Kielder is one of the most successful areas in England for this rare, protected bird of prey.
The fish eating birds hunt mainly at Kielder Water, and generally nest in remote areas of the Forest. The resident ospreys return from southern climes, mainly West Africa, in late March or early April. Eggs are laid in April or May and once chicks hatch the male parent will steadily increase his fishing to feed hungry mouths.
The birds use all parts of the reservoir, but some favourite areas are either side of the water at the dam, and around and between Bull Crag and Kielder Waterside. 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.
Since ospreys first recolonised here naturally in 2009 130 young ospreys have migrated at the end of each summer, and some are now breeding either in the Forest or elsewhere in the UK.
One nest, Nest 7, is visible from the Lakeside Way. Northumberland Wildlife Trust coordinates a team of knowledgeable volunteers who share their expertise with visitors from an osprey viewing point and wildlife cabin at Tower Knowe Visitor Centre. The cabin is situated next to the café.
From April to mid-August, Northumberland Wildlife Trust’s volunteers run Osprey Watch (Saturday, Sunday and Wednesday 11-4) with resources provided at the cabin to bring the stories of the Kielder ospreys to life. A 4K nest camera streams footage from Nest 7 and, with nest protection measures in place, keeps the birds safe for everyone to enjoy at a suitable distance via the camera and scopes at Tower Knowe.
Osprey
In addition to regular tours of the reservoir the ‘Osprey' ferry which is based at Kielder Waterside has special osprey watching cruises run by Wild Intrigue. Details are on their website.
You can follow the progress of the Kielder ospreys by visiting the blog at kielderospreys.wordpress.com, which also has historical data.
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 Wild Intrigue. You can support Osprey Watch by donating via the link here - Kielderospreys.wordpress.com/donate/.
This year we are delighted to have B4RN helping us to bring Kielder’s ospreys to the world with a community broadband donation. They have provided a new broadband connection so we can bring 24/7 livestreaming of the ospreys to audiences across the globe.
Alex MacLennan, Forestry England Recreation and Public Affairs Manager - Northumberland, said:
“The ospreys have become a symbol of wildlife recovery at Kielder, returning year after year to breed. This generous support from B4RN means thousands more people can follow their story live, wherever they are in the world.”
B4RN’s donation reflects their commitment to supporting community assets in rural areas. Tom Rigg, CEO of B4RN, said:
“This is what community broadband is all about. By connecting places that traditional providers struggle to reach, we’re helping communities access opportunities they wouldn’t otherwise have. We’re delighted that our network will help bring the Kielder ospreys to an even wider audience.”
