Foulshaw Moss nature welcomes first 'bobblehead' Osprey chicks

Two eagerly-awaited Osprey chicks hatched at Foulshaw Moss Nature Reserve at the weekend after parents female Blue 35 and male White YW returned from Africa last month.

The lovebirds have nested here since 2013 and have successfully raised 27 previous chicks.

READ MORE: 'Dad' Osprey spotted 'shopping' in Ulverston ahead of chicks' arrival

Spring is always a precarious time for those that follow the story of the Ospreys and watch the Osprey Cam live stream every year.

Last year, there were concerns that female Blue 35 would not return as White YW  brought unknown female ospreys to the nest.

During the first few days, she was nowhere to be seen, however she eventually flew in to take her rightful place. 

The pair usually have three eggs but sadly, there have been times when not all the chicks have survived.

Those that watch the Osprey Cam live stream every year know that Blue 35 usually lays an egg, then two days later a second, and then a third three days after.

The chicks usually hatch at the same intervals which has been the case this year so far.

The first 'bobblehead', an affectionate term used in the Osprey watching world due to their wobbly necks, came out on Friday, May 24.

This was reported by the dedicated Foulshaw Moss X page which is managed by a volunteer.

This was then confirmed on Cumbria Wildlife Trust's Facebook page with a post that read: "Foulshaw Ospreys' chick 1 has hatched! First spotted 6.45pm last night – thanks to our regular viewers for reporting their observations.

"Welcome to the world little chick one!"

The baby was then pictured at breakfast time on the Foulshaw Moss X account on Sunday (May 26) with a Tweet that read "they grow fast on their raw fish diet. Hatching at 50g, in a week this chick will weigh 150g!"

Later that day, 'Bob 2' arrived with the third now expected on Wednesday (May 29).