THE first osprey chick of the season has hatched in the nest formerly occupied by veteran bird Lady.

A new female arrived at the nest this year at Loch of the Lowes nature reserve in Dunkeld, and mated with resident male Laddie.

Scottish Wildlife Trust ranger Charlotte Fleming said: “The whole team of staff and volunteers at Loch of the Lowes is delighted that the first chick has finally hatched. It has been a long and nervous wait to see if our new pair would produce a chick in the first season, so this comes as a bit of a relief."

“However, there are still two more eggs of the nest that need to be incubated. At this point, they will need to juggle their attention between tending to their newly hatched chick and incubating the remaining eggs. This is a very vital stage of the season and hopefully the new parents will be up to the challenge,

“The Scottish Wildlife Trust would urge the public to visit Loch of the Lowes this bank holiday weekend to see our new chick. Our team of experts are on hand to offer live interpretation and teach people about why osprey conservation in Scotland is such a success story.”

The 24-hour Osprey Watch Team – which is supported by players of People’s Postcode Lottery - noted that the female began looking unsettled and uncomfortable sitting in the nest at around 11pm on Thursday, but did not manage to get a clear view of the new chick until the following morning.

Clara Govier, Head of Charities for People’s Postcode Lottery, said: “Players will be delighted that their support has kept the ospreys at Loch of the Lowes safe so they can incubate their eggs undisturbed. Many congratulations to the new parents and fingers crossed the other chicks will hatch soon.”