​Female osprey LF15 has left Loch of the Lowes wildlife reserve in Perthshire after successfully rearing a full brood of three chicks over the summer.

Charlotte Fleming, Perthshire Ranger, Scottish Wildlife Trust said: “We haven’t seen LF15 for several days which means it’s highly likely that she has now started her long migration south to Africa. Last year she left the reserve on 7 August, it’s possible that blustery winds kept her here slightly longer than usual.”

“The male LM12 and the three young birds should hang around for a little bit longer before departing, so there is still a good chance to watch ospreys at the reserve this month. There’s also a fantastic range of other birdlife for people to see at the reserve, including great crested grebes, goosanders and yellowhammers, and Loch of the Lowes is one of the best places in Perthshire to see red squirrels.”

LF15 arrived for her second season at the reserve on 18 March, followed a week later by her mate LM12. The  webcam that monitors the nest has been viewed more than one million times since the pair returned.

The Scottish Wildlife Trust’s Osprey Protection Programme is supported by players of People’s Postcode Lottery.

Clara Govier, Head of Charities, People’s Postcode Lottery said: “We’re delighted that the ospreys at Loch of the Lowes reserve have enjoyed another successful season, and that the public have been able to follow every step of their journey with the support of our players. We’re already looking forward to hearing about LF15’s return to Scotland in 2017.”