First osprey born in south for 180 years returns

The bird, known as 5H1 because of the number on her coded leg ring, was captured on a webcam with her father

An osprey chick, believed to be the first reared in southern England in 180 years, has returned to her hatching place after a two-year absence.

The bird, known as 5H1 because of the number on her coded leg ring, was captured on a webcam with her father at a nest in Poole Harbour on Tuesday.

Young ospreys have a "very low survival rate", according to the Birds of Poole Harbour team, which monitors birds on the Dorset coast.

Liv Cooper, from the charity, said: "5H1 is a very special bird and important to the re-establishment of the species on the south coast."

She added: "The odds were stacked against her return, so it is excellent news that she has made it back...

"The ospreys that are now returning to this area as a result of the reintroduction project and the nesting pair are critical to their sustained recovery in the south."

'Joy at seeing them back'

Historically, ospreys were persecuted, like many other birds of prey, to protect livestock.

In England in the 1840s their numbers had reduced and they were no longer considered a breeding bird.

The reintroduction to the south coast began in 2017 led by Birds of Poole Harbour and the Roy Dennis Wildlife Foundation.

In 2022, 5H1 fledged from Poole Harbour's only osprey nest.

She migrated after her birth and, though it is not clear where she travelled to, ospreys from England typically head to territories in west Africa for the winter.

Brittany Maxted, from Birds of Poole Harbour, said: “The return of 5H1 is testament to years of hard work, and to the incredible quality and parenting skills of our breeding pair.

"Our joy at seeing them back is shared by many in the local community and further afield.

"We’ll be eagerly following and sharing 5H1’s progress over the coming months and years..."