Update: Sorry for the interruption in viewing! Seems to be a problem with our internet connection. We’re working on it! On a positive note, our Laird has been seen for a while this afternoon, so they are still with us…well dad is anyway!
Fiona

A beautiful morning here at Lowes, with blazing sunshine and a light wind- a perfect late summer day. But what is noticeable is how much the evenings are already shortening, with dark now falling well before 10pm, a sure sign the year is turning fast.

 We know that most animals and birds respond to day length, rather than temperature as triggers for migration and other seasonal behaviour. So little wonder that our ospreys thoughts are all turning south!

 This time of year with ospreys from all over Scotland are migrating,  so those of you who live in southern areas are in for your twice yearly chance of seeing an osprey locally. The birds take all sorts of routes over the UK and can be seen , not just near water ( where they stop and feed and rest up on route) but flying over even built up areas- a couple of years ago, Roy Dennis even satellite tracked on osprey flying right over Heathrow airport!

 So, here is our guide to spotting an osprey:

 Look for a bird about the size of a buzzard (roughly five feet in wingspan) or a very large gull ( such as a black back).

 Look for a distinctive raptor silhouette, with classic ‘finger-tips’ on wing ends, and a slight elbow in the wing- Buzzards have a very straight front wing edge.

 Look for a pale white under belly (not just pale elbow patches like buzzards) and if you can, a pale head- a buzzard always has a darker head. .

 Good luck and be sure to let us know where you are seeing birds!

 Emma Rawling

 Perthshire Ranger