Good afternoon all, 

Events from the nest today:

This morning our female osprey was offered a fish by our male, though she was not tempted by his catch. He then flew off with it. 

Last year the eggs were laid on 13^th April and so we are all hopeful that our female may lay fairly soon. The behavioural signs displayed i.e. tidying up the nest and spending very little time away from the nest (only leaving once – very briefly) indicate that she may be preparing.

At 2:22pm today, activity around the nest began to hot up with the male hovering over the loch near to the nest attempting to fish. He was then interrupted at 2:24pm by an interloper flying close to the nest. This then prompted the male to return to the nest and protect it. The intruder soon flew away and harmony was restored. This was an altogether thrilling sight to see from the hides.

A question we received via ospreys@swt.org.uk asked what happens once the pair reaches Africa. We believe that after beginning migration separately to leave Scotland for the winter, an osprey pair will spend 6 months apart in West Africa, only meeting up again once they have completed their return migration. 

Other Wildlife at Loch of the Lowes:

Summer is most definitely on the way here at the reserve several swallows were seen flitting over the loch. The glorious weather has made for a quiet day on the loch with numbers of tufted duck and goldeneye down on yesterday’s count. Mute swans, black-headed gulls and mallards could be seen from the hides plus a great crested grebe or two.

At the feeders the usual mix of chaffinches, blue, coal and great tits, along with the occasional greenfinch and siskin were recorded. Also spotted near the feeders were two jays. This colourful and highly attractive member of the crow family is very secretive and is largely identified by its loud, hoarse cry. It is certainly a bird that deserves its scientific name of Garrulus glandarius!

Update on ‘Lady of the Loch – The Incredible Story of Britain’s Oldest Osprey’ by Helen Armitage:

For those of you who have pre-ordered the Helen Armitage book, we would like to reassure you that we are processing the orders and we thank you very much for your patience.

Anna and Simon