A second osprey chick has hatched at the Scottish Wildlife Trust’s Loch of the Lowes Wildlife Reserve in Perthshire.
Staff at the reserve saw the first signs of hatching just after midnight on Wednesday 19 May. It was a full day later, at around 1:16am this morning, that the chick finally hatched.
By 3am both the new chick and its older sibling could clearly be seen together in the nest, and a few hours later they both received a beakful of fish from their mother.
Species Protection Officer Hayley Hodgson said: “Compared to the first chick this one took its time coming out of the egg, but we’re delighted there are now two young ospreys in the nest. Hopefully it won’t be long until the third hatches out.
“Since they hatched both chicks have been regularly fed, thanks to the strong teamwork of their parents. LM12 is regularly bringing fish to the nest and NC0 is diligently offering up pieces of fish to her youngsters.
“Thanks to support from our staff, volunteers and players of People’s Postcode Lottery our season is progressing really well. The best way to follow the progress of the chicks is to watch our live webcam, or book a ticket online for our visitor centre.”
Laura Chow, Head of Charities at People’s Postcode Lottery, said: “I’m thrilled that a second chick has hatched out at Loch of the Lowes and we’re pleased that support from players of People’s Postcode Lottery is contributing to another successful breeding season at the reserve. We’ll be keeping our fingers crossed that the third chick will emerge soon.”
Ospreys chicks need to develop rapidly before taking flight and migrating south at the end of summer. The chick’s parents will have to work hard over the summer to ensure the growing brood receives a steady supply of fish.
2021 is LM12 and NC0’s second season as a breeding pair. Last year 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.