Ospreys on Loch Doon in Dalmellington — Online Webcam
The Return of Ospreys to Scottish Lochs
Loch Doon, nestled among the hills of East Ayrshire, has become one of the symbols of the successful recovery of the osprey population in Scotland. These magnificent birds of prey, which once completely disappeared from Britain due to poaching and pesticides, have finally returned to their historic nesting grounds. Ospreys began visiting Loch Doon in 2012, and the first chicks were successfully fledged as early as 2014. Since then, the ospreys at Loch Doon have fledged 18 chicks, making a significant contribution to the recovery of the species in the region.
The Star of the Broadcast — a Female Named Angel
The main protagonist of this live camera is a female osprey whom observers have nicknamed Angel. This bird has become a true local celebrity, and every year wildlife enthusiasts eagerly await her return from wintering grounds. In 2025, the female osprey named Angel returned to the nest on March 19 — a week earlier than expected. Such an early arrival sparked a wave of enthusiasm among ornithologists and ordinary viewers following the life of the nest via the webcam.
Loch Doon: A Loch Among the Scottish Hills
Loch Doon is located 3 miles east of the town of Dalmellington, 18 miles from Ayr. This deep freshwater loch stretches across a rolling landscape covered with coniferous forests. The shores of Loch Doon create ideal conditions for ospreys — there is plenty of fish, tall trees for nesting, and minimal disturbance from humans. The loch is surrounded by coniferous forest dominated by spruce, while the hillsides are covered with moss and ferns.
The Fish Wealth of the Loch — A Feast for Predators
Ospreys feed exclusively on fish, and Loch Doon provides them with everything they need. The loch is home to brown trout, perch, and Arctic char. These fish species form the basis of the ospreys' diet throughout the entire nesting season. Arctic char is particularly interesting — it is a relict species that has survived in Scottish lochs since the Ice Age. The hunting skills of ospreys are impressive: they dive into the water at speeds of up to 50 mph, snatching fish with their powerful talons.
Conservation and Educational Programs
The osprey conservation project at Loch Doon is implemented by East Ayrshire Leisure Trust in partnership with the Forestry Commission. The project includes educational programs, training over 5,000 visitors annually, and maintaining a healthy habitat for the species. Specialists monitor the condition of the nest, ensure protection of the territory during the nesting season, and work with local residents and tourists.
How to Watch Ospreys in Person
For those who want to see ospreys not only through the webcam, a special observation point has been set up on the shore of Loch Doon. Roundhouse Cafe on the loch shore is a place where telescopes are installed for observing the nest on the opposite bank. From here, you can watch the birds using binoculars and telescopes without disturbing their peace. The nest camera reveals details that are inaccessible even with the most powerful optical equipment.
Wildlife Monitoring Technology
The webcam at the osprey nest is an HD camera that broadcasts a live video feed from the nest. In early 2025, new equipment and technology were installed for the webcam, significantly improving image quality and broadcast reliability. The camera operates in real time, allowing viewers from around the world to observe the life of these amazing birds without the slightest interference in their natural habitat.
What You Can See on the Camera
The live camera shows a large bird's nest built from numerous branches and sticks, situated among coniferous trees — spruce. Around the nest, spruce branches, grass, and moss are visible. In the background are wooded hills covered with coniferous forest, with a haze in the distance. The sky is often shrouded in a light mist, which is typical of the Scottish climate. The camera is aimed at the nest of a large bird in a natural forested area with a view of the loch and rolling landscape. During the nesting season, you can observe the female on her eggs, the appearance of chicks, feeding, and the first flights of young ospreys. The live webcam opens a window into the world of Scottish wildlife, allowing you to see what is usually hidden from human eyes.
