Garten ospreys to be satellite tracked for first time

July 2008. For the first time chicks from the Loch Garten osprey nest have been fitted with satellite tags.  This will allow Loch Garten's online following to keep up with the chicks year round. Especially once they have left the nest for their 3000 mile migration to West Africa.

Satellite tracking online
A new website has been set up to allow people to see just where the birds are, at www.rspb.org.uk/ospreytracking and this will build on the blog and the live nestcam www.rspb.org.uk/lochgartenlive which have made the Loch Garten ospreys widely accessible in recent years.  These innovations have proved hugely popular, with the nestcam alone receiving a phenomenal 200 000 unique visitors this year.

Ross Watson, RSPB Abernethy Reserve warden said: "For the first time, we'll have an accurate idea of where these birds winter and how long it takes them to get there.  As well as teaching us more about their behaviour, we hope to link up with people and schools along the migration route, to share information and enhance protection for these magnificent birds throughout the year."

"We expect them to fledge in mid-July, and then they'll spend about a month learning to fly and feed around Strathspey.  Eventually, towards the end of August, they'll head South to West Africa, although this time we'll be able to keep an eye on them all the way."  

Two healthy chicks
It's been a successful year for the Loch Garten nest, especially after last year's

disappointing season when no chicks survived.  This year, three chicks were born to parents EJ (female) and VS but unfortunately, the third one proved to be just too weak to survive.  However the two older chicks are very healthy, and this year has to be regarded as a success in the illustrious history of the Loch Garten nest.