The End of Night Watch.
Today marks the 41st Day of incubation for the third and final osprey egg in our nest, which means it is now unlikely to hatch at all. This could be becasue the egg was originally unfertilised, or because it was damaged or exposed to cold. It is interesting to theorise as to whether its unusual colouring could indicate it was not ‘normal’ to begin with, but this link is unproven.
Consequently we are winding down our 24hr nest protection watch ( designed to prevent egg theives and nest disturbance) over the next week. This is because the risk is now considered minimal. However, rest assured we still have security in place around the nest 24hrs and dedicated watchers here in all daylight hours.
The tremendous hard work put in by our volunteers and staff ( especially Kyle and Andrew our nightwatch team) has been vital to the breeding sucess of the birds this year and I’m sure you’d like to join me in heartily thanking them and wishing them a happy sleep catch up.
So far today there has already been a dawn fish delivery and mum is keeping the chicks well tucked in because it is a cold but beautiful morning.
Emma Rawling
Perthshire Ranger