With five chicks successfully raised across the two nests, we've had the privilege of watching a record number of youngsters grow from helpless hatchlings into powerful young birds, ready to explore the skies above Foulshaw Moss. 

As one chapter closes, another begins. But before they set off on their first migrations, let's look back at the journey so far. 

See how they've grown

In less than ten weeks, each chick has transformed from a tiny hatchling, no bigger or heavier than a chicken egg, into a magnificent juvenile osprey weighing up to two kilograms, with a wingspan approaching 1.5 metres.

It's one of nature's most remarkable growth stories.

The first two weeks – tiny and vulnerable

The chicks are at their most vulnerable during their first fortnight. They hatch covered in soft, pale down, with wobbly heads, oversized feet and the distinctive dark 'bandit mask'. Their eyes begin almost black, before gradually changing to blue and eventually developing the rich amber colour of juvenile ospreys.

Weeks two and three – little dinosaurs

The fluffy, pale down soon gives way to a darker scaly coat, giving the chicks a surprisingly reptilian appearance – resembling miniature dinosaurs more than birds of prey.

Their growth is astonishing. Every day, they become bigger, stronger and more active, shuffling around the nest on their haunches as their first rusty-brown 'pin' feathers (new growth feathers protected by a keratin shell) begin to emerge through the down.

Weeks four and five – growing into young ospreys

The transformation accelerates. Pin feathers gradually transform into beautiful juvenile plumage, chocolate brown with pale buff edges that provide excellent camouflage.

By now the youngsters are approaching the size of their parents. They spend more time exploring the nest and begin strengthening the muscles that will soon carry them into the air, by enthusiastically flapping their rapidly growing wings.

Week six – meeting the next generation

By six weeks of age, the young ospreys are almost fully grown. They're feeding themselves more confidently, exercising constantly and preparing for one of the most important milestones of their lives.

This is ringing day.

Experienced climbers carefully lower each chick from the nest so licensed ringers can examine them, record their measurements, determine their sex and fit uniquely numbered identification rings. These rings provide a passport for life, allowing researchers to identify the birds wherever they may be seen in years to come.

This year's Foulshaw youngsters were recorded as:

Nest One

• 5K4 – Female – 1,780 g
• 5K5 – Female – 1,680 g

Nest Two

• 8K0 – Male –     1,440 g
• 8K1 – Female – 1,740 g
• 8K2 – Female – 1,560 g

You can read more about this year's ringing programme in the recent Cumbria Wildlife Trust article

 

Weeks seven and eight – preparing for take-off

With each passing day, wing exercises become more energetic. Powerful wing beats begin lifting the youngsters clear of the nest for a few seconds at a time before they progress to 'helicoptering' from one side of the nest to the other.

Eventually comes the moment every osprey must face – the leap of faith.

Normally, young ospreys fledge at around eight weeks of age. This summer's prolonged hot weather appeared to slow their enthusiasm for exercise, so our youngsters took a little longer than usual to leave the nest.

The first flights

The honour of first flight went to 8K0, the young male from Nest Two, who fledged on 17 July. The lightest of the five youngsters, he has proved to be full of confidence and character.

Just one day later, two more youngsters followed. 5K4 from Nest One and 8K1 from Nest Two both launched successfully into the skies above Foulshaw.

On Nest One, 5K5 needed a little more preparation before finally taking flight on 21 July, with what almost seemed like encouragement from her sister.

The last youngster to leave home was 8K2 from Nest Two. She appeared perfectly content with the comforts of the nest and clearly saw no reason to rush! Eventually, however, instinct prevailed and she too joined her siblings in the air.

Preparing for the greatest journey of all

Although they have now fledged, the young ospreys are far from independent. For the next few weeks, they'll remain close to their nests, while continuing to receive fish from their parents.

Gradually, the adult females will begin to reduce their involvement, encouraging the youngsters to become more self-reliant, while the adult males continue to provide food.

Each day brings new flying lessons. The juveniles will become stronger, more agile and more adventurous, perfecting the art of landing – which often proves far more challenging than taking off!

Before long, an even stronger instinct will take over.

Migration

One by one, these remarkable young birds will leave Foulshaw Moss and begin an extraordinary journey of thousands of miles – a journey they must undertake entirely on their own.

For now, though, we'll continue to enjoy watching them discover the freedom of flight, celebrate every successful landing, and smile at the occasional mealtime surprise that keeps life at the Foulshaw nests as entertaining as ever.