Expectation and excitement are building here at Loch of the Lowes as we await the arrival of our Ospreys from their spring migration. We have a staff and volunteer watch to keep a sharp lookout for the first signs in the area of Ospreys- which incidentally may not initially be our resident pair, but other birds from further north passing through, and just using Lochof the Lowes as a convenient resting stop. ‘Our’ ospreys are usually very distinctive in their behaviour, making a beeline for the nest to stake their claim.

Meanwhile, Great Crested Grebes and Goldeneye duck are both showing courtship signs on the loch, Great Spotted Woodpeckers are drumming their territories in the woods, and the hazel and willow catkins are turning the loch-side golden in places. It is a truly beautiful time of year.

Excitingly this week we also had our first success with our new Camera trap, which has been on one of our lochs’ otter holts for the last week. This link will take you to a great short clip of the dog Otter resident in action!

We are hoping to use this handy technology to collect hard evidence of all sorts of mammal activity on all our Perthshire reserves this year so stay tuned for more insights.

Remember the  Visitor Centre is open full time, seven days from tomorrow, so come and share the joys of spring with us here at Loch of the Lowes.