Osprey sightings 2014

Usually one or two sightings in late Feb. Nothing to worry about if this mild weather continues. Interesting it was seen at Kielder.

I wonder Tiger.  I see that last year the first sighting was on 23 February in Lincolnshire.

Many Thanks - Alan - Always great to hear of the first sighting in UK and probably on its way further north.

My worry is if winter starts in Scotland - we have not had it yet.

So what happened to the St Comb's Sighting? 

Don't want to dampen spirits but not convinced it was an osprey at Kielder. Being seen over the forest rather than the water is suggestive of a buzzard, especially for 10 mins as in the report. But you never know without photographic proof!

Thank you Jaydee - One always has to be careful regarding sightings and who reports the sighting at this time of year and into March. Many report sightings which do turn out to be pale buzzards. At first I thought maybe you had reported the sighting over the reservoir or taking a look at one of the Kielder nests in which case it would be genuine but now realise it was not you who reported this sighting.

St Comb's - Was it a genuine sighting of an Osprey ? - I am not over confident and if so did it ever leave our shores in the first place (Maybe a lost bird from Scandanavia). I have never heard of an osprey overwintering and surviving in Scotland apart from them at rehabilitation centres.

Again like JAYDEE - You never know.

Not me at Kielder, Keith, none of the staff up there know who sent in the BirdGuides entry. I did spend about 4 hours there today but weather was poor; wet and quite windy and no raptors seen anywhere. Mainly observing at the Bakethin end, but also at other points.

26/02 15:21  NORTHUMBERLAND : Osprey, East Chevington NWT  [S]

one reported flying north this morning (11:00)

Fascinating Alan.  Does this add credence to the earlier sighting at Kielder?