In general young male ospreys returning from W Africa for the first time are inclined to explore their natal site initially in the hopes of finding a home and wife. Young females are inclined to start their search some distance from home – in the hopes that the dashing young males they might meet are not their brothers. However, by mid May those birds that have not discovered the partner or the home of their dreams will start looking elsewhere. For example, in the past few days there have been reports of single birds on the River Eamont and at Leighton Moss.

Every year we have had some of these ‘unattached’ birds investigating the area. This afternoon we spotted the first of these when No-ring witnessed a stranger catching a fish in one of HIS lagoons on the marsh. In a flurry of righteous indignation he gave it a good bombing – although it managed to hold onto its booty.

Now, so far these lone ospreys have always arrived one at a time, stayed for a few days, and then moved on. The magic of 2 pairs of eyes meeting across a fish-filled Lake has never been their lot. Until today! At 15.30, when both No-ring and Mrs. were safely sitting on the nest, not one but TWO other ospreys were seen flying down on the marsh. Admittedly they were flying in opposite directions but all the watchers felt sure, or at least hoped very much, they were aware of each other.

Furthermore reports from Visitors confirmed sightings of a bird/birds fishing on Derwent Water earlier.

It would be too bad if after all these years of waiting for a second pair these two are of the same sex, or worse if the chemistry just isn’t there, because of course there is a most desirable residence overlooking the Lake that has only very recently come on the market..........