What a wonderful clear, fresh washed morning here at Lowes- after a big thunder storm last night, which made the cameras go off for a while (sorry!) and which brought much needed rain (as our well is looking very dry indeed).
Our chicks are now just over five weeks old, and as many of you have observed, starting to look like proper wee ospreys, not babies any more. With most of their juvenile plumage has grown in they are now able to regulate their own temperature pretty well and are shower proof! They are also now the size of small chickens and getting more co-ordinated, especially with those huge feet.
This week we should also see the chicks starting to stretch their wings more and begin the process of developing their flight muscles by flapping. Before long they will be standing on the nest edge giving us all heart attacks! It is hard to believe it may only be two weeks or so until their first flights, all being well. Meanwhile they are still benefitting from mums TLC- they will never know just how lucky they are to have her!
Emma Rawling
Perthshire Ranger