Two ospreys have been spotted flying over Bassenthwaite Lake and mating on platforms, although the Lake District Osprey Project has been forced to suspend this year’s operations indefinitely due to the restrictions in place to deal with the Covid-19 crisis.
In line with the current health emergency and guidance from the government on social distancing, the LDOP has postponed the start of this year’s project indefinitely and is monitoring the situation.
This means that Dodd Wood viewpoints will not be open, and the car park, toilets and Old Sawmill tearoom are also currently closed. Whinlatter Visitor Centre, all of the car parks, Siskins cafe, and Cyclewise at that site are also closed.
The project’s information officer Barbara Thomson said: “On the human side all our migrations have been curtailed. However, for migrating birds, including the ospreys, life cycles and the seasons impose their own rhythms. Across the African continent scores of birds have been shaking their feathers and looking north.
“By early March many of the birds we welcome to Cumbria had started their journey. The recent high pressure system over UK and the north of Europe has made travel easier after the Sahara crossings and over the last week there has been a ‘drop’ of ospreys at many of the nest sites in Cumbria.”
Since 2001, when the first osprey chick to hatch in England chipped its way out of its shell on Bassenthwaite there has been a steady rise in Cumbrian numbers of the iconic bird, which Barbara says now has a firm foothold in the county.
“Good news! Two birds have been seen this week flying the length of the Lake (Bassenthwaite) and mating on platforms in the valley,” said Barbara. “In addition, No 14 has crossed the Sahara, circumnavigated the Alps and is well on his way back to Blighty.
“So, humans may not be allowed out into the forests but our wonderful wildlife is getting along fine, with Spring-time ‘business as usual’. We would urge all our supporters and followers to stay safe, stay home and watch wildlife countywide online.”
Barbara added: “We will update our website and social media channels with osprey news when we can and we urge all of our follows and supporters to stay at home and wait for an update.”
For more information visit www.ospreywatch.uk or Osprey Watch Facebook and @lakelandosprey
