LM12 and LF15 atop their favourite perch © Mark Westgarth Photography

Our male osprey, LM12, has been kept busy these past few days trying to get our female, LF15, in peak condition for laying eggs. In the past 24 hours alone he’s brought in four fish, gaining the attention of a buzzard and some carrion crow – but they were no match for our pair! On top of ensuring LF15 is well fed, our male has been bringing more nesting material to the now sizable nest, while the female creates a deep bowl in the middle for the arrival of some eggs (hopefully!) in the coming days. The good news from Lowes is that the number of intruding Ospreys has reduced significantly, letting our pair relax and prepare to lay and incubate some eggs. It’s now 15 days since the arrival of LM12 and the first successful mating attempt- so we have our fingers and toes crossed that the first egg will be laid within the next few days.

Jennifer, Species Protection Officer