Africa calls as osprey flies nest
Female is off on migration
LF15 has left for her West African migration. Picture by Scottish Wildlife Trust
“We have been keeping a close watch on the loch and on all her usual perches and have decided that now is the time to confirm she has left on migration.
“Since her two chicks (now large, hungry juveniles) fledged, she had been keeping her distance from the nest, encouraging their independence.
“She passed her days calmly sitting on her favourite trees preening, bathing in the loch and taking flights to build her strength and gain condition for her own long journey south.
“Last week, she disappeared from view for a few days and we were on the verge of deciding she was away, but then she returned.”
They continued: “Female ospreys leave the family group first - their part of the breeding season is done.
“Last year, she left us on August 8 so this is a comparatively early departure.
“The male, LM12, is still here to provide fish for the two juveniles while they hone their own flying and fishing skills.
“What a wonderful season of osprey watching LF15 has given us.
“We are truly privileged to protect her and watch her tend her growing family during their time in Scotland.
“Keep safe LF15, you have done a wonderful job protecting and rearing PT4 and PT5. You will be missed but, rest assured, next spring we will be eagerly scanning the sky with hopes for your return.”
The male osprey and the two osprey chicks can still be seen from the reserve hides at the Scottish Wildlife Trust visitor centre at the Loch of the Lowes.