The first osprey egg of 2010 has been laid this morning , sometime between 7.30am and 8.40am. During this time the female was very restless and obviously laying, but didn’t show us her lovely egg until 8.50am. A very proud father has even just been in for a visit.

And so begins five to six weeks of patient egg protection watch by our dedicated band of volunteers and staff.  The watch will be staffed 24hrs a day in all weathers until the chicks are hatched and safe. This is still necessary due to the continued threat from egg thieves (the last osprey egg theft was on Speyside last year unbelievably) despite the birds’ rarity and legal protection. We are also on hand to help and advise keen members of the public and photographers about safe distances from the nest to avoid disturbing the ospreys.