THE North East’s two osprey families were visited yesterday by tree-climbing wildlife rangers who ringed the latest generation of the region’s fish-eating eagles.

The rangers visited the two osprey nest platforms in Kielder Water & Forest Park, in Northumberland.

It was not known how many youngsters were in the forest’s second nest but the expectation was that one chick would be found. In fact, there were two chicks, with one at a more advanced stage of fledging than the other.

This second nest in the 155,000 acre woodland makes Kielder the only place in England for over 170 years to have two osprey families at the same time.

Until now all the observations of the nest had been made from a distance as the Forestry Commission was keen not to disturb the birds.

Both chicks were gently lowered from the nest to have rings attached to their legs, while their mother kept watch from a nearby tree.

Rings carry vital information like where and when the birds were born.

Because they can be read over a distance using a telescope, it is the best method of finding out what becomes of the young birds after they leave the nest.