IN FOR A SURPRISE.
MORE AN "OTHER THINGS OF INTEREST " POST.

As I was running a little late, I decided to have trip to Eyebrook Reservoir rather than Rutland Water as I would not have a long walk before seeing anything.

On arrival I was met with people everywhere, must have a real rarity about I thought. I eventually found a parking spot near the entrance to the trout fishery and asked a gent as to what was going on. The Lancaster is doing a fly past in recognition of the 75 th anniversary of the Dambuster raid he told me, Eyebrook was one of the reserviors they practised on. Its the most people I have ever seen at the reservoir and shows the respect people still have for this wonderful old aircraft. Prior to its visit to Eyebrook it had visited Derwent Reservoir and Derby to fly over the Rolls Royce factory. 

Apparently it should have done the fly past on the Wednesday but was cancelled at the last minute due to the wind strength, so the RAF sent two Typhoon fighters in its place that flew very low down the reservoir putting the fear of god into the fisherman in boats.

After that I settled in my normal position to see if any Osprey decided to visit, I saw four before leaving, none of which came over close unfortunately.

We also had a visit from a White Winged Black Tern which again was perfectly visible through a scope but with the camera and its aerobatics was impossible to get a decent image from. I will have another try as we have two of the birds arrived.

  

Lancaster  Bomber, R.A.F. Battle of Britain Memorial Flight.

I was at virtually the opposite end of the reservoir to where the plane came into view, this image was taken when it was about halfway down the water, what a sight and wonderful sound of the four Merlin engines.

Getting closer and noisier.

Sitting in the centre gun turret is George " Johnny" Johnson, this 96 year old is the only remaining veteran of the raid and was taken along for the trip to commemorate his actions all those years ago. He apparently had the most "exhilarating and wonderful time," lets hope we can do such things if we ever reach his age.  

Flight crew and Johnny.

It appears the first officer has got the side window open.

The plane did three circuits of the reservoir, by the time I took this image I had motored to the other end of the reservoir and arrived in time to see it turning in for its return trip.

And that was it, all the excitement was over and this wonderful old aircraft was on its way back to Lincolnshire and its base. Most of the people and television companies departed leaving a much more peaceful reservoir to us daft bird watchers, but having said that I had numerous people asking about the Ospreys so I may have done some good as some were then going to visit the Lyndon Centre and visit the nest hide.

Male Osprey, Opposite Stoke Dry. 

This was the first of four birds to visit, flew past us reasonably fast with the wind behind  it and went fishing towards the dam.

Second male to visit, he had a short fishing session on the far side of the reservoir.

 

 

And then likewise headed down the reservoir to fish.
I had two more birds visit but at the distance away I decided to wait for them to return with a fish bu never saw them again.
 

Grey Heron.
This bird flew just over the reeds at the edge of the reservoir.
If only the Osprey would come that close, I live in hope.

Black Headed Gull.
These birds were flying about with the Terns, they all seemed to be flying very fast and difficult to get a decent image from, plus they would not come very close.



Thank you for your visit, I hope you have enjoyed the images as much as i did in the getting of them,.

Update on the Barn Owls, I saw two birds on Monday evening so fingers crossed he has attracted a mate.