WATCH: Long wait for an osprey chick at Loch Garten nest is finally over
The first osprey chick for six years has hatched at RSPB Loch Garten by Boat of Garten.
It has been a long wait for the team at Abernethy reserve as well as birdwatchers who have followed the drama at the famous nest over the many years.
The centre shared the good news on social media a little earlier today: "We have an osprey chick which hatched early this morning. The first hatching for our new pair in our new nest, and we couldn't be more delighted."
The male osprey AX6 arrived at the nest on April 12 and was joined a few days later by female who he had shared the nest with last year.
A centre spokesperson said: "There has not been a successful fledging from the Loch Garten nest since 2016 so we are chuffed to bits right now and so excited to watch this little on grow.
"Our new parents have done so well so far, and we are absolutely hoping for every success for them this season."
The long lean spell follows years of success when veteran female EJ and several male suitors over the years raised 25 chicks in 16 seasons.
Twenty-one-year-old EJ failed to return in spring 2019 and it is assumed that she perished.
The Strathy has contacted RSPB Scotland for more reaction.
Find out more about the Loch Garten centre and wider reserve here
