Ospreys are large birds of prey that are found across Scotland during the spring and summer months. They migrate north each year from Africa to breed in Scotland before returning south again in the autumn. Knowing the best times to spot ospreys can help birdwatchers plan trips to see these magnificent birds.
When do ospreys arrive in Scotland?
Ospreys start to arrive back in Scotland from their wintering grounds in west Africa in late March and early April. The first ospreys normally reach their breeding sites in Scotland in the last week of March, though some may arrive slightly earlier or later depending on the weather conditions. Most ospreys will have returned by mid-April.
Some key dates for the arrival of ospreys in Scotland are:
- Late March – The first ospreys start to arrive back in Scotland
- Early April – Numbers increase as more birds reach the breeding grounds
- Mid April – Peak period for arrival, most ospreys have returned
Ospreys return to the same nesting sites each year. Well-known osprey nests at reserves and wildlife centres such as Loch of the Lowes, Loch Garten and Kielder Forest see the first ospreys back at the end of March or start of April. Webcams at nest sites can be a good way to keep track of the birds’ arrival.
When is the breeding season?
Once they have returned to Scotland, ospreys begin breeding in late April through May and June. This is the busiest time of year for ospreys in Scotland.
The key stages of the breeding season are:
- Late April – Birds arrive, pairing and display flights
- May – Eggs are laid, incubation lasts 5-6 weeks
- June – Eggs hatch, adults care for and feed chicks
- July – Chicks fledge at 7-8 weeks old
May and June are the peak months for observing osprey activity in Scotland, as the adults spend much of their time hunting to provide food for their hatchlings. The chicks will stay around the nest site through July and into early August as they learn to fly and hunt for themselves before departing for Africa.
Best places to see ospreys breeding
Some top locations in Scotland for watching breeding ospreys include:
- Loch of the Lowes in Perthshire
- Loch Garten in the Cairngorms
- Cromarty Firth
- Kielder Forest in the Scottish Borders
- Firth of Forth
- Mull and nearby islands
Many reserves have viewpoints overlooking nest sites, visitor centres and live nest cameras allowing people to observe the birds’ activity during breeding season.
When do osprey chicks fledge?
Osprey chicks will normally fledge and take their first flights between mid July and early August, depending on hatching dates. The chicks will remain around the nest area, practising flying and being fed by their parents, before migrating south.
On average, osprey chicks will fledge at the following ages:
- 7-8 weeks – Chicks will take their first flight from the nest
- 8-9 weeks – Chicks grow in strength and flying ability
- 9-10 weeks – Juveniles prepare to migrate south
Late July and August offer the best chance to see newly-fledged juvenile ospreys practising flight skills around nesting sites before they migrate.
Where can fledglings be seen?
Good locations to spot recently-fledged osprey chicks in Scotland include:
- Loch Arkaig Pine Forest
- Loch Spynie in Moray
- Abernethy Forest Reserve
- Firth of Forth
- Forest of Clunie in Perthshire
Lochs and forests close to nesting sites give the young birds plenty of space to practise flying while the parents can still provide food.
When do ospreys migrate south?
Most ospreys will have left Scotland by late August or early September to begin their migration back to Africa for the winter.
The peak departure times are:
- Mid August – Recently fledged juveniles start to migrate solo
- Late August/Early September – Majority of adults and juveniles depart Scotland
- Mid September – Most ospreys will have left breeding grounds
A small number of juveniles may linger around nesting sites until late September before migrating. However most birds will have begun their long journey south by mid-month.
Where to see migrating ospreys
Coastal sites near breeding areas offer the best vantage points for spotting migrating ospreys in August and early September. Good spots include:
- Aberdeenshire coast
- Moray and Cromarty Firths
- Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park
- Mull of Kintyre
Ospreys tend to follow coastal routes when migrating and funnel through natural pinch points, so headlands and peninsulas can be productive places for seeing passing birds.
Do ospreys overwinter in Scotland?
Ospreys do not stay in Scotland for the winter months. The entire population will migrate south to Africa by mid-September, where they will stay until the following spring.
There are extremely rare reports of ospreys overwintering in Scotland. In most cases these are weak or sick birds unable to make the long migration flight. Generally ospreys cannot survive the cold Scottish winter when food sources are scarce and waters freeze over.
Very occasionally an osprey might linger into October or November, but they will still ultimately migrate south before true winter sets in. There are no recorded cases of healthy ospreys remaining in Scotland throughout the winter.
Spotting other wildlife
When looking for ospreys in Scotland, keep an eye out for other species sharing the same habitat:
- Red kites – Graceful raptors often seen soaring near osprey nests
- Otters – Found along Scottish lochs and rivers
- Red squirrels – Live in pine forests favoured by ospreys
- Capercaillie – Huge grouse species in the Cairngorms
- Pine marten – Arboreal mustelid of Scotland’s Caledonian Forest
Spring and summer are a great time to see a range of Scottish wildlife, so look out for other interesting species when osprey watching.
Key facts about ospreys in Scotland
Some key facts about ospreys in Scotland:
- Estimated 250-300 breeding pairs
- Nest is typically by a loch or slow-moving river
- Mainly eat fish like trout, salmon and pike
- Lay 2-3 eggs in April/May
- Incubation takes 35-40 days
- Chicks fledge at 7-8 weeks old
- Migrate solo to west Africa from August
- Return to same nest site each spring
Conclusion
To summarise, the best times to see ospreys in Scotland are:
- April – Arrival of adults from Africa
- May-June – Breeding season peak activity
- July-August – Newly fledged juveniles around nests
- August-September – Birds migrating south before winter
Purposeful trips should be planned for April to maximise chances of seeing the birds arrive, and July/August to catch juveniles fledging from nests. Avoid the winter months between October and February when all ospreys will have migrated from Scotland.
With strategic timing, observers can witness fascinating osprey behaviour like courtship displays, feeding chicks, first flight and migration. Scotland provides an unparalleled opportunity to get close to these remarkable birds in the wild.