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Egg-citing times at Loch Garten osprey centreLast modified: 21 April 2009
The birds at RSPB Scotland's Loch Garten osprey centre have laid their second egg, with a third expected tomorrow morning (Wednesday). By visiting the live nest-cam at www.rspb.org.uk/lochgartenlive, people will have an excellent chance of seeing regular female EJ and new male Odin with their new clutch. Richard Thaxton, RSPB Scotland Osprey Centre Manager said: "So far, Odin has looked like a terrific catch for EJ. Since he arrived he has been supplying female EJ with plenty of fish to replenish her resources after migrating back from Africa, and last Thursday lunchtime she laid her first egg. A full clutch of eggs is laid over the course of a several days so it was Sunday morning before we saw the second. Three is the usual clutch-size for ospreys and we expect the last egg to arrive on Wednesday morning. People can visit the live nestcam before work in the morning and maybe catch a glimpse of this happening live!" Mystery surrounded Odin when he arrived due to his lack of an identifying leg-ring, but staff and visitors at Loch Garten can have no complaints over his commitment to the nest. "Because he is un-ringed we don't know know his history or his age" said Richard Thaxton, "but judging by his confident swagger and clear competencies, it looks like he's been at this love lark for a season or two previously. We’ve had first year rookie males in the past and you can just tell that it's all new to them. But Odin looks very self-assured, is doing all the right things and EJ seems happy with him." Once the final egg is laid, the eggs are expected to hatch in around 6 weeks. What can I do?Birds of prey continue to be mercilessly killed, despite the fact that it is illegal and has been for decades. Please add your name to our online pledge and say 'the killing must stop'. |
Bird guideNature reserves |
Curlew feeding in grassy field - Steve Round
Red admiral on Michaelmas daisy - Chris Gomersall (rspb-images.com)
Bird illustrations by Mike Langman (RSPB)