Here at Loch of the Lowes we are all waiting with baited breath for the arrival of the ospreys this spring from their wintering grounds in Africa. As the ice on the loch finally melts, and the winter wildfowl begin to leave for the north, we are seeing our first summer visitors such as curlews arriving. The birds we are most eagerly awaiting are the ospreys of course- who usually arrive in the last week of March.

All the talk here is about whether or not the birds will be late this year, because of the hard winter conditions, or whether our female will be an early bird as usual. Will she even make it back this year? If she does it will be her record breaking 20th breeding year at Loch of the Lowes. This incredible bird has travelled thousands of miles on migration every year for 20 years, and has laid more than 50 eggs.

You can help us keep a lookout for our birds arrival via the webcam– if you are the first to spot an osprey on the nest, you can win a pair of Opticron binoculars. Just email us the exact date and time of your sighting, with your contact details, and an image if possible.

It will be my privilege to join you in watching the ospreys this year as the new Seasonal Perthshire Ranger based at Loch of the Lowes, and to help in protecting these amazing birds.