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Persecution by hunters and egg collectors during the Victorian era caused breeding ospreys to become extinct in Scotland by 1916. However, by the 1950's, ospreys were again gracing Scottish skies, before finally nesting successfully at Loch Garten in Speyside in 1959. Ospreys appeared back in Perthshire in 1969, choosing the recently established Loch of the Lowes Nature Reserve, near Dunkeld, as their nest site! Happily these magnificent fish eaters have been regular annual visitors to the loch since 1970, rearing over 50 chicks. The reserve has already attracted over 1 million visitors and is one of the best places in Scotland to see breeding osprey. Observation hides and a CCTV link at the visitor centre afford stunning views of the birds at their eyrie between the end of March and mid - September.
OSPREY FACTS
Powerful - an osprey can raise itself and a fish weighing as much as 2 kg out of the water and can lift large branches to its tree top nest. When in Scotland diet consists of trout and pike.
Ospreys only weigh about the same as a small chicken but have a very large wingspan - between 1.5 and 1.7 metres - only golden eagle and sea eagle have larger wingspans.
Uniquely amongst birds of prey, the osprey is adapted for living exclusively on fish. Accurate vision allows it to spot fish swimming near the surface from up to 70 metres above the water.
A 2003 study recorded 147 breeding pairs of osprey in Scotland - 97% of the entire UK population. There are around 50 breeding pairs in Perthshire.
Those birds that breed in Scotland spend the winter in warmer African climes. Ospreys are resident in Scotland from March/April until Sept. approx.
Migration across thousands of miles is aided by a special magnetic organ in the ospreys' brain which is aligned to the natural polarity of the earth. Landmarks on the ground and hereditary routes also play a part in navigation.
Tips for Successful Watching
Ospreys usually build nests in trees close to lochs or rivers - they need to be close to a ready meal.
Birds and the law
All wild birds are protected by law and some species (such as osprey) have special protection under both UK and European legislation. It is a criminal offence to knowingly disturb a nest/eyrie or interfere with the eggs. "Disturbance" includes photography and filming, even with remote-operated cameras.
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WHERE TO WATCH
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Loch of the Lowes Visitor Centre, Scottish Wildlife Trust, by Dunkeld, Perthshire, T: 01350 727 337
Open daily (10am to 5pm) all year round. The centre has observation hides, `Nest cam`/CCTV, telescopes, binoculars, excellent displays and expert staff. Scottish Wildlife Trust
Other places to see ospreys
Sharp eyed visitors may also spot ospreys feeding on other lochs such as Loch Leven National Nature Reserve, near Kinross
Highland Adventure Safaris, by Aberfeldy (T: 01887 820071) - open throughout the year.
Land Rover safaris into the mountains and moorlands of the area in search of native wildlife.
www.highlandadventuresafaris.co.uk
The natural history gallery at Perth Museum and Art Gallery has a good display on the life of the osprey as well as fascinating information on many other wildlife species… and it's free of charge.
Perth Museum and Art Gallery, George Street, Perth. Open Monday to Saturday 10am to 5pm. Closed Christmas to New Year inclusive.
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AT LOCH OF THE LOWES, NEAR DUNKELD, OVER 70 LOCAL VOLUNTEERS PLUS STAFF USE HI-TECH SURVEILLANCE EQUIPMENT TO GUARD THE OSPREY NEST AND EGGS.
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Thanks to photographer Michael Davison for supplying the osprey images on this page.
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