Osprey star 'Lockdown Louis' back on screen after camera installed at new nest in Lochaber

Osprey star “Lockdown Louis”, a viral sensation from the first lockdown, will be reunited with fans after a camera was installed in his new nest in Lochaber.

Woodland Trust Scotland first set up camera in a Louis’ nest in summer 2017, and the footage became a hit during the first lockdown, clocking up 400,000 views.

The bird then moved to a new nest in pursuit of a female in 2021, leaving viewers unable to keep up with his antics.

However, fans will now be able to catch up with Louis, and his mate Dorcha, after technicians installed a camera at his new home at Loch Arkaig Pine Forest.

George Anderson of Woodland Trust Scotland said: “Louis and his new mate Dorcha raised two chicks, so it was a successful year for the ospreys, but a disappointing one for their internet fans.

“We wanted to give ourselves the best odds of seeing a full summer of activity this year, so we fitted a second camera to Louis’ new nest.

“It’s a few kilometres away from his original tree. Depending on osprey activity we may revert to follow just one of the nests as the season progresses, but if we are lucky and both nests are occupied – we will keep streaming from both.

“Louis landed on Nest 2 this morning and has been busy excavating and rearranging sticks. He seems to have very definitely chosen to go with the nest he used for the first time last year.

“Fingers are now crossed for the return of his mate, Dorcha.

“Even one camera was a technical challenge at this forest. There is no visitor centre with wi-fi and electricity to plug into.

“All the kit is powered by solar panels and a signal is beamed across the loch before it enters the Locheilnet system and off out across the world. We wouldn’t be able to make it all happen without Locheilnet. They are great to work with.”

Laura Chow, head of charities at People’s Postcode Lottery, said: “It is a real sign that summer is on the way when the ospreys arrive back in the Highlands.

“We are delighted that support from players of People’s Postcode lottery allows people across the UK and the world to enjoy this stunning natural spectacle.

“We are looking forward to sharing the rollercoaster ride of osprey family life in the next few months.”