Well it’s been an interesting week watching our newly matched pair of ospreys on the nest.

Continuing to bond

LM12 and NC0 have continued on their journey to becoming  more comfortable in their new found relationship this week with NC0 aiding LM12 in rebuilding the nest after it was wind blown last week.

We’re used to seeing LF15 getting hit on the head with an incoming stick from LM12. So it’s refreshing to see NC0 has been bringing in the nesting material.

Fortunately the nest is looking much better now after their efforts to recreate the nest cup. However, the wind is still proving to be a tricky foe for NC0. NC0 was attempting to deepen the nest cup by leaning forward and kicking her legs to scrap away bedding material. However, the wind caught her feathers and flipped her up!

Matings
LM12 and NC0 have been continuing to mate, several times a day. Demonstrating that they are strengthening their bond still further in the run up to egg laying time. They have even attempted it in high winds! In this clip mating was unsuccessful as NC0 was not interested. However, LM12 persisted and managed a successful mating later in the day. Which we think is an incredible feat of balance and timing!

Defending the nest
Another indication that they are becoming stronger as a pair is their co-ordinated efforts to chase off other intruding ospreys. This week we’ve had disturbance nearly everyday sometimes several times in the day. This is normal for this time of year as other ospreys of breeding age are passing through the area and recognise the fantastic nest and resources that our pair enjoy.

However, warding off intruding ospreys uses a lot of energy, especially at a time when our female is preparing to lay eggs. The ability to successfully defend the nest and chase off the other ospreys whilst still having the energy to go fishing and mate, shows us that they are very strong individuals and committed to being a pair.

We’ve had two female intruders this week – Blue Y6 a youngster fledged from Kielder area in 2016. She landed on the nest last year, but a little later on 15th May. She didn’t hang around for long though, being immediately chased off by our pair. The other female, who is unringed has been far more persistent creating the majority of the disturbance this week.

We’re looking forward to the prospect of eggs this weekend! It usually takes between 9-12 days for an egg to be laid. We started recording mating successful or otherwise from the 30th March so this weekend is our window. Keep watching the webcam!

Emma Castle-Smith
Visitor Centre Assistant Manager

Our Osprey Protection Programme at Loch of the Lowes is kindly supported by players of People’s Postcode Lottery.