TomTrout said

29 June 2008 18:16

I've just seen the mother Osprey arrive with a meal, the first time I've caught a fish arriving at the nest. She seems to have left the two chicks to devour it and flown off for more.

Barbara Jean said

29 June 2008 18:23

This is fabulous!

EJ brought a small fish and left if for the chicks to figure out how to eat it. She flew away and they are working on it. Once the #! chick fed a piece  of fish to the  #2 chick.

Loony Lynne said

29 June 2008 18:36

Thanks for the new update LG Team :-) - Its nice to know that OVS is staying close by.

I have just been watching the chicks fend for themselves (well one of them!) - Obviously a fish had been left in the nest and the eldest chick decided it was feed time and did a good job of getting stuck in! - However he made it very clear to chick number 2 that he was not sharing (not nice to see again - but it is nature)! Maybe a bit more rivary will show over the next few days as they start to be a little more independent?

Hope nothing too exceiting happens over the next few days as I can't log in :-(

Have fun

Lynne

m lake said

29 June 2008 20:34

OVS delivered a smallish fish to the nest at 6pm. Mum not there so chicks decided to help themselves and it was quite comical watching them. But of course this was probebly intended as a lesson in how to eat a fish without Mum feeding. Ten out of ten for effort to both chicks who managed to eat half. I think they were both exausted after their efforts. Strange how both chicks still choose to rest on little one despite the blow flies which are visible today. It will be interesting to see how their skills develop in the next week or so

Matpigan said

29 June 2008 20:57

Oh ...it looks like they are hungry! No. 1 actually had a bite on little No. 3.

SLAEMUIR said

29 June 2008 21:32

Having just watched Meerkat Manor and seen nature at its worst again (Kinkajuk and Mozart both gone......why do I watch these things?) I was needing cheered up so I tried the birdies. They look so sweet snuggled up it's hard to remember all the fighting and feuding though I did see a wee taste of it earlier tonight. I know it's just their instinct to 'coorie in' but it really does look as if they are trying to keep the Wee Yin safe and warm now that he/she no longer poses any threat to the supply of food.

We are off to the USA for two weeks but every chance I get I will be finding an internet cafe to check on the progress of these gorgeous big birds.

Wild Freckle said

29 June 2008 21:33

We are due to visit w/c 12th July so hopefully we will make it time for fledging!  also need our red squirrel fix!  here on Mull we dont have any squirrels and although it makes the birds peanuts last longer, I do miss a squirrel - glad to see remaining chicks doing so well, they look huge when they flap those wings!

Nigel Reeves said

29 June 2008 22:00

2150pm. Haven't had the heart to log on for a couple of days - still a bit sad - but curiosity's got the better of me!  Logged on just in time to see EJ try to lift the body of  her dead chick, but it seems firmly embedded in the nest, and she gave up. Good to see the other two looking so well - wish they wouldn't spread their wings in that wind - they could be airborne!  good to hear VS brought in plenty of fish yesterday  - hope he's done the same today!  Looking forward to coming up on 7th July

seaweed said

29 June 2008 22:04

10.03 - supper at last

Nigel Reeves said

29 June 2008 22:05

10.01pm - VS just brought in a small fish. EJ pulled it out of his talons and all three look ravenous for it!

Steve L said

29 June 2008 22:06

10pm, just tuned in to see OVS deliver a fish. EJ, trying to eat first, is having to protect the fish from the chicks. Saw the chicks feeding themselves earlier today in EJ's absence. EJ now feeding the chicks.

Nigel Reeves said

29 June 2008 22:10

10.09 pm - WAS that a fish??? It was gone by the time I went back after my last blog! Diid anyone see?

pabraham said

29 June 2008 22:13

Well I'm surprised. Pretty late there at Loch garten and OVS just brought a fish! Couldn't have been too big as EJ and the two chicks finished it in no time at all. Nice to catch them eating this late though.

Caberfeidh said

30 June 2008 00:28

I looked in on the nest this afternoon and saw EJ advance steadily towards the dead chick pushing in between  Nos 1 and 2. It was as if she had noticed it for the first time, like something nasty was in the nest. It would have been funny if it wasn't so tragic !

OVS bringing in a stick seemed to cause a diversionary tactic to allow EJ to move to the other side of the nest where the dead chick lies.

She bobbed her head up and down and looked almost surprised to see the little bundle of feathers lying inert.

The two chicks then closed in and Nos 1 gave her, what looked like a sharp peck, before they both seemed to move in to protect their hapless brother/sister again...Extraordinary behaviour on several fronts. EJ seemed genuinly bullied by Nos 1's peck and seemed to retreat back to her normal perch.

It really made it clearly apparent to me that these birds are indeed raptors with no humanising charactoristics such as love/family loyaty/trust etc that so many people, and I include myself in this, on this blog try to give them. They are much more reptilian in there actions. To live, eat, and breed to carry on their genes is their only mission..

If EJ lost those chicks tomorrow then she would just go about her business, go back to Africa if she can't breed again, and come back next year to try again. She and OVS wouldn't sit around wailing and weeping at the loss.

It is wonderful to have the webcam on 24/7 so we can watch these behaviours and learn so much about them. Plus it makes it easier to understand the behaviour of the birds in my garden, especially when things go wrong. I don't get so upset any more when a nest is raided or I see next doors cat trotting across the garden with one of my blackbird chicks in its mouth. It's why so many chicks were born in the first place, so that if one or two make it then to the parents its a sucess..

Such is life and learning.

Thank you Loch Garten for the insights..

Dorothy Wilson said

30 June 2008 06:33

EJ just finishing off a tailend .....chicks obviously full

Kathyj said

30 June 2008 06:57

Just as they were all settling down for bed last night, EJ was fiddling with #3.  I thought, great, she is going to remove him, but then one of the other chicks kind of settled down on him, so that was that for another day.

susan said

30 June 2008 09:07

Hello is anybody there, are all the bloggers on holiday or are we just off line. Was just wondering if they had had breakfast yet?

Nana said

30 June 2008 09:28

Thank you, Claire, for the update. Have been off line for a day or two so it was good to catch up. Good to know that OVS can sometimes excel himself. Thanks to all you contributors to the blog. Oh, My! how the two chicks have grown. 'Teenagers' now and really asserting themselves. They look so strong and handsome. Looking forward to seeing the Goldeneye. Thanks also to RSPB's other webcams. See the red squirrels are still feeding well and did you see the little Hobby on her nest? What a delightful, busy little bird! Have only seen one in flight so seeing such close up views is a real treat.

Sandra said

30 June 2008 09:32

Has EJ Finally removed the little dead chick. The other two look good. From Sandra

Andi.K said

30 June 2008 10:38

Don't you think that EJ is starting to look extremely bored with the whole sitting guarding chicks thing?

Matpigan said

30 June 2008 12:52

YES :) And I think that she looks a bit worn out ... I bet she is happy that they soon will fly!

Maureen McCann said

30 June 2008 13:13

Thank you for your report Claire...and reminding me of the difficulties the weather presents for fishing. I tend to think....we have a loch full of fish so no problem! 'Our' Osprey 'teenagers' antics continue to fascinate me. Like Nana I have been keeping an eye on the Hobby.....have contacted their RSPB 'guardians' and they expect hatching day to be around 10th July.....it is the same pair as last year.

pabraham said

30 June 2008 14:06

OVS just delivered a snack size fish. It will not go far with these three hungry mouths. He better be off for more.

Sixy said

30 June 2008 14:17

Maureen, thanks for the info on the hobby. The peregrines and hobbies are really beautiful birds. I did see the 'bandits' quite a few times on the turrets. They used to look quite sinister! I miss them though. Will look forward to watching the hobby. A lovely picture just now (14.10) of all four on the nest. Lovely to see OVS, handsome chuck that he is. Chicks feeding without fighting (that I have seen anyway). As he flew off, EJ gave him a little nag! The weather certainly has been windy these last couple of weeks. Poor OVS, he is getting a bit of stick lately (maybe that is why he brought a big one in yesterday!).

susan said

30 June 2008 16:36

I really the miss the peregrines as well. They were a joy.  Someone said earlier they thought EJ was looking bored, I,m the opposite, yesterday and today when she sits up and looks over to the wee ones i thought she looking rather proud and pleased with herself, and quite rightly.   How nice to see the four of them on the nest. Someone should 'image capture' and make prints(for LG funds obviously)

sjb said

30 June 2008 16:38

Love the one legged stance EJ, looks as if she is almost dwarfed by the two chicks, they are growing so fast. All is quiet on the nest, a bit a stretching from the chicks then settle again. I think I just have missed a feed as there does not appear to be any food calling at present. What would the chicks wing span be now, they look almost full size.

seaweed said

30 June 2008 17:21

Is it raining? EJ is sitting on the chicks.

Andi.K said

30 June 2008 17:47

EJ now, of course, proving me wrong and looking like she loves her chicks and brooding them both.....very sweet!!

m lake said

30 June 2008 17:56

Chicks alone on the nest and appear content. Mum taking a break or maybe gone for a fish. 6pm

m lake said

30 June 2008 18:06

Just a thought, does anyone know if ospray can smell? only little ones remains must be very smelly by now, but chicks and mom appear to be unaware of it.

Maureen McCann said

30 June 2008 19:24

5.50pm. EJ looking straight at camera......just want to say she is looking MAGNIFICENT!!!!  She has just flown away...for food? 6.20pm  EJ back no food!  Wee ones 'shouting' at her like mad. Where's OVS?...as Claire reminded us , maybe fishing conditions are making it difficult for him...we shouldn't be too harsh with our 'criticisings', he is still 'our Hero'.   7.05pm...all calling for food.

MargovR said

30 June 2008 20:44

Back from a long weekend. So chick 3 didn't make it in spite of all the good will going its way. But will mum ever put it out of the nest or is it stuck there? Right now she is just sitting casting a loving (?) eye over the other 2 who are having a rest.

TomTrout said

30 June 2008 21:21

m lake, I hope an Osprey can't smell with all those bits of dead fish lying around I think an Osprey nest must smell pretty bad.

seaweed said

30 June 2008 22:07

Watching the chicks and EJ trying to settle down for the night... they all seem to be trying to avoid the remains of chick 3.  There do seem to be more flies than usual, even at this late time of the day.

Caberfeidh said

30 June 2008 22:11

EJ tucked down for the night...Ahhh She knows there's a wee blow coming.! All the birds in my garden snucked down early tonight too.

David C said

01 July 2008 06:33

Just signed in. It looks like the first meal of the day for EJ and the chicks. They seem to be enjoying their breakfast. Aren't the chicks getting big.

Nigel Reeves said

01 July 2008 07:44

7.42am. Terrible two sleeping - no sign of EJ. Hope she's gone fishing! Will log on again when I get to work.

Nana said

01 July 2008 08:01

What a sensible, 'down to earth' blog from Caberfeidh. I agree with all he says. It's hard not to allow one's human emotions to get involved with those surviving in the natural world. It's tough out there!

The two chicks are a joy to watch. No more crawling about on 'heels' and 'wrists'! Strong wing excersing and regular preening. I like to think they will wing their way safely to Africa and, maybe, return to us next year? There's a question. Will they return to Loch Garten at just 1 year old?

m lake said

01 July 2008 08:22

Yes Tom Trout, but on the other hand there is no lack of ventilation on the nest so bad smells probebly dont hang about. Saw EJ being threatened by chick 1 or 2 (cant tell the difference) when she approached little ones remains last pm. Hope I'm wrong but did not see a fish delivery yesterday evening.

Andi.K said

01 July 2008 08:34

Just logged on.....I presume they have had breakfast as chicks are sleeping and EJ looking very calm.

SLAEMUIR said

01 July 2008 09:52

The chicks seem to have developed some table manners and are waiting their turn for the fish.

MargovR said

01 July 2008 10:02

Nana asked if the young would return to Loch Garten at 1 year old. It's my understanding that they young ospreys stay in Africa for a couple of years until they are mature enough to mate. But there are other bloggers who know more about birds than I do.

SUZI said

01 July 2008 10:35

Fish delivered by OVS at around 9.45, have no idea what type or size but was eaten very quickly. Thankfully can't make out the little body of chick 3, I guess my eyes ain't what they use to be!!

Sixy said

01 July 2008 10:48

Their eyesight has really kicked in now.  I watched No.1 the other day watching EJ as she flew off and then he spotted her (in camera sight) from quite a long way off as she flew back.  They are funny the way they move their heads from side to side (to focus I presume) like an indian dancer.  They had a feed about 10.00

Von said

01 July 2008 11:26

I know you probably wont post this but I would like to say (after many days of thinking) that I really am disappointed that you did not intervene and save that birds life! With EJ flying off for 2 hours at a stretch you could easily have got it and hand reared it and put in a refuge of bird of prey centre, or put it with a surrogate (like you did with Peregrines)  If it had not hatched fair enough but to predict the outcome and then watch it happen is, in this day of conservation and caring totally incomprehensible!!!!

Hopefully it will at least touch the person that will read it!

Chris L said

01 July 2008 12:22

Just a message to you team. I forgot to tick your box when joining RSPB but you can add me to your converts. Thanks for your efforts. Chris

Caberfeidh said

01 July 2008 12:29

Thanks Nana for the comment. I am a she... Hope the chicks aren't blown off the nests today ! Good for wing practise but if they flap to much in this wind then they will maybe be taking their first flight before they are ready ! Must be getting near to ringing time?

Nicola said

01 July 2008 12:37

Ospreys have no sense of smell - which is great for when the chicks are taken off the nest to be ringed and then replaced in the nest - the parents are able to return soon after and carry on as normal, not being able to detect human interference.  

As for when the chicks will return to Scotland - MargovR is right:  they'll stay in Africa for about 3 or 4 years and return to Scotland when they're sexually mature - ready to breed :-)

Sixy said

01 July 2008 13:00

M lake. You can tell the difference cos No.1 has a darker stripe over his eye, s/he is bigger and he also has a look that could kill!! No.2 on the other hand has a rather more dozy look.

Tiger said

01 July 2008 13:18

These chicks could be back from Africa as early as June 2010. Indeed there is a case at Rutland where a female came back in her first year and actually raised two chicks when she was a two year old.

Margobird said

01 July 2008 13:27

One of the chicks is rearranging the nest. Amazing how quickly they learn from Mum.

dodo said

01 July 2008 13:28

The dead chick is clearly not impacted on the nest, have just seen one twin lift it.

WEE JEANNIE said

01 July 2008 13:29

Von - I'll bet there are many of us (including me) who have had the same thoughts. It's all very well to dismiss such happenings as "all part of nature", but there was nothing wrong with that little chick, except that his mother rejected him in favour of the two older ones.  I think it was a great shame that he came so far and then died for want of  food.  As you say, if he'd not hatched, or died soon after ,  "all part of nature"  would have seemed a more acceptable reason.

Having said all that, I think that if the RSPB had   thought it the right thing to do - they would have intervened.

Chris B said

01 July 2008 13:30

Sorry Von - you are completely on the wrong page. We are watching nature (and privileged to do so) not controlling nature.

Sixy said

01 July 2008 13:51

Wee Jeanie, Von.  Whilst I am as grieved as you are, I cannot say that EJ rejected the little one, I think she has been brilliant throughout.  Circumstances coincided.  If there had been enough fish coming in, EJ would have fed baby and s/he would have survived.  But unfortunately the poor weather conditions probably prevented this, plus the beatings did not help (sorry No.1 but I'm still resentful)!  An Osprey is a beautiful wild bird and I would not have liked to see him in 'captivity', which is what it would have been in effect.  

SUZI said

01 July 2008 13:58

I have mixed feeling on the subject. I can understand why it might seem like 'we' should intervene when a wild animal is at risk, but at the same time, I understand that this is part of nature. It is probably human nature to want to step in but I am sure there are perfectly good reasons why the situation was left to mother nature.

Von said

01 July 2008 14:07

Hi Chris, Then you should allow endangered species to die, you agree?

MargovR said

01 July 2008 14:09

I agree with Chris B.  There must be thousands of nests all over the country where similar things happen.  The difference is that we just happen to be looking at this one nest.  Leave the birds alone to sort out things in the way nature has intended for millions of years.

Matpigan said

01 July 2008 14:46

Hi Von, I felt the same way as you did!!

... I know that we are watching nature, but in this case, it's a bit different. In "real nature" there are no web cams, and no human beings around with hearts that have the power to help others in need ...I also had a strong wish that the team on LG should have rescued him/her  from that horrible "harassments".

But I'm also convinced that the RSPB know what's the right thing to do! THANKS AGAIN RSPB for this wonderful window to the nature! :) This site brings sooo many feelings. (happy feelings and also sad …just as life it self)

dodo said

01 July 2008 14:51

I think many of us would have liked the little chick saved but who is to say he would have made it anyway.

Peter B said

01 July 2008 14:57

Sorry Von - I agree totally with Chris B's comments. Also your comparison with the Peregrine nest is totally invalid. In that nest both parents had been killed by illegal traps. The RSPB were left with no option but to try intervene. This Osprey nest has two healthy and capable parents.

Congratulations Loch Garten for publishing Von's comments.

Nicola said

01 July 2008 15:03

Von, I sympathise with your point of view - it's very hard to watch a living thing die in front of you and to think that someone somewhere could have stopped it.  I sometimes feel like that when watching nature programmes and seeing animals hunt and kill - why didn't the film crew intervene etc?   But it is nature and it isn't necessarily nice - it just *is*.    Someone said on another page that it's harsh but nature ensures only the fittest, strongest, and yes, the most selfishly determined survive - and that's how it should be in my view.   If the chick had been taken and reared by hand, it's difficult to imagine how that would have worked long term.  I haven't actually heard of an osprey being reared in captivity - there's probably a very good reason for that (though I'm willing to be proved wrong).

Kathyj said

01 July 2008 15:07

This may not be posted either, but I will say in just in case.  I too would have wanted some kind of intervention to prevent No3 chick starving to death.  As I mentioned in a previous message, last year, I had to watch the same thing happen in a peregrine falcon nest in Holland.  There was an absolute outcry from all nationalities who were watching and willing the situation to improve.  And asking the same question - why can't it be removed and hand reared.  But in Holland it is illegal for anyone to interfere, which I found to be very hard to understand.  When certain birds are still considered to be at risk and are still being protected, I would think it would have been the right thing to do - intervene and attempt to hand rear it.    But, I am not an expert.  Perhaps there are very good reasons why this is not done.  Maybe the chick still stands a better chance with its parents than it does with us?  I don't know.  I know it is very hard work rearing chicks and you do have to expect high fatality rates.  And I know some will say (as I have said myself) " Well, this IS nature and it has to take its course" but most of us who are interested enough to watch are also inclined to want to do all that we can to help, one way or another.  Of course, this debate could go on and on. But I am trying to move on, and enjoy the remaining two chicks who are growing before out eyes.  Amazing.

Dorissenff said

01 July 2008 15:23

Who could possibly want a beautiful bird like an osprey to become "humanised" and live in a refuge.  They deserve to be free.  The chicks need to be taught how to fish and to survive in the harsh outside world.  Not always easy to watch but we can't save every little bird, fish, wild creature etc. who gets into difficulties.  I too was willing something to be done but realised that it would be wrong to do anything except let nature sort it out.

Kathyj said

01 July 2008 15:31

What a comotion. OVS just arrived, empty talloned. EJ and the chicks were really going all out with the calling. So, he has just left. Hopefully he will catch sight of a fish, but yet again, that wind is howling, so fishing is diffucult.

Margobird said

01 July 2008 15:35

Have been reading all the comments about the loss of the chick. Of course in an ideal world you would want to do everything to save it but this is nature and it can be so cruel. the 2 chicks are coming on in leaps and bounds and that is the positive side of things. I have lost several birds in the garden this year and although heartbreaking there is not a lot that one can do. I just take joy from all that have survived as we should do with the remaining osprey chicks. thanks to all at Loch Garten for the wonderful pictures and the diary which I always look foward to.

WEE JEANNIE said

01 July 2008 15:35

Sorry Sixy, but  EJ did reject him. He begged her for food and she ignored him. A few less mouthfulls for the 2 big ones may not have made much difference to them, but  possibly a big difference to the little one.  But I'm not an osprey, so I don't know what my 'instinct' would have told me to do if I was her!  But, as  Kathyj says - "let's move on" and enjoy the rest of our osprey-watching. Nos. 1 & 2  really are turning into magnificent birds. No 1 looks like he could fly off any minute! Hope he doesn't before  get there on 7th!!

Jacki G said

01 July 2008 15:38

I have been so impressed with the blogs, the webcams and the bloggers comments that I have just joined the RSPB. Thank you to the Loch Garten team for the magnificent work you do and for bringing a huge slice of nature into our lives. There's little chance of this Brummie resident getting to the reserve in person this year so thank you for letting me share the action via the website.

portcullis said

01 July 2008 16:02

hi new here, i wanted to offer my opinion on the sad death of the chick. alot seems to have been written about how cruel nature is and how these are raptors with a cold-blooded nature; that the gene is selfish etc. but i think nature is the most beautifully balanced thing in existence. it IS existence and really any judgements made as to how it works are done so from within it. perhaps our emotions show in fact how far WE have diverged or been led from the path; that infact humans are not living well within nature? from an observers point of view, each mechanism within nature seems to mesh with many others - the death of a baby bird is a dinner for a swarm of flies who are eaten by larger creatures and so forth. there don't appear to any aspects which are not co-dependent.

susan said

01 July 2008 16:06

I must say I'm surprised at previous comments saying someone shoudl have intervened. Why is it that humans have to interfere in everything, let mother nature take her course and either sit  back and marvel at it or switch off.

Sixy said

01 July 2008 16:31

I asked David about this on an e-mail when the bullying started and he said to hand rear would leave a human stamp on them, they would not be able to fend for themselves in the wild. Who would teach them to fish?. I suggested leaving fish at the bottom of the tree (try anything)!! The answer: they don't eat carrion only live fish. I think it would have been very difficult but don't we all miss our 'baby'.

gsnowey said

01 July 2008 16:31

I decided to research on last year, to see when our chicks will be at each stage and found that at the Tweed Valley last year, they were ringed at 34 days. Had their first flights when they were 54-55 days each and caught a fish at 65 days. I can't wait to see all this unfolding before us, of course they will not do it at exactly the same time but it's interesting to know what may happen. gsnowey

dodo said

01 July 2008 16:39

EJ would have provided for the small chick if there had been plenty of food. Just a day or two before he died I watched her carry the tailend of a fish across the nest in her foot and feed him when the others were full. So surely it stands up that if more fish had been brought to the nest he may have made it. However we must remember he had a handicap... he was five days younger than the eldest and as we have seen they grow so quickly he was left behind.

suel said

01 July 2008 16:40

Jacki G - well, that is wonderful, says exactly what the site is about. I hope you will have as many years of sheer enjoyment and learning that I have been fortunate to get from membership!

Whenever you may get a chance to visit the site, I urge you to go. There are great B&B's and hotels in the area, also so much else to see and do. It's a most beautiful area to visit.

Nana said

01 July 2008 16:43

No, No, and No! The RSPB are right NOT to intervene in the upbringing of chicks of birds of prey like the Osprey. Could anyone successfully teach a young Osprey to fish for itself? Could anyone see a bird like an Osprey spend it's life in captivity? It fills me with horror. A neighbour of mine keeps Harris hawks, Eagle Owls and Serins in cages and I have to steel myself to go past and see these birds in captivity, the urge to let them out is very strong, but I know that they could not survive in the wild. They, most likely, have never been free, were hatched and reared in a cage and I hate it. One day I stopped my car and watched as a Magpie caught and was trying to kill a Starling. A lady pulled up behind me, got out of the car and sent the Magpie away, leaving the Starling, now unable to fly, under the hedge. The Starling suffered a very slow death. I know, because on my way back I saw it still lying where she had put it and gasping it's last gasp. Should she have interfered? I think not. The Magpie just went and got another bird. Apologies if I've bored you all rigid with this long blog and I do know that some very skilled people like, Peter Scott, have saved endangered species by captive breeding and I applaud this, but Osprey are doing very well in Scotland at the moment, thanks to the RSPB, and so trying to hand rear chicks isn't necessary.

Tiger said

01 July 2008 16:47

Sorry I disagee that the chick could not have been hand reared. Translocations in Minnesota, Ohio and nearer to home Rutland are testimony to that. Young ospreys do not seem to need to be taught to fish as all the Rutland ospreys had to teach themselves.

Andi.K said

01 July 2008 16:52

Just come in and read all the blogs...well done to LG team for posting them all.I too have witnessed a lot of deaths this year in the garden....I think we can get too involved because we are so close to this nest. Glad that David answered question from Sixy....that does help put things in perspective. Have they had food this afternoon?

David C said

01 July 2008 17:05

Just back home after a hard day at the office. I was watching the Hobby video. Anybody out there tell me what the incubation period is for the chicks.... Where do they spend the winters?

Valerie said

01 July 2008 17:14

Never has one little chick caused such a commotion bless her/him , I loved the wee thing but we now must put the energy into the two big boys/girls , what has happened is nature and we are so lucky to be able to see it just think if there was no webcam we wouldnt have seen it all happen anyway . Valerie

RobRobboRobbie said

01 July 2008 17:18

Tiger. I think you'll find the chicks translocated were much older than number 3 was! Ospreys are doing very well in the UK now. Keeping weaker chicks alive just adds competition as the years go by. Many ospreys die on migration, just like Henry presumably did. Many deaths are because of humans indirectly or otherwise, but many migrant birds die because they aren't strong enough or are disorientated for one reason or another. e.g. it would be interesting to know how many healthy youngsters die on migration each Autumn, just because they fly out into the Atlantic instead of across the channel. I remember a tracked honey buzzard doing that in recent years. The odds would have been against number3 anyway, regardless of human interference.

Maureen McCann said

01 July 2008 17:40

Hi David C...Hobby info. from their RSPB 'guardians' at New Forest...."We're not exactly sure when the hobby eggs were laid - sometime between 8 & 18 June. It's the same pair as last year, and they laid on 10 June so it is likely they laid at the same time this year. If that is the case we should see the first egg hatch around 10 July."... for more info. you can contact Daniel Parkinson RSPB New Forest. Isn't she gorgious.

m lake said

01 July 2008 17:46

Thank you Tom Trout for pointing out the difference between chicks 1&2 . I checked earlier and see what you mean.

gsnowey said

01 July 2008 18:31

18.22 lots of commotion and calling by all, then OVS arrives with a fish and all is peace and contentment, both chicks being good and taking their turn at being fed.

Barbara Jean said

01 July 2008 18:37

Just logged in to see them eating. It is  wonderful to see how well chicks # 1 & 2 get along even when they are eating.

It is so windy I was afraid there would be very few fish today.  I hoep the winds subside soon

Poor EJ is being blown by the wind.

troutfisher said

01 July 2008 18:40

I read a few weeks ago on the bbc that rspb were considering fitting tracking tags to the birds at the time they are ringed, is this going to happen and will we be able to follow their progress?

David C said

01 July 2008 18:46

Thanks for that Maureen. Living in Northern Ireland we don't see a lot of Hobby's or Osprey's for that matter so it really is a privilege to watch these birds at close quarters.

Nigel Reeves said

01 July 2008 19:38

Susan - it would be a very hard-hearted human who could 'marvel' at a dying chick!

M M G. said

01 July 2008 20:19

This discussion debate call it what you may could go on forever and I like many many other shed tears over it and thinking about a lump still comes to my throat but I think the expression THE SURVIVAL OF THE FITTEST says it all

m lake said

01 July 2008 20:44

Large fish arrived short time ago. Think it was EJ as she was absent when I looked a few minutes earlier.Both chicks eating in an orderly manner.I think EJ is a real hero and must be very tired by now but she steadfastly sticks at it. I just feel if it had all been left to OVS the outcome might have been very different.

Thank goodness she never read the text books.

Kathyj said

01 July 2008 20:49

Meal in progress.

pabraham said

01 July 2008 20:51

I just looked in and EJ is busily eating a fish without either of the chicks bothering her. Must be well fed today, either that or this is a big one and they have had trheir fill right now.

audrey said

01 July 2008 20:53

Just logged on after a few days away - and caught them feeding - then a stretching of wings.  They seem to have doubled in size...OK it's my imagination!!  What a truly beautiful sight they are.  Took a while to read all the 'comments' of the last few days, very interesting.........!!!!

Nigel Reeves said

01 July 2008 21:01

9.00pm. That last fish must have been a whopper - both chicks full up and leaving rest to EJ. Did she fetch it herself or did OVS bring it?

seaweed said

01 July 2008 21:28

How amazing was that?  The biggest fish I have ever seem was landed upon the nest with a massive thud and lots of flapping - EJ I think.  

It has been over and hour and they have still not managed to eat it all. I think that it might have been quite a tough, old one!  At one point EJ flew off with the remains.  It was so comical watching the chicks move in unison following her flight path.  

What incredible creatures!

Von said

01 July 2008 21:47

M M G. said THE SURVIVAL OF THE FITTEST says it all! ....interesting! RSPB...Royal Society for the Protection of Birds... these 2 comments together equal an oxymoron I think!! Please don't take your sick pets to the vets either??? I don't think so!

seaweed said

01 July 2008 21:58

She is still battling her way through the same fish! I must leave her to it and log off.

pabraham said

01 July 2008 22:12

Are they back to the same fish? Wow, must have really been a whopper! They''l all sleep well tonight.

Maureen McCann said

01 July 2008 22:18

How on earth is EJ going to brood her two 'giants' tonight? Especially with all the weight they must have gained from the big fish they have just eaten!!!! Must watch antics.

Nana said

01 July 2008 22:20

Yes, seaweed aren't they? I looked in a few minutes ago and EJ and chick 2 were STILL feeding on the tail end of that fish.......or was it another? Chick1 was sated and EJ was feeding herself with a few morsels for 2 who, judging by the reaction, wasn't too bothered.

Nana said

01 July 2008 22:24

PS What a beautifully sharp picture it is at this time of night. I could just sit and look!

DianaN said

01 July 2008 23:22

Just come in and reading all the comments re Chick 3 and I am reminded of how during lambing when mum rejects one - and we have spent weeks bottle feeding it only for it to die  a few weeks later. The farmer always said nature knows best.  

Incidentally what would have happened if when rescuing chick 3  the parents had been upset and abandoned the nest.   I know it's sad but we do need to move on, the ospreys have.

Kathyj said

02 July 2008 05:26

EJ absent at the moment and all is quiet. Perhaps she has gone to get the first catch of the day.

Andi.K said

02 July 2008 08:26

Morning, isn't it amazing how small the nest looks now with 3 massive birds on it..hard to believe that just a few weeks ago EJ had all that space to herself. Lots of flapping and preening going on, aren't they fab.

Maureen McCann said

02 July 2008 09:03

You're welcome David C....learning curves ready for 'take off' again., watching Hobby's behaviour....I had never heard of them 'til RSPB webcam....thanks RSPB. They will also help to fill the huge gap left by the 'Our Osprey Family'.

gsnowey said

02 July 2008 10:33

Despite it still being very windy yesterday, our osprey family had a lot of fish brought in! 06.30 then 09.44 then they may have had more but I was not online to see. Then 18.22 then 19.15 and to finish off the day EJ I think, brought in the biggest fish I've seen yet, at about 20.25 and it lasted for about two hours!!! At one point OVS came to visit and was sent off in no uncertain terms. as if she was telling him that she got it .so she was keeping it and he couldn't have any of it. EJ was chirping and singing with such joy. at this feast, she hasn't had so much to eat in a long time. Lets hope this is the first of many more huge fish to come in.

m lake said

02 July 2008 10:36

Yes what a clear picture of EJ last night. She stood for ages looking out toward the rspb center looking regal and perhaps very satified with herself for providing such a huge evening meal to her chicks. When she could eat no more she started calling I wondered if she was asking OVS to help finish it off.

Sixy said

02 July 2008 11:00

Dodo, I saw EJ trying to feed 'baby' the tail end.  Don't forget Wee Jeannie, EJ went fishing on her own in order to feed that little one.  But by the time she caught one, the other two were hungry again.  She really did try.

Von:  What a furore you have kicked up!  Very interesting to read everyone's view point.  

So glad they had a good feed last night.  They are looking incredible.  They have grown so much in the last week.  No.1 really looks ready for take off!  DAVID:  WHEN ARE YOU RINGING?  Will you let us know what time you intend to do it and will you wave at the top of the tree?!!

Caberfeidh said

02 July 2008 11:10

11.07 Just looged on to check out the beautiful family and saw one of the chicks aiming a Pooh at the camera.!!! That was a close call..I ducked again !

Like everyone else I am enjoying the Hobby footage. Glad the wind has calmed down as it was making me seasick to see the tree whipping around in the wind !!

sjb said

02 July 2008 11:13

EJ currently calling for food, the chicks are doing some exercising of wings. the Wing span is really very big now, looked as if he/she was going to hit the camera.

sjb said

02 July 2008 11:21

Looks like competition time between the chicks..........MY wing span is bigger than yours, no it's not mine is see....EJ looks on as if to say 'when you are both quite finished, settle down before you knock each other off the nest.' Point taken by chicks, they have now settled down again and chirpping...perhaps they are saying 'sorry mum!'

Andi.K said

02 July 2008 12:55

Poor OVS.he has just arrived, no fish, and has a severe telling off from the entire family....he seemed to get the message after a few minutes.

WEE JEANNIE said

02 July 2008 12:57

12.5pm. Such excitement on the nest - "Oh goody- dad's brought lunch!" - Oh no, it's just a stick! "Go on, Mum - you go and get it, please"

KatieM said

02 July 2008 13:08

Did anyone else see OVS arrive about 20.00 last night (Tuesday 1st) with a small fish ? I think it was him, white breast and I'm sure I saw an orange ring on his right leg. EJ was absent. He flew onto the nest briefly waking the chicks then flew off again; fish in claws. PS After my visit to the Centre last Friday I too have joined the RSPB, it was nice to meet some of the folks who are keeping us so well informed. Thank you. Your work is very much appreciated.

Kathyj said

02 July 2008 13:33

Two youngsters have been alone for a little while since I first logged on (maybe 10 minutes ago). Now one or other is calling - sounds just like EJ now calling for food. And now the other one is moving a stick around - rearranging the nest or doing a bit of tidying up. When I first logged on, the one nearest the cam stared right at the lens and did the sideways movement of the head several times as if saying "who is that I can see". Then s/he looked down at dead No 3, just making sure he is still there and not what can be seen in the lens. Now one of them is having a bit of a sneeze!! And both now preening. Keeping themselves amused while mum is away.

dodo said

02 July 2008 13:53

Have you noticed how the chicks have really found their legs, not walking on their elbows hardly at all

WEE JEANNIE said

02 July 2008 14:02

2.00PM - Yep - looks like mum's gone for lunch - good, she always brings us a nice big fat fish! Dad's not very good at it y'know - but don't tell him we said that! We'll just wait here quietly and fiddle around with the nest !

WEE JEANNIE said

02 July 2008 14:16

2.14PM - "No- she wasn't fishing after all - groan- dad's just arrived with a 'tiddler'!

Joan said

02 July 2008 14:17

OVS just delivered a fish. I feel a bit sorry for him - EJ pushed her way between the chicks to grab the fish and then started feeding the chicks. OVS stood there as if to say "hi I'm home" but was completely ignored! He arranged a few twigs and then flew off. EJ feeding chicks but has now stopped and is alarm calling. One chick looking up at the offending bird, other crouched down low in the nest.

DianaN said

02 July 2008 14:24

Brill, brill, brill  just logged on in daylight hours (lately had to make do with the nightshift) to see EJ arrive back at the nest closely followed by OVS with a smallish fish.

They look absolutely fantastic.

Just about to look in on the Hobbies - not sure if people aware but hobbies natural food is swallows.  Not sure how I will feel about watching one of those being eaten as we have swallows nesting in our stables and follow all the dramas with those each year.  Last year just watched "my family" leave the nest and sit on one of the jumps being fed by the parents.  There were 4 little ones, and a swoosh later there were 3, and I saw it being carried off by a sparrowhawk.  So be warned - get the tissues ready!!

m lake said

02 July 2008 14:31

Logged on 2pm< chicks alone .Then mum arrived back empty handed, seconds later OVS landed with a snack size fish which the chicks devoured very quickly. EJ now calling for more.

WEE JEANNIE said

02 July 2008 15:44

3.44pm. EJ arrives with fish! Good old mum!

pabraham said

02 July 2008 15:44

EJ just arrived with a mid afternoon meal. The chicks/young uns just get up and get ready to eat. Awesome to watch. Looking forward to seeing them fledge.

Sixy said

02 July 2008 16:17

Isn't it lovely to see them eating happily. Both of them nice and full and plenty left over for EJ. Isn't she brilliant.

Carol said

02 July 2008 17:12

Successful ringing at Tweed Valley osprey site today. Two nests and five chicks possible three females and two males. Looking forward to the ringing here.

Carol said

02 July 2008 17:20

If any one wants an idea of just how big these chicks are then go to the Tweed Valley opsrey site and watch the three video clips taken of osprey chicks being checked and ringed at 30 days old.

susan said

02 July 2008 17:47

Just home from work, reading the blogs and watching the birds on the feeders and a sparrowhawk has just came from nowhere and had a blue tit off the feeder. I,m shaking like a leaf. its still there 10 mins later. Mr Reeves, should i be marvelling at the skill of the sparrowhawk or feeling sadness for the blue tit ? :) . I don't know. but do know i;ve just been blown away/stunned with what I've seen. Never expected a sparrowhawk in the garden, we're in a terrace and a very small garden. - Glad to see the LG chicks still looking good.

pabraham said

02 July 2008 18:37

More food! Did OVS just bring this one? I looked up and there was the four of them on the nest, when moments ago it seemed it was just the chicks. Supper time at Loch Garten.

Maureen McCann said

02 July 2008 18:52

Thanks Carol....they are gorgeous..apart from a wee flutter of HUGE wings when being weighed they seemed quite calm. I wanted to reach out and give a cuddle!!!! Shall be going back to 'visit' again.

Maureen McCann said

02 July 2008 19:14

I hope this 'blog' will be posted....just want to let Von know that I respect his courage to say what I know many of us have been thinking/feeling...your heart/mind are in the right place!!! Has 'Sammy' squirrel been trying to take lid off bird nut feeder. It looks as if it may come loose....does he not have enough in his own box?

pabraham said

02 July 2008 20:02

Ha ha! Chicks are trying to eat the piece of leftover fish. "This is harder than it looks when Mum rips it up for us!"

pabraham said

02 July 2008 20:08

And magically EJ is back with another fish! They didn't even finish the last one. Where were all these fish a week or so ago. Ah well. Things are looking good for the Loch Garten ospreys! Well done EJ and OVS!

pabraham said

02 July 2008 22:35

EJ is just so beautiful posing right now next to the camera. It would be a great still shot.

pabraham said

02 July 2008 23:23

I'm surprised that at this time in the evening, EJ is not on the nest. Would she roost somewhere else away from the nest or is she sitting on the camera?

sjb said

03 July 2008 07:14

One chick sunning itself the other looks as if he/she is exploring the nest edge very close to the camera. EJ must have gone for breakfast.