Lockdown star Louis the osprey returns to nest after being 'feared dead'

An osprey, which became an online star during the first Covid lockdown, has returned to a Highland nest after being presumed dead.

Louis, the overdue osprey, finally appeared on his Lochaber nest on Friday evening after being more than a fortnight later than expected for breeding season.

Woodland Trust Scotland, which has been operating live nest cameras at Loch Arkaig Pine Forest since 2017, says Louis was feared dead.

In previous years, the birds have returned between March 28 and April 11.

Louis, the overdue osprey, finally appeared on his Lochaber nest on Friday evening. Woodland Trust Scotland

Louis returned on April 2 last year, and staff at the UK’s largest woodland conservation charity said he may have been delayed by bad weather on the way or was just feeling his age.

Laura Chow, Head of Charities, said: “It is amazing to see Louis back for his tenth breeding season at Loch Arkaig Pine Forest.

“Our players continue to support Woodland Trust’s live nest cameras, which have allowed people all over the world to follow this feathered family for almost a decade.

“Watching Louis grow from an awkward novice into a dependable Dad, raising the next generation of ospreys with his first female Aila and, more recently, Dorcha, has been incredible.

“I can’t wait to see what 2026 brings for these much-loved birds.”

Woodland Trust Scotland’s George Anderson said: “Louis arrived over a fortnight later than last year, so we were beginning to think he had died over the winter or on migration.

“There was absolute jubilation when he appeared on Friday evening. His mate Dorcha arrived back on April 4 and has been rebuffing the attentions of a male half of Louis’ age.

“They will wait for an established mate but only for a couple of weeks. She may well have warmed to that toyboy this weekend if Louis hadn’t arrived in the nick of time.”

The Loch Arkaig livestreams can be viewed at a dedicated page on the Woodland Trust website.