Our Annual Pigrimage to see the Rutland Ospreys

5th July 2023

A bit of a juggling act this year to ensure that at least one of the chicks had fledged but also to choose a day where it wasn't too hot to avoid heat haze, yes even over water, bearing mind that the nest is 325 yards from the hide as measured on Google Earth. The water levels were quite low so immediately in front of the hide it is just wet mud so no chance of any close-ups of Common Terns fishing although I did manage a more distant shot.

However, the mud in front of the hide did attract a Little Egret which fed just 10 yards away, seemingly totally unaware of our presence.

But what I didn't expect so far inland in early July was four Curlew dropping in for a feed.

A Hobby was in residence all the time we were there and was based on one of the Osprey perches on the far bank, this time a mere 260 yards.

It spent most of its hunting low over the bay at the western end of the reservoir which made tracking difficult, but I did manage to grab a couple of shots.

So what about the Ospreys? Well, all five were around the nest when we arrived, the three youngsters at the nest and the two adults on the camera and branch. Chick 3H3 has already fledged but still stays mainly around the nest and is seen here returning to the nest.

These are the two remaining chicks still to fledge.

However here is the female chick 3H5 helicoptering over the mest so it won't be too long before she also fledges. Chick 3H4 still has a way to go.

Luckily today there was a fair amount of flying away from the nest including 3H3 shown here. The juveniles can be identified from the adults because they have pale tips to all their wing coverts producing pale lines across the wing.

It can also be seen on the underwing.

Here is an adult wiith no barring.

Apologies for the photo overload but they are such a joy to watch and a joy to photograph.

There was also a Great White Egret around which kept changing its fishing position.

But you would think it would know better than to fly too close to the Osprey nest and set off the Early Warning System.

An adult and 3H3 were scrambled and spent the next couple of minutes seeing off the intruder.

Well, what an exciting end to an exciting day and I am already looking forward to next year.