Osprey’s family tree traced

Unprecedented Osprey activity was recorded at Nosterfield Nature Reserve during July and August.

A handful of sightings is usual every year during the spring and autumn migration but experts at the site say up to four birds have been fishing Flasks Lake.

“Adults, as well as juveniles, have been positively identified and although it is impossible to accurately tell how many individuals have spent time with us, the best and most conservative estimate is eight to ten different birds,” said a spokesman.

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“The real interest began on July 19 when three Ospreys were seen together, followed by one or two being observed on an almost daily basis.

“On August 4, an observant birder noticed one had a metal ring on its leg. The following day it got even more exciting.”

Another Osprey, was noticed with a blue co ring on its right leg. After investigation it was revealed that the two-year-old bird (Blue 281) left the southern Lake District two years ago.

The spokesman added: “Thanks to the unstinting hard work of Jane Dell – one of the volunteers at the Rutland Osprey Project – she has delved through the records to establish that the father of Blue 281 was also ringed (White YC).

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“He hatched at Glaslyn in Wales in 2008, and his father (Blue 281’s grandfather) began life at Loch Garten in Scotland in 1998, before being translocated to Rutland Water.

“It would be beyond dreams to think that Blue 281 has been so attracted by Nosterfield that after heading off to winter in West Africa she returns here in 2021 to delight visitors again.

“She is young and may not reach maturity for another two to three years - much can happen in between.”

Nostewrfield’s dedicated group of volunteers have been building an artificial osprey nest, complete with high platform to try to attract the species.

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The nest contains nearly a third of a ton of wood and has been put together to a template provided by Scottish Osprey expert Roy Dennis.

“It was part of a plan hatched by LUCT director Simon Warwick several years ago before Blue 281 arrived at Nosterfield,” added the spokesman.

“But her presence has added an extra dimension to an already exciting project. We hope it will be erected sometime in September.”

Nosterfield is 150 acres of wet grassland and open water between the Rivers Ure and Swale.