BIRDWATCHERS twitched with excitement yesterday as staff at a popular Perthshire nature reserve revealed one of the area’s most famous feathered visitors had returned, writes Dave Lord.

The osprey had travelled more than 3000 miles to arrive at Loch of the Lowes for her summer stay.

Every year staff wait with for their distinguished visitor—and for each one of the past 18 they have not been disappointed.

The arrival of the female osprey is regarded as significant as it marks the start of the breeding process for one of Scotland’s most magnificent and best-loved bird species.

Claire Troup, Perthshire ranger with the Scottish Wildlife Trust (SWT), said, “We are thrilled our female osprey has returned again this year.

“Despite her age, she has managed to make a 3000-mile migration from west Africa to her breeding ground at Loch of the Lowes.”

“She is now waiting for her mate —a male osprey identified with a green leg ring—that usually arrives within a week of the female,” she said.

“The resident male will then chase any interloper away and initiate the breeding process.”

A global audience is expected to view the drama on the internet over the next two months.

“After mating, we would expect the female to lay between two to four eggs in early April, and six weeks later the eggs should hatch,” said Ms Troup.

“Using a high definition camera, which can be viewed live from our visitor centre or online, we will be watching eagerly to see if our female can hatch any chicks again this year.”

“To date, she has laid 52 eggs and 44 of those have successfully hatched, but sadly she is an aging bird and her fertility could be dwindling.

“This makes it another exciting breeding season.”

Once the first egg is laid, SWT staff and volunteers will man a round-the-clock watch to protect the ospreys and their eggs.

Once a common sight in Britain, the osprey was all but extinct by 1916 due to persecution.

Conservation efforts are continuing to re-establish the species as part of Scotland’s rich wildlife.

Peter Ferns, visitor centre manager at Loch of the Lowes, said, “Over 20,000 visitors come to Loch of the Lowes each year to enjoy watching the osprey, and our high definition nest camera makes viewing the action a far more exciting and intimate experience,” he said.

He said the centre does all it can to ensure a successful breeding season.

“This includes manning a 24-hour osprey watch to protect our birds from thieves who steal unhatched eggs for private collections,” he said.”