Names sought for Osprey chicks hatched at Loch Arkaig Pine Forest in Lochaber Scotland

Loch Arkaig (Scottish Gaelic: Loch Airceig) is a beautiful freshwater loch in Lochaber, Scotland. It is approximately 12 miles in length and lies 140 feet above sea level, the maximum depth is some 300 feet. To the south of the loch is Loch Arkaig Pine Forest and consists of two areas of native Caledonian pinewood: Glen Mallie and the Gusach (Gaelic for ‘pinewood’). This normally peaceful setting has become something of an internet sensation, particularly over the last five weeks. The stars of the show are three osprey chicks. They are being watched by hundreds of thousands on a livestreaming nest camera.

The chicks, which hatched between May 29 and June 3, have been confirmed as two males and a female. Now the public is being asked to help name them via a vote taking place across the Woodland Trust’s social media channels this week. Woodland Trust Scotland bought Loch Arkaig Pine Forest in 2016 in partnership with local group Arkaig Community Forest with the long term plans of restoring the ancient forest while stimulating economic activity in the local community. 

Ospreys in Scotland have become something of a conservation success story having been brought back from the brink of extinction. Reintroduction and recolonisation processes started up in the 20th century after the birds began to reappear in Scotland in 1953. They are now found in several parts of Scotland. Ospreys can travel up to 5,000 miles on their migrations to and from Scotland. How they navigate, and how young birds manage to make the journey on their own is still a mystery.

Image above: Osprey chicks at Loch Arkaig Pine Forest, courtesy of Woodland Trust Scotland.

Image below: Loch Arkaig by Alexander Brownlie Docharty (1862–1940) courtesy of East Ayrshire Council.