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Osprey The
osprey, regarded by many as
Scotland's national bird, was
virtually wiped out in the
Victorian era. It wasn't until
1954 that they eventually returned
to the Strathspey area. Although
this re-colonisation was achieved
naturally, their population
increase has been greatly aided by
conservation groups such as the
R.S.P.B. the Scottish Wildlife
Trust and Scottish Raptor Study
Groups. There
are now 160 pairs of breeding
birds in Scotland and Loch
Garten's Ollie and Olive were
responsible for rearing many of
these birds. Loch
Garten Osprey Centre is a purpose
built viewing area where these
spectacular birds can be observed
without any fear of disturbing
them. Ospreys
are native to Europe, Asia,
Africa, Australia and America, and
return to Scotland in mid-March to
breed. Celebrations
are being planned by the RSPB and
others to mark the golden
anniversary of the return of the
osprey to Loch Garten. There will
be a programme of events and
projects over the next 12 months
called 'Osprey 50th'.
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