Ospreys at Kielder

Ospreys have bred in Kielder Forest since 2009. By 2021 the population had grown from 1 to 7 breeding pairs, with other birds in the area each summer. In 2022, the exciting milestone of the 100th chick to fledge successfully was the highlight of the year..

You can follow the progress of the Kielder ospreys by visiting the blog at, http://kielderospreys.wordpress.com

The history of ospreys at Kielder is summarised on the timeline and 2023's key events can be found https://kielderospreys.wpcomstaging.com/timeline-2017/

You can support Osprey Watch by donating via the link here http://kielderospreys.wordpress.com/donate/

Between late March and early September ospreys often hunt over the water. The birds use all parts of the reservoir, but some favourite areas are either side of the water at the dam, the area between Bull Crag and Leaplish Bay at Kielder Waterside and at Leaplish Bay itself. The ospreys regularly hunt soon after first light and again in the early evening, around 17.30-18.00, but can be active at any time of the day. As the breeding season goes on, more fish will be required by ever-hungry growing chicks..

Each year once the ospreys return to Kielder, Northumberland Wildlife Trust coordinates a team of knowledgeable volunteers who share their expertise with visitors. There is now a osprey viewing point and wildlife cabin at Tower Knowe Visitor Centre. The new cabin is situated next to the café.

Between mid April to mid August, Northumberland Wildlife Trust’s volunteers run Osprey Watching events (usually Saturday, Sunday and Wednesday) with resources provided at the cabin to bring the stories of the Kielder ospreys to life and engage new audiences. A new camera provided clear and reliable images from a nest and with nest protection measures in place, keeps the birds safe for everyone to enjoy at a suitable distance.

You can support Osprey Watch by donating via the link here http://kielderospreys.wordpress.com/donate/

Starting up again is the ‘Osprey' ferry which is based at Kielder Waterside and has started running special osprey watching cruises run by Wild Intrigue. Details are on their website https://www.wildintrigue.co.uk/mini-expeds/osprey-watching-cruise/ end early September.

Kielder Osprey Watch is possible thanks to the hard work of Kielder Water & Forest Park Development Trust, Forestry England, Northumberland Wildlife Trust, Northumbrian Water and Calvert Kielder.

Kielder Osprey Watch is possible thanks to the hard work of Kielder Water & Forest Park Development Trust, Forestry England, Northumberland Wildlife Trust, Northumbrian Water and Calvert Kielder.