A date with record breaking ospreys

20th July 2011

KIELDER OSPREY WATCH 2011
19 July 2011

STOP PRESS! Two chicks found in the new nest - both healthy.

A DATE WITH RECORD BREAKING OSPREYS

Tree climbing rangers clambered up a tall Sitka spruce to pay a house
call on an historic brood of ospreys.

They have ringed two chicks born to proud and record breaking parents in
Kielder Water & Forest Park.

"The nest is the second in the 62,000 hectare (155,000 acre) Northumbrian wilderness, but it makes Kielder the only place in England for over 170 years to have two naturally re-colonising osprey families at the same time."

Until now all the observations of the nest had been made from a distance
as the Forestry Commission was keen not to disturb the birds. Now it
can be revealed that two birds were found.

Both chicks were gently lowered from the nest to have rings attached to
their legs. Mum kept watch from a nearby tree.

Rings carry vital information like where and when the birds were born.
Because they can be read over a distance using a telescope, it's the
best chance of finding out what becomes of the young birds in the big
wide world.

In a few weeks the chicks should fledge and start a crash course
learning from Dad how to hunt for fish on Kielder Water. And they won't
be alone as Kielder's other osprey nest has also produced a chick,
ringed later in the day by rangers.

By September the youngsters need to be able to fend for themselves - a
3,000 mile winter migration to Africa beckons.

Kielder Osprey Watch 2011 is organised by the Kielder Water & Forest
Park Development Trust, the RSPB and Northumberland Wildlife Trust. The
partners are working hard to ensure that the ospreys are here to stay by
maintaining a high quality habitat in Kielder Water & Forest Park and
safeguarding and monitoring the nest site.

Media calls to Richard Darn 0775 367 0038.