One of Scotland’s best-known birds has returned to its Highland home after spending the winter in Africa.

The female osprey, known as NC0, arrived at the Scottish Wildlife Trust’s Loch of the Lowes Wildlife Reserve, near Dunkeld, on Monday 17 March, and was first spotted on the nest at 14:27.

This will be NC0’s sixth successive breeding season at the wildlife reserve, but her first without long-term partner LM12, who sadly died of natural causes last year. The pair had previously fledged seven chicks together.

Sara Rasmussen, the Scottish Wildlife Trust’s Perthshire Ranger, said: “We’re thrilled that NC0 has arrived safely following her long journey north. After increasingly early returns over the last few years, we’ve been eagerly awaiting her arrival since the start of March.

“After she was spotted circling over the loch, she initially perched on top of the osprey camera but hopped down to the nest and promptly began rearranging twigs.

“We’re never sure what to expect with the ospreys, especially after the tragic passing of LM12, who had been such a presence on the reserve for well over a decade. Two other male birds were showing an interest in NC0 last year, one of which she seemed to bond with, so we’ll be watching closely to see if they – or any other ospreys – show up in the coming weeks.”

While NC0 lost her coloured identification ring last year, Trust staff can identify individual ospreys by their specific markings and behaviours. Nature enthusiasts from all over the world have also come to recognise NC0 as the one of the stars of the Scottish Wildlife Trust’s live webcam, which can be viewed on the Trust’s website and YouTube channel.

Ospreys were driven to extinction in Britain in the early 20th Century, however they naturally recolonised Scotland in the 1950s and their numbers have grown steadily since. The latest estimates suggest there are around 300 breeding pairs across the UK. Most of these birds migrate to West Africa but some overwinter in Spain and Portugal.

The recovery of ospreys is thanks to the efforts of conservation charities including the Scottish Wildlife Trust. The Species Protection Team at Loch of the Lowes Wildlife Reserve is supported by players of People’s Postcode Lottery, with funds awarded by Postcode Planet Trust.

Laura Chow, Head of Charities at People’s Postcode Lottery, said: “It is wonderful to see NC0 return to her Highland home, marking another significant chapter in the ongoing conservation efforts at Loch of the Lowes Wildlife Reserve. The dedication of the Scottish Wildlife Trust and the invaluable support from players of People’s Postcode Lottery are essential in helping to protect these magnificent birds and their habitat.”

Loch of the Lowes Wildlife Reserve and Visitor Centre is currently open seven days a week from 10:30am to 5pm. As well as ospreys, the site is home to other wildlife including red squirrels, beavers and great spotted woodpeckers.