Osprey meet, Rutland Water

[Fourwings]

Just testing the water on this one at the moment, but I am just wondering how many of you would be interested in a weekend meet based around Rutland Water in Mid/late April.
I'm sure you are all well aware that the reservoir is a vastly important bird reserve that is also home for the relocation of the Osprey into central England.
Last year there were in excess of 14 birds around the reservoir. In April you are guaranteed to see Ospreys as they are establishing territorys and nest building, breeding was very successful last year with 9 chicks being reared and everything points to this year being even better.
There is also the added attraction of all the other spring migrants.

I'm more than happy to put this one together and act as guide if there are enough members who fancy the idea. There is no shortage of accomodation in the area including campsites.

If you think this is a good idea and you think you'd like to come just pop your name on the thread.

http://www.ospreys.org.uk/

The Home Page of RWNR

[BobinPeterboro]

Tell me a date and I will be there, It's only about an hour from my house.
Excellent idea Steve.
Bob

[John]

Hi Steve

I will keep an eye on the date you will be doing it. I can't confirm yet as there is a chance I might be out the country in April. I am waiting for a friend to confirm if he wants to join me in Bulgaria (dates for that to be confirmed).

John

[Ukwildlifeo]

Well Im sure your aware im interested

[pressld2]

Sounds great to me Steve! Don't forget we've got Gigrin on April 11 so if it could be 24/25 April or even 1/2 May (which is a bank holiday weekend) that would be great. Two weekends on the trot is a difficult sell at home!

Dave P.

[Fourwings]

Originally Posted by pressld2

if it could be 24/25 April Dave P.

Thats the weekend I was looking at Dave, I think the bank holiday weekend is out as it will be manic around the reservoir then, plus I think I'm on duty
I'm glad to see there is interest in this one, its a fantastic place in the spring.

[Fourwings]

With a bit of patience its not too hard to get good images of the Rutland Ospreys, they are flying about alot during April and this often leads to close encounters with them.
This is my favourite image so far, taken of male 32/05 on April 22nd 2008.
Interestingly this male set up a territory on one of the new lagoons this past summer and attracted a young scottish female to stay with him for the whole of the summer, there are extremely high hopes that this couple will return to breed this spring.


Low level fly-pasts are common at this time of year as the birds pair up and establish territories.




As well as the Ospreys Rutland water will be bursting with spring migrants by April, certain areas of the reserves are excellent for Nightingales.




There will also be early insects including the first Damselflies and we should have no problem finding a few snakes!

[Boddie]

I'll be up for it but will give the snakes a swerve

[Boddie]

Might even do a days birding and a days fly fishing

[Melus]

Sounds like a good weekend. I would be interested.