Foulshaw Moss Nature Reserve near Grange-over-Sands is home to a family of ospreys who have nested there since 2013. 

This year saw the ninth brood of chicks hatch out in May and, after growing from 50 grams to 1.8 kilograms in less than six weeks, they are now airborne.

Blue 480 male fledged the first on 13 July at 930am, followed by female Blue 479 on 17 July at 925am and then the youngest Blue 481 male took flight that same day at 2pm.

It starts when they begin exercising their wings.  With 150cm span, that means some impressive flapping.  This grows steadily more frantic until they start to lift off slightly.  The chicks seem a bit alarmed that they are not on solid ground and grab on to the nest as they rise a short distance with a ‘handful’ of twigs.

They soon get used to this new manoeuvre and rise higher off the nest, going straight up a metre or so then back down again.  This is known as ‘helicoptering’.  But they have to learn to fly along too.  They do this by making micro flights from one side of the nest to the other.  Although it’s nearly two metres wide, there isn’t too much room for these daring dashes.  With three almost full grown birds crammed in, it can get a bit chaotic.  Especially as taking off is easier than landing.  The first mini voyages often end with one chick landing on top of another and tempers can become slightly frayed.

Landing properly is important, so they have to learn to perch.  They are used to walking around on a flat nest.  If they are going to fly to another tree, they must be able to hang on when they get there.  They practise by hopping up onto the branches of the nest tree.

Eventually, after a few jaunts across the nest, one of them takes the plunge to try flying for real.  They aim for a nearby tree that their dad uses as a peaceful perching spot.  The first flight is not usually a thing of great elegance.  There is some very frantic flapping and then a desperate grab onto a branch when they arrive.  It’s like the first time we manage a width of the swimming baths.

They stay in that tree for an hour or two to gather themselves before heading back to the nest to make a bit of a crash landing, often on a sibling’s head.  Within a few days they have got the knack of it and start to explore their home. 

This means that we have five ospreys flying around the reserve, so it’s a wonderful time to visit as they make the most of their new freedom and even chase each other around.