A pair of breeding ospreys has returned to Foulshaw Moss Nature Reserve in South Cumbria, prompting hopes that osprey chicks will hatch here for the seventh year running.
Blue 35 and White YW, the two ospreys who successfully raised and fledged two chicks last year, returned to Foulshaw Moss Nature Reserve, near Witherslack, South Cumbria last week. The female, Blue 35, returned on Thursday 26 March and her mate White YW returned a day later, on Friday 27 March.
Paul Waterhouse, Reserves Officer for Cumbria Wildlife Trust, looks after Foulshaw Moss Nature Reserve. He said: “We’re delighted to see Blue 35 and White YW back again. They’re an incredibly successful breeding pair, raising 16 chicks so far since 2014. Fingers crossed that this year, their seventh at Foulshaw Moss, will be equally productive. Following the courtship behaviour we’ve seen already since their return, we can look forward to seeing eggs in the nest in April.”
You can watch the ospreys close-up on the live osprey webcam at https://www.cumbriawildlifetrust.org.uk/wildlife/cams/osprey-cam Paul said: “Our live webcam is a wonderful way to watch the ospreys’ progress from our own homes. You’ll be able to study their behaviour all through the breeding season. A highlight will be when we see how many eggs there are and start wondering when they’ll hatch. We encourage everyone to follow all these milestone moments with us on the webcam. This summer, more than ever, this is a great way for us all to keep connected to wildlife and see nature at very close quarters, even if we are confined indoors.”
Paul continued: “You can also enjoy an immersive experience of Foulshaw Moss Nature Reserve online with our new 360-degree virtual tour. With dramatic, panoramic views, you can look around the nature reserve as if you’re really there, zoom into the osprey nest and viewing points, and read fascinating facts about these great birds of prey. We’ll also put regular blog posts and activities about ospreys on our website and social media channels, to ensure you stay connected to this amazing wildlife spectacle over the coming months.”
The car park at Foulshaw Moss Nature Reserve is currently closed. Under current government guidelines, visitors can only access the nature reserve by foot, as part of their once-a-day exercise, as long as they adhere to social distancing rules.
To view the live osprey webcam go to https://www.cumbriawildlifetrust.org.uk/wildlife/cams/osprey-cam
To experience the new 360-degree virtual tour of Foulshaw Moss go to www.cumbriawildlifetrust.org.uk
Join in the osprey conversation on social media using #FoulshawOspreys
