All three osprey chicks in loch nest die of starvation

● After male deserts brood, mother left alone

Scotland’s oldest and most famous osprey nest has been struck by “disaster” after all three of this season’s chicks starved.

RSPB Scotland confirmed yesterday that none of the chicks on the nest at Loch Garten in the Cairngorms had survived after resident male Odin vanished last Thursday.

The 20-year-old female, known as EJ, stayed on the nest to protect the chicks from predatory birds, but without a regular supply of fish from the male the young all starved.

There were grave concerns for EJ, but the weakened raptor finally left the nest once the third chick was confirmed dead yesterday and managed to catch a fish for herself.

Jess Tomes, the Loch Garten reserve manager, said: “Whilst we have no chicks, which is a disaster for this nest, a small silver lining is the fact that EJ flew off and has returned back to the nest with a fish.

“We were getting worried that she would be too weak to fish for herself but she has got enough strength left in her and she’s come back with a nice big headless trout this morning.

“She was caught between a rock and a hard place. If she had left the chicks they would have chilled or been predated. Her survival instinct has kicked in and she has found the strength to fish for herself.”

Loch Garten has been the home of the UK’S breeding ospreys since the 1950s. The location was where the birds first returned after becoming extinct as a breeding species in the early 20th century.

RSPB Scotland has been protecting ospreys at Loch Garten since 1958 and from that initial Loch Garten pair, ospreys are now to be found in England and Wales. EJ has fledged 25 chicks since taking possession of the nest in 2004, and has paired with Odin since 2009, producing 17 chicks together.

The male, which is at least 12 years old, is thought to have been scared off following the arrival of up to four younger rivals trying to take over the territory. One has now displayed courting behaviour, bringing sticks to the nest.

It is probably too late for a further clutch of chicks this season, but they could form a new breeding pair from next year should Odin not return to reclaim his partner.

Ms Tomes said: “It’s very late on in the season now and any eggs would likely be infertile. EJ will also be in pretty poor condition, having already produced three healthy chicks and now being starved herself for four days. She will be in no condition to produce healthy eggs now.”