An unforgettable dawn…
An Unforgettable Dawn with the Aviemore Ospreys
A successful dive from this majestic bird
A visit to Aviemore Ospreys is not your average wildlife experience - it is a magical blend of patience, anticipation, and the sheer joy of witnessing one of nature’s most spectacular hunters in action. My morning began well before sunrise, the kind of early start wildlife lovers and photographers will understand. At 4:00am sharp, I met the small group of equally eager visitors at the rendezvous point. Under the fading stars and dim pre-dawn light, we were guided quietly to a purpose-built hide nestled beside a small lochan—a perfect backdrop for osprey photography.
The hide was thoughtfully designed: low-profile, camouflaged, and positioned at water level, giving us a clear and uninterrupted view across the lochan. As we settled in, the silence was near-total—just the occasional rustle of camera gear or the whisper of a jacket sleeve. There’s something profoundly meditative about waiting in stillness for wildlife to appear, watching the sky gently brighten and listening to the world slowly wake up around you.
Beyond the incredible setting, what sets Aviemore Ospreys apart is the meticulous coordination behind the scenes. The organiser - an experienced guide and osprey enthusiast - had taken up position on higher ground around 150 yards from the hide. He could see incoming birds from all directions from his elevated vantage point. Equipped with sharp eyes and a walkie-talkie, he acted as our early warning system. Whenever he spotted a distant osprey approaching, we’d hear the gentle crackle of the radio followed by a calm, “Bird approaching from the cliff face - get ready.” It was an excellent system, and added to the anticipation and adrenaline in the hide.
The ospreys, true to form, often made us wait—but every moment was worth it. When the first sighting comes, it is a magical moment: a graceful silhouette circling above the lochan. Cameras clicked into readiness as the bird hovered, focused, circled, and eventually made a dive, wings pulled back in a dramatic plunge. The splash echoed across the water as it emerged, often empty-clawed. But the thrill was undeniable, regardless. Several ospreys arrived over my time in the hide, each dive an unpredictable, breathtaking moment. Some missed, some succeeded, soaring off with glistening trout gripped tightly in their talons.
This kind of photography isn’t just about getting the perfect shot—it’s about the experience, the connection to the wild, and the shared respect among those who come to witness it. We spoke in hushed tones between action bursts, swapping stories, camera settings, and sometimes small bites of breakfast.
As the sun rose higher and the activity slowed, we left the hide with memory cards full of images and hearts full of admiration for these magnificent birds. The Aviemore Ospreys experience is a rare chance to witness natural drama unfold in real time, with expert guidance and a deep respect for wildlife at its core.
For anyone passionate about birds, photography, or just the peace of a Highland dawn, this is a must-do experience—and one I hope to repeat soon.