News

Update 2: Ospreys return to the Tweed Valley Osprey Centre

13th May

The main nest
The recent heavy chill and cold showers in contrast to April's warm spring sunshine, is posing a challenge for the Tweed Valley ospreys. The cold snap represents a threat to the developing embryos and the female osprey is sitting tight on to the nest and frequently turning the eggs to ensure her body warmth spreads evenly through the eggs in order to incubate them. Fishing has also become an increasingly difficult task as the rain has reduced visibility and raindrops on the water surface make it difficult for the ospreys to find the fish. The male has taken turns incubating to allow the female to go and stretch her wings and fish for herself, but she has not stayed away from the nest for very long.

Back Up Nest
The pair of ospreys on the back up nest have three eggs and although there is no definite hatching date for this pair, their chicks will hatch before the main nest chicks. The first egg was seen in the nest on 20th April and the others were laid between 17th and 20th April which means the first chick could hatch from 23rd May onwards.

Visitors to the Osprey Watch Centres may be lucky enough to witness the chicks hatching live on camera at the main nest. The centre can be found 2 miles east of Peebles on the A72 at Glentress Forest. It is behind the bike hire station and is open from 10am to 5pm daily. For more information contact 0845 367 3787.