The nesting ospreys at Loch of the Lowes have been kept on their toes by intruding buzzards.
While most of their time at the Perthshire nature reserve is spent incubating their eggs and catching fish to bring back to the nest, the ospreys have also treated visitors to the reserve to acrobatic displays as they defend their nest.
Volunteer Marion Moore managed to snap a picture of one female, known as LF15, as she gave chase to a buzzard.
LF15 successfully laid a full clutch of three eggs earlier this month. They are expected to hatch in the middle of May.
Charlotte Fleming, Perthshire ranger for the Scottish Wildlife Trust, which runs the reserve, said: “Ospreys are very territorial and fiercely defend their nests. There are always younger birds hanging around the established nests looking for a chance to sneak in and breed.
“This keeps the current pair on their toes and gives our visitors a chance to see the ospreys put on an amazing display of skilled flying.”
Once extinct in the UK, there are now around 240 breeding pairs of ospreys thanks to the efforts of nature conservation charities including the Scottish Wildlife Trust, whose Osprey Protection Programme is supported by players of the People’s Postcode Lottery.
Clara Govier, head of charities at the People’s Postcode Lottery said: “Ospreys are rarer in Scotland than golden eagles so the support that our players give to this programme is vital.
“I know that many people will be keeping their eyes glued to Scottish Wildlife Trust’s webcam to see the story continue to unfold.”
