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Osprey 'Louis' Returns from Presumed Death
18 Apr
Summary
- Osprey Louis, an online star, returned after being presumed dead.
- Louis missed his expected arrival by over two weeks.
- His return allows participation in the Loch Arkaig breeding season.
Conservationists are celebrating the unexpected return of Louis, an osprey famed for his online popularity during the first Covid lockdown. Louis, who became an "avian influencer" with 400,000 views worldwide on a live nest camera, reappeared at his Loch Arkaig Pine Forest nest on Friday evening, more than two weeks past his expected arrival.
His prolonged absence had led to fears that he had perished during migration or over the winter. George Anderson of Woodland Trust Scotland expressed "absolute jubilation" at Louis's safe return. Louis's mate, Dorcha, had arrived on April 4 and was rebuffing younger males, waiting for her established partner. Louis's timely arrival means he can participate in his tenth breeding season at Loch Arkaig.
The live nest cameras, supported by Postcode Lottery players, have allowed global audiences to follow the osprey family for nearly a decade. This significant area of Caledonian pine forest is also home to diverse wildlife and is the Woodland Trust's largest restoration project.
