Despite the merciless onslaught of snow, hail, wind and rain over the past few weeks, video footage on two of the nests – nests two and three – have revealed both have a clutch of three eggs. This is particularly good news as one of the nests is playing host to a new pairing.
Experts watching the ospreys are also confident that the other nest, which is occupied by an experienced pair but is currently without a camera, has a similar-sized clutch. Last year, the ospreys had a successful season laying a total of 10 eggs and fledging six chicks.
The success of this year will depend on how well the birds incubate the eggs during the prolonged cold spell.
At the moment, they appear to be sitting tight with the eggs getting a minimal exposure to the elements.
Kielder Osprey expert volunteer Joanna Dailey said: “It’s always a pleasure to see a full clutch of three eggs on a nest. The ospreys are taking good care of their eggs in this challenging weather and we hope the sun comes out for the chicks hatching from late May.”
Visitors can watch the birds through a nest camera at Kielder Castle cafe and Northumbrian Water’s Leaplish Waterside Park and can keep up to date with them by checking the blog kielderos preys.wordpress.com
The Osprey Watch is organised by Kielder Water & Forest Park Development Trust and Northumberland Wildlife Trust, with support from the RSPB.
The partners are working hard to ensure the ospreys are here to stay by maintaining a high-quality habitat and safeguarding and monitoring the nest site. To find out more, go to www.visitkielder.com
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