Sibling rivalry in the nest is forcing little Errol, the smallest of the Tweed Valley osprey quadruplets, to get tough.
It is very rare for Ospreys to hatch quads and for all of them to survive is not far short of a miracle, but Errol the osprey is proving to be full of fighting spirit when it comes to dinner time.
The plucky osprey has earned his name after showing off his swashbuckling feistiness - just like Errol Flynn.
Forest rangers and RSPB staff are pleased that he's sticking up for himself and during a recent inspection and ringing session of the Tweed Valley ospreys, all the chicks, including Errol, were given a clean bill of health.
Sarah Oakley of Forestry Commission Scotland said:
"It's incredibly rare to have four chicks, and at one point we thought it was touch and go for little Errol, because he was so much smaller than his siblings. However, it's clear that at dinner time he's not scared of pushing his small weight around to get a bit of fish."
The public can watch the antics of the Tweed Valley ospreys at two CCTV viewing sites at Glentress Forest and Kailzie Gardens, both near Peebles.
Neil Harnott, RSPB osprey information assistant added:
"We had a fantastic day at the ringing. It's great news that all the birds are in good condition. We've been able to get video footage of the ringing at two nests and this can be viewed at the centres. It's a real insight into what happens when chicks are ringed and why it is necessary."
The Tweed Valley Osprey Project is part of Ospreys' 50th, a partnership which was created in 2004 to celebrate 50 years since the return of ospreys to Scotland as a breeding bird. The partnership networks six osprey viewing sites throughout Scotland and works closely with the organisations involved in conserving the birds.
CCTV pictures from the nest are being beamed to viewing centres at Kailzie Gardens and Glentress Forest, both near Peebles. Opening hours for both are 10am to 5pm. Admission at Kailzie is £1 with children being free and at Glentress it is £2.00 for parking and the osprey centre is free. Refreshments and family walks are also at each site.
