Rutland Osprey

Osprey’s are a large bird of prey that can be found in several locations all over the world. They can tolerate a large range of habitats providing there is sufficient water and fish supply near-by. Ospreys or more specifically Western Osprey's (Pandion Haliaetus), will migrate south to Africa during the winter often stopping to feed for several weeks in locations across southern Europe.

It is a large fish-eating large raptor, reaching more than 60 cm in length and 180 cm across the wings. It is brown on the upperparts and predominantly greyish on the head with white underparts. It possesses specialised physical characteristics and exhibits unique behaviour to assist in hunting and catching prey. As a result of these unique characteristics, it has been given its own taxonomic genus and behaves unlike any other bird of prey.

This image was taken close to Rutland water (Horn Mill Osprey Hide), where the population has risen steadily since the birds were reintroduced to the area in the 1990s. Historically,ospreys were widespread throughout the UK, but were driven to extinction by man. The Leicestershire & Rutland Wildlife Trust (LRWT) and Anglian Water worked together to instigate a reintroduction project to bring the osprey back to England.

https://www.rivergwashtroutfarm.co.uk/horn-mill-osprey-hide/