Our breeding osprey LM12 and NC0 have been settling back to life on the nest since their arrival a mere 6 hours apart on Friday 17th March. The pair caused a bit of a stir when first the female and then the male returned back to their nest for their earliest reunion in their 4 years together.

After 7 months apart, the pair have been spending time reacquainting themselves with each other and recovering after their epic 5000km+ journey back to their breeding grounds.

A routine of mating, preening, ‘nestorating’ and of course eating fish provided by the male, has been the main action observed around the nest.

For the first time since last season NC0 spent Saturday and Sunday night on the nest, roosting on the perch. This is a good indication that she is getting close to laying her first egg.

Although osprey can lay an egg 10 days after their first successful mating, in previous seasons NC0 has laid anywhere between 17 to 20 days after both osprey have arrived. As of Monday evening, we are at 18 days after the osprey returned to their breeding grounds. Both birds have been readying the nest with lots of soft rushes and bedding material, and creating a deep nest cup to keep the eggs cosy.

Remember you can follow all the action on the live webcam here. Talons crossed we see our first ‘Easter’ egg soon!

‘Raz’ Rasmussen
Perthshire Ranger