Northumberland Kielder ospreys begin leaving for the long journey to Africa; one osprey chick spotted on nest

The ospreys are starting to leave Kielder Forest, although not all have checked out yet for the  flight to warmer climates. Generally ospreys leave anytime from late August to winter in sub-Saharan Africa, but this youngster on nest two was spotted yesterday (Sunday) clearly wondering where everyone has gone!  Northumbrian wildlife observers think that his sibling is still around, so he is not completely alone. The family on nest one – two adults and one chick – appear to have gone. The youngster – one of two chicks which fledged from the nest – will soon pluck up courage to follow his instincts on a 5,000 mile journey south. Generally, mum goes first, then the dad and finally the chicks. The Kielder osprey chicks must make their own way and it is a hard life for them.  One of the pitfalls for chicks on the first migration is if they try and cross the Bay of Biscay in one go. The journey would be too long and it’s highly unlikely they will make it to their destination.  Ospreys that learn to stick to the coast so they can rest will survive. All being well, it will be a couple of years before the Kielder osprey chick makes its first trip back to the UK, and a couple more before it breeds. The Kielder ospreys have become a highlight on the Northumbrian wildlife calendar and wildlife lovers follow their progress with keen interest.