Lassie, the new female osprey which has got bird-watchers in a flap at Loch of the Lowes, has laid her second egg of the season.
The Scottish Wildlife Trust made the announcement last night to the delight of osprey enthusiasts across the globe.
Ospreys can lay up to four eggs in a season and the gaps between lays is usually about 48 hours.
Staff at the Loch of the Lowes nature reserve, near Dunkeld, have been looking out for tell-tale egg laying signs such as laying low in the nest, tail-lifting and panting.
Lassie’s first egg was laid on Tuesday evening.
Perthshire ranger Charlotte Fleming said the second egg arrived at 2.36pm.
“It came as a surprise to the staff and volunteers at the centre as she was not displaying egg-laying behaviour for very long beforehand,” she added.
“Eggs on the nest means the osprey protection programme is now in full operation.
“Hopefully in the coming days there will be more eggs. The average per season is three.”
The trust is now urging people to visit its webcam to see if they can spot the next egg once it is laid.
The protection programme is partly funded by the People’s Postcode Lottery.
Its head of charities, Clara Govier, said last night: “Ospreys are rarer than golden eagles and need protection. We are really excited to hear the news of a second egg.”