Lady and her mate

A visit to the Loch of the Lowes Ospreys today.

Once again the veteran female known as Lady has returned for her 23rd year at Loch of the Lowes and again this year she's teamed up with her fourth mate who was new last year. She laid four eggs, one and two failed to hatch, but three produced a chick a couple of days ago on 1st June that is thriving, looking strong and healthy and doing lots of food begging. Four if it's going to hatch should be imminent. Last year only one of three eggs laid actually hatched, and he successfully fledged becoming known as Blue 44 and becoming Lady's 49th fledged chick. So fingers crossed if all goes well this year's chick will bring her half century.

We normally time our visits for when the chicks are larger (2012 - 2011 - 2010) as there tends to be more activity around the nest, but there was certainly plenty of activity today with Lady off on a poo flight and the male flying in three times in the time we were there. Not bringing food, but some useful sticks for home improvements.

Today's shot is of the male departing and leaving Lady in charge of the chick. RCB's got him returning with one of his useful sticks.