Ospreys are large birds of prey that are found across the world near bodies of water. They are a conservation success story in Scotland, having been driven to extinction as breeding birds by 1916. Since their reintroduction in the 1950s and 1960s, osprey populations have flourished, making Scotland one of the best places in the world to spot these majestic birds.
Why are ospreys found in Scotland?
Ospreys thrive in Scotland because of the abundance of food sources and nesting sites. Scotland is home to many large lochs and slow winding rivers which provide ideal fishing habitat. Ospreys feed almost exclusively on fish, favoring trout, pike, perch, and salmon. With plentiful freshwater fish stocks across the Scottish Highlands and Islands, the birds are drawn to the bounty of food.
Scotland also provides the rocky crags, ruined crofts, and tall trees that ospreys prefer for building large stick nests. Open nest sites give the birds a panoramic view over their territory so they can spot any threats. Secluded locations keep the nests safe from disturbance. Reservoirs dotted among rolling hills and scattered islands on lochs perfectly suit ospreys’ nesting requirements.
Where are the best places to see ospreys in Scotland?
Here are some of the top spots across Scotland to spot ospreys:
Loch Garten, Cairngorms National Park
The Loch Garten Osprey Center in the Cairngorms National Park is one of the most popular places to observe ospreys in the UK. The center offers live video feeds from multiple osprey nests around the reserve and hides for watching the birds without disturbing them. Well-trained volunteers are on hand to help visitors spot ospreys fishing and maintain the nests.
Loch of the Lowes, Perthshire
Loch of the Lowes in Perthshire is another prime osprey watching spot centred around a Visitor Centre. Nesting ospreys can be seen via CCTV and observation hides. The loch has been home to successful breeding osprey pairs since 1950, making it one of Scotland’s osprey strongholds.
Loch Arkaig, Lochaber
Rustic pine forests surround Loch Arkaig in Lochaber near Fort William. Several osprey nests dot the loch’s banks and fishing is plentiful. Cruise boats operate on Loch Arkaig, allowing visitors to get out on the water to try and spot the ospreys’ huge 2 meter wingspans in flight.
Mull of Galloway, Dumfries & Galloway
The most southerly point in Scotland, Mull of Galloway in Dumfries & Galloway boasts spectacular cliffs and coastal scenery. Ospreys nest on the cliffs and can be seen fishing along the shoreline. The RSPB has an Osprey and Wildlife Cruise for optimal viewing.
Loch Spynie, Moray
Shallow Loch Spynie near the Moray Firth has been an important osprey site since the early translocation projects. Nesting platforms and an observation hide are available for visitors. Nearby RSPB Loch Spynie reserve offers walking trails through woods and wetlands.
Loch of Skene, Aberdeenshire
One of the most accessible osprey sites is Loch of Skene close to Aberdeen. A circular walking trail goes around this pretty loch past the ornate Dunecht House. Look for ospreys fishing in the loch’s shallow waters.
Loch of the Strathbeg, Aberdeenshire
RSPB Strathbeg reserve features several hides for viewing Loch of Strathbeg’s ospreys. Well-known resident ospreys include Berry, a breeding male who has returned to the reserve for over 15 years.
Loch Leven, Perth & Kinross
This large shallow loch is prime osprey habitat with fish stocks that support 12 breeding pairs. Boat tours provide great viewing and the Loch Leven Heritage Trail circles the loch if walking is preferred.
Trossachs, Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park
Dramatic mountains, glens and lochs make this national park area perfect for ospreys. Trossachs Forest along Loch Katrine is a good place to begin searching. Scenic viewpoints like Duke’s Pass also provide panoramic vistas to potentially spot ospreys.
Best times of year to see ospreys in Scotland
Ospreys spend their winters in Africa, returning to Scotland in March and April to breed. They remain until September before migrating south again. Here are the optimal times to spot them:
- March – April: Watch for returning birds and courtship displays
- May – July: Ideal for observing nesting behaviour and chicks being reared
- August – September: Young fledge the nest and fishing activity peaks before migration
Ospreys are diurnal and most active hunting for fish during early mornings and evenings. Midday summer heat can send them soaring high on thermals, making them harder to spot.
Osprey watching tips
To successfully spot ospreys, here are some useful viewing tips:
- Bring binoculars and spotting scopes
- Look for large stick nests near water
- Scan the water for signs of aerial diving or talons hitting the surface
- Listen for the ospreys’ high-pitched whistling call
- Aim for dawn or dusk when fishing activity is highest
- Check information boards for recent sightings
- Chat with reserve wardens for nest updates
- Allow time for watching as the birds can be elusive
Fun facts about ospreys
- Ospreys have a wingspan up to 1.8 meters making them one of Britain’s largest birds of prey.
- Their specially adapted talons allow them to clutch fish tightly when diving underwater.
- Nesting pairs typically raise 2-3 chicks each season.
- Ospreys spend winters in Africa near large rivers and lakes.
- Some ospreys return to the same breeding site for over a decade.
- Scotland’s osprey population has boomed from just 1 pair in 1954 to over 300 pairs today.
Conclusion
With abundant food supplies and ideal nesting habitat, Scotland provides the perfect conditions to support thriving osprey populations. From the Highlands to the Borders, there are many excellent reserves and vantage points to spot these magnificent raptors. A visit between April and September offers the best chance to witness ospreys hunting, nesting and rearing young before their epic migration back to Africa.