Osprey Supermum

I know there was apost about this a little while ago, but I cant find it. I think it was one of TB's


WS

What a story and a remarkable recovery she made. It's sad to think she may not be able to migrate but i suppose she has had an amazing life living to 24.

Thanks for the post WS

Lai

This is one determined lady. God please her, she has raised so many future Osprey and probably outlived some of them too.

Sad it may be the last time she will be seen alive in the UK, but I think she has more than earned her retirement.

SM

Thats brilliant news that the chicks have fledged and are now practicing their flying skills and building up strength.
So wonderful that mum has recovered well, she is one tough lady and a real credit.

I posted the initial post and cam link WS in British Wildlife, the topic is Scottish Wildlife Osprey Cam, the cam is still up and running as the Osprey are still around and there is an update from today.

littlewid-x-

Thanks LW could'nt remember where it was
Ws

Global goodbyes for ‘Lady’

Heading for Africa after dramatic recovery

August 2010: The departure of the UK's oldest breeding osprey, known as ‘Lady', from its annual breeding ground at the Scottish Wildlife Trust's Loch of the Lowes Wildlife Reserve and Visitor Centre has sparked a flood of goodbyes and well wishes from around the globe as concerns now mount that this could be the last time the famous bird is seen in the UK.


MAGNIFICENT: The 'Lady of Lowes' is thought to be
24 years old - making her three tims older than the
average aged osprey. Picture: SWT
More than 2,000 wildlife enthusiasts watched live online at www.swt.org.uk earlier this month as the bird failed to return to its nest, indicating that it had taken to the skies to begin its annual 3,000 migration to West Africa.

Experts now say that there is a 50 per cent chance that the bird, which is estimated to be 24 years old, will return next year, however following a lapse of ill-heath earlier this year it is still unknown whether she will be strong enough to migrate successfully.

Peter Ferns, the Scottish Wildlife Trust's Loch of the Lowes Visitor Centre Manager, said: ‘Watching our magnificent female osprey leave Loch of the Lowes was particularly moving this year as this could be the last time we ever see her.

‘Her mystery illness in June, which left her unable to move or open her eyes for several days, had us all worried and expert ornithologists and veterinary specialists predicted the worst. However, beating the odds, our "Lady" made a recovery. We have been encouraged by signs that she has been feeding herself up and increasing her body weight before her journey, and we can only hope she is now strong enough to successfully complete her migration.

Unprecedented endurance
‘This amazing creature has exhibited an unprecedented endurance over the 20 years she has been breeding at Loch of the Lowes, living over three times the average lifespan for an osprey and producing an astonishing 48 chicks.

‘This alone is a significant contribution to repopulating the osprey species, which became extinct in Scotland in 1916.'

The Scottish Wildlife Trust's osprey blog has received 360 comments so far, offering well-wishes and goodbyes to the ‘Lady of the Loch.' Among them was one from Tina, in Cambridgehire, who wrote: "I just pray that Lady has a safe journey to her winter home. She is very much loved and will be sorely missed."

Martha, from the USA, added: ‘It seems as if the nest isn't the centre of the osprey universe any more for this year, which is as it should be, I suppose. Let Lady and her family be blessed with good fortune.'

Emma Rawling, the Scottish Wildlife Trust's Perthshire Ranger, said: ‘The support and interest we have received from wildlife enthusiasts around the world has been overwhelming and wonderful. Everyone from families in Finland to schoolchildren in Canada have been following the progress of our osprey family. It is encouraging to know that so many people care about Scotland's wildlife.
‘With our female now departed, we only a short time left to watch over her male partner and the chicks. They will follow her to West Africa in the next few weeks to mark another successful breeding season at Loch of the Lowes.

‘Every year, the Scottish Wildlife Trust's staff and volunteers, with help from SITA Tayside Biodiversity Fund, man a 24-hour osprey protection watch to ensure our birds and their eggs are safe during the breeding season.

‘Wildlife crime is sadly still a real threat for the survival of these magnificent animals and we do all we can every year to ensure our birds do not become victims of such an unnecessary tragedy. We hope to welcome our "Lady" back to her protected nesting site and Loch of the Lowes next March.'

Lets all keep our fingers crossed, and hope this wonderfull Lady returns next year

Thought I'd keep it on here LW hope you dont mind

WS

Goodbye Lady and hope you make you journey safely.

SM

Lady I so hope you make it to Africa safely and are soon joined by your chicks and mate. Have a safe journey and I pray for your return in March. What a lady you are

littlewid-x-

I don't mind at all WS.

Safe journey to Africa - and let's hope for many more

Lai