Ospreys Return to South Coast After 180 Years
Conservationists are anticipating the return of the first pair of ospreys to breed on England's south coast in 180 years. The male osprey, identified as 022, and the female, CJ7, have been nesting at Careys Secret Garden near Wareham, Dorset, since 2022.
The pair typically migrate annually to western Africa and are expected to return in late March.
Expansion of Osprey Pairs in Southern England
In 2025, a second pair of ospreys established a nest in the south of England, and the charity Birds of Poole Harbour anticipates a potential third pair in 2026.
Sam Ryde, representing the charity, noted that a young male osprey hatched in 2023 has shown interest in returning to the area and may form the third breeding pair now that he has reached breeding age.
"Because of the long distance of migration, the return rate is about 30%."
Ryde explained that young ospreys who do not return may have fallen prey to predators such as crocodiles and jackals or been blown into the Atlantic Ocean during migration.
Many of the ospreys in southern England are ringed but do not carry tracking devices, so the precise fate of those that go missing remains unknown.
Reintroduction Efforts and Nesting Behavior
The reintroduction program, managed by Birds of Poole Harbour, began in 2017 when osprey chicks were transported from Scotland to Dorset and released.
"People like to think they are romantic, monogamous and will mate for life.
But most are loyal to the nest site rather than their partners."
CJ7 and 022 are considered "very unusual" by Ryde, having hatched four chicks in 2024 and another four in 2025.
A "love triangle" developed at the nest in 2025 before CJ7 saw off her rival.
Viewing and Protection Measures
A nestcam and a viewing platform have been installed at Careys Secret Garden to allow observation of the ospreys. Other nest locations remain undisclosed to prevent disturbance.
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