla vid at 05.33 DU p.3.
05.41 Fish Number 1 from Odin. Scylla vid on edited entry at 05.33 DU p.3. With much noise and cacophony from the three, Odin soon departs. Cally soon had the fish. TheBadgerOfLurve (TBoL) still pic 06.00 DU p.3. Clare Carter posted a still pic at 07.14, DU p.4
06.12 Cally is satisfied and Alba has her share.
06.22 A wonderful sequence of still pics from TBoL as Alba eventually gets some fish from Cally DU p.4.
06.24 Alba flew off, and landed nearby calling excitedly. Scylla vid posted 07.15: after finishing her share of the fish, Alba flies off and buzzes her sister.
06.32 Cally was spotted on the edge of the nest.
06.37 Although her departure wasn't noted, EJ returned to the nest to rearrange the furniture and stood by Cally before leaving again at 06.41.
06.41 Cally is alone on the nest. Brenda H still pic posted 06.51.
07.15 Alba returned to the nest to join Cally.
07.24 Alba flew off again, landing on a tree branch at the far side of the nest. Cally watched her intently. Moffer vid posted 07.19 DU p.5.
07.54 Neither juvenile had been on the nest for a while. Wind had got up.
08.19 EJ returned to the nest with a stick, and no juveniles in sight. Moffer pic DU p.6.
08.21 EJ left and Alba arrived, squealing. She either had nesting material caught on her foot or she was practising take-off with a fish!
08.23 Alba left, presumably a flight around the nest, and back again…. and flew off once more!! Moffer posted a 3 min 23 sec vid at 08.30, DU p.7.
08.27 Cally alone on the nest.
08.34 Empty nest syndrome. – identify the large bird call!! Gulls? EJ also heard calling in the distance. Moffer vid DU p.7
08.43 Cally landed and flew off again.
09.09 Cally was trying to have forty-winks on the nest.
09.13 EJ returned with a largish stick. Alba is heard calling in the distance. Scylla video posted at 09.54 DU p.10.
09.23 Cally alone on the nest again, braced herself against the wind. Pic Moffer DU p.10
09.36 EJ returned to the nest to join Cally. EJ starts mantling and calling her intruder alert.
09.53 Fish Number 2 from Odin. EJ takes it, while Cally tries to pinch it! Odin leaves. Moffer vid posted at 09.59 DU p.10.
There is then a tug-o-war between EJ and Cally, with EJ winning. Moffer vid posted 10.04, DU p.10.
10.13 Moffer pic of Cally eating the fish, while EJ stands by calling for Alba. Started to rain and still very windy. Despite Cally holding on to the fish EJ managed to get some too. Moffer via posted 10.22 DU p.10, and Scylla's vid at 10.23.
10.29 Following exchanges earlier today on when and how juveniles learn how to fish, ChloeB provided a link to an earlier discussion on Osprey Q&A (http://www.rspb.org.uk/community/placestovisit/lochgartenospreys/f/915/p/19621/458918.aspx#458918)
10.29 Wind and light rain. EJ stands on the nest while Cally had forty winks.
10.33 Cally finds some fish remains on the nest.
10.39 EJ gots some fish when Cally gives up. She then flew off, but returned a minute later with the fish still in her talon and continued eating.
10.53 Alba returned and begged for food. EJ fed her from the scrappy remains. Moffer vid posted at 11.00 DU p.12.
11.12 Both EJ and Alba flew off. Cally, with her full crop, remained on the nest – perhaps waiting for the next fish!
11.34 Raining heavily on Cally who was alone on the nest.
11.59 EJ joined Cally on the nest, and left again a minute later – trying to encourage Cally to fly perhaps?
12.07 Alba flew to the tree branch just below the nest on the far side (where Odin has perched in earlier years!), and then flew around the nest to join Cally. Moffer (12.10) and Scylla (12.15) vids on DU p.13. Scylla commented that Alba seemed more adventurous, confident and playful than Cally, but Cally was fine.
12.58 EJ landed on the nest with a stick and started rearranging the furniture. She was joined by Alba who had been calling off the nest. Clearly she was anticipating a fish. It was very noisy with just one juvenile on the nest sounding more like two, and EJ flew off. Alba followed soon afterwards, but remained nearby. EJ chirruped too. Moffer vid posted 13.04.
For half an hour the nest remained empty, with intermittent calling off the nest by both EJ and juveniles(s).
13.27 EJ arrived, calling for fish. Alba arrived with a bang and clatter. Followed by....
13.28 FISH NUMBER 3 brought in by Odin. But where is Cally?
13.34 Moffer's vid of fish delivery number 3, DU p.15.
By 13.55 EJ had flown, leaving Alba pottering about the nest for a few minutes before she flew off.
A few intermittent calls were heard over the next 1.25 hrs, until at
15.06 when an unidentified juvenile arrived noisily and stood on the rhs of the nest with only its rear end showing. After a minute of two it was off again.
15.11 There was a report that Blue44 had fledged at LotL. A single male chick. The other two eggs were removed for analysis and found to be infertile.
16.13 Cally returned briefly to the nest. Pic by moffer DU p.18, and at 16.18 by Lynette DU p.18
16.24 Cally flew off with a squeal.
16.32 It was noted that widecam appeared to have moved from looking down the support to skyward.
16.38 Two juveniles were heard in the distance, so neither was exploring.
16.54 One landed on the nest campost
17.15 EJ returned to the nest carrying a stick, closely followed by Alba. By deduction it was Cally on campost. EJ heard a buzzard, dropped her stick, and looked around. Then left the nest. Moffer's vid DU p.19.
17.20 EJ returned with another stick, and Alba tried pecking her as she stole the stick. Cally jumped down from campost to join EJ and Alba probably thinking it was a fish. She complained loudly when she realised there wasn't one. and Alba joined in. Moffer's vid DU p.19
The Buzzard must still have been around as all the birds went quiet and were looking around them. Sheila pic 17.19 DU p.19
17.26 EJ left the nest, perhaps to pursue the buzzard. Cally and Alba stayed quiet and lay on the nest side-by-side. The Badger of Lurve stills posted 18.31 DU p.20/ There they remained until
18.16 when both roused and started calling noisily.
18.20 Cally gets restless first and flies as Alba gets up. Cally returns and then they both fly off. Moffer's vid posted 18.40 DU p.20.
18.27 Both had left the nest, but not flown far. By
18.41 both could be heard calling very noisily.
18.56 EJ returns to the nest with nothing more than another stick. Alba is seen flapping on Odin's perch and arrived first demanding fish, closely followed by Cally. What a racket. Moffer's vid posted at 19.01 DU p.21. It was too much for EJ and she flew off at ...
18.59 Time to turn the volume down as Cally and Alba continue to call, particularly Alba, who keeps an eye open for the return of EJ with fish... wishful thinking.
19.07 Beautiful still of Alba posted by Birdsong DU p.21. Stunning eyes!
19.12 FISH NUMBER 4 brought in by Odin. No sign of EJ. Cally gets the fish and, after all the noise and antagonistic actions by Alba toward EJ when she had the cheek to bring in only a stick, Alba just lies down patiently waits her turn! Birdsong still photo at 19.15 DU p.22. Moffer vid 19.17 DU p.22.
19.21 Birdsong reported Cally had her head poking forward and is making that strange, quiet quacking sound. Moffer vid 19.33 DU p.23.
19.38 Alba finds some scraps, but Cally is holding on to her fish and pecks at Alba for getting too close to the fish (fish 4).
20.12 Beautiful sunny evening. Cally lets her fish digest and Alba waits patiently for another fish.
20.39 FISH NUMBER 5 FROM EJ. Alba pounces on it and keeps it. EJ stays on the nest pottering about.
21.00 Alba continues tucking into her fish, with no objection from Cally. It is a pleasure to watch in the evening sunlight.
21.04 The Badger of Lurve still pic DU p.23 (caught at 20.50).
21.11 EJ returns to the nest and joined Cally and Alba, who mantles possessively over her fish. EJ calls for another fish.
21.14 There were various reports of live web cam freezing and buffering.
21.22 Cally steals the fish from Alba, who complains, but doesn't try to retrieve it. Lovely still pics on DU.p.25.
21.26 FISH NUMBER 6 FROM ODIN. EJ claims it Moffer's still pic posted at 21.27 DU p.25. EJ feeds herself and Alba. Odin left quickly! Cally held onto her fish, but eyed up Alba's fish too and moved her fish closer to EJ so she could be fed. Moffer vid posted 21.36 DU p.26. Stills from Moffer and Birdsong DU p.26.
22.09 The sisters potter on the nest while EJ finishes the fish and clears up any dropped pieces.
Contented scene stills from Moffer, Birdsong and TBoL DU p.27
22.22 Night cam came on.
22.30 EJ left the nest.
22.46 B&W still photo of the sisters lying together on the nest TBoL
23.27 The nest is empty.
23.32 A Juvenile is seen sitting on the far edge of the nest, and is apparently "attacked" by another osprey. Our juvenile is unbalanced and falls over the edge. Wings are seen flapping, perhaps as a bird lands on Odin's Perch below the nest and another set to the right below the nest. Scylla's vid posted 23.32 DU p.28 and a second vid posted at 23.48 DU p.28.
23.48 Scylla posted more vids to help try to explain what might have happened. Alba and Cally were both on the nest, Cally on the far right, wingercising occasionally. Cally appeared to fly off. Did she mistime her landing and find Alba in the way, thus causing the consternation? Or was it an intruder.
12.03 ChloeB posted a still pic of what could be EJ sitting alone on the nest. The time on the photo was given as 23.38, but that time is six or seven minutes slow, so it could have been 23.45hrs.
12.03 A further video from Scylla showed EJ appearing from the rhs of the nest, walking slowly in and looking for Cally and Alba. She stayed for about 20 minutes. There was some debate between Scylla, Sandy, ChloeB and Tiger trying to confirm whether it was EJ or a juvenile or an intruder. Which leg did the ring appear to be on, was it a trick of the light, was it the BTO ring?
Whew, a really thrilling and tantalising end to what has really been quite a quiet day. Do check out DU from page 28 to read the exciting story as it unfolded!! What will the early hours of tomorrow show....
Tiger started the Daily Update for Tuesday 17 July.
A big thank you to everyone who has contributed by way of comment, videos and stills, without whose help I could not prepare this Summary.
Tuesday 17th July, 2012
Many thanks to Tiger for starting today's thread and we are starting on a cliff-hanger! We saw Cally fly straight into Alba, who was sitting innocently on the edge of the nest minding her own business, and after a brief flapping session both birds disappeared! How will life in our Osprey family pan out today? Read on............
0059 Scylla posts an excellent series of vids showing the events of an hour and a half ago. These are really worth watching - find them on DU, page 1. EJ arrives on the nest around 0030.
0226 EJ the Beautiful still on the nest, though sadly the night cam doesn't show her at her Beautiful best. She's been alternately dozing and looking around - bless - OK, I know there have been multiple comments on her being a fantastic mother, but I'm going to say it again - EJ, you're a fantastic mother! She stays for another ten minutes and then flies off, silently. There are sounds of rattling heard from the cam post, or possibly from the underbranch.
0354 A piping bird has landed in the blind spot. A couple of minutes later one of the girls lands there, only to take off again almost immediately. Video, DU, page 2.
0406 The day cam comes on. Some chirping and rustling can be heard.
0523 EJ lands again. She stays for a few minutes and flies off again. Some of the sounds on the live cam suggest a buzzard may be nearby.
0621 A clunk on the cam post suggest a juvenile is now adorning it. Actually, that's as good as adornment gets!
0644 EJ lands just ahead of Odin the Magnificent, who brings FISH 1 to the nest. She can't grab it quickly enough! She mantles over it and takes a bite as Odin flies off. She stays on the nest for a couple of minutes and then flies off with the fish as nobody comes to be fed. This is most unlike the girls. Video on DU, page 3.
0705 Cally appears on the nest. EJ brings the fish back and Cally snatches it from her - EJ leaves a minutes later. A good while later- and after good deal of eating is accomplished - she flies off.
0818 One of the girls is heard calling.
0837 EJ is back on the nest and she's seriously alarm calling!
0845 She's calmed down a bit and is nestorising. Perhaps she finds it a calming exercise. She then potters about for a while and is looking around.
0919 EJ starts alarm calling again, she's really giving it plenty! (Scylla's awesome capture on the DU, page 5 - check out the expression in her eyes!) At 0931, the intruder comes very close to the nest (video on DU, page 6)and EJ is furious - she's mantling so much she looks almost twice her normal size! That's one foolhardy intruder - I wouldn't want to see EJ that angry with me, particularly if she was anywhere near me.
1021 EJ's still on the nest, calling! A light aircraft has flown by.
1038 EJ's calmer now, or perhaps she's lost her voice! Ten minutes later she flies off, with still no sign of Alba.
1057 Two ospreys heard calling off nest.
1129 A clunk on the cam post announces the arrival of an osprey. It stays out of sight........naturally. Honestly, I don't think they've quite latched onto the fact that people worry about them.
1200 It's High Noon and EJ the Mother is on the nest. Alba the Kid is with her - excellent, she's clearly up for a fight with.......FISH 2, brought in by Odin the Lone Fisher! EJ leaves the fish to Alba but at 1205 Cally the Madam lands, her eyes clearly on the fish! However, she stands quietly for a while - on one leg - but at 1226 she can't stand it any longer and she takes the fish from Alba, ignoring her indignant squeals. Alba calms down and cleans her beak.
1229 Alba takes off with a chirp.
1312 EJ is back on the nest, screeching and mantling! A few minutes later Alba joins her, shouting - she's still hungry and she goes into a grump when she sees that there is nothing to eat. She eventually lays down, still grumbling, and EJ leaves the nest. A noise from the cam post suggests Cally's watching from up there.
1323 Alba flies off. The dreaded Empty Nest Syndrome settles in.
1400 EJ's back with more of the screeching and mantling. Didn't realise she felt the same way about Empty Nest Syndrome as we do. She doesn't keep up the noise for long - she settles quietly, on one leg. It's quite surreal watching an osprey doing this when you've only previously been used to budgies. She's still sitting like it more than twenty minutes later.
1445 EJ's gone and Alba is now on the nest. She's now doing the one-legged trick - she seems to like this position, was she a budgie in a previous life? They can be very nippy with their beaks and Alba is no different! She flies off a short while later.
1526 Cally appears on the nest. She looks around for a short while and flies off again.
1625 Cally is back, and shrieking - EJ or Alba have joined in from nearby - what a racket! No fish arrives and Cally leaves after a few minutes.
1645 Cally's back again. She has a conversation with an out-of-sight Alba and leaves again ten minutes later.
1706 Cally briefly reappears and then leaves again. A few minutes later there's a thump on the cam post which suggests she's back in residence.
1725 EJ does it again - she lands just ahead of Odin who is bringing FISH 3! Cally lands at the same time and takes the fish from a disappointed EJ. Understandably, Odin flees before he's completely outnumbered. EJ leaves after several minutes and Alba arrives - she lands right next to Cally, causing a bit of a flap! Cally isn't distracted enough to give up the fish and Alba sits looking longingly, but quietly.
1806 Alba has the tail end of the fish and there is still some left! Two minutes later both girls look up as an osprey flies past the nest.
1811 Cally has gone and EJ lands on the nest. Alba is chatting away to the fish even as she's eating it! A few minutes later she gives poor EJ a warning peck to keep her away - this is too much for EJ and she flies away, presumably in disgust.
1829 Alba finishes her fish - she cleans her beak on a branch and after a wingercise she flies off.
1841 Richard Thaxton posts on the main blog to confirm that both girls have been sighted today. Thanks, Richard!
1917 EJ is back on the nest and mantling - after a minute she calms down, stands on one leg and moves a couple of twigs. She then moves to the heavier stuff after her warm-up. Very therapeutic.
1928 EJ has left the nest.
2016 Alba lands on the nest. She throws a bit of a paddy around the nest and flies off again.
2044 Cally's turn as she lands on the nest, looking for food. As there is none to be found, she flies off again. Empty Nest Syndrome settles in again!
2147 Odin brings FISH 4. EJ takes it but, yet again, Cally takes it from her. Is EJ having an off day? Or has the sheer smount of alarm calling this morning taken it out of her? Alba arrives on the nest, too late. She starts to screech and after a while she tries to take the fish from Cally, but with no success.
2200 EJ has gone and Alba is still watching Cally eat. Two minutes later the fish is all gone and, appropriately, the night cam comes on and shows Alba sitting unhappily in black and white. Poor Alba, she's obviously hungry.
2207 The sisters are now sitting down but Alba is still food calling. At 1027 EJ lands and Alba begs for food - EJ flies off.
2257 The girls are both still there and there's no sign of more fish.
A four-fish day but Cally seems to have had the lion's share of it - Alba, you need to work on your technique! Wonderful to see Alba back after her absence all morning - my fingers are crossed that LotL gets similarly good news about young Lewis.
Many thanks to all of your posts, videos and pictures - you all know that this would be impossible without them - and thanks to Limpy for providing immoral support. Take care and good night.