Feathered flirt quite a lad

THE LATEST antics of the male osprey at Loch of the Lowes in Perthshire could land him in the dog house.

Undeterred by the imminent arrival of his veteran mate, the young bird, known as Laddie, has been courting another woman.

As fans eagerly scan the skies in the hope that record-breaking osprey Lady will return for a 24th year, the male has been spotted “hedging his bets”.

Scottish Wildlife Trust ranger Emma Rawling revealed that Laddie has been less than faithful.

She said: “This new female bird was first seen earlier this week and on Wednesday night there was some flirting on the flat-top tree, which is between the two lochs on the reserve.

“Yesterday he continued this pattern while still paying attention to the original nest as well, but this morning there have been several mating attempts and at least one courtship fish delivery between the pair.

“This represents more than a wee flirtation but is not at all unusual as wild birds will often start another courtship in the absence of a usual mate.”

Fortunately, past experience has shown that should Lady return to he Dunkeld reserve, she will still remain queen of the loch.

Picture: Scottish Wildlife Trust. Laddie waits for the return of his mate at Loch of the Lowes.