Fishing Ospreys in the wild

Season April 20th-August 20th

What was a passion has become something of an obsession.

Many years ago and long before I built my own little Osprey Lochan I worked and built Osprey hides at a different venue. While it was brilliant fun, it only really produced images that all looked the same. Well it's hard to believe it's been 10 years now since I built my little Osprey Fishing Lochan. Time flies when you're having fun they say, and after guiding photographers to Osprey's fishing for 10 years and around 1,400 early mornings it's still fun.

I really wanted to give photographers an opportunity to get a unique Osprey image and that's why I have moved the hides and made changes to the pond every year. I did say it had become an obsession.

2020 saw two new hides placed at eye level on the edge of the pond with unobstructed view onto the water surface. I also added bigger netted windows to make it possible to capture the most sought-after image of an Osprey with the talons out in front, just before it hits the water.

I believe these hides are as good as is possible and photographers managed multi competition winning images and featured in 11 National Newspapers/Magazines, Spring Watch and Countryfile image of the day.

Season April 20th-August 20th

Fully guided every morning of the Osprey season including weekends.

Meeting times

May 4.30am, June/July 4.15am, session normally ends at 8.30am

Camera Equipment

Both hides require a tripod with lens size of 300mm to 500mm, while it is possible to do hand held photography, a tripod is better.

The Hides

Two large shared hides that can accommodate up to 10 photographers per morning, each morning we rotate hides to give the best chance of different angles and Osprey images.

Age limit

16 years and over.

Fitness level

A 3 min walk on level ground from the small car park to the hides.

Facilities

Toilets available on resort.

Footwear and clothing

As it is a short walk to the hides, a pair of boots is suitable with no bright coloured clothing.

Please note these are not suitable for wheelchair access as they are dug into the ground.

Location

The Osprey hides are located on the Macdonald Aviemore resort, located in the middle of Aviemore, situated off the main street. To view the location simply visit Google Maps Here.

Satnav for post code PH22 1PN.

If you are travelling from the South

As you drive into Aviemore you will pass the only petrol station (24hr with a coffee machine). As you pass the petrol station take the first left up into the resort. At the top of the drive turn left and pass the car park of the Strathspey Hotel, carry on 50 yards and you will see a small car park on the left where your guide will be waiting.

If you are travelling from the North

Driving through Aviemore you will see the only Tesco store on your right. Carry on and you will drive past the Cairngorm Hotel, again on your right. Take the first right past this hotel and drive up into the resort. At the top of the drive turn left and pass the car park of the Strathspey Hotel, carry on 50 yards and you will see a small car park on the left where your guide will be waiting.