Two osprey chicks hatched in the Lake District have flown south and are now in Portugal and France.
For the first time their progress to warmer climes can be followed thanks to satellite tracking technology fitted to the two chicks. The first bird – which is ringed as number 11 – left the family nest, overlooking Bassenthwaite Lake, on August 24.He has undertaken a remarkable journey since leaving his Cumbrian home.
He first headed to the Midlands, flying 130 miles in one day. From there he began flying south west to Cornwall. Then flew away from land, crossing the Bay of Biscay, to arrive in northern Spain.
His most recent location was recorded as being just south of the city of Porto in Portugal.
His brother – ringed as bird number 12 – left the nest a few days later, on August 27. He headed to Dorset before crossing the English Channel and then following a more inland route through France. He is now located near La Rochelle, on France’s west coast.
Wildlife rangers believe they are heading for the west coast of Africa, but exactly where they will end up is anyone’s guess.
Nathan Fox, of the Forestry Commission’s Whinlatter Forest, said: “This is the first time we have tracked birds from the Lake District. We have never known where they have gone. However, the vast majority of ospreys migrate to west Africa where there are enormous estuaries.
“It is a tremendous achievement for birds that have never left the nest before. It shows how powerful the instinct to migrate is. Hopefully we will see these birds return in a few years and raise their own young here in the Lake District.”
Ospreys, which can live up to 25 years, tend to stay in Africa for three years.
When they reach adulthood they are ready to return north to mate.
Cumberland News
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