A month has now passed since FR2 and FR3 fledged (three weeks for FR4) and as we approach mid-August they are spending increasing intervals of time away from the nest site.

Both satellite tagged birds have now made short forays away from Loch of the Lowes as can be seen from the latest batch of data.

On the afternoon of the 8th August FR3 travelled a few miles NE from the reserve…

And two days earlier FR4 journeyed south for a similar distance…

Fishing practice will be stepping up as our trio of young ospreys seek to gain full independence in readiness for their forthcoming migration in just a few short weeks. We have had reports that at least one of them has been seen catching a fish – something rarely witnessed prior to their departure. However the male continues to provide supplementary food for the time being.

The female hasn’t been sighted since last Friday morning so it now seems almost certain that she has begun her journey south for warmer, sunnier climes. With this being her first season at Loch of the Lowes we weren’t exactly sure when she would leave, but we know that female ospreys tend to migrate within a few weeks of any chicks fledging so it comes as no great surprise. Fingers crossed she will arrive safely on her wintering grounds and we can look forward to welcoming her back again next spring for another successful breeding season (one of many to come, we hope).

Jonathan

Visitor Centre Assistant Manager