ALL three newly hatched osprey chicks at the Loch Garten reserve in the Cairngorms died in the early hours of Monday after their father failed to return with vital food supplies.

Yesterday we told how they were at risk of starvation after their father Odin appeared to have been frightened off several days ago by the arrival of a young male osprey, leaving his mate EJ alone with their newly hatched chicks.

RSPB Scotland said it was EJ’s instinct to remain with her young at the nest, which has recently come under attack from two ospreys, and insisted it would be wrong to intervene in the situation.

Now the charity has confirmed that the chicks have all died.

EJ is Scotland’s oldest known osprey, at 20, and has been based at the reserve for 15 years, in which time she has reared 25 chicks. She laid three eggs last month and endured heavy snowfall to protect them in her nest.

After RSPB Scotland reported the chicks had died, she left the nest and returned with a fish, having been without food herself for around four days.

On the charity’s blog, Jess Tomes wrote: “As many of you will now know, I’m sorry to have to tell you that EJ and Odin’s third chick passed away in the night. To be honest, she/he lasted longer than I expected, having had no fish at all.

“Obviously, Odin is still absent and there are still intruding ospreys hanging around the nest every now and then.

“I am pleased and relieved to be able to tell you that EJ left the nest this morning and returned with a fish – her first feed for nearly four days.

“We suspect that EJ will continue to stay at the nest until August, defending it from other females and hopefully, if Odin doesn’t return, starting courtship with another male, ready for next season.

“As ever, thank you to all of you who have sent us messages of support. It really does help in what is a hugely emotional time.”

EJ has reared 17 chicks with partner Odin, making them the most successful breeding pair at the Loch Garten site.