Ospreys return to Rutland

I couldn't resist a trip over to Rutland Water to watch the early Osprey return from their migration. Osprey 25, a Rutland Osprey fledged in 2010 was in the nest in Manton Bay. I managed to get a few images with the stately home in the back ground. It would have been nice for her to fish in front of the hide but she opted to head out to the deepest area of the lake.

Rutland Water is a huge reserve and you certainly need to be prepared to do some walking. Whilst the light was superb it was very windy which made it difficult to hold the camera on the scope.

I did a full circuit of the reserve and also a quiet spot which a local tipped me off about. This location once again produced a superb Red-breasted Meganser and a Long-tailed Duck whilst 300 Sand Martin made the most of the local insects. Other sighting of note were good numbers of Goldeneye and Wigeon, 5 Chiffchaff, Great Northern Diver, 2 Kestrel, 2 Oystercatchers, 6 Meadow Pipet, 11 Red Kite (flying in same area), 10 Buzzards, Shelducks, Redshank, Avocet, Litte Egret and Shoveller.