A tenth generation of osprey chicks have been tagged at South Lakeland nature reserve.

Three six-week-old osprey chicks at Foulshaw Moss Nature Reserve near Witherslack now have ID rings.

This event is a key conservation moment for these spectacular birds of prey as the parent ospreys, Blue 35 and White YW, have successfully bred every year for a decade at this wetland nature reserve.

Ospreys are a Schedule 1 protected species, only those with a licence from the BTO are permitted to approach and handle the birds. 

Paul Waterhouse, reserves officer for Cumbria Wildlife Trust, said: “It’s great to have ringed another brood of osprey chicks, for the 10th year running.

"So far, we’ve tagged a total of 27 osprey chicks at Foulshaw Moss. They were weighed by a licenced and experienced bird ringer and each chick was given a coloured ID leg ring.

"This year we have one male and two females. All three chicks are doing very well. Soon they’ll start to fledge, and I’d urge anyone who hasn’t visited us yet this summer to come to Foulshaw Moss to see them. You’ve got a couple of months before these incredible birds of prey leave us for their long migration, most likely to west Africa.”

Paul explains the importance of tagging and ringing the osprey chicks is 'invaluable' as it enables the trust to identify the birds, keep tracks of their movements and understand their life history.

As part of the national bird ringing scheme, the chicks have been fitted with metal hoops, as well as a plastic coloured ring, for identification at a distance, using a telescope or camera.

Paul said: "Thanks to these tags, we’ve had several sightings of Foulshaw Moss ospreys around the world, in particular in the Gambia.”

You can watch the ospreys live: https://www.cumbriawildlifetrust.org.uk/wildlife/cams/osprey-cam

Foulshaw Moss Nature Reserve is open daily, free of charge. It’s located off the A590 near Witherslack.

Cumbria Wildlife Trust is offering special half-day Wildlife Experiences at Foulshaw Moss Nature Reserve throughout summer. Click here for more details and to book.

It costs the trust around £12,000 to run the Osprey webcam. 

Use #FoulshawOspreys to join the osprey conversation on social.