Osprey pair embroiled in love triangle

The relationship between the only breeding pair of ospreys on England's south coast has been temporarily complicated by the arrival of a second female.

Male osprey 022 returned to Poole Harbour on Saturday, whilst female CJ7 was seen back at the nest on Tuesday.

But in-between the pair's arrivals, female 1H1 - who normally calls Rutland home in the spring and summer months - also landed at the nest.

Birds of Poole Harbour, the conservation charity leading the reintroduction scheme, said 1H1 spent a few days on the nest before CJ7 "quickly saw off the intruding female".

"Osprey nests are always full of drama early in the season as pairs and non-breeding individuals battle it out to establish on various nest sites," Birds of Poole Harbour co-founder Paul Morton told the BBC.

He said 1H1 had "spent a few days trying her luck" with 022 but was quickly evicted once CJ7 arrived back from her migration to west Africa.

"It's hoped that 1H1 will find a new male in and around Poole Harbour this spring, and set up a second nest site, which is the expansion and growth of the population the Birds of Poole Harbour team are looking for," he added.

The reintroduction scheme began in 2017, and in 2022 CJ7 and 022 became the first nesting pair of ospreys on the south coast of England in 180 years.

Last summer saw four chicks hatch - the highest annual figure so far.

The fish-eating birds of prey used to breed across the British Isles in the past but their numbers fell dramatically in the Middle Ages.

Mr Morton said it was "fantastic" to see the pair back together for their fourth year.

"As this is still southern Britain's only osprey nest, it's incredibly important they see another successful breeding season and that they're not disturbed," he added.

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