The first osprey chick of 2021 has hatched out at the Trust’s Loch of the Lowes Wildlife Reserve in Perthshire.

At around 1pm on Monday 17 May a small pip hole was spotted on one of the three eggs laid this season by female osprey NC0. Increasingly vocal cheeping could be heard coming from the nest, and to the delight of Trust staff, volunteers and webcam watchers from around the world, the tiny chick broke out of its shell just before 10pm. It fully emerged in the early hours of Tuesday morning.

Male osprey LM12 brought a fish back to the nest just after 8am, and the chick received its first feed from NC0 shortly after.

The two remaining eggs laid by NC0 this season are expected to hatch by the end of the week.

The Trust’s Perthshire Ranger, Sara Rasmussen, said: “Our Osprey Protection Programme is a huge undertaking which is made possible with the support of 50 volunteers, Trust staff and backing from players of People’s Postcode Lottery.

“Seeing the first chick hatch out is a thrilling sight that demonstrates the importance of guarding the nest from disturbance. Everyone at Loch of the Lowes is proud to play a part in ensuring the reserve provides a safe and secure place for nesting ospreys.

“We’re hopeful this tiny chick will be joined by two siblings by the end of the week. I’d encourage people to keep a close eye on the Trust’s live osprey webcam to avoid missing any of the action.”

Laura Chow, Head of Charities at People’s Postcode Lottery, said: “It’s fantastic to hear that LM12 and NC0 have hatched their first chick of the season. It’s great to see players support helping the Scottish Wildlife Trust’s work to protect ospreys at Loch of the Lowes and seeing chicks successfully hatch demonstrates the importance of the protection programme.”

This is LM12 and NC0’s second season as a breeding pair. In 2020 they successfully fledged one chick.

Our live osprey webcam ensures people from around the world can follow events as they happen.

Loch of the Lowes Visitor Centre & Wildlife Reserve is open to the public from 10:30am – 5pm, Thursday – Monday. Advance booking is recommended to avoid disappointment.

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