DESPITE an uncertain start to the season, a female Bassenthwaite osprey is showing signs of having laid eggs.

The bird has been seen shuffling in the nest – behaviour which is an encouraging sign to experts that she has laid at least one egg.

It has given hope to the staff, volunteers and visitors at the Lake District Osprey Project (LDOP) for a successful 2019 season, following disappointment last year.

Becky Read, from the LDOP, said: “Last year we had an interesting time as our regular female of five years, known as KL sadly didn’t return to Bassenthwaite Lake.

“Our usual male, known as Unring (due to the fact he hasn’t got an identifying leg ring), came back but was without a mate.

“Several female ospreys showed an interest, and he mated with one female in particular, but unfortunately no eggs were laid.”

This year Unring has returned for his seventh season and it was unclear whether he would find a partner.

“We were delighted when he was joined by a new, unringed female and the pair have spent the past two weeks mating,” Becky continued.

“With this new female being an unknown osprey, we had no idea whether the pair would produce any eggs this season, so we’re thrilled that we have seen her displaying shuffling behaviour at the nest, a positive indicator that she is sitting on at least one egg.

“We’re hoping it is the start of another successful breeding season for the popular ospreys of Bassenthwaite and we will be watching eagle-eyed, as the drama unfolds.”

Ospreys use sticks to build nests that are about the size of a double bed and these are commonly made on special tree-top platforms which are installed to encourage breeding.

A number of osprey platforms have been created in locations at Bassenthwaite Lake.

Becky added: “The new nest site they have chosen is nearer to the viewpoints at Dodd Wood, so our visitors are being treated to closer views of these spectacular birds of prey.”

A dedicated team of staff and volunteers can be found at the osprey viewpoints at Dodd Wood which are open every day from 10am-5pm until the end of August.

Visit ospreywatch.co.uk