Here at Lowes, we’re all preparing for the inevitable empty nest syndrome that will come in once our ospreys are all gone. In the meantime, we’re being treated to fabulous displays from the chicks as they fine-tune their flight muscles. We’re also seeing some dog-fights between the eternal enemies of herons and ospreys; watching from the hides as male LM12 swoops over the loch, chasing away any herons that may pose a potential threat to his nest.

The chicks LP8 and LR0 are still active and present on the nest, receiving regular fish deliveries from LM12, who is bringing in approximately 1-2 fish per day. It is evident that the chicks are more than eager to get their fill of fish before heading out on their own, as they are fiercely competitive for any fish brought in by LM12. LR0, the youngest of the pair, is proving themselves to be quite the headstrong osprey, often winning the battle for a feast with sibling LP8.

At this point we can expect to see LM12 start to reduce how many fish he brings in, as he prioritises feeding himself in preparation for his own migration.

As the nest is occupied less and less, with all ospreys set on strengthening their flight muscles, it’s no surprise that we’re seeing a fair few opportunistic intruders checking out the real estate. One of these intruders is a visitor from earlier in the season: Blue 8C, a female osprey originally from Glaslyn! She was seen resting on the nest beside the two chicks, before she was eventually chased off by LR0. However, it seems LR0 is yet to improve on their defence strategies, as we see the chase quickly turn around and end with LR0 being chased back to the nest by 8C – you’ll get there LR0!

It also seems that LR0 has been trying their hand (or should we say ‘talons’?) at some nest building. Whilst both chicks do their fair share of chores around the nest – tidying sticks and rearranging moss – LR0 was spotted bringing pinecones into the nest! It’s a lovely full-circle moment after noting their fascination with pinecones when they were at their ‘dinosaur phase’ at around 5-6 weeks old.

It’s almost time for our ospreys here at Lowes to start their migration south to the west coast of Africa, or possibly short stopping in Portugal and the south of Spain, and right on cue our female NC0 was the first to go. After convincing all of us that she had left on 7th August, she reappeared with a massive fish on the evening of the 10th. She was last seen at Lowes on 11th August 2022, when she brought in a small fish for chicks LP8 and LR0 and has not been sighted since. We wish her safe travels and hope to see her again in the spring of 2023.

Stay tuned to the webcam to watch every moment of these ospreys that you can before they leave. Or follow us on Twitter or Facebook for regular updates.

Charlotte Needham

Seasonal Assistant Ranger

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