The osprey season at Loch of the Lowes Visitor Centre & Wildlife Reserve has truly begun with the arrival of resident female osprey NC0.

Webcam viewers got their first look at the female bird when she arrived on the nest shortly after 1pm on Thursday 25 March. She could be heard loudly begging for food, hoping to receive a fish from her mate LM12. The pair quickly attempted to mate once the male arrived back at the nest.

Sara Rasmussen, the Trust’s Perthshire Ranger said: “NC0’s return means our season has truly begun. NC0 and LM12 are showing all the signs of an established pair and we have already seen mating attempts.”

“Thanks to support from players of People’s Postcode Lottery our staff and volunteers are raring to go. We’re ready to give these birds the round the clock protection that they need for a successful breeding season.”

NC0 was ringed at a nest near Loch Ness in 2016. She first bred with LM12 in 2020, and the pair successfully fledged one chick together. LM12 has breeding at the reserve since 2012.

The male bird arrived at the reserve at 5pm on Sunday 21 March. Since then he has been working hard to prepare the nest for the season ahead, rearranging sticks and twigs and digging out a shallow nest cup.

Will Humpington, Advisor for Climate Change & Environment, People’s Postcode Lottery said: “Our players will be thrilled that LM12 and NC0 have reunited for a second season. We’re incredibly proud to support the Scottish Wildlife Trust’s work at Loch of the Lowes, which gives ospreys a safe place to nest and helps people to connect with the lives of these incredible birds.”

Loch of the Lowes Visitor Centre & Wildlife Reserve is currently closed to the public, but the Trust’s live osprey webcam ensures people from around the world can follow events as they happen.

Our Osprey Protection Programme at Loch of the Lowes is supported by the players of People’s Postcode Lottery.