A third osprey chick has hatched for the only breeding pair on England’s south coast, marking a significant milestone in the conservation efforts in the region. The latest arrival was born at 02:13 BST on Monday in Poole Harbour, Dorset. This birth marks the third consecutive year that the pair, which are part of an ambitious reintroduction program, have successfully bred.
The female osprey, known as CJ7, has laid four eggs this season, and the nest is under constant surveillance through a live webcam. This allows ornithologists and enthusiasts alike to observe the behaviors and development of the osprey family in real-time, providing valuable insights into their breeding habits and chick rearing.
Footage released by the conservation charity Birds of Poole Harbour shows CJ7 diligently feeding her three chicks. The charity has been instrumental in the reintroduction efforts and actively engages the public with updates and educational content about the ospreys.
In 2022, this breeding pair raised two chicks and made history as the first known ospreys to breed in southern England since 1847. The successful breeding was a landmark event, highlighting the potential for the reestablishment of ospreys in the area. However, the journey has not been without its challenges. One of the fledglings from 2022 was tragically killed by a Goshawk, a natural predator, underscoring the precariousness of wildlife conservation efforts. The other fledgling, demonstrating the resilience of the species, returned from migration earlier this year, much to the delight of conservationists.
The reintroduction program, spearheaded by Birds of Poole Harbour, began in 2017 with the ambitious goal of establishing a sustainable breeding population of ospreys on the south coast of England. The program involves careful monitoring, habitat management, and public education to foster a supportive environment for the ospreys.
This program not only aims to reestablish a breeding population but also seeks to enrich the local biodiversity and promote awareness about the importance of wildlife conservation. The success of the ospreys at Poole Harbour is a testament to the dedication and collaborative efforts of conservationists, volunteers, and the community.
As the chicks grow and eventually fledge, the team at Birds of Poole Harbour remains hopeful that these young ospreys will contribute to the growing population, continuing the legacy of their parents and paving the way for future generations. The journey of CJ7 and her mate symbolizes a beacon of hope and a significant stride forward in the conservation of ospreys in southern England.