Ospreys are, it seems, like London buses. Many of us have waited patiently for their return. Here at Loch of the Lowes, this patience has been rewarded with a surplus of our migrating marvels.
Our visitors have been delighted by the additional ospreys on show with three and four birds being simultaneously visible on various occasions.

There is some degree jeopardy in this spectacle. The unexpected birds are intruders more than visitors. The intruders have been kept at bay with relative ease so far, as our resident pair (LM12 and NC0) continue to defend their nest. This drama is not unusual, and is a testament to the successful breeding of ospreys in Scotland in recent decades.

Whilst it has not been possible to identify the intruding birds. We have captured footage of a female landing repeatedly on the nest. She is un-ringed but we believe her markings match those of the unknown female present in 2021.

There has also been an unknown male who has not been seen on the nest but has been observed in flight in close proximity to the nest. A ring has not been spotted and neither have his marking been clearly recorded.

Loch of the Lowes is an attractive nest site for an osprey and it is to be expected that other birds will have designs on accommodating it. It will be of great interest to all of us here and viewers from afar how it plays out and with much speculation on the possible outcomes.

Whether it will be a flash in the pan caused by the fleeting envy of curious intruders, or a more protracted tussle, remains to be seen. Those that can visit might get to see the conclusion for themselves and, as ever, keep your eyes on the webcam.