The next day we had a well-earned
rest. It was still very hot, and a trip to the Osprey Viewpoint
at Dodd Wood seemed a welcome diversion to our walk schedule.
The Ospreys at Bassenthwaite have their own website
with a webcam on the nest, and there is live video footage from
the nest in the Visitors Centre at Whinlatter Forest during the
season. At Dodd Wood, which is directly opposite the nest on the
other side of Bassenthwaite Lake, a number of high powered telescopes
are set up, and the view point is manned by several birding experts,
who are very helpful and informative. The whole project is a joint
venture between the Lake District National Parks Authority, the
RSPB and the Forestry Commission.
We parked at Mirehouse Car Park off the A66,
from where the view point was clearly signposted. There was then
a short walk, of less than a mile, uphill.
With the help of the experts, we were able to
zoom in on the nest, where we saw the parents and chick. It was
absolutely fascinating.
We were also rewarded with splendid views of
the female flying across Bassenthwaite Lake, presumably in search
of fish. |
