Tweed Valley Osprey Diary

Main nest and Back Up Nest

The chicks are now a month old and have grown to about half the size of their parents. They have begun to look like proper ospreys now. Their dappled plumage with pale edging to the dark brown feathers and ginger patch to the back of the neck are emphasized in the rare periods when we get a bit of sunshine between heavy downpours of rain.

The latest highlights DVD for the main nest showing the chicks development from hatching right up to 30th June with footage of squabbles between the youngsters and feeding time with the family is now on show at both osprey centres.

Ringing

The licensed osprey ringers will be ringing the chicks on Wednesday 4th July and this will be screened live into the centres from 10.30am until approximately midday. So far this year all five of our chicks from the main nest and the back up nest are looking very healthy and this will be checked for certain during the ringing. We have a vet attending to take some blood samples and the analysis of these samples will be used for research purposes.

The large Darvic rings, which are put onto the bird’s legs, enable them to be identified at quite a distance once they leave the nest. This way we can keep a track of birds and gauge how well they are doing in the future. It is long-term research and it can often be years later before any records are returned regarding the whereabouts of a ringed bird. For example, our visiting male back in the spring from Fochabers Forest District, this was the first sighting of him with his black leg ring 07, since he hatched in 1999.

Windows on Wildlife

Swallows at Glentress are growing very rapidly, there are four chicks in the nest and they are very close to fledging. The new swallow nest at Kailzie has so far not had any occupants. The birds built a nest and have not returned to it. We shall keep the cameras on there just in case. No sign of the wren at the nest either, it is beginning to look like Mrs. Wren chose another nest!

A fantastic sighting of an osprey at Kailzie Gardens on Thursday delighted visitors as the bird was patrolling along the Tweed and decided to come over and check out the Kailzie Fishery affording fine views for the folk in the centre.

Children’s Event

Birdy Environmental Games in Glentress Forest. 10.00am - 12.00pm

Come and discover the wonderful world of birds, take part in role play games and find out what it is like to be a bird undergoing the trials of nesting, foraging for food and avoiding predators. Have loads of fun in the woods at Glentress Forest and visit the osprey centre afterwards to see how our ospreys and others are doing live on camera.
Suitable for children 7 - 12 yrs.
All children must be accompanied by an adult.
Meet at the Red Squirrel Car Park, Glentress Forest, Peebles.
Booking is essential by phone: 07850 411122.
Or email to Diane@tweedforum.com