Artificial Nesting platform on Gauch Hill, Kincardine Forest District
The images are from photographic slides courtesy of Abbie Gordon, Banchory.
A number of nesting platforms were constructed in forest sites across the north and east of Scotland where there were rivers and lochs suitable for ospreys to hunt fish. In the 1980s and 90s the osprey population was expanding its range and the nesting platforms were very successful in attracting many pairs of birds. The platforms were built initially by Wildlife Ranger managers Tony Hinde and latterly Mick Canham with help from local forest teams.
In time the numbers of birds using these nests declined possibly as the number of fish in the rivers and lochs fell away. The one bright spot was the establishment of stocked trout ponds for sport fishing which also attracted some ospreys. Some owners were quick to spot the opportunity to attract more people to view the spectacular birds as they fished or sat in the cafe. Some even built nesting platforms nearby.
Please see the PDF link below for another view of the nesting platform.
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Groups: Forestry Areas, Northeast Scotland