O S P R E Y

Since the first nestings of the Osprey returning to the Highlands of Scotland, the number of pairs nesting in Scotland are now over 200.

• In late April to early May, the Ospreys arrive, settle in, lay their eggs and begin incubating.

• From late May to early June, the hatching takes place, and adults can  been seen feeding their young.

• Mid June to July sees the young growing rapidly on a diet of fish.  They can be seen clearly now in the nest.

• Mid July to mid August the fledging takes place, when the young take to the wing for the first time.  The young will remain around the nest for another month or so, continuing to be fed by the male.

• Mid August sees the young spending more time away from the nest, developing their flying and fishing skills, before starting their migration to West Africa.  The parents also leave at this time.

Approximately 60 cm in length, with a wingspan of 150 cm, the osprey is an exclusively fish-eating bird of prey, feeding mainly, in Scotland, on trout and pike.  The female is slightly larger than the male.  Adult birds are dark brown above and white below.  Young have brown feathers, with white tips.  A distinctive brown breast band, is more prominent in females.  The head is white, with a thick dark brown stripe through the eye.  Wings are white below, marked with brown.   Legs and feet are grey-green in colour.