Still time to see ospreys in Rutland

There is still time to see the ospreys before they return to their wintering grounds in Senegal.

A record number of birds returned to Rutland Water this year with more than 25 individuals identified but only 16 went onto

nest.

It is thought only 15 osprey chicks had been reared - slightly less than last year after a wet and cold start for these amazing birds.

Osprey project officer Anya Wicikowski said: “We had a record number of birds return this year with over 25 individuals identified in Rutland, yet only 16 birds went on to nest and produce young.

“We also found the number of chicks in each nest was lower than expected; usually ospreys will lay three eggs and be able to rear that many to fledging, however this year it was not the case and we only had one or two chicks in most nests.

“Even with the lower number of chicks, it is still fantastic news that we have 15 new osprey chicks, ready to carry on the reintroduction of this bird of prey to

England.”

Although, the weather over the past few weeks has been glorious, more like the ospreys’ wintering grounds in Senegal, than the usual British summer, the Rutland Osprey project volunteers think the weather at the beginning of the Spring could have contributed to a lower number of chicks.

Towards the end of August they will all start their 3,000 mile migration to West

Africa.

The chicks will have to learn how to fish and avoid hazards during the migration. Once they reach their wintering grounds they will have to find a territory in which they will stay for the next two years until they are ready to return and breed, hopefully in

Rutland.

There is still time to see the ospreys before they leave. Osprey cruises on Rutland Water are running most Wednesday and Saturday nights until the end of

August.

Booking is essential at www.ospreys.org.uk/lyndon-reserve/cruises/

And an osprey family fun day will also be running on Thursday, August 9, from 10am to 3pm, at Lyndon Nature Reserve.

Activities and games will be running throughout the day, including a bird ringing demonstration and of course the chance to see the

ospreys.

Visit http://www.ospreys.org.uk/lyndon-reserve/family-fun-days.