Ospreys lay three eggs at Kielder Forest, Northumberland

by Tony Henderson

BIRDS of prey once extinct in the region have produced three eggs for the third year in a row at their Northumberland nest.
Nature experts have said the pair of ospreys living at Kielder Water and Forest Park have been seen turning the eggs.
The two birds – reunited 10 days later than last year because the female met stormy weather on her migration route from Africa – have made up for lost time and, it is hoped, will produce another brood of healthy chicks.
The mother has been seen keeping the eggs warm on live video footage beamed to Kielder Castle from a Forestry Commission nest camera.
The father has also been seen sticking to his duties by keeping her well fed and bringing back trout.
The new dad has also been seen taking a modern approach to parenting by taking his turn to sit on the eggs for a couple of hours each day.

Martin Davison, Forestry Commission ornithologist, said: “Getting another three eggs is fabulous news. This is the critical time as once eggs hatch there’s a very good chance the chicks will fledge.
“Kielder is key for the bird’s fortunes as it is one of only two locations in England where the once-extinct creature has naturally recolonised.
“Every chick born on Northumbrian soil increases the likelihood that it will spread to other parts of the country.”
Nothing is known about the fate of the six osprey chicks previously reared by the Kielder couple, the first of their kind in the county for more than 200 years.
However, that could be set to change. The ospreys born in 2009 are likely to return to the UK for the first time this summer. All of them were tagged and experts will be scouring sighting records to see if they have made it back.
Kevin Hudson, Northumbrian Water leisure manager, said: “Although young ospreys lack the homing instinct of their parents, who will continue to return to the Kielder nest all being well, chicks may well make a beeline for the general Borders area as there’s plenty of habitat and good fishing, especially in Kielder Water.
“These are really exciting times watching a star of the animal kingdom puts down roots in Kielder Water & Forest Park.”
Visitors can view the birds on the nest two miles away through high-powered telescopes at Leaplish Waterside Park with volunteer experts on weekends from May 28 until July 31 and selected other dates.

There will also be osprey talks on the 2.15pm Sunday ferry service from Leaplish Waterside Park and visitors may even see the birds fishing, on the service from May 29 to July 31.
To find out more go to www.visitkielder.com

Source: http://www.journallive.co.uk/north-east-news/environment-news/2011/05/21/ospreys-lay-three-eggs-at-kielder-forest-61634-28735196/#ixzz1NUShfX22

Bird News: Rare Duck Spotted in South Shields

RARE VISITOR ... the Mandarin duck in South Marine Park, South Shields.

TWITCHERS in South Tyneside are going quackers to meet a visitor from afar.

Experts believe it’s the first time that a Mandarin duck has visited the lake in South Marine Park, South Shields.

The brightly-coloured bird, which is native to East Asia, was first spotted in the borough on April 10.

Gazette chief photographer Tim Richardson captured the male having a splash yesterday.

He said: “It’s a beautiful bird, very colourful. It appears to be just by itself, and it was first recorded three weeks ago.

“I’ve never seen a Mandarin on the Marine Park’s lake before.”

The birds were first introduced to Britain about 260 years ago.

As a direct result of birds escaping from captivity, and some others being deliberately released back into the wild, small feral populations became established in south-east England during the early part of the 20th century.

They have spread to other parts of the country since, and it’s estimated there are 1,000 pairs in total.

The bird was first spotted in South Marine Park by Michael Mudditt, who is originally from the borough but now lives in America.

He sent in this snap to the Gazette after a recent visit to see his mum in Jarrow.

He said: “When I’m here, I come down to South Marine Park early every morning to see what I can take photos of and to breathe the air of my childhood.”

Bird-lover Dougie Holden, whose eagle eyes secured him international acclaim after he spotted a rare eastern crowned warbler in Trow Quarry, South Shields, in October 2009, is delighted with the new arrival.

Mr Holden from Harton, South Shields, said: “The birds occasionally appear in South Tyneside. A very handsome drake spent a couple of weeks near Primrose nature reserve in Jarrow during May of last year, and was enjoyed by many local birdwatchers.

“As far as I’m aware, the first sighting of this bird on Marine Park was made during the second week in April.

“It has been ‘showing well’ on a regular basis since.

“Mandarins are quite uncommon in this area, so it’s best to make the most of these beautiful birds whenever possible, as it may be a while before the next one turns up.”

Link: http://www.shieldsgazette.com/news/rare_visitor_sends_twitchers_quackers_1_3352533

Wildlife Sightings in Northumberland

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