Amazing story...nature is amazing, like how do they know 'right it's time to be off to Africa then' and even just finding the right place to go without gps etc.

......not only the same place BC but to return almost to the day is what amazes me.

Just swiped an update.....

Feathered friend sets off for Africa on what might be her final flight

Sad farewells as UK’s oldest breeding osprey leaves summer home


Nature-lovers have waved a sad farewell to the UK’s oldest breeding osprey for what might be the last time.

The 24-year-old bird has set off on her annual 3,000-mile migration to Africa after a dramatic 20th breeding season at the Loch of Lowes wildlife reserve.

During her summer stay the Lady of the Loch had bird-watchers on the edge of their seats when a mystery illness in June left her unable to move or open her eyes. But she bounced back after an anxious few days and raised two more chicks.

They are still at the nest with her male partner and are expected to take to the skies and head south for the winter in the next few days.

Staff at the Perthshire beauty spot fear the Lady might not be strong enough to make the return trip next year, and have warned the thousands of people who have followed her fortunes on their website to prepare themselves for the worst.

Peter Ferns, manager of the Loch of Lowes visitor centre, said: “Watching our magnificent female osprey leave was particularly moving this year as this could be the last time we ever see her. We have been encouraged by signs that she has been feeding herself up and increasing her body weight before her journey, and we can only hope she is now strong enough to complete her migration.”

The Lady of the Loch has already lived more than three times the average lifespan for an osprey and produced 48 chicks.

More than 2,000 people around the world tuned into the osprey webcam on the Scottish Wildlife Trust’s website on Wednesday after word got out that she had failed to return to her nest. The wildlife trust’s blog about the osprey has received 360 comments from wellwishers, offering their goodbyes.

Emma Rawling, the trust’s Perthshire ranger, said: “The support and interest we have received from wildlife enthusiasts around the world has been overwhelming and wonderful. Everyone from families in Finland to school children in Canada have been following the progress of our osprey family. It is encouraging to know that so many people care about Scotland’s wildlife.”

Awwww, I can't believe she is still going! What an amazing bird!

Fabulous thread, very interesting links too thanks for sharing all this Phil

xx