The Trust can reveal the first osprey chick of the season has hatched at the Scottish Wildlife Trust Loch of the Lowes Visitor Centre and Wildlife Reserve.  

Just after 11pm, the female began looking unsettled and uncomfortable sitting in the nest. Then, at 11.38pm the bird stood up and gave the Osprey Watch team a glimpse of movement which suggested a chick had hatched but they could not confirm if a chick could be spotted. After reviewing nest footage, this may have been the first images of the new chick. The 24-hour Osprey Watch Team – which is supported by players of People’s Postcode Lottery – did not manage to get a clear view of the new chick until 8.36am, when the male osprey stood up and revealed his new chick.

The Scottish Wildlife Trust Perthshire Ranger, Charlotte Fleming, said: “The whole team of staff and volunteers at Loch of the Lowes is delighted that the first chick has finally hatched. It has been a long and nervous wait to see if our new pair would produce a chick in the first season, so this comes as a bit of a relief.

“However, there are still two more eggs of the nest that need to be incubated. At this point, they will need to juggle their attention between tending to their newly hatched chick and incubating the remaining eggs. This is a very vital stage of the season and hopefully the new parents will be up to the challenge,

“The Scottish Wildlife Trust would urge the public to visit Loch of the Lowes this bank holiday weekend to see our new chick. Our team of experts are on hand to offer live interpretation and teach people about why osprey conservation in Scotland is such a success story.”

Head of Charities for People’s Postcode Lottery, Clara Govier, said: “Players will be delighted that their support has kept the ospreys at Loch of the Lowes safe so they can incubate their eggs undisturbed. Many congratulations to the new parents and fingers crossed the other chicks will hatch soon.”