I initially could not decide where to visit on my trip out, our weather has been so very variable, however the Ospreys won, so I headed for the Lyndon Centre at Rutland even though it was initially very cloudy.
On arriving I had a chat with Rebecca, {the new Tim as she has been called}, she is obviously very keen on the Osprey Project so all the best to the girl.
On arriving in Waderscrape Hide, I found it to be virtually full of people and finished up getting roped in to help with questions from people in the hide which is really what the volunteers are on site for so I could not complain.
After a while some people moved on and things got quieter so I had a chance to try for some images of the birds about. I manged a few and then an even larger contingent arrived, a party of people from Nottingham. I was just talking with them and explaining where the nest was, where the adult birds were, the scopes and other things when all of a sudden, a not large bird flashed by the hide very low, a Merlin, four of us saw the bird but none of us got even a record shot, I think we were all so stunned at seeing what is a very rare bird for us.
Things again settled down and I managed some images then said my good byes to the volunteers on duty and people in the hide, my idea being to have a quick visit to Eyebrook Reservoir to have a look for any Ospreys fishing. I only saw one bird but it was a considerable distance away so I didn't bother even picking the camera up.
During this visit we had eight Ospreys on site, this included two pairs.
During this visit we had eight Ospreys on site, this included two pairs.
Female Osprey, Waderscrape Hide.
When I first arrived in the hide, the female sat on the 'T' post eating a fish that 33 had brought in earlier, this is her flying close to the water washing her feet.
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She then flew round the bay and headed for the nest. |
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To join the Male. |
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She then however flew up onto the camera post leaving the Male on the nest. He then departed and returned after about ten minutes. |
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Carrying some hay for the nest bowl. |
Sometimes the return can be entertaining if his aim for a landing spot is not that good.
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He was then away again leaving the female at the nest. |
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Only to return this time with another stick. |
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This time she had to duck with the approaching stick. Male Ospreys will return with all types of things, the other day on the camera he returned with a Teasel stem with Teasels attached. |
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Stick in place. |
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A lady then whispered "somethings moving in the reeds" and this Muntjac Deer made its way into view. |
It walked around the edge of the bay and then something disturbed it and it was away. Unfortunately partially obscured by bulrushes.
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Great Northern Diver, Waderscrape Hide. This bird had been reported by the hide for two days but would not come close, checking the distance with a buoy it was near to, it was 520 metres away. The two images are really only record shots. |
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I am not sure as to whether this is an adult in Winter plumage or a juvenile. |
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Greylag Geese, in Field on my walk back to the Centre About fifty of these birds were in a field on the way back to the centre, I had to find a hole in the hedge so as to be able to see through. |
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Blue Tit, Our Garden. This image shows this little beauty and also that spring has hopefully started with these buds about to burst. |
Thank you for your visit, I hope you have enjoyed it as much as I did in the getting of the images.
Good afternoon John: It's interesting that your Ospreys have already returned. I haven't seen one here yet, but I suspect it won't be long. There is lots of open water now and the temperatures are slowly warming. Too bad you didn't get a shot of the Merlin. As for dealing with the people in the hide and answering their questions, that is all to the good, as of course you know. Only by getting more and more people interested in wildlife can we hope to ensure their ongoing success. Enjoy the rest of the week! Best regards from Miriam and me.
ReplyDeleteHi David,
DeleteOur female Ospreys was the earliest a bird has been recorded at Rutland on the 12th, the earliest prior to this was the 17th so hence the problem with volunteers for watching.
Great shame with the Merlin, the fact is that it stunned all of us with cameras in to a coma, no movement or action from any of us.
I must admit I really enjoy the people in the hide, that's the main reason I have moved my shift times to afternoon rather than evenings, more people hopefully.
Our best wishes to you both, Veg and John.
They are beautiful Ospreys, and your photos of the Muntjac Deer, really really really Beautiful.
ReplyDeleteHi Bob,
DeleteI'm afraid when the Ospreys first return I have to have several visits to get my Osprey fix, they are such marvelous birds, to think they have traveled 6000 plus mile since I last saw them, soon I will settle down to just duties, mind I cannot promise this will happen soon.
All the best John
The Muntjac was a real bonus, they are such a delight to watch.
Hi dear John,
ReplyDeleteCamera was never repainted with the droppings ? lol It's a good spot for the ospreys.
I 'm happy to see the blue tit in your site :))
Have a good day my friend.
Hi Nathalie,
DeleteI have always been lucky, no droppings, mind the nest is 300 metres from the hide so they would have to a good shot. It is a wonderful place to watch the birds {but you have to very heavily crop the images} but you can see them closer at Eyebrook reservoir. I visited yesterday but missed two Opsreys by a few minutes.
I adore Blue Tits, it looks as if we are going to have at least two nest boxes occupied by them.
You have a good day likewise, John
Super shot of Muntjac deer and I actually like the reeds on image. Also love the Blue Tit captured so nicely.
ReplyDeleteOspreys having fun adding to their nest! M
Hi Margaret,
DeleteGlad you liked the Muntjac, , as for the reeds, us with cameras like a clear image, hardly ever happens however.
The Ospreys are happily building up the nest from the base the project supply, lets hope it does not get over high.
See you tomorrow, hope himself enjoyed the VP's dinner. John
Hello John,
ReplyDeleteGreat to resume the observation season of the magnificent Osprey!
Although you were obviously a bit far, the pictures are very telling and I feel as if I was watching with you ;-)
The Muntjac Deer , now this is quite a surprise... I had no idea the species had been introduced in England. I looked them up on the net and indeed they are considered as feral but are quite interesting, gene wise: their number is very low!
A great post I enjoyed very much :)
Back on the blogs next week... sometime!!
Till then, keep well and enjoy your WE
Hi Noushka,
ReplyDeleteHope all is going well in Spain and you are enjoying some good weather and images.
Yes indeed it is wonderful to be back observing these Ospreys, this year they were the earliest back ever recorded, and yes as you say they are a good distance away at about 300 metres.
Muntjac are becoming a bit of a pest in England, a farmer friend not far from me sees them reasonably regularly.
At Rutland they are seen a lot.
Glad you enjoyed the visit, Look forward to some posts on you return.
All the best and enjoy the last of your trip. John
Hi John,
ReplyDeleteit is also really unique that you can come close to a nest of an osprey. An observation of the osprey and its nest is also great to see. You have been able to take great pictures of carrying hay to the nest. Fantastic that you can keep an eye on this bunch of ospreys.
A few very nice photos of the Muntjac. I have never really seen this. I have never seen an ice diver. Where I live are a lot of gray geese. The little blue tit is also a beautiful photo.
I wish you a few very nice Easter days.
Dear regards, Helma
Hi Dear Helma,
ReplyDeleteThank you for taking the time to visit my blog.
It is wonderful to be able to monitor these magnificent birds, we are not over close to the nest, about 300 metres, this would not be allowed with the public coming in the hide and talking.
The male is at the moment, with an egg having been laid either carrying fish, hay or a stick and when not doing any of these he sits on the egg.
We have a reasonable number of Muntjac around the reserve, lovely little deer.
We have for the last few years have Great Northern Divers around the site and lucky for me even though a long distance away I came on one.
Blue Tits are always a delight to see.
All the best to you and your family and enjoy Easter, John