I was interested to read the report article (Farm and Country, August 28, 'Reserve celebrates its osprey success') about the Roudsea ospreys, in which it stated Cumbria is now home to three pairs of nesting ospreys. I assume you are referring to Bassenthwaite, Foulshaw Moss and Roudsea Moss.

However, it is no secret that ospreys have been nesting at Esthwaite. They even run a 'Osprey Experience' website. There is a purpose-built nest by the lake, which failed this year and also (I think) last year.

However, there is another nearby nest that was occupied at least four years ago and every year since. The location is not well known and it is not easily observed.

However, I think it has best claim to being our 'second pair' as they were there long before Foulshaw and Roudsea had their own.

This year they hatched three chicks and fledged at least one.They have (according to the Esthwaite people) been fishing at the lake, although I suspect from my own sightings that in some years they have headed south to one of the local estuaries. There was still at least one bird at the nest site on September 2

So it seems that Cumbria had at least four breeding pairs this year and the South Lakes is becoming something of a hotspot.

Long may it continue.

Jamie Green

Backbarrow