One of the osprey chicks at the Scottish Wildlife Trust reserve in Dunkeld has died. It was the youngest and smallest of the brood of three.
The chick at Loch of the Lowes in Perthshire died on Wednesday morning, June 15, following an attack by its older sibling.
The sibling rivalry was blamed on a lack of food as the parent birds were struggling to bring enough fish to satisfy the nest of growing chicks.
The death was not unexpected according to Scottish Wildlife Trust rangers who protect the nest site: “Unfortunately the continued aggressive behaviour, which began after a sudden drop in fish deliveries, meant it was becoming increasingly unlikely that the smallest chick would survive.
“Thanks for the kind comments and messages over the past few days.
"We know that the webcam has been uncomfortable viewing recently. While this behaviour may seem brutal it’s a natural response to a drop in fish deliveries, which helps ensure that the strongest chicks have the best chance to survive.”
