There is excitement among Cumbrian bird lovers, following the discovery an osprey has laid three eggs.

The bird, known as KL, returned to the nest at Bassenthwaite Lake just before Easter.

Monitored by the Lake District Osprey Project (LDOP), the next annually runs its viewing point in the hope that the ospreys continue to return and nest at the site.

It is believed that the unringed male which has joined KL at the site this year is the same one as in previous years.

Members of the project this week confirmed that three eggs have now been laid.

Cath Johnson, of the LDOP, said: “We’re so excited that KL and her partner have three eggs in the nest.

"This is the fifth year that these particular ospreys have returned to Bassenthwaite and they’ve had 15 eggs in that time, so they are a very successful pair.”

A dedicated team of staff and volunteers can be found at the osprey viewpoint at Dodd Wood, which is available every day from 10am to 5pm until the end of August.

At nearby Whinlatter Visitor Centre, visitors can also watch live nest cam images on flat screen televisions, between 10am and 5pm.

Cath added: “It’s amazing to be able to watch these impressive birds here in the heart of the Lake District.

"We would encourage everyone, whether local or visiting the area, to come and see them over the summer and follow their incredible story.”

Since the LDOP - a partnership between The Forestry Commission, the RSPB and the Lake District National Park - began in 2001, ospreys have nested successfully at Bassenthwaite every year, raising almost 30 chicks. More than 1.5m people have visited the project.

Osprey fans around the world can watch the nestcam online at ospreywatch.co.uk