Osprey in Hants!

[trackerjack]

While walking near Droxford 29/08/10 in Hampshire my wife and I spotted an Osprey working its way up the river Meon.
Presume looking for a lake on its way south.
My question is this a wild bird or is it an escapee because I have never seen one in my life before and I am almost 60!
Also did any one else see it?

[Dogghound]

Its common for Osprey to turn up throughout the country as they move south from their Scottish and Scandinavian breeding grounds to their African wintering grounds. At this time of year they can turn up anywhere on passage.

[ChrisJB]

According to Birdguides, there has been one around the Test Marshes (I think that was the place) in Hampshire, for several days very recently.

Chris

[RobS]

Chris JB you would perhaps be surprised just how common they are on passage in Hampshire. I have seen them at Titchfield, Thorney Island and Keyhaven as well as inland at Warnford (at the bottom of Old Winchester Hill) not too far from Droxford.

As you say there is one lurking at Lower Test Marshes so there could well be others on the move.

I have yet to see one overhead my home in West End though - hope springs eternal!

A great spot for they are magnificent birds!!

Rob S

[Adam Cheeseman]

Quite common to see them around the Farlington Marshes/Thorney Island area of the coast about this time of year. Feeding up before the big push.

Cheers,

Adam

[trackerjack]

Thanks for the replies folks, have to admit that I thought I saw one at Chichester in the spring but dismissed it as it was a fleeting view as I was on the main drag through.
I will keep looking!