The Trust can confirm the arrival of a new female osprey at its Loch of the Lowes Wildlife Reserve, near Dunkeld.
Wildlife enthusiasts from around the world have been patiently waiting to see if the female osprey, affectionately known by many as ‘Lady’, will return for what would have been her 25th year at the site. However, late yesterday afternoon a young female osprey appeared in the nest at Loch of the Lowes. She then began pair-bonding with the resident male osprey and has since mated with him multiple times.
The Scottish Wildlife Trust Perthshire Ranger, Charlotte Fleming, said: “Everyone at the Scottish Wildlife Trust Loch of the Lowes Visitor Centre and Wildlife Reserve is so excited by the arrival of this new female.
“Many people have been asking if this means that our famous osprey – affectionately known by many as ‘Lady’ – will not return this year, but we simply do not know. There is still a possibility that she will return – and dramatic scenes could unfold if ‘Lady’ were to begin to compete for her nest and her mate.
“The natural behaviour of ospreys is fascinating and one of the many reasons that the ospreycam drew a million viewers last year from 96 different countries. The Scottish Wildlife Trust would encourage everyone to visit scottishwildlifetrust.org.uk/ospreycam and watch the story unfold.”
Over the Easter weekend, the Scottish Wildlife Trust Loch of the Lowes Visitor Centre is running osprey-themed family fun days from 11am to 4pm on Saturday and Sunday. This is the perfect opportunity to learn more about ospreys and see the new female from the hides.