THE FIRST breeding pair of Ospreys on England’s south coast have returned to their nesting site in Poole Harbour.

Male Osprey 022 arrived in Poole Harbour on Monday, March 25, exactly 365 days after returning last year following his migration to West Africa.

Female CJ7 arrived early the following morning on Tuesday, March 26.

Brittany Maxted, species recovery coordinator for the charity, said: “We are overjoyed and relieved that both of the pairs have returned safely.

“They are the founding pair and represent such an important part of the project.”

Ospreys were historically persecuted until their numbers were extremely low, resulting in their extinction as a breeding bird in England in 1847.

Bournemouth Echo: Breeding pair of Ospreys in their nest

Birds of Poole Harbour partnered with the Roy Dennis Wildlife Foundation to deliver the Poole Harbour Osprey Translocation Project.

The project began in 2017 and aims to restore a breeding population of these ‘charismatic’ birds to the south coast.

When these birds arrived at Poole Harbour in 2022, they became the first nesting pair on the south coast of England in 180 years.

In 2022, the pair raised two chicks, becoming the first ospreys to breed in England since 1847.

Brittany said: “In 2023, they had a really successful breeding season, raising three healthy chicks.

“If they continue to breed again this year, then there’s a really good chance of the population taking off and becoming self-sustaining.”

The male osprey 022 arrived at Poole Harbour one day earlier than last year, and the female CJ7 arrived five days earlier than in 2023.

Brittany said: “To have the founding pair return for a third year earlier than ever is very exciting.

“The early arrival reflects their level of experience as breeding birds and gives them more of a chance of breeding successfully this year as well.”

This year, Birds of Poole Harbour upgraded its camera system to help closely monitor Ospreys.

They have also enhanced the viewing platform, and from April, small groups of people will be able to view the nest from a safe distance, offering two-hour tours equipped with binoculars and telescopes.