Events from the nest today:

Incubation has been continuing on the nest throughout the day, with 7Y sitting for almost 2 hours during one period.  At 2.40pm our male could be seen catching a fish by the tree. Once 7Y had successfully made his catch, a crow and a buzzard attempted to take the fish from him. Our male then left with the fish for approximately 15 minutes, while our female called. He then returned with the fish and delivered it to our female who then took the fish and flew away with it.

A question we received via ospreys@swt.org.uk asked about the migration of ospreys from Scotland to West Africa and whether the young are accompanied by an adult. Female and non-breeding ospreys usually depart first throughout August, while juveniles and their parent males stay a little later, leaving from mid august onwards. All ospreys will travel independently and young are not accompanied by an adult. Ospreys migrating from Scotland will reach West Africa in late September after a journey of around 3000 miles.

It usually takes ospreys approximately 5 years to be able to breed in Scotland, though they may be able to breed after just 3 years but be unsuccessful in finding a nest site and a mate. It is now believed that ospreys may actually return to the UK at 2 years of age, but not breed successfully for another 2 or 3 years.

Other wildlife at Loch of the Lowes:

Out on the loch today were 6 great crested grebes. There is still hope for some striped juveniles this season. Recovering from being hunted to the brink of extinction during the last century due to its attractive plumage, there are now thought to be around 8000 breeding pairs in the UK, 500 of which are in Scotland. After hatching, juveniles can be seen hitching a ride on their parent’s back.

Also seen on the loch were 8 mute swans, 8 mallard, 9 tufted duck, and 7 goldeneye.

Out of the feeders great tits, 30 chaffinches, greenfinches and a red squirrel were all disturbed when a tawny owl flew overhead and landed in a nearby tree. The birds scattered and the red squirrel left the box feeder and climbed the tree. However, the birds and the red squirrel soon returned to resume feeding.

Out in the hides the drumming of a woodpecker could be heard and then two were seen at the nearby feeders.

Anna

Perthshire Reserves Seasonal Ranger