Seymour Birdies Diary: A Day with the Ospreys

23rd July 2021

We missed our annual pilgrimage to Rutland Water last year due to Covid restrictions and were later than normal this year due to another lock-down. So by the time we did get there the two juveniles had not only fledged but were no longer so closely associated with the nest and were venturing out a bit more. In fact we only saw one juvenile and any one time.

The forecast was for cloud in the morning clearing to sunny spells in the afternoon. Well at least they got the morning right. So it ended up being pretty gloomy all day which made photography a bit more challenging.

So having arrived at the hide it was just a matter of waiting for the action to begin. However at Rutland there is always a strong supporting cast while you are waiting for the main event and today was no exception. The row of posts just outside the hide are a magnet for birds such as this Pied Wagtail and Black-headed Gull. The Pied Wagtail was obviously collecting food for its young.

The posts are also popular with Common Terns which use them for a rest and also for a spot of preening.

And what can be better than a flying display right outside the window.

The water levels in front of the hide were higher than normal but a small patch of mud to the side of the hide attracted a couple of young Lapwings. I know I say it every time, but just look at those colours.

Tucked inconspicuously in with the local Mallards was this juvenile/female Shoveler. Just look at that bill. How on earth do they preen with that?

And as per our last visit two years ago a pair of Great Crested Grebes had built their nest right outside the window. How good is that? Here the male was taking his turn on incubating.

He was also obviously also concerned about the water levels as although the nest was substantial, he was still bringing in more aquatic vegetation to build it even higher.

And of course you have to turn the eggs so that they are incubated equally on all sides. Gripping an egg with a sharp bill can't be that easy.

And when you are getting back on the eggs be careful where you tread, especially with those feet.

And now for the Ospreys. As stated previously the light was poor for most of the time so always challenging, but here are a selection of flight shots.

Back at the nest there was some action involving both adults and just one juvenile at a time, so don't know whether both juveniles were involved. Just look at the speckly back of the juvenile compared to the plain dark brown of the adults.