This is the new thread for posting reports of osprey sightings, whether on the internet, in the press or in real life.
For the benefit of any new or less frequent viewers, it might be helpful if the first person to refer to a regular online source of information, for example Faune-Aquitaine, provided a link and a brief explanation of what the site is about.
Let the migration season commence!
I've finally seen an osprey on migration - in fact two! - on a walking holiday in the Basque Country.
This was at lunchtime last Saturday Sept 18th, at the Col de Lizarrieta on the French/Spanish border. Sorry no photos of the ospreys, which would have been distant specks, but here are the friendly observers from Mission Migration who helped us spot them.
This is their info page about the watchpoint at Lizarrieta, where they carry out an annual count of all migrating birds: http://www.migraction.net/index.php?m_id=1510&frmSite=24
Thanks Sue, hope you had a great holiday - that looks like a perfect spot for watching migrating birds.
Meanwhile, back in the UK:
25/09 LINCS: Messingham Sand Quarry.
26/09 DORSET: Middlebere.
26/09 E YORKS: Tophill Low NR.
26/09 09:30 NORTHANTS: Summer Leys LNR.
26/09 12:00 DEVON: Warleigh Point.
26/09 NORFOLK: Strumpshaw Fen RSPB.
sandy said:24/09 11:00 E SUSSEX: Bewl Water
I was going past Bewl Water (reservoir) on Friday so called in ( £5 entrance to park the car ) and, as expected, no sign of the osprey, but it is an extremely large lake.
Sue, Sounds as if you had a brilliant holiday plus the bonus two osprey. Would love to hear more on the Weekly Chat Page if you have the time.
Been at Wigtown today so visited Osprey room. They are still showing 2009 DVD there – I know they had some troubles transcribing this year’s video, I hope it isn’t lost completely! No Warden there today – will try to find out on Tuesday, when we are going again.
Meanwhile, some further info on the three young for your chart: BF,BH and BJ rings are all blue with white – left leg. If anyone is collecting dates, these were ringed 6th July and fledged 18th 16th, 19th July.
Ospreys Rule OK, but Goldfinches come a close second!
Thanks OG - have updated the list:
I have put my holiday sightings onto Faune-Aquitaine, which was one of my ambitions for the trip. It was quite easy, though they can't be generally viewed as they are now over 7 days old. There were several people in the group interested in birds, so we could confer over IDs. Decided not to include the escaped budgie which someone saw in the village, as I thought they might query it!
Sue C Not sure this is the right place but the Bassenthwaite chick Green 5S was spotted in Norway in 2007. Not sure what has happened since. See http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/cumbria/6926247.stm
Also SSK (see http://www.ospreys.org.uk/satresultsSSK.html) is breeding near Aberfoyle according to Roy Dennis on page 103 of "Life of ospreys".
Tiger Signature
26/09 10:00 DEVON: Exmouth.
27/09 12:00 DEVON: Warleigh Point.
27/09 11:00 LINCS: Kirkby on Bain GPs.
28/09 08:00 NORFOLK: Cromer.
28/09 08:35 NORFOLK: Blakeney Harbour.
28/09 11:15 DEVON: Colyford Common LNR.
28/09 11:30 DEVON: Warleigh Point.
28/09 LINCS: Kirkby on Bain GPs.