Dorissenff said

04 July 2008 13:58

"Are you looking at me? I think I can see you too." Very comical watching the reaction to the reflection in the camera.

joyce pate said

04 July 2008 14:03

One of the chicks is trying to outstare me I think. What beautiful birds they are turning into. Could spend all day watching their antics (which I have been doing) What lucky people you are at Loch Garten to be part of this fablulous happening.

susan said

04 July 2008 14:06

how funny is that, must b able to see his/her refleccion been looking into camera for ages

Barbara Jean said

04 July 2008 15:45

The chicks are doing a lot of preening. I noticed that when they exercise their wings a lot of little white puffs of down fly off. So, their flight feathers must be growing in. I would be interested in knowing if EJ takes them to learn to fish or do they just follow her and learn that way? Also after they take their first flight do they continue to return to the nest or start resting in trees? Thanks to all the people at Loch Garten.. With out you I would never have known about the habits of these magnificent birds.

Linda C said

04 July 2008 16:12

Linda C Having been away for a few days, I would just like to make a few comments regarding interference with nature before moving on and taking pleasure in the rapid growth of the remaining two birds. Are we not encouraged to feed wild birds both in winter and during nesting? I, myself am certainly guilty of such and go even further in having finally achieved a completely cat-proof garden. For I personally do not feel that I should encourage birds into an area unless I am prepared to make it as safe as possible for them. All of this is going against nature and I am proud to do so. For anyone watching Springwatch 2007 will recollect the problems with the barn owls at Heligan. Seven chicks hatched, the infamous eldest nicknamed Hannibal (for obvious reasons) decimated 4 of them and the adult male was killed. All this added much pressure on the female who had to do all the hunting in order for the remaining 3 to survive. Following careful consideration and gaining expert advice, it was decided to provide supplementary food, which proved successful, much to my delight. Yes, I believe there are times when we should go against nature, for many of these endangered species live unnatural lives - illegal shooting, trapping, persecution, loss of habitat etc. Having lived in Malta for 12 of my educational years, I have certainly witnessed such. With regards to the Ospreys, I am sure that all the hard work the LG team do in protecting this species can only be achieved through a depth of passion for these birds, and having endured heartbreak over the last 2 years, would certainly have intervened had it been justifiably right to do so. Thank you to all those involved in this amazing project.

Vivlus said

04 July 2008 16:24

I'd like to thank all the team for making this an Osprey summer for me - one I feel priviledged to have experienced -even though its hard sometimes.. I thank the day we stumbled upon Lochgarten in April. One thing I'm wondering is does anyone know ? - when the young ones return as hopefully they will, will they then become "intruders" and wouldl Mum recognize the previous young>! I've wondered about this whenever there has been an unwelcome osprey near the nest over the last few weeks.

Andi.K said

04 July 2008 16:27

EJ just landed with a fish.she seems to be having trouble unhooking it from her talon...very funny...looks as though she is going to eat around her own foot. Chicks asking for food but Mum is looking after herslef first.

Anne G said

04 July 2008 16:28

Can't believe it - I turn away for a second and when I look back a fish has arrived!

EricG said

04 July 2008 16:29

That's a whopper, Mum.  We'll sleep well tonight unless.........

Barbara Jean said

04 July 2008 17:12

It looks like this fish is an old tough one. EJ is  working very hard to tear up this  one.  

Loony Lynne said

04 July 2008 19:46

Am back after a week away - can have my Osprey fix now! Have read blogs and interesting reads! Thanks to all those that mention feed times, EJ & OVS behaviour, it has brought me up to date.

Once again feel very grateful at being able to watch the whole nature experience ! Many thanks Locah Garten Team, RSP and of course the stars of the show.... Ospreys!

Lynne

Barbara Jean said

04 July 2008 21:00

I just logged on to see OVS bring dinner. It is a rather large fish minus the head. I guess he had dinner first. LOL

M M G. said

04 July 2008 21:14

Sandra I have been up to the Loch of the Lowes several times and also  watch the web cam there. It was a shame only one egg hatched but it is a big strong healthy looking chick now strutting about the nest and like the  other two his/her wings get loads of exercise. I have seen ospreys fishing in lochs when I  have been out fishing(wish they could have taught me a thing or two )but it was something I will never forget a magnificent thing to see.

quietwoman said

04 July 2008 22:20

Ringing young birds is not as simple as it sounds. They are usually taken from the nest seperately, placed in bags, taken down from the nest, then weighed, and measured as well as tagged. Everything has to be recorded. It takes several minutes and the birds are usually quite calm thro' it all....... at least smaller birds are!

Robert said

05 July 2008 00:40

The chicks have been on their own for sometime now i presume EJ is roosting near by on the camera tree?