Please direct any further posts to the Lake District thread.

These are not the only Ospreys in Cumbria, three chicks were raised at Foulshaw Moss just over the Lancs border near the A590 in South Cumbria (see Cumbria Wildlife Trust, these were well-publicised and entry is free) so a potential of five returning birds next year, and locals tell me this was not the only nest in the area! We got very good sightings just with binoculars this year.

Thanks folks. I went to the lower viewing platform on Thursday 28th. Like Nick said "very distant" . not worth the bother.. I feel sorry for all the mums and dads taking children hoping to see an Osprey. The RSPB were there this week with 60x scopes. Locked on to the " bird"

Yes Pete. Powter Wood, now I think I did well with the Flycatchers but probably had no chance with the Wood Warbler as there was a lot of leaf compared to other sites I had been in the area. A great place to stop off for an hour is White Moss Woods between Rydal and Grasmere lakes. I've had Restart, both Flycatchers, Wood and Garden Warbler there with Dippers and Grey wagtails on the river. Marsh Tit as well. It only takes ten minutes to walk round there but a lot longer just viewing whats there.

Thanks Bill - those woods were superb about three weeks ago before everything came into full leaf weren't they - now they are still alive with birdsong but just more tricky to spot em! I might try again late evening for the Osprey whenever I'm up there again as it was a superb sight, cheers, Peter

Hi Peter I was there about 3 weeks ago and those woods definitely have wood warbler. I also had Pied Flycatcher and Spotted Flycatcher there as well. I was lucky enough to have an Osprey over the water but getting great views of fishing is excellent

Lucky enough to see an Osprey take a Pike - which looked a good size at around 20:45 last night - also of note where an Otter from the hide and lots bird song in the woods to the back of the lake - possibly including a Wood Warbler but I didn't hear enough to be sure.

A visit yesterday afternoon produced-

1 Osprey from viewing area. Much clearer views from highest viewing area.
Surrounding area: Several Willow Warbler and Chiffchaff
Hobby over

Red Squirrels

Thanks Nick

I am up at B.Lake for 4 days in 2 weeks. is anywhere and everywhere good enough around, or are there any spots or sites to visit.

Thanks

geoff

Been up there today Geoff. Both adult birds and fledged chick are still around.

I watched one of the birds from the lower viewpoint but it was very distant.

They are expecting the female and juvenile to leave very soon but there should still be at least one bird around when you get up here.

As for other sites there are loads around. Check out the Cumbria birds website.

Incidentally, I birded Grune Point this morning for a few hours and it was quite good. A nice variety of waders plus quite a few Sparrowhawks and two Peregrines on Skinburness marsh. Loads of good habitat and easily worth spending half a day to explore.

-- Edited by Nick Isherwood on Monday 13th of August 2012 07:41:56 PM

Got good views this weekend of both parents and chick flapping away in the nest. Chick now been ringed and tagged with satellite tag. Look forward to watching its journey.

Called in on Sunday to view these fantastic birds but was a little disappointed with the views this year. Left at 3.30 and drove round the lake and while driving to Keswick on the A66 just before Thornthwaite not 30ft above me one of the birds flew across to the pines with a huge fish in its talons! Car behind me nearly smashed into me but alas the opportunity for a photo had gone.

Osprey seen circling over the lake, also Goosander, Woodcock, Oystercatchers and Common Sandpiper

Female Osprey on the nest with eggs at the moment.
The RSPB guide at the watch point told us that this year they have a new male and he's a first-time dad. Apparently he disappears for long periods and they're waiting to see if he brings food back to the nest and provides for the female.

Using the telescopes provided it was possible to see
Greylag and Canada Geese
Swifts and Hirundines hunting over the lake
Teal
Mute Swan

At the lower watchpoint the feeding stations also held:
3 Jays
Blue Tit
Coal Tit
Robin
Dozens of Chaffinches

Chiffchaffs and Willow Warblers singing and showing well in the woods around the watchpoints.

Bassenthwaite - Osprey on the "new" nest tree on the flat marshy area. Just to confirm what I'd read there are two nest platforms - one built about 100m nearer the lake than the other - I believe one was put up by the land owner and one by the osprey watch people. The Osprey was on the one that's further back from the lake and less easily seen.

-- Edited by Pete Welch on Thursday 12th of April 2012 10:34:25 PM

Working up in the lakes a lot at present and went over to see the Ospreys at Bassenthwaite. Well worth he effort if your up there! Whilst watching them on the nest, a Kestrel flew onto a nearby treetop. Approx 10 yards away. The Ospreys never flinched. However, whilst watching and waiting to see what was going to happen we were all taken aback as without warning and a Buzzard came flying in from below and literally hit the Kestrel hard and bumped it out of the tree! A chase ensued that was fantastic to witness. The Male Osprey, we assumg not interested in this 'lower entangling' then left the nest and dropped over the lake whilst we all watched the aerial combat going on around us as the two aforementioned continued their dog fight. Spectacular!