Three osprey chicks are ready to make more natural history in Northumberland – and now youngsters are being invited to suggest names for each of them.
The record breaking birds in Kielder Water & Forest Park are the second brood to hatch in the north east after their siblings successfully fledged year – the first to do so in the region for many centuries.
Rangers report that the chicks are growing really well and putting on plenty of weight. They are now moving around the nest – or eerie, built on top of a tree in the 155,000 acre wilderness – and exercising their wings to build up strength.
All being well they should make their first flight at the end of July.
Now the Kielder Partnership want children across the region to suggest the best names for the three chicks, with the winner and guardian being offered a unique chance to join rangers and watch as the birds are ringed.*
Elisabeth Rowark, Director of the Kielder Partnership, said: “Every chick that takes to the air is a massive step forward for conservation efforts and its only right to bestow such fabulous birds with a special name. We are looking for suggestions that capture the character, bravery and star quality of these fabulous fish eating creatures which will travel to Africa before they hopefully return to Kielder Water & Forest Park in a few years time. So don’t be shy, come up a good name and you could come face-to-face with an osprey!”
*Children need to offer three names for each of the ospreys. There will only be one winner. The prize is subject to terms and conditions and is non-transferable and the winner must be available mid-week early July to attend the ringing.
To make your suggestion visit www.visitkielder.com and submit via the ‘contact us’ form or email info@kielderpartnership.co.uk <mailto:info@kielderpartnership.co.uk> with ‘Osprey naming competition’ in the subject line. Include the child’s full name, parent’s full name, postal address, email address and telephone number.** The closing date is 1 July and the competition is open to children aged between the of 5 – 16 years old.
Above: A screen grab from the latest video footage of the Kielder osprey family with mum and dad and the three chicks. You can download footage at http://www.vimeo.com/12792794
