Eggs saga osprey returns to breed

A webcam image of EJ on the nest at Loch Garten last year

A female osprey at the centre of a feathered soap opera has returned to a Highlands breeding site following a 3,000-mile journey from West Africa.

EJ had incubated two separate clutches to rival males at RSPB Scotland's Loch Garten reserve, near Aviemore, last year but they all perished.

The wild birds conservation charity said it hoped a male would join her over the next few days.

From Monday, live images of the nest site will be streamed on the internet.

Last year's breeding season at Loch Garten was brought to an abrupt end following a series of unfortunate events.

A male called Henry kicked the eggs fathered by a rival from a nest before his own clutch failed.

I'm sure everyone remembers the saga last year, where she laid two different clutches to two different fathers Richard Thaxton RSPB Scotland

It was thought that he accidentally trampled on one of his three offspring while trying to free himself from a piece of fishing line.

Days later the two remaining chicks also died.

Richard Thaxton, RSPB Scotland site manager at Loch Garten, said staff were delighted by EJ's return.

He said: "I'm sure everyone remembers the saga last year, where she laid two different clutches to two different fathers, although sadly not one chick survived.

"She has successfully reared young at Loch Garten in two of her five previous seasons with us and we are really hoping that she can get back to form this year."

Mr Thaxton added: "Her regular mate Henry is probably en route, on the 3,000 mile annual migration from West Africa, and we hope he arrives soon so that the pair can settle down to breed."