Excitement is building at Loch of the Lowes as we await the fledging of our three osprey chicks. As they enter the ‘fledging window’, they are becoming more and more active and keen to show off their new-found ‘helicoptering’ skills. At times it’s a little crowded on the nest as all three chicks furiously flap and bump into each other! It certainly is quite comedic at times watching them, but as they approach this major milestone in their development, we’re reminded that the serious business of migration is not far away.

In the rain today the chicks are looking a little bedraggled but they are keeping themselves busy with preening (one has to look one’s best when one is about to fly!), flapping and taking an interest in nest re-decoration, as we see them moving twigs and moss, mimicking their parents’ behaviour. It’s easy to forget that they hatched only seven weeks ago! Watching their rapid growth is a fascinating experience.

Elsewhere on the Loch, a large group of Canada Geese have been bobbing around in the mist, and our resident Great Crested Grebe pair are still incubating their egg. Earlier this morning the male Grebe was spotted carrying nest material to add to their floating nest. He’s a good Dad!

Lots of action from the viewing window today….it’s quite a scene with constant movement. A bewildering array of woodland birds are visiting our feeders, including Siskins, Goldfinches, Coal Tits and the charming little Redpoll. Visitors were thrilled earlier with appearance of one of our many Red Squirrels, who put on a show for us, bounding along the tree trunks and leaping onto the feeders, then posing beautifully in the classic pose with tail curled up behind. One little girl was so taken with our resident Great Spotted Woodpeckers that she drew a lovely picture and is proudly taking it home!

Keep an eye on our Webcam to follow the osprey chicks’ fledging exploits…any day now!

Kate – Visitor Centre Assistant