Three eggs at osprey nesting site

An osprey on the nest site at Loch Garten this week

An osprey nesting at a reserve in the Highlands is incubating three eggs, RSPB Scotland said.

Female bird, EJ, lost her chicks last year at Loch Garten near Aviemore. Her latest clutch should hatch within about a week.

Her mate, VS, was previously viewed by reserve staff as being unreliable but has surprised them this year.

The bird of prey has brought fish to EJ on a regular basis and chased off a rival osprey.

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 eggs, fathered by a rival, from a nest, before his own clutch failed.

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.