Osprey finally leaving nest for lake (4)

I believe the answer is:

erie

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'for lake' is the definition.
(Lake Erie is one of the Canadian/US 'Great Lakes')

I can't explain the remainder of the clue.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for erie that I've seen before include "North american lake sounds spooky" , "The lake sounds weird" , "Great lake in Eire" , "N. American lake" , "Superior companion" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.

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