Another week has flown by (no pun intended) on the osprey nest and the youngsters are growing fast, fueled by their high protein diet of fish from the nearby lochs and the river Tay.  The chicks are rapidly losing their downy fluff and their first pin feathers can be seen pushing through.  Consequently, much of the siblings’ time on the nest when not eating or sleeping, is taken up with preening (and a spot of sun bathing)!

Male osprey LM12 continues to supply a steady array of fish, mainly trout, perch and pike, with his record so far this season being five in one day, three of which came in just one hour!

LM12’s attention and energy has been diverted from fishing at times throughout the week with nest defending duties from an array of passing intruders, including the first sighting of ‘Blue LP1’, a three year old ringed by Keith Brockie in Perthshire.

NC0 also defended the nest once again in a stalwart manner against this persistent unringed female osprey on the same day!

The chicks seem fairly oblivious to all of the hard work of their parents to keep them safe and well fed, and have even enjoyed a spot of breakfast in bed of a morning!  Listen to the gentle, (and at times persistent) ‘contact calls’ NC0 makes when presenting food to the youngsters. It’s as if she is saying ‘no extras before you finish your main!’

There is a clear pecking order on the nest, with larger chick 1 regularly exerting its authority over chick 2. This is normal behaviour however on an osprey nest, with smaller chicks exhibiting submissive behaviour until their older sibling has had enough. Once chick 1 falls into a contented ‘chupping’ food coma, NC0 makes sure the smaller chick is also stuffed full of fish.

With the chicks growing at a fast rate of knots, NC0 has been taking in regular DIY sessions on the nest, building up the cot rails as the chicks become more mobile and waddle about the nest on their oversized feet!

It is certainly needed with both curiosity and increased mobility leading to the chicks discovering ‘life beyond the edge of the nest’ for the first time!

It’s not just the youngsters who have been grabbing some power nap time in the gloriously sunny weather, but NC0 has been seen catching a few forty winks whilst keeping the chicks sheltered from the cooler evening air.

Keen to always ensure the chicks are stuffed full of food at every opportunity, NC0 often hides the fish under her wings, brooding it with the youngsters so it is readily accessible for second helpings.  Of course, this means that when the chicks are finished feeding LM12 often appears for his share, particularly if he has delivered the fish whole.  On this occasion he left empty talon-ed – but not for long!

Make sure you stay tuned to the live webcam to follow the action and keep up to date with the daily lives of the ospreys by following us on Twitter or Facebook for regular updates.

‘Raz’ Rasmussen, Perthshire Ranger

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