Author “thrilled” over Loch of Lowes osprey return

Apr 1 2011 by Greg Christison, Perthshire Advertiser Friday

THE author of a new book which details the life of Perthshire’s famous ‘Lady’ the osprey yesterday declared herself “thrilled” by the bird’s timely return.

Helen Armitage, who will release ‘Lady of the Loch’ on Thursday, was delighted by the female bird of prey’s return to Loch of the Lowes, near Dunkeld, for the 21st time on Monday evening.

Coinciding with the book launch, Ms Armitage, who only learned of Lady’s “miraculous” story last year, explained the bird had “magnificently exceeded” the predicted life expectancy of ospreys.

“I had a text from a friend yesterday telling me that Lady had returned,” she said.

“Bless her, she has come back for the launch. She is in her mid-20s and ospreys usually only live for eight years.

“She was seriously ill last year and all the experts thought she was going to die. They had never seen a bird so ill go on to recover.

“The Scottish Wildlife Trust (SWT) said last year that there was a 50/50 chance of her returning this year but I know other wildlife experts were more sceptical.

“It is a ray of light in dark times. It is wonderful news, I’m thrilled.”

Reclaiming the nest where she has already raised 48 chicks, Lady’s return was witnessed by thousands of wildlife fans across the world via webcam on Monday evening.

However, it wasn’t until Tuesday morning that wildlife experts at the SWT, who have welcomed her to the loch since 1991, positively identified Lady, who is thought to be the UK’s oldest breeding osprey.

“Their feathers are like our fingerprints,” Ms Armitage continued.

“She has a shape on her head like the letter Y and her iris is the shape of a teardrop.”

Amazingly, Lady, who has baffled bird experts and enthusiasts worldwide, travels a mammoth 3000-mile trip twice a year, migrating between Perthshire and West Africa.

Stunned by Lady’s stamina and longevity, Ms Armitage refused to look too far ahead and speculate over whether she would return next year, claiming “she has a lot to do before then”.

She added: “I don’t even think we are even thinking about next year yet. We are waiting on her mate, who we have named Laird, to return.

“She has had three partners throughout her life but last year she got together with Laird. Hopefully he will turn up as she is having to defend her nest on her own at the moment. It really is fascinating.”

Simon Milne, the SWT chief executive welcomed the new book.

He said: “The osprey is one of conversation’s biggest success stories and we are delighted to have been involved with the publication of this wonderful book.”

With Lady expected to stick around until late July, there is plenty of time for wildlife lovers to log-on to www.swt.org.uk to watch her movements on live webcam.

‘Lady of the Loch’, published by Constable, is available from Thursday in paperback form.