Injured osprey returns to health

The wingspan of an osprey can reach up to 1.8m in length

An injured osprey discovered at the Lake of Menteith suffering from dehydration and starvation is to be returned to the wild.

The bird, found by the fisheries bailiff earlier this year, was struggling to fly and was taken to Hessilhead Wildlife Rescue Trust.

The raptor is believed to have hatched from an eyrie in the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park.

It is being returned to the area after making a full recovery.

Andy Christie, director of the trust, said he initially did not hold out much hope for the bird.

"The bird was in a very bad way, his wing was drooping badly and he was badly dehydrated and starving," he said.

"But he has surprised us all and has made a good recovery. He is flying and hovering well and is ready to return to his natural habitat.

"We are so proud that a number of agencies have worked together to allow this magnificent bird to return to the wild."

The osprey is just one of a number of birds and animals being treated at the Wildlife Rescue Trust Centre, which has had 130 patients during the first six days of June.