Ospreys’ nest sets bird watchers a’flutter – but who is the father?

Wildlife watchers have been glued to their computer screens watching a family drama unfold in the treetops at RSPB Scotland’s Loch Garten site.

Just a few short weeks since EJ, the female osprey, and her partner Odin returned to their nest, the pair have welcomed their first egg, the earliest since monitoring began in 1959.

The paternity of the egg is in question, however. Another male, Blue XD, has been spotted in the area and timing suggests he may be the father rather than Odin.

Staff, visitors and webcam watchers alike have been waiting to find out if Odin will accept the egg as his own.

Early signs point to him settling in for the incubation period.

Richard Thaxton, RSPB Scotland’s Loch Garten manager, said: “Although the paternity of the egg is in question, Odin seems to have accepted it as his own.”