Foulshaw Moss Nature Reserve in Cumbria is celebrating a record-breaking year for its osprey population, with five chicks successfully fledged and tagged. This unprecedented number, confirmed by Cumbria Wildlife Trust, surpasses the reserve's previous record of three chicks in a single season, marking a significant boost for the iconic birds of prey.
The surge in numbers is largely due to the successful breeding of a new pair, identified as Blue 717 and Blue 476, who arrived at the reserve last year. After raising one chick in their inaugural season, a typical outcome for less experienced ospreys, the pair has this year produced three healthy chicks. This success comes alongside the continued breeding of the reserve's established pair, Blue 35 and White YW, who are estimated to be around 18 years old and have contributed two more chicks to this year's count.
Paul Waterhouse, a reserve officer for Cumbria Wildlife Trust, expressed his delight at the development. He highlighted the importance of the new pair's successful return and the continued fertility of the long-standing pair, whose breeding efforts are now considered a 'real bonus' given their age. The life expectancy for ospreys is typically around 25 years, making the ongoing success of Blue 35 and White YW particularly noteworthy.
All five young ospreys have undergone leg ringing and tagging, a crucial conservation measure that allows experts to track their movements and gather vital data on their life histories. These magnificent birds are expected to embark on their annual migration from the South Lakeland nature reserve in September, travelling to warmer climates in the Iberian Peninsula or West Africa for the winter months.
The Cumbria Wildlife Trust has also issued a reminder to visitors regarding one of the nests, established last year, which is situated close to the boardwalk and is therefore susceptible to disturbance. The charity is appealing to the public to be considerate and to utilise the designated hide responsibly, ensuring the well-being of the vulnerable osprey family.