Re: Summary Thread........of The Loch Garten Nest

Thursday 2^nd
August.

Thankyou Heron for starting us off on another day in
ospreyland.

6.15 am – Moffer reported
Cally on the nest and Alba swooped at Cally and landed on a lower branch.

6.56am – Fish #1
from EJ and Alba grabs it.  Vid by Moffer.
Lovely captures of Alba with her fish from Moffer and Patily.

7.27am – Cally
has landed on the nest and is calling.

7.29am – Fish #2
again from EJ and Cally grabs it. Vid by Moffer.

All page 1

7.39am – A happy nest, both girls having had breakfast.

7.50am – Fish#3 and EJ brings it in.  Lovely capture by Moffer. Cally makes a fuss
and mantles over hers. Vid  posted by
Moffer.

8.14am – EJ has decided to eat her fish and for some reason it has
upset the girls and Caledonia works herself up. 
EJ then starts feeding her – honestly Cally you’re too old for that!!

All pg 2

8.20am – EJ flies off and Cally carries on feeding herself with her
own fish.

8.29am – Alba spots something and Cally joins in having a good
look.  Vid posted by Moffer.

All pg 3

8.54am – Patily reported some stick moving and at

8.57am – Cally flies off , reported by birdsong.

Vid posted and pics again – pg 4

9.24am – Odin arrives with a big branch – he has Cally’s fish and
has flown with it. Vids posted by Moffer and Scylla.

9.30am – Birdsong reports EJ coming back and has the scraps.

Lovely captures of Odin and EJ by
Sheila.  Pics by others.   All pg 5

11.26am – Cally is reported on the nest by mims. Vid posted by
Moffer.

Pg 6

1.58pm- Odin on the nest, vid by Scylla  and leaves soon after.

Great captures from folks.

2.49pm – Sheila reports possible Sky Dancing going on

More super captures all on pg 7

2.58pm – Scylla posts video of possible sky dancing

3.16pm – Sheila posts a super picture of a fantastic osprey
sculpture for the LG Centre.

17.21pm – and it still looks like ENS

All pg 8

Done the summary as far as it is now.  You will see that I have summarized and at the end of each pg. put the number for ref to vids and pictures. Hope that is OK.  Will look in later on and finish summary.,

EDIT - rest of the summary

6.06pm  Moffer reported that
Cally had landed – lovely capture of her – pg 8.

6.06pm – FISH #4 delivered by Odin

6.07pm – Was it Cally or Alba.  After 
some confusion it seems it was Cally and she flew off with it.

6.18pm – Sheila reported the sounds of a juve – it is Alba who
lands on the nest calling and protesting because she missed out.

6.25pm Alba flies off.    
Lovely captures again and vid pg
9.

6.43 – Alba drops in and makes a
complaint – where’s my fish!!!  Alba
later flies off.

More pics pg10.

Pg 11 – ENS so no more action today as at 10.05pm

Thanks to all for the pictures and videos which I have mentioned the pg
they are on.

 PS - SCYLLA has also asked me to mention that the first activity of the day was at 5.23am and was a brief visit by a juve.

Friday 3rd August 2012.

As Tiger pointed out in the first post of the day, today Cally reaches 79 days old and Alba is 77 days old. The migration window is now open.

06.13 The first day cam pics today show a very misty nest. All is quiet. page 1 Moffer.

06.27. A rather damp looking Cally arrives at the nest. page 1 Annette/Moffer

06.31 FISH number 1 is delivered by EJ. Video page 1 Moffer. It's an EJ whopper, but she doesn't stay around. Cally settles down and eats. pics page 2 Moffer. page 3 Scylla.

07.36 After having her fill, Cally flies leaving some fish on the nest.

08.37 Odin flies in and takes the leftover fish away. Video page 2 Moffer.

09.24 The sun has started to break through the mist, and within 5 minutes, it's a beautiful sunny day.

10.11 Some Osprey tweeting calls are heard very close to the nest, but no-one is seen.

10.20 Alba arrives at the nest for the first time today. EJ is there straight away with headless FISH number 2. Video by Scylla page 4. pics page 4 Birdsong and page 5 SheilaFE

11.10 Alba flies off taking her fish with her. ENS prevails :o(

14.12 One of the birds flies over the nest calling, but we don't see them.

For the next 2 hours, a mixture of calls and rattles are heard, and even possibly skydancing, but no-one is seen.

16.07 FISH number 3 delivered by Odin. Cally soon flies in to claim it. Video page 8. Scylla. pics SheilaFE/Scylla/Moffer.

16.11 Cally flies off and takes the fish with her.

16.36 Tiger posts that there is a new BLOG by John Ingham

17.35 Alba flies to the nest in anticipation of FISH number 4 delivered by EJ. Video page 9 Scylla. Both EJ and Alba fly away.

17.44 FISH number 5 delivered by Odin. EJ arrives just before delivery and takes it away pronto. Video page 10. Scylla

Odin stays on the nest doing HW. Lovely video page 10. Scylla. He leaves a couple of minutes later when a noisy Cally arrives. pics SheilaFE

18.05 EJ returns fish number 5 to the nest. Cally grabs it and flies off with it. Video page 10 Scylla.

19.14 Heavy rain is heard.

19.57 Alba flies in just ahead of FISH number 6, and it's a monster!!! delivered by EJ. Video page 12 Scylla. Pics Birdsong.

19.58 Cally flies in to visit the HUGE fish. Alba keeps it. Video page 12 Scylla. Pics SheilaFE/Scylla

20.21 Cally leaves and Alba starts to eat. That fish is way too big for her to carry,

21.37 Night cam on and Alba is still on the nest just holding her fish now. She has managed to eat about half of it. Pics page 13 Moffer/Scylla

21.46 Alba flies off leaving the fish on the nest.

ENS and all quiet.

Many thanks to all of todays contributers. Some excellent photos, wonderful videos and a lot of interesting and informative posts.

Saturday 4th August

Scylla started off the new day at 1.18am with a pic of the ENS5

5.29am  - Juve on the nest, could be Alba

6.0am - FISH #1 and Cally wins  , reported by Birdsong.

6.02am - FISH#2 -EJ lands with another fish, Cally already has one. Alba claims it - all reported by Birdsong.

Super captions from Birdsong, Patily and Moffer.  Vid by Scylla pg 1

8.33am - Alba flies off .

8.36am- Cally flies in to see if there is any fish left..

9.32am - Odin landed and is eating fish scraps from last night.

Again lovely captures and a vid from Moffer, pg 2.

9.54am - EJ lands with a headless fish, Cally takes possession

pics and vid pg.3

10.l56am - intruder lands and Odin makes a quick landing and departure, chasing the intruder off

10.59 am - Odin is on and off the nest, about 3 times, decided to do a bit of HW.

Again great captures and vid  all on pg 4

2.33pm  Moffer posted a vid relating to possible intruder at 10.54am  - pg 5.

6.15pm  FISH #3  per Odin, Cally takes

7.10pm - FISH #4 from EJ to Alba who flies away with it.

More super captures and 2 vids from Scylla re deliveries  pg.7.

7.45pm - Odin arrives and starts nestyfying and egg-cupping, reported by birdsong.

7.50pm - EJ arrives to find Odin on the nest, he turns his back mantling , she tweets her supremely sweet tweet - reported by Scylla with vid.

Some mating is attempted - inaccurately, Oh poor Odin.

pics and vids pg 8

8.07pm - together at last after bringing up the kids. Some tender moments

8.23pm - the lovey doveyness is interupted by a screeching juve.

9.36pm - night cam comes on

see more pics and a vid pg 9

Thanks to all who posted vids and pictures, tried to include the most relevant info but feel free to add anything I've missed off.

Sunday 5th August 2012.

A quiet day with our family spending less and less time on the nest. The weather was fine during the morning, but heavy rain in the afternoon and evening. Today Google Earth was updated.

05.15 Day cam on. All is quiet.

05.44 Alba arrives on the nest but is quiet. The sound is a bit strange on the mic. Video page 3 Scylla. Pics page 1 Birdsong

06.03 Alba leaves. The sound on the live cam is all but gone. It is at best, very feint and does not improve all day.

07.27 FISH number 1 delivered by Odin. It is small but Alba gratefully takes it before Cally can. Video page 1 Moffer. Pics by Birdsong.

07.32 Odin returns for a few seconds. Video page 1 Moffer

07.35 Odin returns again for a few seconds. Video page 1 Moffer. pics page 2 Birdsong

07.38 Odin lands again, but does not stay long. Video page 1 Moffer

07.50 The fish is long gone, but both girls remain on the nest. Pics page 2 Moffer

07.55 Odin is back, and this time he has a stick! Cally screams for fish. Video page 2 Moffer. Pics Birdsong

08.01 Alba leaves.

08.03 Cally takes a quick flight and straight back within seconds. EJ arrives with FISH number 2 which Cally takes. Video page 2 Moffer. Pics Birdsong

08.06 Cally flies off with her fish.

08.09 Odin returns with a very long stick and does some serious nestoration. Video page 2 Moffer. Pics Birdsong/Moffer

09.59 Cally lands calling for fish. Odin arrives with more nesting materials. Video page 3 Moffer

11.24 Cally lands briefly.

13.55 FISH number 3 delivered by Odin. It's another small dark fish. Cally grabs it as Alba lands. Video page 4 Moffer. Pics Birdsong.

13.58 Cally flies off with the fish. Alba waits for a while to see if she will get one. Video page 4 Scylla. Pics Birdsong.

15.57 Alba drops on to the nest for a few seconds. Video page 4 Scylla. Pics Birdsong.

16.15 Alba returns. It is pouring with rain :o(( Pics page

16.20 Alba flies off taking the long stick that Odin brought in earlier, with her. Video Page 5 Scylla

17.21 Alba flies back for another check on the nest. Video page 6 Scylla

17.38 Both girls arrive on the nest. Video of the entire visit, page 6 Moffer

17.43 Cally flies off but hungry Alba waits. Both birds are very wet now.

17.51 Alba leaves.

18.07 One of the girls drops in, very wet and flapping. I don't know which one. Video page 6 Moffer

18.13 Cally returns looking for scraps.

19.00 Birdsong posts some great shots of "Juv on the campost" Page 7

19.18 The juv jumps down onto the nest, but she's so wet, we can't tell who it is (but are going with Cally) Video page 7 Moffer. Pics Birdsong.

20.19 Cally arrives on the nest. FISH number 4 (and it's the first big one today) delivered by EJ. Cally grabs EJ's talon, and won't let go!!! Even with poor sound we can hear EJ screaming. As Alba lands, Cally lets go, EJ flies and Cally grabs the fish. Video page 7 Scylla. Pics Birdsong/Moffer

20.42 Cally flies off with the fish after Alba got too close. Video page 8 Moffer.

20.58 After searching the nest for scraps, a very wet and hungry Alba flies off. Pic page 8 Moffer.

21.34 Night cam on. ENS

Fish count today. EJ delivers 2 fish. 1 big one and a medium size one. Cally has both. Odin delivers 2 small dark fish. Cally and Alba have one each.

Thank you to everyone for your pics, vids and posts today. Not many more days left I feel.

MONDAY 6th AUGUST 2012 (sorry still haven't learnt bold)

Fish deliveries 3.  Odin last seen on nest/camera at 20.26, EJ last seen on nest/camera at 0750

After losing out on yesterday's fish deliveries, Alba made sure she was early for breakfast arriving at 0531 just as the daycam came on.  Alba did have some company on the nest but the other family member left at 0538 (VIDEO PAGE 1 MOFFER)

0714 FISH 1 PER EJ TO ALBA - after waiting patiently for two hours Alba gets breakfast a flapping EJ sized fish.  Cally arrives on the nest but Alba manages to defend her prise (VIDEO PAGE 2 MOFFER)

0751 FISH 2 PER EJ TO CALLY - a large headless fish which Cally claims (VIDEO PAGE 2 MOFFER).  Both Cally and Alba eat in peace and quiet. (PHOTOS PAGE 2)

PAGE 3 super photo of Alba, who is so hungry and desperate that she graps EJ's talon in her beak instead of the fish.  Poor EJ looks like the same talon that Cally took a liking to last night.  Little wonder we don't see her again today!!!

0815 Alba finishes breakfast and is seen pondering what to spend the rest of the morning doing - you will never guess......

0824 Alba flies away and immediately returns and by 0826 both Cally and Alba are screaming and mantling as they defend the nest (PHOTOS AND VIDEO PAGE 3 PER PATILY BIRDSONG AND MOFFER)

0834 Cally returns to her breakfast, while Alba continues to scream

0843 Cally is finished with fish and Alba claims it.  Both continue to mantle and scream inbetween nestoring and fish guarding, until Cally leaves at 0857

0924 It is noticed that Alba appears to pick up a piece of fishing line/twine/long grass??? in her beak while eating the fish that Cally had (VIDEO PAGE 4 MOFFER)

0934 Alba commences mantling and screaming which will continue for the next 2 hours or so.  Odin lands on nest and is pushed off by Alba - could it indeed be an intruder as there is some debate over whether this male actually looks like Odin (VIDEO PAGE 4 MOFFER)

The debate about what is in Alba's beak continues during the morning with the video and question posted on main blog.

1102 Alba begins to eat the fish that has been under her talon, which with relief quells some of the worry over what the line hanging from her beak is and whether it is affecting/bothering her

1205 Some 6.5 hours after arriving on the nest and almost 3 hours of screaming Alba finally flies away.  The line in her beak seems to have gone also

1309 Odin arrives from campost to do some nestoring (PHOTOS AND VIDEO PAGE 7 MOFFER)

1620 Both Cally and Alba fly in to join Odin on the nest for 30 seconds of mantling and screaming as they look above (VIDEO PAGE 8 SCYLLA)

Was it Odin who arrived on the nest at 1620 or was it this mornings intruder (if indeed it was an intruder) is the afternoon debate.  (PHOTOS and VIDEO PAGE 9)

1824 LG Osprey HQ have very kindly responded to the concerns after Moffer posting video, they will be looking at this tomorrow in closer detail

1858 Juvenile on campost who then leaves at 1905

1944 Interest biology script on the digestive tract of Ospreys post up by Scylla

2026 FISH 3 PER ODIN to............... well is this the first fish fight of the season.   Cally arrives first but Alba arrives later and manages to get the fish from Odin.   Cally who is obviously starving makes a bid to steal the fish which breaks out into a fish fight but Alba retains ownership.   (VIDEO PAGE 10 SCYLLA)

Perhaps after going hungry yesterday Alba learnt a very valuable lesson. Today she has had the lions share of the fish with Cally only eating half of the fish brought to her by EJ.  This is not the first time that Cally has walked away from fish on the nest - perhaps she too will have learnt a valuable lesson today.

2136 night cam on

Tuesday 7 August 2012

Thank you Lmac for your excellent Summary for 6 August 2012

Thanks to Tiger for starting the Daily Update for today.  We witnessed the first fight over a fish yesterday, and Cally only had half a fish so she will be hungry today.  She will reach 83 days old today and Alba 81 days old.   They could well leave us within the week, and what will we do then?  Watch ChloeB's countdown clock for March 2013 I expect!  LotL has already reported that Lady had left. 

The mic sound became very faint and distorted yesterday:  Richard Thaxton has said he would look into it today.  Thank you Richard.  And sadly the wide cam appears to have dropped down a little, which means the head of any osprey on campost would not visible, making id pretty impossible.

It was another day of early morning action and much empty nest syndrome.  Odin blessed us with a spell of pottering and stick moving.  EJ delivered fish, and the juveniles screamed in to take them.  The rain fell again.

As we have learned to expect, the nest was very quiet until daylight.  

05.21   Cally arrived on the nest calling for her breakfast.  Scylla's vid posted 05.29 DU p.1

DayCam came on at 05.24,  and Cally was still shrieking for her breakfast.  She took off, and landed again.  Excellent black & white stills of Cally and a first light pic posted by Scylla at 05.33, and a lovely early morning vid from Scylla posted at 05.42 DU.p.2

05.45   Colours on the nest by Scylla.

05.47   Fish 1 delivered by EJ.  Alba landed on the nest, shrieking, in anticipation of EJ arriving with her headless fish.  Alba claimed it.  Cally flew in too late.  EJ made a quick exit.  Scylla's vid 05.48.  It was a relief to see EJ as it was the first time EJ had been seen since 07.50 yesterday (nearly 24 hours).  By half past six Alba was still eating her fish, while Cally had made vain attempts to take it from her.  Birdsong pics posted at 06.32 DU.p.3

06.43   Cally flew off.

07.10   Fish 2 delivered by EJ.  Cally flew to the nest just before EJ landed with her second headless fish of the day.  Alba was still eating fish 1.  EJ flew off.  Scylla vid  and birdsong pic DU p.4.  It was noted that EJ had taken the head of both fish, building herself up for her migration.

07.45   Cally flew off the nest with her fish, Alba stayed on the nest to eat hers birdsong pic DU p.4.

08.04   Alba flew off the nest with her fish.         

It was nice to see the sun come out at LG at 08.26  moffer pic posted 08.26 DU p.5

08.35   Odin flew to the nest with a lichen/moss covered stick, which was rather large and cumbersome.  He looked around, and struggled to move sticks around before leaving again.  An excellent vid by moffer DU p.5 – it is always lovely to Odin taking charge and building up his nest.  Robert the Bruce (RtB) pic DU p.5  and vid posted at 08.49.

The nest was still empty at 09.05.

Sound was restored at 09.28 (thank you!) and a juvenile was calling loudly from off the nest.  Not visible on cam or wide cam.

09.41   Cally landed on the cam post and started yelling for fish – moffer and birdsong pics DU p.6

09.52   Cally was still yelling on the cam post despite having a full crop!  RtB and moffer pics DU p.7

10.07   Cally looked very fed up – well perhaps that was the wrong phrase, as she sat with her head down!!  RtB pic DU p.7.

10.11   Cally jumped down to the nest, still calling.  moffer pic and vid posted at 10.13 DU p.7

10.14   Cally flew off the nest, and returned to campost, still screeching.  moffer pic 10.17 DU p.7

10.18   Cally returned to the nest, still calling loudly.  Perhaps she could see EJ or Odin sitting on a nearby perch eating the head of a fish.  moffer pic DU p.7.

10.31   Cally flew off, still shouting.

10.43   Cally has the fidgets today, and returned to cam post as it started to rain.  moffer pic DU p.8.

10.44   birdsong reported that BirdGuides had reported 125 sightings of osprey in the Greater London area since September 2001.  So even in a built up area like you might just see an osprey above you!

11.00   Cally remained on campost, now waiting quietly and patiently for that elusive fish.  But Cally you have already had an EJ whopper today!  While Cally got into scream mode the rain fell and the buzz started again on the sound.

11.06   Cally called from campost and sounded quite like an adult osprey, but when she came back to the nest she started shrieking again in her juvenile voice!  .   Scylla's vid posted at 11.19,  patily pic  at 11.11, and looking despondent birdsong pic posted 11.13 DU p.9

And by 11.14 she had flown off the nest once more to return to campost from where she flew at 11.39 in the rain.  Was she trying to emulate Alba who sat on the nest screeching for over three hours waiting for the catch of the day.

All this coming and going, and shrieking and calling was rewarded by Cally when at…

12.15   Odin delivered Fish 3.  There was no sign of Alba.  Odin flew off and Cally took the fish off the nest.  birdsong, RtB pics and moffer's vid (12.20) DU p.10

Lmac reported a new Blog from Richard Thaxton who commented on our concern about the possible fishing line hanging from Alba's beak  "It could equally have been a bit of grass or weed or some such, but in any case it seems to have gone now, but we'll keep an eye out for it." 

14.00   RtB reported the sound of sky dancing which lasted about five minutes.  There were no alarm calls, so it was not an intruder.

There was no activity on or near the nest until…

15.01   Odin delivered Fish 4  and Cally came screaming in to claim it.  As she mantled over her fish Odin scarpered.  Cally immediately flew off with her fish.  Scylla and moffer vids DU p.11

Life on the nest was quiet again for another hour and a half until a juvenile started calling nearby.

17.30   A juvenile was heard near, but not on, the nest, calling for fish supper and continued to call intermittently until...

20.23   Odin flies in with Fish number 5.  Cally flew in to greet the fish bringer.  Odin duly obliged as Cally backed up and snatched the fish from him.  Odin flew straight off the nest while Cally mantled over the fish.  She watched as he flew off still calling.  No sign of Alba.  Cally flew off with her fish calling as she disappeared in the distance.  Well done Scylla and Moffer for catching this while the rest of us watch the Olympics!!  Thank you!!  vid moffer posted 20.24 and pics 20.31  DU p.12.

20.55   Juvenile calling off the nest.  Is it Alba looking for her supper?

22.40   The tally of fish was two from EJ and three from Odin.  Alba claimed the first fish of the day at 05.47 and stayed on the nest to eat it until 08.04 when she flew off with the remains.  Cally claimed the other four fish (one EJ whopper and three Odin tiddlers).  Perhaps it made up for yesterday's shortfall!

Well, is it dark, it is quiet and eerie.  No sound (other than the hum!), no one around.  Where is Alba, not having been seen since 08.04 this morning when she left with EJ's 05.47 Fish 1 delivery.  We have seen both EJ and Odin today.   Oh, I do so hope all is OK with Alba after the possible fishing line problem yesterday.  Take care our precious birds wherever you may be tonight.  See you all you osprey watchers tomorrow!

Thank you to scylla and moffer for digilently posting videos which enable us all to scrutinise action on the nest, and to everyone for their pics and contributions to the thread.  If there are any howlers or missing important info please let me know and I will edit this report.

WEDNESDAY 8TH AUGUST 2012

I start this summary at 10.20 a.m. and there has already been an abundance of activity on the nest....and an abundance of fish! To everybody's delight all 4 members of this precious family have been seen this morning, whilst the 2 younest have also definetely been heard.....incessantly!

WEDNESDAY 8TH AUGUST 2012

I start this summary at 10.20 a.m. and there has already been an abundance of activity on the nest....and an abundance of fish! To everybody's delight all 4 members of this precious family have been seen this morning, whilst the 2 youngest have also definetely been heard.....incessantly!

2.09 Birdsong starts the DU with a salutory reminder of how few days may be left for us to see this year's young ospreys.

6.10 Calling heard off nest and someone lands on nest branch (vid p1 6.10)

6.32 Alba is on the nest with Caledonia calling close by

6.54 And Caledonia has joined her sister on the nest

6.55 Dear EJ arrives with a large, flapping FISH, No 1.Caledonia manages to purloin it. Alba not happy (vid p1 6.55)

7.05 Caledonia flies off with her breakfast as Alba looked towards it once too often (vid p1 7.05)

7.14Alba was amazingly resigned to not having fish and made little protest  Has now flown

7.17 Alba didn't have to wait too long for breakfast as Odin arrives with FISH No 2 and almost at the same instance Caledonia returns to the nest bringing her fish with her This is the first time that Odin has been seen delivering a morning fish for some days (vid p2 7.25)

7.27 EJ with a monster of a FISH, No 3.Alba grabs it, leaving untouched the tail of the fish she was eating

7.50 Caledonia abandons the rest of her fish and flies off

8.17 Alba starts calling loudly and mantling over her meal (vid p3 8.17)

8.31 Cally arrives on the underbranch and Alba still screeching (vid p3 8.31)

8.37 Odin delivers a mossy stick only to be scolded by Alba. Did he take Caledonia's left over fish? (vid p3 8.37 & 8 57)

8.52EJ-FISH No 4 !!!!!!!!!!!!   After all her efforts, nobody interested! All this time Alba has been screeching and not eating. Caledonia has joined in from her perch to form a duet.  The reason for their shouting is totally unclear.

9.00 EJ flies off taking her fishy offering with her

9.09 Alba at last starts eating again, interspersed with shouting

9.11EJ returns with her catch and 2 minutes later Odin comes too with moss, but is then pushed off by Alba There's gratitude for you!

(vid p5 9.16)

9.17 Beautiful greeny-gold moss delivered courtesy of Mr. O

9.50 Alba still eating/shouting EJ just standing on RHS nest edge with her unclaimed fish

9.51 Caledonia seen flapping on underside perch (vid p6 9.51)

10.10 At last EJ starts to eat her fish (vid p7 10.12)

10.25 Back Caledonia comes and finds some left overs

10.35 Amazingly EJ starts feeding Cally after she solicits food (vid p7 10.38)      and Alba continues to eat and shreik

10.44 EJ has stopped feeding her daughter and is tucking in herself, but then Cally wants some more

10.45 Caledonia watches Alba eating her fish (vid p7 10.45)

10.56 Peace at last as the 3 "girls"stand in the sunshine meditating

11.13 Caledonia departs but Alba still holding onto her fish and still shouting EJ once more eating her fish (vid p9 11.20 & 11 25)

11.33 Alba finishes what she wants of her fish and engages in a stretch and a little stick moving (vid p9 11.45) EJ claims Alba's uneaten fish and flies off with it, leaving behind the remains of Caledonia's fish Shortly afterwards, Alba leaves too. (vid p9 11.34 & p10 12.00)

11.35 ENS for the first time since 6.32!!!!!

11.53 EJ  returns and calls for the sisters and then waits quietly, holding onto the largish remains of Alba's fish (vid p10 12.11)

11.58  Possible sky dancing

12.03 EJ has a doze

12.06 Brief mantling by EJ

12.20 More mantling and calling 

12.25 And more At the same time, possible sky dancing (vid p11 12.28 & p 12 12.38)

12.38 Odin (?) alarm calling

                                       Persistent intruder (vid  p12 12.43) and it sounds as if the girls  are shouting at it too (vids p 13 12.58 & 1.11 & 1.21)

1.31  EJ leaves after waiting patiently on the nest for so long and takes the fish with her

2.11 Caledonia lands on the nest and grabs the fish that she left behind in the morning She is closely followed by EJ, still holding the remains of Alba's fish. (vid p 15 2.38 & p 16 2.56)

2.17 Caledonia flies off

2,36 And so does EJ

5.30 Still ENS

5.31 A juvenile is on the campost, possibly Caledonia, shouting

5.40 The juvenile lands on the nest and is definitely  identified as Cally

5.45 Off she flies after finding a scrap of fish

6.26 A screeching youngster returns to the campost

6.43 She leaves but can still be heard nearby

7.15 Caledonia makes another visit to the nest (vid p19 9.32)

7.39 Once more an empty nest and all quiet

8.21 Caledonia revealed landing on the underbranch and shouting enthusiastically (vids p 19 8.21 & 9.23 & 9.35)

9.35 Yet another symbol of the season drawing towards its inevitable conclusion; the earlier time at which the night cam comes on and revealing, as we now expect, an empty nest

We have been blessed today with almost non-stop action between c. 6.30 am and c. 2.35 pm as well as having more than lovely views of all 4 family members.................enhanced by clarifying and exciting videos;revealing and captivating stills and a wealth of observations and interesting posts. Thank you one and all. Thanks, of course, too to EJ, Odin and the kids.....more of the same tomorrow, please., Good Night

Thursday 9th August.

Day 85 for Cally and 83 for Alba. All 4 birds are still present.. They now have a routine of EJ bringing a breakfast fish for each of the girls and then is mostly absent for the rest of the day. Odin brings sticks and moss mostly, and sky dances. The season is moving along quickly :o(

05.35 Day cam is on and both of the girls are calling and flying close to the nest.

06.36 Cally and then Alba land on the nest.

06.36 Large flapping FISH @ number 1 from EJ. Alba had it but let Cally take it. Video page 1. Moffer and pic.

07.05 Alba moves toward Cally, and it appears that they are sharing the fish! Video page 1 Moffer and pic.

07.12 Cally has finished. Alba takes the remaining fish.

07.42 Cally is back, closely followed by EJ with headless FISH number 2. No one wants it so EJ starts to eat. Video page 2. Moffer

07.43 EJ starts to feed Cally. Video page 2. Moffer and pic.

08.01 Alba has finished with her fish. Just before Alba flew, she accepted fish from EJ. Video page 2. Moffer and pic. Cally flies shortly after.

09.07 Cally pays the nest a quick visit.

10.30 Skydancing is heard.

11.00 Odin arrives with moss. Cally arrives and wants fish. Video page 4. Moffer Video page 5. Mims

11.10 Odin is back with a stick. He finds some scraps of fish. Video page 5. Moffer. Pics SheilaFE

12.07 Cally is back searching for and finding some fish scraps. Video page 6. Mims. Pics Mims/SheilaFE/Lynette.

13.57 Alba drops in for a visit and finds a fish scrap too. Video page 8 CC. Video page 9 Mims.

15.29 FISH number 3 from Odin? Taken by Alba  Video page 10 Scylla. Video page 10 CC. Pic Sheila FE/Scylla

18.01 Cally is back.Pics Birdsong/Scylla

19.45 Cally returns and appears to be defending the nest. Video page 13. Moffer Pics Birdsong/Scylla

19.46 It is reported that the SOUND HAS GONE AGAIN!

No further activity reported on the nest for the rest of the day.

Many thanks as always to the DU contributers.

Friday 10th August.

From the blog Aeriel Antics by Mairi

At the moment, we can collect seven days worth of data once weekly. Within each day, we receive those five types of information I mentioned, from three different times, namely: 05.00, 13.00 and 21.00. This provides us with a snapshot of the chicks' whereabouts over the course of a week. These snapshots are ideal at this point in time as the chicks are still very much present around the nest site and it allows us to conserve the life of the battery for as long as possible.

From 10th August, three days worth of data will be transmitted at three day intervals and available for us to access. The information we will get from this point will be more detailed, as data captures are likely to be hourly throughout each day. The desire for more than just snapshots at this time, is of course, to coincide with the imminent departures of the chicks. As they set off on their 3000+ mile journeys south to West Africa, we will have the ability to follow their progress.

So as from today, we will get more updates on GE :o) Cally is 86 days old and Alba 84 days old today. All 4 birds are still present and there have been 6 fish on the nest today!

05.34 Pics of Cally, calling and mantling on the nest. Page 1 Birdsong. The sound is still very distant.

05.56 Alba arrives. Both looking for breakfast. Pics page 1 Birdsong.

06.02 The sun is coming up. Beautiful colours! Pics of the girls page 1 Birdsong.

06.06 Odin flies in and the girls act as though he has fish. He doesn't. He flies off and back again, stays a minute and is gone. Cally flies off followed by Alba. Video page 2 Moffer. Pics page 1 Birdsong.

06.18 FISH number 1 delivered by EJ. Cally grabs it. Video page 2 Moffer. Pic page 1 Birdsong.

06.25 Odin returns - with stick much to Alba's disappointment!  Cally just sitting over her fish. Video page 2 Moffer

06.34 Both girls fly off quickly at the same time. There may have been an alarm call, but we have hardly any sound so this is a guess.

06.43 Alba returns to wait for her breakfast. Pics page 1 Birdsong.

07.22 FISH number 2 delivered by EJ. Alba has her breakfast. Video page 2 Moffer, Pics Birdsong.

08.17 The sound is restored.

08.57 Alba has eaten her fish on the nest. She stands quietly and suddenly started to screech and mantle, looking skyward. Video page 3 Moffer. pics Birdsong.

10.46 EJ arrives with headless FISH number 3. Alba arrives shortly after and is fed! Video page 4 Scylla, pics Birdsong. She isn't very hungry so EJ eats alone until a very loud jet flies over. Neither bird is worried by it at all! Pics Birdsong/Moffer

11.22 Alba flies off (EJ can remove her earplugs now) EJ stands in the sunshine holding the fish and looking stunning. Pic page 4 SheilaFE

12.01 EJ leaves.

12.41 EJ returns with the fish, but stays just out of cam view. Alba grabs it like she's starving, lol. Video page 6 Scylla (same vid, Moffer) Pics by CC/Birdsong

12.55 EJ returns and potters on the nest. Lovely video page 7 Scylla. Pic page 6 Birdsong

13.03 FISH number 4 from Odin. EJ takes it. Video page 7 Moffer.

14.43 EJ returns with fish. It was hilarious. (I think that it may have been the fish that EJ took from Odin at 13.01. Fish4) Cally just stares at it as if to say, are you kidding mum? I want a big fish. Then EJ flies off and comes back saying "fresh fish" and Cally takes it. Video 1 and Video 2 page 8 Scylla. Pics Birdsong

14.49 (the still cam clocks are still 6 minutes slow) show that the wide cam has moved. We can no longer see the campost, but we can see much of the under nest :o(

15.23 Sky dancing is heard.

15.29 Odin lands on the nest closely followed by EJ. She is cheeping, he is mantling and then she spots that he has FISH number 5 and grabs it. She flies off and Odin potters.Video page 9 Scylla. Pics Birdsong

17.09 Sky dancing is heard again.

17.23 Odin lands with FISH number 6. He chirps quietly and waits. No-one comes and after 3 mins he flies off. Video page 10 Moffer and pic.(same vid page 11 Scylla)

18.28 EJ flies to the nest. Odin returns fish 6 after having a nibble on it. EJ takes it and flies off. Odin starts to potter. Video page 11 Scylla

18.30 Odin nest cups. Video page 11 Scylla

18.31 Alba flew in quickly followed by Cally, who after shouting leaves and then comes back, just ahead of Odin with a stick. Video page 11 Scylla

19.15 Cally and Alba are off cam but are very vocal and remain so until

20.20 First Alba and then Cally arrive on the nest screeching. The evening sunshine makes it hard to ID at first. Alba moves a stick or two. Video page 11 Moffer. They call off nest for a few minutes more and then silence.

Many thanks to everyone who has posted today, but a special thanks to Birdsong and Scylla, who have done an amazing job with pics and vids.

Saturday 11^th August 2012

Caledonia and Alba have spent the night roosting in the trees.   The migration window is well and truly open, and every day we wonder if EJ has left for the long journey. So far we haven’t had to wait long, as EJ as been providing an early morning breakfast for her daughters, usually a fish each.

05.02  Day cam on. A lovely still of the nest is posted by Moffer. It appears in the style of a famous oil painting,  beautiful tones and a gentle mist. (p.1).

05.28  Cally arrives first, mantling and calling. The sound on the cam isn’t working properly so Cally’s mezzo soprano tones are wasted on us Stills by Moffer and Birdsong (p.1).

05.33  Alba joins her sister on the nest, and her soprano tones add urgency to their fish callingJ Cally moves out of view, then flies off a few seconds later. Stills by Moffer and Birdsong (p.1).

05.58  A lovely still of a Great Spotted Woodpecker is posted by Birdsong.

06.01  The sun comes out, bringing Cally back with it. Still by Moffer (p.1), Birdsong and Moffer (p.2).

06.19  Fish 1 by EJ. Alba swiftly claims it, then drags it around the nest for a bit before making a start on her feed. Cally pretends not to notice and remains on the far side. Video by Moffer and Still by Birdsong (p.2).

06.21 Enter Odin with.....moss. A huge clump of the stuff, the size of a small bushJ  He proudly plonks it in the nest cup and flies away a few seconds later. Video by Moffer (p.2). Alba tucks into her fish while Cally protests loudly.....’’ Where’s mine?????’’. Stills by Birdsong and Moffer (p.2).

07.11  Cally’s patience has finally run out. She sidles up to try for a bite but doesn’t get near – Alba flaps her away twice, at one point ‘flapping’ her on the head – ‘’Get out of it. Go and wait over there’’.  Video by Moffer (p.2).

07.14  Cally flies off – but it’s all part of the strategy as she’s back again at.....

07.17  but it’s no good, Alba flaps her away again.

07.26  Perhaps it’s time to try another tactic.....Cally commences the old  ‘poke with a stick’ routine, sure to distract her opponent – but to no avail. The forked stick is quickly abandoned. Video by Moffer (p.2).

07.29  Cally flies away, at which point Alba decides to give her a telling off. And it’s a thorough one – 10 mins appx of relentless screeching whilst glaring at Cally who appears to be nearby in a tree. The meal, for now, is forgotten but her talons remain firmly planted on the fish. Still by Moffer (p.2).

07.54  Odin returns to the nest to a hostile welcome from Alba, who mantles over her fish. He moves the cumbersome forked stick out of the way, glancing at her from time to time as if to say ‘’What are you making such a fuss for? I’m not interested in your fish’’ – and to prove it he absently stands on one leg. But Alba is giving it her all and no longer resembles the bird she once was; just a massive ball of fluff and feathers with no head. Video and Stills by Moffer (p.3).

08.04  Fish 2 by EJ: and chaos ensues. Odin makes a movement towards her; is this a good time for lurve?  But EJ’s priorities lie with her stomach/ fish and she  mantles for good measure. He goes to the other side and mantles also (well, two can play at that game) – while Alba continues to complain loudly. She manages to get a couple of beakfulls in nonetheless while doing so. Video by Moffer (p.3).

08.08  Odin leaves them to it and flies off.

08.12  Odin is back again. He ‘checks’ Alba’s fish but has a nice snooze rather than attempting to take it. Video by Moffer and Still by MaryGK(p.3).

08.19  Odin flies off.

08.24  Cally lands on the nest from the cam post.

08.27  EJ returns with her fish 2 for Cally. Video by Moffer (p.3).

08.35  Cally flies off, taking her fish with her.

08.51 Here’s dear Odin back again! Poor Alba starts shouting – she hasn’t had a meal in peace so far. It seems Alba is correct in her assumptions, for after some leisurely nestorising  Odin comes to a stop, and it’s clear his eyes are on her fish. He creeps up and makes his move – only to be pecked sharply by an indignant Alba. Poor Odin!! Video by Moffer (p.4).

08.55 Odin’s had enough – he flies off.

09.05  Odin returns to the nest. He has a stick with him but Alba is still eating and flaps him away. Video by Moffer (p.4).

09.09  Tiger posts a little quiz and Moffer gets them all correct J  I can’t answer any of them L lol But I DID learn that ospreys can skydance in the dark!!!!

09.35 Finally Alba manages to finish off her fish and flies off. She leaves a little tail piece behind.

12.58  Odin flies in with Fish 3. EJ joins him but immediately flies out again, taking Alba’s left over fish tail with her. Odin waits to see if anyone turns up, has a couple of mouthfuls, then shortly flies away with his fish.

13.02  Odin returns – again, Stills by Lynette (p.5) but doesn’t stay long.

13.06  EJ is now on the nest. Lovely Still by Moffer (p.6).  Odin re-delivers Fish 3 which EJ promptly makes off with. A bit more tidying up by Odin and then he leaves too. Stills by Lynette (p.6), Video of Odin nestorising by Mims (p.6).

14.29  A lovely ‘oil painting effect’ (as I call it) Still is posted by Scylla. Or is that a Constable? Lol.

15.16  One of the juves flies onto the cam post. Video by Moffer and Still by Sheila (p.7). She is joined by her sister and both girls arrive on the nest.

15.24  Fish 4 by Odin. Cally quickly claims it, Odin makes a quick exit and Alba waits patiently (for once) at her sister’s side, hopeful. But all is eaten within a few minutes and a short while later both girls leave the nest again. Videos by Moffer and Stills by Sheila, Mims and Moffer (p.8);  Video by Mims (p.9).  It is noted that the widecam  has been ‘improved’ hurray!!

16.57  Cally perches on the cam post. Some beautiful close up Stills by SheilaFE and Scylla (p.10).

17.14  Fish 5 by Odin. Alba flies straight in but Cally jumps off the cam post and manages to grab it first.  Videos by Scylla (p.11) and Moffer (p.12), and a great close-up of the girls (head shots) by Alan Petrie (p.11).

17.52  Alba arrives on the nest and begins calling. She is joined by Cally on the cam post.  Stills by SheilaFE (p.11).

18.48  A fabulous photo of an osprey (Could it be EJ? I’m probably wrong!) was posted by Limpy (p.12).

18.54 Fish 6 by Odin. This time Alba gets it.

19.06  Alba flies off with her fish.

19.11  Cally returns to the nest, loudly calling. Stills by Birdsong and Moffer (p.13).

19.47  Cally moves on to the cam post – perhaps her voice will carry better from there....Still by Limpy (p.14).

19.50  Clare posts an absolutely gorgeous photo of a raven.

21.25  Limpy posts a lovely distance shot of a red kite, soaring across the sky.

21.30  Night cam on.

22.11  Scylla posts an unusual clip of the effect of the infra red light kicking in. Rather like ‘bursting into flames’ , infra red style!

All is peaceful around the nest. Slumber well, EJ, Odin and the girls.

Thank you all for your posts, videos  and stills. We have also been treated to some wonderful photos, and some interesting early stills with the most beautiful colours and hues (thanks to the mixture of bird poo streaks and light through the mist lol).

Once again, thank you for bringing their story to life.

SUNDAY 12TH AUGUST

Caledonia is 88days and nearing the window for migration - could make her one of the slowest to go

Alba is 87 days  - see Tiger and Chloe's chart

1.01am - Mims starts off the day - all quiet

5.40am - Odin pays a visit to the nest - pic and vid by Scylla

6.20am - juve spotted on the cam post

6.41am - Alba is spotted on the nest - see vid by Scylla

super captures of early morning on the nest and vids pg 1

6.48am – Alba and Cally on the nest – see vid by Scylla

7.14 – both screeching for breakfast

7.27am – Cally leaves briefly but is soon back

7.32am – Odin pays a visit – with a stick, teasing the juves, see vid by Moffer

7.36am – one of the juves have left followed quickly by the other
one

7.47am – Screecher is back and yes – FISH #1 delivered by EJ and
Cally takes it and then FISH #2 is delivered by Odin and Alba has it – see vids by Scylla and Moffer

Again super captures and vids pg.2

7.56am – another parent visit but what for – Scylla

7.59am – Birdsong reports Odin on nest

8.00am – Alba at the tail end of the fish already

8.10am – Cally now eating alone – Alba has flown off

9.10am – Odin arrives again with a large branch and does
nestoration

More super captures  pg 3

9.16am – vid of Odins visit by Moffer

9.20am – juve returns- possibly Alba

9.38am – and yes Alba was identified and has now flown off

More pics and a vid  pg 4

10.45am – Moffer posted a
vid of someone flying past at speed

1.05pm – Moffer posted a vid of someone flying past at a distanceb– Also someone taking off
from under the nest branch – A juve on the nest
calling

More pics and vids pg 5

1.27pm - juve reported on nest

1.32pm – gone

1.34pm – and she is back – Alba

1.42pm – FISH # 3 and EJ delivers
and Alba has it

Super captures again pg 6

1.43pm – Cally comes for the fish

1.46pm – Alba flies off with it
and Cally goes too

1.47pm – Moffer posts vid of last
fish delivery

2.39pm – Odin delivers FISH #
4  - not sure who got it but it could be
Cally as Alba got the last one – vid posted by Scylla

3.04pm – Sheila reported a
message from Carnyx Wild

• 
  Carnyx Wild

12 Aug 2012 2:19
PM

Hi, The sound
problem appears to be between the visitor centre and nest. Which means it may
not be possible to correct it. However I am sure the staff at the centre will
see what can be done on Monday

Pics and vids  pg7

3.24pm – Odin reported on the nest

3.40pm– Odin departs after doing some HW

More pics and vids of Odins visit 
pg 8

pg.9 - nothing much happening except lovely pics of Odins last visit posted

6.37pm  - Moffer posted a reply from Carnyx “

6.51pm -  vid
posted by Moffer re Odin and branch

Pg. 10

8.10pm  - 
Osplet reported on nest – Cally very briefly

Pic  pg 11

That seems to be it
folks for today – except for some concern over communication with technical
people re blogs, it has been reported that it seems to have deteriorated and also  thoughts that there may be no cam next year –
but it is only concern on some of our bloggers minds.   We will have to wait and see.

Deleted - wrong thread.

Deleted wrong thread

Monday 13th August.

Day 89 for Cally, 87 for Alba. Who will leave first and when? Will EJ still be here?

An empty nest during the night which has become the norm. It is very windy with the grass being flattened.

07.00 First sighting today of a juvenile on the campost. She briefly dropped down onto the nest for a few seconds and was gone. Video and pic page 1 Moffer.

08.05 A brief fly past, too quick for any ID.

08.24 One of the girls lands on the campost. It looks like Cally. Pics page 2 Moffer

09.16 Cally drops down onto the nest briefly and then flies off. Pic page 2 Birdsong.

09.30 Cally is back on the campost, but she only stays a few minutes. Pics page 3. Birdsong

10.22 Both girls arrive at the nest. Pics page 4 Moffer/Limpy/Birdsong

10.30 Alba flies off. Cally remains waiting. Pics page 4 Limpy/Scylla

11.17 Alba comes back to the nest. Pics page 5 Limpy/Scylla

11.29 Alba leaves again, but Cally determinedly stays on the nest.

11.35 Cally leaves.

11.58 Cally is back once more. Pic page 6 Lynette.

12.09 Cally's flown again.

12.16 Both girls are back on the nest. Pics page 6 Birdsong/Lynette/BrendaH/Scylla

12.38 They fly off again.Pics page 7 Lynette

14.51 Cally is back on the campost. Pics page 8 SheilaFE

15.03 Odin arrives (first sight of him today) with FISH number 1. Cally wastes no time in grabbing it and flying off. Video page 8 Moffer. Pics page 9 Scylla

15.12 Odin returns with a lichen covered twiggy branch. He moves a couple of sticks and stands looking fantastic. Video page 9 Moffer. Pics SheilaFE/Birdsong/Moffer

16.49 A new BLOG is posted by Laura. Thank you for the heads up Limpy, Sheila and Alicat. EJ has not been seen by the VC today..........yet.

19.05 Cally is on the nest and calling. Video page 11 Moffer

19.08 Tiger posts that Google Earth has been updated.

An excellent thread has been started bu SueC to follow the tracking of Cally and Alba. Worth keeping up with if you don't have Google Earth

19.58 Odin with FISH number 2. Alba doesn't grab it fast enough although she was first on the nest. Cally makes a bee-line for it and flies off with it :o( Alba has not eaten today (not that we have seen) Video page 12 Moffer. Pics Birdsong

 20.05 Alba flies off.

20.18 Alba is back on the nest and calling for fish. Video page 12 Moffer. Pics Birdsong/Limpy

20.20 She flies off.

21.13 Night cam on.

No sightings of EJ today. She may well have started her migration. Only 2 fish were delivered to the nest and Cally had both. I wonder how many more days of watching our family we have left.

Many thanks to all the contributers on todays DU. It's been a tough day, and I'm missing EJ already.