April 16th 2024.
A beloved osprey, known for capturing hearts during the initial COVID-19 lockdown, has once again made headlines by laying the earliest egg of the season on live camera in the beautiful Highlands. Dorcha, who became a viral sensation last year, and her partner Louis returned to their nest in Loch Arkaig Pine Forest in Lochaber on March 28th and 30th, respectively, after their annual migration from the south.
Excitement and anticipation filled the air as the first egg of the season was laid on Sunday morning, an impressive week earlier than the previous record for the forest. Luckily, this special moment was captured on the Woodland Trust Scotland's live nest camera, which garnered an impressive 400,000 views in 2020 when Louis nested with his previous mate.
George Anderson, a representative from the trust, shared that the pair's early return this year was a surprise to everyone. While the exact reason for their early arrival is unknown, it is believed that favorable weather conditions along their journey from western Africa may have played a role. As Louis proudly returns to the nest with a freshly caught trout, it is evident that the couple is settling back into their home with ease.
"Our beloved pair, Louis and Dorcha, have returned much earlier than usual this year, and it seems that many other ospreys across the UK have done the same," George stated. "In fact, this is the earliest we have ever seen an egg at Arkaig, with the previous record being April 21st. We are keeping our fingers crossed for a full clutch of three eggs by next weekend, and if all goes well, we can expect to see new chicks hatching in late May. It's truly a magnificent sight to witness them flying by July and embarking on their incredible journey across continents by the end of summer. It's a magical experience that never gets old."
The Woodland Trust Scotland has been operating the live nest camera since 2017, thanks to the generous support of players of People's Postcode Lottery. The forest is not only home to ospreys but also boasts a diverse range of wildlife, including wild boar, sea eagles, golden eagles, pine martens, and deer, among many other species. Fun fact: during World War II, British Commandos and Allied Special Forces, including the Free French, trained at Loch Arkaig. Additionally, the forest was also featured in a scene from the iconic movie, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.
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