The second osprey chick of 2019 at Loch of the Lowes reserve in Perthshire has hatched.
The chick emerged from its egg at 7.18pm yesterday evening, shortly after the first. This is LM12 and LF15’s twelfth chick as a breeding pair.
Last night’s hatching has increased hopes of LM12 and LF15 producing a full nest of three chicks this season.
In early April the nest was left unoccupied for two hours shortly after the first egg was laid. This had led to concerns that the egg may have chilled and become unviable.
The third and last egg of the season is expected to hatch later this week.
Sara Rasmussen, Perthshire Ranger, Scottish Wildlife Trust said: “We’re thrilled to see two chicks hatch out in such quick succession.
“It’s particularly exciting because it means the egg we thought may be unviable after being left exposed in early April has hatched after all.
“Our male osprey LM12 has a lot of work ahead to keep his growing family supplied with food. Yesterday we saw him bring in four fish, including two large pike, so we’re sure he is up to the task.
“It’s a great time of year to tune into our live webcam or pay a visit to the reserve because there is so much to see.”
