The Trust is inviting members of the public to guess when the famous female osprey, known affectionately by many as ‘Lady’, might arrive back in Perthshire for what would be her landmark 25th year.
For the last 24 years, the female osprey has returned to the Trust’s Loch of the Lowes Visitor Centre and Wildlife Reserve, near Dunkeld. Over that period, she has laid a staggering 71 eggs and fledged 50 chicks. This means she could be Europe’s oldest and most prolific breeding osprey.
As anticipation builds, the Scottish Wildlife Trust has launched a competition supported by players of People’s Postcode Lottery to guess when ‘Lady’ might arrive. Members of the public can enter the People’s Postcode Lottery Osprey Countdown by visiting scottishwildlifetrust.org.uk/osprey-countdown. The winner of the competition will be treated to a once-in-a-lifetime, VIP Osprey Experience at Loch of the Lowes plus an osprey adoption pack.
The Scottish Wildlife Trust Perthshire Ranger, Charlotte Fleming, said: “Excitement is growing at Loch of the Lowes as we approach the time when our resident female osprey usually returns. Her earliest arrival was on 20th March in 2009 and her latest arrival was on 7th April in 1991 (the first year she ever appeared), so it really is anyone’s guess.
“Time and again, despite the odds, she has surprised us, so we remain hopeful she will be back again.
“The Scottish Wildlife Trust is encouraging people to keep an eye on the nest by visiting scottishwildlifetrust.org.uk/ospreycam, as she could arrive at any time.”
Clara Govier, Head of Charities at People’s Postcode Lottery, said: “Players are in love with the story of the female osprey at Loch of the Lowes and that makes supporting this competition all the more special.
“Our players will be watching the ospreycam to make sure they don’t miss her return.”
Every year, the webcam on the nest attract over a million viewers from 96 different countries including: Vietnam, Zimbabwe, and Kuwait. A special feature has been launched this season giving viewers a chance to receive behind-the-scenes insights from the team at Loch of the Lowes.