A lot of excitement today at the Loch of the Lowes Osprey nest with several intruder dramas, but our birds and their precious eggs have survived unscathed.

There were three visits to the nest by intruder ospreys (probably the same birds at least twice) and at one stage there were actually four ospreys in view. Add to this the nest being dramatically visited by a Grey Heron this afternoon , which actually tried to land on the nest tree , but was chased by the male osprey , whilst his mate at very tight on the eggs. These birds are very opportunistic predators and will take eggs or chicks left undefended – but our experienced female is far too wise to let that happen!

We all felt for her today though, as she had to wait until early evening for her first fish- another HUGE pike brought in male headless after he had well and truly had his own fill of it.

Here are another couple of wonderful recent photographs by Bryan Turnbull, one of our resident volunteers, taken on the reserve this week.