Osprey are high on our wish list of birds to see this year. After a little research on the web, we decided Rutland Water in Leicestershire would be a good place to try. Rutland Water is a huge reserve with over 30 bird hides - we didn't manage all of them as we ran out of time. There are 2 visitor centres; Lyndon and Egleton, they are approx 5-10 minutes away from each other by car. We all had a great day even though it was quite windy and cold brrr....
Kestrel at Lyndon visitor centre
View over Manton Bay
Manton Bay is one of the spots where Ospreys nest, the viewing hide is manned by volunteers from the time the Ospreys arrive from their wintering grounds in West Africa, and throughout the breeding season until the chicks have fledged. Manton Bay is reached from the Lyndon visitor centre. Great to see these birds, that's another tick for our bird list!
Female Osprey on the nest
Male Osprey
Great Crested Grebe
Wigeon feeding on the grass at the edge of the water
Pied Wagtail
Signs of Spring ...
Cattle just outside the visitor centre at Egleton
View towards Upper Hambleton
Muntjac Deer
The meadow near the visitor centre had some great birds including;
Fieldfare
Redwing
Bullfinch
Thrush
Water Rail
Sparrowhawk - but unfortunately he turned the other way, then flew off!
Egyptian Goose - a very long way away
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