First Ospreys to hatch on an RSPB nature reserve in England since Victorian times

First Ospreys to hatch on an RSPB nature reserve in England since Victorian times - RSPB

a nest of twigs on the top of a platform with an adult osprey feeding a chick — Adult Opsrey in nest feeding chicks at Campfield Marsh (Jeff Teasdale)

Success marks a milestone moment for bird of prey that was once extinct as a breeding bird in UK.

Ospreys were persecuted to extinction in the UK in the early 1900s but they are steadily increasing in numbers, with Scotland as their stronghold. This success indicates the vital role RSPB nature reserves play in supporting threatened bird populations by managing suitable habitat through conservation work to aid species recovery.

RSPB Campfield Marsh in Cumbria features an Osprey platform to attract these birds of prey to nest which can be viewed from the nearby hide. 

The three chicks hatched between 7 and 14 June and were fitted with leg rings in July. This will allow any further sightings of the young birds to be recorded once they have fledged and help monitor their movements.

The chicks are expected to fledge in August but will likely remain in the local area whilst they learn how to fish and fend for themselves. They will start making their way back to Africa from September onwards and their migration will take approximately four to six weeks.