In the Loch Arkaig Pine Forest in the West Highlands of Scotland, The Woodland Trust Scotland runs an osprey nest camera, giving viewers around the world a close-up view of forest life.
In early April 2025, a female and male osprey returned from their migration to mate. By 22 April, the female had laid her first egg, followed shortly by two more.
The remote camera captures incredible detail, allowing audiences to witness the daily struggles and triumphs of the ospreys.
Watch as one night the mother osprey night is attacked by a tawny owl keen to evict her from the vicinity of its own nest. The osprey crouches tight over the eggs to protect them, shielding them with her back.
In late May, the first chick hatches safely. Viewers can watch in extraordinary detail as it has its first feed. Three chicks hatch in total, though sadly, one does not survive.
- Watch: three adorable baby beavers born on Norfolk nature reserve
- Three rescued seal pups filmed "dancing together under the water” before release back into the wild
- Amazing humpback whale display stuns boat-full of Jersey schoolchildren
By June, the surviving chicks are beginning to resemble miniature dinosaurs. In July, they are carefully measured and fitted with identification chips.
The footage captures their first flights and other dramatic moments, including one chick's battle to stay in the nest during Storm Floris.
Watch amazing footage of baby ospreys
Follow the incredible story of how The Woodland Trust Scotland sets up and operates the Loch Arkaig Pine Forest live nest camera.
Discover more related content:
- Where to see an osprey in the UK
- Birds of prey guide: how to identify UK raptors and where to see them
Main image credit: The Woodland Trust Scotland
