#FoulshawOspreys newest residents

Let's discover what’s going on in Foulshaw’s new nest and the established pair’s new neighbour(s).

Last year a pair of ospreys seemed to take an interest in a tree closer to the entrance of the reserve. By the end of the summer, the beginnings of a nest started to take shape.

However, when the ospreys had left in the autumn, closer investigation showed that the tree was rotten and unlikely to support a nest. 

So over the winter months work was done to create a safe support with a nest base in the hope that the ospreys would return again this year.

A new hide was also made for visitors to observe the nest without too much disturbance to the birds.

All the hard work was not in vain and this year saw the arrival of male Blue 476, a 2021 chick from a private Cumbrian nest. He has furiously been adding to the nest bringing in copious amounts of sticks and branches as well as softer nesting material, making a beautiful nest and egg cup.

His attempts at attracting a mate have not been quite so successful. The female that seemed to be around last year didn’t return and other females who have dropped by this year didn't seem to stay very long.

However, along came Blue 717, a 2022 female chick from Fife. She took interest in the nest but maybe not so much interest in the male, Blue 476, who still seemed to be more interested in nest building than bringing her fish.

The initial efforts of Blue 476 to mate with her weren't very successful, but he persevered and also learned that he needed to bring fish as well as sticks.

After a while their relationship began to look more harmonious and their mating attempts more successful. Bearing in mind that these are young birds without previous experience and have taken their time to get to know one another, we didn’t expect them to produce eggs this year. 

So we were surprised and delighted when one appeared, followed by another and then a third. We are not entirely sure of the laying dates but they are roughly 4 May, 7 May and 10 May.

These dates are quite late in the season for laying: almost a month later than the established pair, Blue 35 and White YW. We do understand, though, that Fife ospreys have a tendency to lay later, so she may be following a similar trend!

It would be wonderful if they were successful in raising chicks this year, but we know there is a long and precarious time ahead before they reach that stage.

Whilst there isn’t a webcam on the new nest we're able to track and monitor the ospreys with a trail camera. Any developments will be posted on social media and, of course, a visit to Foulshaw Moss Nature Reserve will provide the opportunity to see the birds on the nest and experience the excitement and atmosphere of seeing close up views of the ospreys.

Every day our knowledgeable and friendly volunteers will be on hand to tell you more about the birds as well other wildlife on the reserve.