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First osprey chicks in 200 years reported in Herefordshire
Overview
A pair of ospreys has successfully raised three chicks to fledging in Herefordshire, marking what is believed to be the first time the birds have bred in the county in at least 200 years. The nest was located in an oak tree near the River Wye. Ospreys became extinct as a breeding bird in Britain in the 20th century due to human persecution, but have since been reintroduced in England and Wales. The exact location of the nest has been kept private to protect the birds, which are amber-listed for conservation concern.
Key points
- A pair of ospreys successfully raised three chicks to fledging in Herefordshire near the River Wye.
- This is believed to be the first time ospreys have bred in Herefordshire in at least 200 years.
- Ospreys became extinct as breeding birds in Britain in the 1900s due to human persecution.
- The breeding pair likely originated from the growing Welsh population.
- The exact nest location has been withheld to protect the birds, which are amber on the UK list of Birds of Conservation Concern.
- The birds have reportedly now left the UK for their annual migration to western Africa.