Good afternoon all,

Events from the nest today:

The day-to-day task of keeping his mate well nourished continues for the male osprey. At 11:08am a fish was delivered, which the female then flew away with to eat elsewhere. Then at 12:51pm the male visited the nest again, bringing with him another fish. This was rejected by the female and was taken away 10 minutes later.

Despite the pressures of providing constantly for his mate, the male osprey seems to have taken to his task with fervour, displaying the same dedication which he showed the previous year when the female was fighting to hold onto life.

The pair have attempted to mate throughout the day. This behaviour will most likely continue until the eggs are laid to ensure that there is every chance the female will produce a healthy clutch.

We have received a question via ospreys@swt.org.uk regarding the whereabouts of the male osprey during the hours of darkness. Although he is often absent from the nest he will remain in close proximity in order to protect it. He will most likely perch on a nearby branch or tree in order to remain close at hand.

Other Wildlife at Loch of the Lowes: 

Highlights on the loch for today include 30 black-headed gulls, 7 tufted ducks and 6 mute swans. Sightings of siskins, greenfinches, great spotted woodpeckers and a yellowhammer were made at the feeders, while the calls of buzzards and curlew could be heard over the reserve.

However, hearing the squealing, piglet like cry of a water rail emanating from the reeds on the loch shore was undoubtedly the best record of the day. A relative of the corn crake, the water rail is a secretive bird, choosing to hide away in reed beds to conceal it from predators. Because of this, it is rare to see one out in the open and call recognition is the usual means of identification.

Simon

SITA Species Protection Officer