The events of this week have shown us yet again that we are dealing with wild creatures that follow their own agenda and have unique personal characteristics, behaviours and preferences.

After leading No-ring a merry, if romantic, dance around the woods Mrs. No-ring debunked to the new nest on Dodd last Thursday and willy-nilly he had to follow. And, after a quick gasp of incredulity (They can’t have moved? Oh yes they have!) so did we.

Protection was our first priority because unfortunately osprey eggs are still very much at risk of being stolen by egg-collectors. They have been kept safe so far only because of the dedication of the Protection team. As with the previous nest the area has been cordoned off and a 24 hour watch has been set up. Our super police, who never fail to come when called, have been notified of the changes. As ospreys are Schedule 1 birds it is of course an offence to approach the nest or disturb them in any way.

. Having made them as safe as we are able, we can now turn our thoughts to telescope viewing and camera pictures for Whinlatter and the website.

Certainly both birds are looking magnificent and very settled, soaring in long lazy zig zags in the spring sunshine across the Dodd Fellside. It’s been a strange week but, if the stupendous views that can now be seen of the nest are anything to go by, the best is yet to come!