The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Osprey Laddie returns to Loch of the Lowes
Jubilant staff now hoping his mate will appear from the long migration
Staff at Loch of the Lowes are celebrating after the resident male osprey ‘Laddie’ returned for the annual breeding season.
The osprey, which is officially called LM12, is believed to have returned to the Scottish Wildlife Trust-managed site on Thursday evening, the earliest appearance of a resident bird in the nearly 50 years ospreys have occupied the reserve.
The bird was seen on a live webcam after it touched down following the long migration from West Africa.
Because Laddie is not ringed it took detailed observation of his features and behaviour to confirm his identity.
Staff and visitors to the wildlife reserve are now waiting for the arrival of his mate LF15, who could arrive any day.
The pair fledged three chicks in both 2015 and 2016. The Scottish Wildlife Trust is hoping that 2017 will see similar success.
Earlier on Thursday an unidentified young male osprey briefly occupied the nest before flying off.
Charlotte Fleming, Perthshire Ranger at the Scottish Wildlife Trust, said: “One of our eagle-eyed volunteers spotted LM12 just after 5pm.
“He spent several hours in the nearby trees but didn’t touch down on the nest until early this morning when he appeared carrying his breakfast.
“From the views we’ve had of his distinctive chest pattern and long wing tips we are as sure as we can be that it is LM12.”
She added: “He has also made himself well and truly at home, bringing in sticks and preparing the nest, which is further proof that he is the resident male.”