WHERE TO WATCH?

SCOTLAND: Most of the UK’S Ospreys are here, with high concentrations in the likes of Strathspey and Tayside. Loch Garten RSPB remains a great place to see them, and the RSPB reserve at Loch of the Lowes is also a good spot – one female there, the Lady of the Lowes, raised 50 chicks during her lifetime. RUTLAND: This year is the 20th anniversary of the start of the Rutland Osprey Project – in 2015, eight pairs raised 15 chicks, and this year could be even better. Can be seen anywhere on the lake, but the Lyndon Reserve offers guaranteed views, plus a live camera feed in the visitor centre. GLASLYN: The first breeding success at this North Wales site was confirmed in 2004, involving a bird from the Rutland project – nest protection and monitoring has ensured that it has continued ever since. CORS DYFI: A pair have bred at this Wildlife Trust reserve, near Machynlleth, for the past two years, with another, unpaired female also present this year. Great close-up views are possible from the main tower hide. LAKE DISTRICT: Bassenthwaite Lake has been home to a single pair of Ospreys (they nest in nearby Dodd Wood) since 2001 – with plenty of good habitat nearby, there are hopes of a larger population in the coming years. KIELDER WATER: Since 2009, up to three pairs have bred at the Northumberland lake and surrounding forest park – this year, 10 young have been reared, including four in one nest.