Cumbria Wildlife Trust reported some 'sad news' this morning (June 3) after one of the Osprey eggs failed to hatch at Foulshaw Moss.

Ospreys Blue 35 and male White YW return every year to breed at the site and have successfully raised 27 previous chicks since 2013.

This year, Blue laid her eggs on April 15, 17 and 20 not long after she and her partner White returned from Africa.

READ MORE: Foulshaw Moss nature welcomes first 'bobblehead' Osprey chicks

The parents have shared their 'egg incubation duties' with 'dad osprey' spotted out fishing in Ulverston around two weeks ago.

He returned to the nest with a massive trout in his talons. 

The Westmorland Gazette: White YW with a trout in his talonsThe first two eagerly-awaited 'bobbleheads', named after their wobbly necks, arrived on Friday, May 24 and Sunday May 26 respectively. 

The chicks usually hatch at the same intervals every year with this year's schedule running smoothly until the third was due to arrive on May 29.

Now, around five days over schedule, Cumbria Wildlife Trust has confirmed that the egg 'wasn't viable'.

Speaking on its Twitter account, a spokesperson said: "So, a bit of sad news from us (that you've probably already guessed) – it looks like one of the Foulshaw Ospreys eggs wasn't viable.

"Things like bad weather, intruders causing disturbance, or the egg not being fertilised properly could all have played a part.

"Due to timings, we think it might be the first-laid egg that hasn't hatched, though we're not sure – if anyone wants to take a forensic look at the cam footage to figure it out, please do!

"On the plus side, we have two osprey chicks that appear to be healthy & strong."

The Westmorland Gazette: Female Blue 35 (left) and male White YW (right) watch over their first chickIn 2016 and 2020, there was more sad news when chicks died in the nest and when another egg in 2019  failed to hatch.

The wildlife trust has stated however that with the number of chicks now being at two rather than three, they may stand a better chance of survival.

It added: "As you might have seen in previous years, when there's a third chick, it can struggle to compete for food with its older siblings and lag behind. Like Tiny, from a couple of years back, who really had to fight for every mouthful.

"With no third chick, there's more food and less competition for the other two, so they should both do well this year. Keep watching the cams to see them grow."

To view the Osprey cams, please visit the Cumbria Wildlife Trust website.