More love rivalry at osprey nest

The Bassenthwaite nest is no stranger to love rivalry

A mysterious female has been spotted in a Lake District Osprey nest, prompting speculation that a new romance could soon be blossoming.

The male osprey, Fish King, returned to Bassenthwaite Lake on Monday after spending the winter in Africa.

He has nested at the same site for six years with his long-standing partner GreenXS, who has yet to appear.

The Lake District Osprey Project team confirmed the new female's presence using a camera inside the nest.

In 2006, GreenXS - named after the markings on her leg ring - returned to the nest on 3 April, but it is thought that northerly winds and bad weather further south may have held her up this year.

Concern is growing that she might not make it back in time to breed.

The nest is no stranger to rivalry. In April 2005, GreenXS arrived at the nest to find a younger male waiting for her, though Fish King soon returned to reclaim his roost.

Ten chicks

The osprey pair have raised ten chicks since 2001 and nearly half-a-million people have visited the viewpoints overlooking Bassenthwaite.

People can also follow the unfolding drama on a giant screen at Whinlatter Forest Visitor Centre.

Tens of thousands of people visit the viewpoints each year and it is estimated visitors boost the local economy by up to £2m every year.

The project is a partnership between the Forestry Commission and the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds with the support of the Lake District National Park Authority.