Loch Doon ospreys Angel and Frankie become proud parents again as two chicks hatch

A pair of ospreys have become proud parents again after two chicks hatched at their nest at Loch Doon over the weekend.

Angel and Frankie welcomed the first new arrival on Friday, with the second chick following on Saturday. Experts believe a third chick could still be on the way.

It marks another successful year for the pair, whose East Ayrshire nesting site has become a focal point for the local community and conservation awareness.

Ospreys were driven to extinction in Britain in the early 20th century, however they naturally recolonised Scotland in the 1950s and their numbers have grown steadily since.

Latest estimates suggest there are around 300 breeding pairs across the UK.

Ospreys currently have the highest full legal protection under UK law – making it an offence to injure or disturb any bird, nest or egg.

The birds of prey, which migrate to West Africa or overwinter in Spain and Portugal, typically mate for life and return to nesting sites year on year.

The nest at Loch Doon has been used since 2012, with 18 chicks raised in that time.

The current resident pair of ospreys, Frankie and Angel, have been together for eight years.

Their nest is monitored via a live streaming link operated by East Ayrshire Leisure.

“After two years of no camera footage at the nest site due to ageing equipment having to be replaced, we are thrilled that we can now bring this live stream back for you to enjoy,” East Ayrshire Leisure announced on Monday.

East Ayrshire Leisure said news of the two new chicks was “wonderful” for Loch Doon and for Scotland’s osprey population more widely.

“Each chick strengthens the future of this magnificent species and reflects the importance of maintaining healthy habitats and monitoring,” East Ayrshire Leisure said.

“The increase in osprey numbers has a positive knock-on effect for biodiversity. As apex predators, they play a vital role in maintaining a balanced ecosystem, and their presence is a sign of a thriving environment.

People can view the nest via live streaming link on eastayrshireleisure.com or from the viewing point at the Roundhouse Cafe at Loch Doon, where scopes and binoculars are available during seasonal events.

“East Ayrshire Leisure continues to support conservation efforts and encourages everyone to tune in and await the arrival of the third chick,” the leisure body said.