STAFF AT a Perthshire wildlife reserve were in joyous mood yesterday after discovering a late and unexpected arrival had made its bow.

The delight accompanied the successful hatching of an unprecedented fourth osprey chick at the Loch of Lowes near Dunkeld.

Making an appearance early yesterday, the new chick has delighted both staff and thousands of members of the public who have been keeping a watchful eye on the birds via a live web link.

Staff last night reported it was the first time in the long history of osprey breeding at the site that four chicks have successfully hatched in one season.

Andrea Williams, Scottish Wildlife Trust’s reserves ranger at the site, said the arrival had surprised everyone.

“Once three chicks had hatched last week we were not expecting any more and then suddenly a fourth fluffy head was spotted,” she said.

“The extra mouth to feed will keep the parents busy with more competition for food in the nest.

“Just like most families there may be a few squabbles in store.”

The first pair returned to the reserve in 1969—when they were only the fifth known pair in Scotland—and the breeding successes at the reserve mean that 61 chicks have been born so far, with an amazing 42 produced by the current female.

Today there are 160 breeding pairs in Scotland and 50 in Perthshire.

Loch of the Lowes visitor centre is open to the public until the end of September from 10 am until 5 pm.