Mon 10th April 2017
Ospreys return to Nature Reserve at Holker Estate, South Cumbria
The Ospreys were
first seen on the site in 2o13 but it was not until the following year after
the construction of a purpose-built nesting platform, that the pair adopted the
platform and began to build their nest. They reared two chicks successfully in
2014 returning in 2015 and 2016.
This year, the
male bird returned on 27th March and quickly restored possession of
the nest, successfully seeing off an intruder male before welcoming back the
female bird to the nest on 2nd April. Is it anticipated that the birds will spend
the next two weeks rebuilding the nest structure before laying up to three
eggs. Hopefully these will hatch in early June and the chicks will take their
first flight in mid-July.
Whilst the
female bird will spend nearly all her time on the nest, the male will be
hunting for fish in the nearby Leven Estuary. These birds thrive on a diet of
grey mullet and flat fish hauled from the tidal channels of the sea.
The Roudsea male
bird was ringed as a chick in North Wales in 2008 to help track his movements
and support conservation efforts. Chicks
produced in the Roudsea nest this year will also be carefully ringed in early
July and hopefully they will be recognisable when they eventually return to
breed in England after three years in Africa.
Visitors are
welcome at the Reserve to view the Osprey nest from the viewing point on the
bog boardwalk but they must request a free visiting permit in advance from the
Senior Reserves Manager, Rob Petley-Jones via email
rob.petley-jones@naturalengland.org.uk
Refreshments and
facilities can be found at nearby Holker Hall & Gardens which is open
Wednesday to Sunday 10:30am to 5pm.