The departure of the UK’s oldest breeding osprey, known as ‘Lady’, from its annual breeding ground at the Scottish Wildlife Trust’s Loch of the Lowes Wildlife Reserve and Visitor Centre has sparked a flood of goodbyes and well wishes from around the globe as concerns now mount that this could be the last time the famous bird is seen in the UK.

Over 2,000 wildlife enthusiasts watched live online at www.swt.org.uk yesterday (5 August 2010) as the bird failed to return to its nest, indicating that it had taken to the skies to begin its annual 3,000 migration to West Africa.

Experts now say that there is a 50% chance that the bird, which is estimated to be 24-years-old, will return next year, however following a lapse of ill-heath earlier this year it is still unknown whether she will be strong enough to migrate successfully.

Peter Ferns, the Scottish Wildlife Trust’s Loch of the Lowes Visitor Centre Manager, said:  “Watching our magnificent female osprey leave Loch of the Lowes was particularly moving this year as this could be the last time we ever see her. 

“Her mystery illness in June, which left her unable to move or open her eyes for several days, had us all worried and expert ornithologists and veterinary specialists predicted the worst.  However, beating the odds, our ‘Lady’ made a recovery.  We have been encouraged by signs that she has been feeding herself up and increasing her body weight before her journey, and we can only hope she is now strong enough to successfully complete her migration. 

“This amazing creature has exhibited an unprecedented endurance over the 20 years she has been breeding at Loch of the Lowes, living over three times the average lifespan for an osprey and producing an astonishing 48 chicks.  This alone is a significant contribution to repopulating the osprey species, which became extinct in Scotland in 1916.”   

The Scottish Wildlife Trust’s osprey blog has received 360 comments so far, offering well-wishes and goodbyes to the ‘Lady of the Loch.’

Tina from Cambridgeshire said:  “I just pray that Lady has a safe journey to her winter home.  She is very much loved and will be sorely missed.”
 

While Martha from USA added: “It seems as if the nest isn’t the center of the osprey universe any more for this year, which is as it should be, I suppose.  Let Lady and her family be blessed with good fortune.” 
 

Emma Rawling, the Scottish Wildlife Trust’s Perthshire Ranger, said:  “The support and interest we have received from wildlife enthusiasts around the world has been overwhelming and wonderful.  Everyone from families in Finland to school children in Canada have been following the progress of our osprey family.  It is encouraging to know that so many people care about Scotland’s wildlife. 

“With our female now departed, we only have around two weeks left to watch over her male partner and the chicks.  They will follow her to West Africa in the next few weeks to mark another successful breeding season at Loch of the Lowes.

“Every year, the Scottish Wildlife Trust’s staff and volunteers, with help from SITA Tayside Biodiversity Fund, man a 24-hour osprey protection watch to ensure our birds and their eggs are safe during the breeding season.  Wildlife crime is sadly still a real threat for the survival of these magnificent animals and we do all we can every year to ensure our birds do not become victims of such an unnecessary tragedy.  We hope to welcome our ‘Lady’ back to her protected nesting site and Loch of the Lowes next March.”

***ENDS***
 

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION OR IMAGE REQUESTS, PLEASE CONTACT:
Nicola McGovern, PR and Communications Manager, Scottish Wildlife Trust
0131 312 4742
nmcgovern@swt.org.uk
                
Notes to Editors

1. Stock still images and high definition footage of the osprey are available on request. 

2. Photographers and broadcast journalists are welcome at the Scottish Wildlife Trust’s Loch of the Lowes Wildlife Reserve and Visitor Centre, but are requested to make contact before arriving.

3. The Scottish Wildlife Trust is the largest voluntary body working for all the wildlife of Scotland, representing more than 35,000 members who care for wildlife and the environment. We seek to raise public awareness of threatened habitats and species and manage over 120 reserves Scotland-wide.

4. The Scottish Wildlife Trust receives financial assistance and support from a range of organisations, funders and individuals including Scottish Natural Heritage and the People’s Postcode Lottery.