Flight of the Osprey - highs and lows of life on the nest!

Hello! My name is Geemeff, and I started my love affair with Ospreys when I received my members’ email from Woodland Trust back in 2017 saying they’d installed a nest cam on an ancient Osprey nest in Loch Arkaig in the Scottish Highlands. I started watching along with hundreds of others and saw a male Osprey arriving, on his own, who was duly named Lonesome Louis. All the watchers were hoping he’d find a mate, and a few weeks later a beautiful young female arrived. She was named Aila, and so their love story began. I was instantly hooked by their grace and beauty, their funny and sometimes clumsy ways, the way they prepared the nest and cared for the chicks, and felt it a privilege to eavesdrop on their daily lives.

The years went by, nest life had its ups and downs - a Pine Marten carried off all the eggs in 2018 - but Aila & Louis fledged six chicks over the years, and enthralled the world during Covid 19 lockdown in 2020, where viewership soared to close to half a million with watchers from all over the world. Then last year (2021) Louis returned as usual but there was no sign of Aila. We watchers waited and hoped, and waited some more, but sadly Aila failed to return. Louis took up with a new mate, and he & Dorcha fledged two chicks. This year they are sitting on three eggs, the first is due to hatch around June 1st. Osprey Life goes on!

Having an interest in where Ospreys go on migration and what hazards they encounter on the way, I was intrigued to learn of the Flight of the Osprey (#FOTO) project which will follow satellite-tagged Ospreys between important wetland sites from Scotland along their migration route down to west Africa to answer precisely those questions, and joined the #FOTO team as a volunteer. I’m a member of a few Osprey forums where people like me chat about all things Osprey, so when I asked for responses to two questions about people’s relationships with Ospreys, I received many replies and it’s very clear that Ospreys inspire great passion. 

The questions were: 

1) What is so engaging about Ospreys?

2) What are your best and worst Osprey moments from watching nest cams?

Responses:

Jenny Kos

1) Their differing characters - bossy, noisy, demanding, patient, clumsy, funny (Louis and Aila with sticks, the ones who insist on bringing strange objects to their nests), cute (the osplets at certain ages). They are very much individuals. Their dedication to raising a family even with the worst the weather can throw at them - the males fishing in awful conditions, the females brooding the eggs and tiny chicks when sodden wet or under a layer of snow, then patiently feeding the osplets while their own crops look empty. The settings - ospreys' choices of sites which give such wonderful views (Iris at Hellgate Canyon being a notable exception).

2) Best: hatchings and first flights of the fledglings.

Worst:  the slowly dawning realisation that Aila wasn't going to return in 2021, and a lot of other UK ospreys wouldn't either.

Watch the moment all three Loch Arkaig Osplets fledge (July 2020)

 Suzy Cat

1) Ospreys are so engaging because they are so attractive to the eye, their smaller than Eagle frame belies their strength & stamina. They have such delicate features & small rounded beaks , I enjoy learning their individual markings to try & identify them. The mystery of their migration journey for Winter is fascinating ; I would so like to see where they migrate to, but to see them return to Scotland, decorate nests, wait faithfully to greet their partner in Spring brings me such joy & a warm feeling. Their social behaviour is engaging & entertaining, both are dedicated Parents, fierce defenders & the best at fishing.

Watching them raising a family is the best part, all the different personalities appear as the chicks grow older , learning to fly, then learning to fly with fish! I love how Dad always waits for the last chick to get ready for their long first journey South, like Louis & Vera!

2) Best: when the eggs hatch & the proud Parents take turns brooding chicks. Halcyon happy Summer days of watching them grow & seeing their individual personalities emerge. Learning to fly, starting off with small helicopters & finally lift off. It's very sad if a mate doesn't return as what happened with Aila in 2021, at least Louis found a new mate quickly.

Worst/saddest: when Mother of 3 Alma had chicks predated by a Raven that took chase when she bravely defended them, sadly she was caught by Fox. I still can't watch the whole film, but it's raw Nature we must respect it.

The killing of resident female Alma and her chicks by a Raven in Finland (June 2021)(viewer discretion advised):  

Glider

1) There’s just something about the majestic Osprey that draws you in and you become hooked. They are stunning looking birds, have big personalities and the huge hurdles they overcome to breed is remarkable. They are truly incredible and inspiring birds and I am in awe of them.

2) Best: watching a live nest for the first time in 2020 at Loch Arkaig. From being isolated at home to becoming part of this Osprey world was humbling. My other was seeing CJ7 return to Poole this year, followed by her potential mate that she met late last year after laying infertile eggs for the 2nd year in a row. To see CJ7 with her mate, incubating hopefully fertile eggs this year is just wonderful. Her perseverance over the last 3 years of looking for a mate has finally paid off.

Worst: when Aila did not return to Loch Arkaig in 2021, sadly one of many who didn’t return that year. However, the silver lining was that I found the Loch of the Lowes nest and saw the wonderful Laddie and NC0 raise 2 beautiful healthy chicks.

Janet Turner

1) These raptors are my all time favourite, handsome, resilient and their family life is fascinating.

2) Best: When I first saw an osprey at Loch Arkaig I couldn't actually believe it. I was on a wildlife holiday with Glenloy Wildlife. Now my parents had in 70/80's seen ospreys at Boat of Garten and their comeback is truly impressive.

Worst: Found it a shame that Aila didn't return, also kayakers got too close to the nest at Loch of the Lowes and scared them off.

Liz Arblaster

1)Their beauty and grace, their skills in feeding and rearing their young. The lessons they have brought into our lives tolerance, tolerance, resilience, commitment, joy, steadfastness, patience, humour, tenderness the list is endless!

2) Best: Witnessing first hand the strong bonds being formed between these wonderful birds and the 'near misses' and successes during their nestorising episodes!

Worst: Awaiting Aila's return and watching Louis also waiting

Louis & Aila prepare the nest (Loch Arkaig May 2020)

Carol Millington

1) I think it is engaging because "anything can happen".

2) Best: Love watching the incoming flight. Worst: when part of the nest collapsed.

Hilary Lazenbury

1) Having the privilege to have an insight into the lives of these magnificent birds.

2) Best: Watching the chicks grow and mature to fledge and migrate. Experiencing the gentleness and care the parents take to rear their young, tucking their talons in so as not to pierce an egg. Seeing these once extinct birds flourish.

Worst: The disappointment of seeing a nest fail or a partner not return. Seeing chicks die on the nest. Seeing the mindless destruction of nests by humans.

Valerie Macmillan

2) Best is totally everything from the wonderful birds to the scenery.

Worst is hearing the awful wind and rain when parents are incubating the eggs! I worry too much.

Meg O

1) So many things to love about ospreys. Their size – I love their wings. Sometimes when they drop down onto the nest with their wings fully extended they are a magnificent sight, and also the way they retract them. I am amazed at how far they travel on migration, how they find their way back and how they return to the same nest and the same mate. I love how they each have their role, with the female defending the nest, incubating the eggs, feeding the chicks and protecting them from the weather. I am fascinated at the way they fish, with their ability to spot the fish and dive deep into the water surfacing dripping water with a flapping fish in their talons.. A slo mo replay is a wonderful sight to see. The nest cam allows us to view these birds making a home and raising their brood, and as we focus on just one couple we have the privilege of seeing what they do, how they interact and what happens to them from when they arrive until we are left with an empty nest. There is a reason for every action, and the WT Loch Arkaig site has the added benefit of George, Geemeff, Steve, Liz with her telescope, and other knowledgeable people patiently explaining what we are observing and answering questions. Plus Geemeff’s video clips provide a library to look back at key moments. Thank you for all the time you give to this.

2) Best: Seeing the osprey’s world high up in the tree top with the female on the eggs and the wonderful outward view, with no traffic, no people, just perfect peace. Viewing from the time the ospreys arrive back at the nest and then, after several months and so much effort from the parents, watching live and seeing a young osprey clumsily take off, madly flap its wings and realise it can fly.

Worst: seeing the raven attack the osprey chicks on the Satakunta Osprey nest in Finland. Horrific to watch.

Lesley Brown

1) They are intriguing, for me to see how they care and then depart to warmer climate to return to our climate

2) Best when the chicks are finding who’s the boss.

Worst: when they migrate and we have no idea if they are safe

Jeremy Hirzel

1) The most engaging thing I can think of is that an Osprey is willing to create a nest out in the open on a light pole! There are at least 3 parks here in Saint Marys, GA that have nests on these poles. One day, the female was on a tree about 50 feet from one of these nests, and I decided to sit down right where the pole is! She could see me and the nestlings right from that tree! Many times, she was preening her feathers, but she certainly didn't mind me being underneath the nest!

2) Best: watching the nestlings grow from the time they hatch from the egg until they fledge from the nest. A runner-up to the best moment would be an instance where a parent brings a larger-than-usual fish or 2 fish at the same time! This of course, proves that one of both parents are excellent hunters and they can guarantee there's enough food supply for the nest.

Worst: loss of a nestling or a parent!

Ann Bastien

1) I find the Loch Arkaig Ospreys so engaging as it provides such a rare opportunity to be part of the Ospreys truly wild lives whilst they are on the nest and to be able to follow in detail all the special moments from their arrival on the nest to becoming parents through to their departure. To witness their behaviours and amazing strengths and abilities. Then the hopes and expectations for their safe migration and return as we bid the increased family farewell at the end of the season.

2) Best: too many to list but of course watching the chicks hatch and even to be able to hear the sounds just before hatching*, so special. The tenderness of the early feeds. And watching them fledge, eagerly awaiting their safe return landing! 2020 was a year never to be forgotten, Aila and Louis and their 3 chicks were such a part of it for us and so many others.

Worst: has to be the gradual realisation that Aila has not returned. Only really starting to believe it this year as remained hopeful till 2022 ( just in case)

*Listen to an Osprey chick inside the egg as it hatches (Loch of the Lowes 19 May 2022)

Eimkei

1) They are courageous and loyal birds in simply performing their life's role, and to see film of them fishing is quite breathtaking.

2) Best: watching the chicks taking flight for the first time.

Worst was seeing an empty nest in 2021 knowing one of them must have perished.

Cynde Sadler

Hi from Finland! 1) I don't know what is so engaging but I I find myself mesmerised for hours. Very calming I guess.

2) Best: When the chicks start getting snarky with the parents, like teenagers!

Worst: When one gets hurt or killed. One mother's eggs died and both parents cried for weeks. Another mother was killed by a raven. It's nature, but sad to watch. Best is when the chicks start getting snarky with the parents, like teenagers!

Honey Jerram

1) Ospreys are of course beautiful birds but also their behaviour is interesting to watch, with less violence (other than to fish) than in much of nature; "red in tooth and claw" as it is. Also the nests are situated in some of my favourite places in the British Isles.

2) Best: Watching the parents learning and caring for their eggs and young. Every detail of the daily soap operas has helped so much through lockdown and brought my sister in Spain closer as we discuss the latest happenings.

Worst: Watching a Pine Marten take Aila's eggs. Hearing of human interference and damage to nests.

Scyllabub

1) Ospreys are very beautiful birds with more personality than your average raptor (if there can be such a thing as an average raptor!).

2) Best: reunion of male and female in the spring

Worst: sibling rivalry among chicks.

Valerie

1) There is no other bird like a osprey .

2) Best: 2022 we have a pair once again at Loch Garten, hopefully chicks again

Worst: Loch Garten 2017 when we lost the male and 3 chicks then 2019 the female EJ did not return.

Petty Spurge

1) There are so few large raptors in the UK that watching ospreys nest building and rearing their young is wonderful, especially with such excellent camera coverage.

2) Best: Being drawn into their world and feeling their successes and their sad outcomes. It was great following Vera, Doddie and Captain 2 years ago.

Worst: Wondering where they are now.

James Maxwell

1) What I find so engaging is watching what is (to me, at least) an alien life without any major interference.

2) Best: watching the first flights of the young Ospreys.

Worst: watching the Pine Marten invade the nest (I know this is just Nature at work, but it still was the worst moment).

Lady S

1) Their awesome power when hunting for fish, their migratory abilities.

2) Best: CJ7 and 022 at Poole*.

Worst: Last year at Glaslyn, the storm/Aran/ loss of chicks.

*Note from Geemeff: new Osprey pair CJ7 & Blue 022 are incubating the first eggs in 200 years at Poole Harbour - a real Osprey success story

Sally B

1) Just everything about them! The way they protect their area, nest, eggs and chicks which goes alongside the special partnership and teamwork to achieve the best outcome.

2) Best: Watching the dedication of the parents to provide and care for the chicks. Viewing the chicks' hatching is always special, never ever tire of that! Also seeing some hilarious antics* (ie Laddie with his stick placement on NC0 just so he can get his turn with egg incubation!).

Worst: Seeing a chick pass away. We hold them so close to our heart and really want them to thrive. It can be devastating but that, I suppose, is part of our human nature.

*Aila ‘nestorises’ while the chicks watch in horror (Loch Arkaig June 2020)

Merol Newman

1) I have been interested in ospreys since they first nested at Loch Garten.

2) Best: when an osplet fledges.

Worst: when Ossi's former partner was killed by a fox.

Gill Scanlon

1) I became hooked when I discovered Louis & Aila in 2020. Beautiful, majestic birds.

2) Best: The anticipation of their return from migration, waiting for eggs, then pips followed by how gently they feed their chicks.

Worst: Rooting for the little one but understanding that this is nature.

Adrienne

1) What's engaging is the window into a world that's normally hidden from us. I'm so in awe of their migration and the long-term pairing up to raise young - it's such a privilege to be able to watch every detail on camera.

2) Best: watching Rannoch and Mallie* fledge (my first year of watching) and all the shenanigans of family life as the young birds grow. The worst thing is watching them in terrible weather and concerns about whether all the young will get enough to eat (Captain in the early days in 2020!) I’m really grateful for the work of the Woodland Trust and also to you Geemeff for your great videos.

Geemeff: *Loch Arkaig chicks 2019

H B

1) Watching the Osprey is engaging because it's a glimpse into a world that we would not normally be lucky enough to see (unless we lived close to their habitat). For that, I'm so grateful. I'm learning so much, like the different sounds that they make for things like fish calling or alarm calls; it's also wonderful to see the breeding season from start to finish and whether it's successful or not, it's a part of nature and we learn along the way. I'm also surprised that despite being large and having the beak and talon 'weapons' that they have, they seem to not immediately use them when threatened, and are much more gentle than you would imagine. 

2) Best: when chicks hatch and survive, as it means a greater percentage of Osprey survive to boost the species.

Worst: if you can call it worse, is that we don't really get to see the progression of the chicks that hatch and fledge (although we did see Doddie fishing in Somerset on his way to warmer climates). Wouldn't it be wonderful if we could get to see more of them as adults. Hopefully, some of the Arkaig chicks will eventually return to parts of the UK where there are cameras.

Oscar Grant

1) Long term love.

2) Best: Seeing an emaciated chick beyond hope recover, fledge and do well.

Worst: Watching 3 Osprey chicks and an adult being destroyed by a Goshawk live.

Angela Bailey 

Geemeff, I agree with everyone's very well put, and eloquent, points! The only thing I would add is that it is good to know that they're an indicator species. If Ospreys are around, things are OK.

Geemeff:

Thank you to everyone who left a response. Feel free to leave your own responses, you can leave them in the comments on this YouTube video clip: https://youtu.be/6R7_97ihR7U

Or send an email with ‘Osprey relationship responses’ in the subject field to office@conservation-without-borders.org.

Many people also mentioned ordinary Osprey family life, especially chicks finding their wings and fledging, as their best moments. To end this blog on a happy note, this is a special moment that I recorded and set to music:

Newly-fledged Doddie zooming about while Vera and Captain watch like spectators at a tennis match (Loch Arkaig July 2020)