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Cally and Ally ringed at Osprey Centre
29 June 2012
Alan Tissiman
Communications Manager
E-mail: alan.tissiman@rspb.org.uk
Two young ospreys from the famous Loch Garten nest were today (Friday) ringed and tagged ahead of their fledging from the nest, which is predicted to take place in a fortnight’s time.
The two chicks, both females, were fitted with unique leg rings to aid their future identification. Solar-powered satellite tags will enable them to be tracked as they migrate from Scotland to West Africa for the first time. Staff at the Osprey Centre expect the birds to depart in late August. Thousands of osprey fans are expected to follow their fortunes online.
RSPB Scotland site manager at Loch Garten Richard Thaxton said: “The two chicks have been named by children from Deshar Primary School, Boat of Garten. Four years ago youngsters from the school named a chick after the school. Sadly, that chick, “Deshar”, was lost at sea on migration, so they asked to name this year’s youngsters. Their chosen names are “Caledonia” and “Alba” (Gaelic for Scotland). I have no doubt that they will become known as “Cally” and “Ally” in due course!”
Richard added: “Both birds were ringed and tagged by osprey expert Roy Dennis and they appear to be in very good condition despite the poor summer weather that led to the demise of the third chick three weeks ago.
“We expect the two young ospreys will remain in the nest for another two weeks or so until they take their maiden flight, and then remain in the nest or vicinity until late August when they should begin their migration.”
Notes
Once widespread, ospreys became extinct in Scotland in 1916, in 1954 a pair nested at Loch Garten. Since 1959, ospreys have arrived every year – raising more than 90 young.
More than two million people have visited RSPB Scotland’s Loch Garten Osprey Centre over a period of 50 years. The Osprey Centre is open daily from 10am to 6pm from April 1st until 2nd September. For more information visit : http://www.rspb.org.uk/reserves/guide/l/lochgarten/index.aspx