Rare birds set new record in Dorset

ITV News

04-05-2025

The only pair of breeding Ospreys in southern England have laid four eggs at their nest site near Poole harbour for the second consecutive year.
The birds of prey typically lay three eggs, so for four to be laid two years on the run is highly unusual.
The species had been extinct in southern England for 180 years but the pair settled at Carey's Secret Garden near Poole Harbour in 2022.
A reintroduction programme began in Poole Harbour in 2017 with the long-term aim of establishing a breeding population.
Birds of Poole Harbour video
These four eggs were laid on 13 April, followed by each subsequent eggs laid three days apart, ending with the fourth egg on 22 April.
Hatching is expected to start towards the end of this month. The female, known as CJ7 and the male – 022 - share incubation duties, with males also responsible for hunting to feed the pair during this period.
Liv Elwood (Birds of Poole Harbour Manager) said: 'The team at Birds of Poole Harbour are delighted to see CJ7 lay four eggs for the second time.
'This nest is so important for the recolonisation of this special species on the south coast, and every chick that fledges from the nest is a reason to celebrate. We can't wait to see what the rest of the season holds."
Public interest in the ospreys has been significant, with live-stream webcams allowing viewers to observe the nesting process.
Birds of Poole Harbour and Careys Secret Garden are offering guided osprey tours to view the nest, with strict measures in place to prevent disturbance to the birds.