Hopes for the survival of the UK’s oldest breeding female osprey are slowly gathering pace today (Wednesday 23 June) as wildlife experts watch on in astonishment as the bird, known affectionately as the ‘Lady of the Loch,’ begins to show positive signs of a recovery.
After fears mounted across the globe earlier this week following a decline in the osprey’s condition which was watched by a global audience online via the Scottish Wildlife Trust’s HD nest cam, the bird experts have described as “phenomenally hardy” has recovered strength in its legs and can be seen feeding its chicks once again.
The 25-year-old bird, which has significantly outstripped the average eight-year lifespan of an osprey, has exceeding all expert and vetenery expectations, who predicted that the bird would not live beyond today (Wednesday 23 June).
Peter Ferns, Scottish Wildlife Trust’s Loch of the Lowes Visitor Centre Manager, said: “While we still believe that the episode of ill-health we witnessed between Friday (18 June) and Sunday (20 June) is an ominous sign for the future survival of our ‘Lady’ osprey, we are cautiously optimistic that she has might manage to recover and hope she can now see out the breeding season with us at Loch of the Lowes.
“Her previous symptoms of ill-heath suggested that she might be deteriorating naturally due to old-age; now we hope that it may have instead been an infection which she has managed to fight off. Either way, we must be cautious because the likelihood of a reoccurring episode of ill-health is high. Once a wild animal has suffered from illness it is very difficult for them to recover. However, as we all know, Lady is no ordinary osprey.
“Our HD nest cam offers a superb and unrivalled view of all the action and intimate details which take place within a breeding osprey nest. Through this, we are continually learning more about the life and behaviour of osprey and Lady’s recent experience gives us a powerful insight into exactly how robust these animals are.
“Due to her advanced age, every day that Lady survives at Loch of the Lowes is a miraculous achievement and we are delighted to be able to share this wonder of nature with the visitors to our Centre and those who join to watch with us online.”
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FOR FURTHER INFORMATION OR IMAGE REQUESTS, PLEASE CONTACT:
Nicola McGovern, SWT PR and Communications Manager
0131 312 4742
nmcgovern@swt.org.uk
Notes to Editors
1. Stock still images and high definition footage of the osprey are available. Please contact SWT’s PR Officer with requests.
2. Photographers and broadcast journalists are welcome at the Loch of the Lowes Wildlife Reserve but are requested to contact the PR Officer before arriving.
3. SWT 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. SWT seeks to raise public awareness of threatened habitats and species and manages over 120 reserves Scotland-wide.
4. SWT receives financial assistance and support from a range of organisations, funders and individuals including Scottish Natural Heritage and the People’s Postcode Lottery.