It’s been an eventful few weeks, as on the 15^th July 2022, youngest chick LR0 finally fledged the nest! They made their first stop onto the camera post around 13:01 and went for a full flight from the nest at around 13:53. We’re thrilled to see that this year’s osprey season has produced two fully fledged osprey chicks, though the relief and pride doesn’t quite take away the sting of impending empty-nest syndrome.

From the hides, eldest chick LP8 can be seen doing some very fancy flying, using their tail feathers to twist and turn over the loch, and even lowering themselves to dip their talons in for a little wash. They’re even starting to get a handle on landing on the nest, which always proves a challenge for ospreys, no matter what age they are.

As well as practicing their fancy flying skills, LP8 has been taking household chores into their own talons, moving sticks and moss around the nest to maintain its shape and structure. They’re also developing their flight skills, attempting to take off whilst carrying a fish and rearranging it to be head first – the most efficient way for ospreys to carry fish. All of this work and extra activity is clearly very tiring for young ospreys, so taking time for a nap is very important.

LM12 is the same as ever and continues to bring large amounts of soft nesting material such as moss to the nest. Whilst he does this with the best intentions, his gestures aren’t so kindly received from the chicks, especially LP8. When LM12 brings in large clumps of moss to a nest of hungry chicks, LP8 isn’t afraid to show how they feel about the lack of fish, and after inspecting the ball of moss to see if it contains any fish, they bully the poor boy off the nest.

Now that the chicks are fledged, the nest can remain empty for hours at a time, as the chicks work to strengthen their flight muscles prior to migration. With such a large, well-established nest just sitting there unguarded, it’s no surprise that a few opportunistic birds might start stopping by for a nosy look.

Stay tuned to the webcam to keep up to date with the young brood’s development. Or follow us on Twitter or Facebook for regular updates.

Charlotte Needham

Seasonal Assistant Ranger

The Trust’s Osprey Protection Programme at Loch of the Lowes is supported by players of People’s Postcode Lottery.