Loch of the Lowes
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Loch of the Lowes | |
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| Location | Perth and Kinross, Scotland |
| Lake type | loch |
| Basin countries | United Kingdom |
| Surface area | 98 ha (240 acres) |
Loch of the Lowes is a loch near Dunkeld in Perth and Kinross, Scotland. The loch and the surrounding area are designated as a wildlife reserve, run by the Scottish Wildlife Trust. Another loch of the same name lies near St. Mary's Loch in the Scottish Borders Region.
The loch covers 98 hectares and from early April to late August the star attraction is a pair of breeding ospreys. Their nest is situated within 150 metres of an observation hide, allowing osprey family life to be observed through binoculars, telescopes and closed-circuit television (CCTV). Their progress can be monitored online on the Scottish Wildlife Trust's webcam.
Fallow and roe deer are often seen from the hide and sometimes even otters can be observed. Red squirrels and common woodland birds, including treecreepers and great spotted woodpeckers, visit feeders daily.
Wildfowl numbers peak in early winter when up to 3,000 migrant greylag geese roost on the loch. In addition, goldeneyes, mallards, goosanders, wigeons, teals, tufted ducks and great crested grebes breed near the hide.
