10 ospreys in Northumberland are set to start their maiden migration to warmer climes

The Kielder Osprey Project has revealed that 10 youngsters have successfully fledged this year.

The breeding season started well with 19 eggs, but this year has proved to be particularly challenging for the birds with five eggs not hatching and four chicks dying on different nests due to the wet and windy weather.

Fledging took a little longer than usual probably due to the weather, as there were days with above average rainfall and feathers develop slower in damp conditions.

Last to fledge was Blue 214 from the new nest platform - Nest 7. Named Dally after the ruins of a motte-and-bailey castle at the edge of the Kielder Forest, he certainly lived up to his name - dallying about, keeping everybody waiting for him to fly off.

Osprey consultant, Joanna Dailey said: “To start seeing ospreys flying around Kielder is wonderful and really lifts the spirits following the months of lockdown.

"The youngsters are now gaining flying and fishing experience, sometimes with the adults, before they head off to sunnier climes.”

Osprey mothers usually leave on migration around the middle of this month, with the fathers and youngsters following individually at the end of August or early September.

The project is a partnership between Kielder Water & Forest Park Development Trust, Forestry England, Northumberland Wildlife Trust, Northumbrian Water and Calvert Kielder.

Although Covid-19 forced the cancellation of Osprey Watch, videos, images and updates have been provided on a blog at kielderospreys.wordpress.com.

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