RUTLAND OSPREY PROJECT 2015

Gardenbirder (Ann)- Although we relish 5R we must not forget his sister (Same Year - Same Nest in 2004) who also returned as a 2 Year Old and was sighted home only weeks after 5R was first sighted.

She has gone on to produce 13 chicks at Manton Bay and Nest N with three differing males. Many of these have been sighted home and overseas at wintering grounds including one famous chick Blue 12 at Dyfi.

May she go on to reign as Queen of Rutland. So far a great record as an eleven year old and has a young male to share her life with now.

She even vacated her house for her brother.

This is one of the last times I saw 5R when I visted RW just after the birds returned in April 2013. This is one of my favourite personal encounters and picture of 5R and Mrs 5R together.

I credit this picture to my brother who attended that day and he captures better photographs than me.

When I went back on July 20 I saw his three chicks that had all fledged but on the nest and perch and Mrs 5R at perch but he was away most of the day.

Tiger and Keith, Thanks for the lovely photos of 5R and the information and links.  Fingers crossed for all the remaining regulars at Rutland and elsewhere to return this year, as well as some of the 2-year-olds!  We saw 5R for the first and only time in person after we had spent the Sunday at Birdfair (our first visit) in 2013.  Enjoyed it (and especially seeing the Ospreys!) so much that we booked a week in the area last year over Birdfair.  Gave us a chance for a day at Birdfair and then a couple of visits to Frampton Marsh (great views of their Glossy Ibis) and Frieston Shore later in the week, as well as another visit to watch the Opsreys at Rutland Water and also to do a bit of touristing in the area.  Hoping for the same this year--roll on Spring!

Thanks Tiger and Keith for the lovely photos of Mr 5R. A very sad day when he did not return. Would Blue 12 be Glesni? Sorry get my letters and nombers mixed up. Im hoping for an excellent year for our dear Mrs 5 R or Maya. I think Blue 33 will make a brilliant provider, protecter and of course a master builder. I always remember the video of him tripping up over some clumsily placed sticks!

Yes, Willow, Blue 12 is Glesni!  Am also hoping for a good year for Maya/Mrs 5R!

Ann sounds like you had a great time at Rutland and the Bird Fair. Id like very much to go to Rutland and plan to do so but depends when my leave is! Not sure about the bird fair as it gets very crowded! OH bought me some very good binoculars for Christmas and would be great to test them out there! I have been a spoiled brat this Christmas!

Willow, Congratulations on  being spoiled and on the new bins!  We very much enjoyed Rutland Water, Birdfair and the area.  We've been twice to Birdfair, both times on the Sunday, the last day.  We chose which day by the weather forecast--take your wellies if it is wet; it is very muddy then!  Our first year we visited every marquis but the next time we whizzed through some of the places but then picked and chose--Hubby was binocular shopping and I wanted to hear several talks.  Although it was crowded, they are very organised. Driving in and parking was easy, especially last year.  After the fair had closed (5 or 5.30pm--forgot which) we then visited the Ospreys.  They keep the reserve open later than normal on the days of Birdfair so we went to a hide at Manton Bay.  Last August, later in the week, we went to another part of the reserve on Rutland Water and saw another Osprey, possibly a male whose nest Maya had visited a short time before.  While we watched for over an hour the male sat on a perch with a fish under one foot, and he was continually looking around (as though waiting for Maya to reappear?!)  Possibly a mate for her if 33 does not return...

58willow said:

Thanks Tiger and Keith for the lovely photos of Mr 5R. A very sad day when he did not return. Would Blue 12 be Glesni? Sorry get my letters and nombers mixed up. Im hoping for an excellent year for our dear Mrs 5 R or Maya. I think Blue 33 will make a brilliant provider, protecter and of course a master builder. I always remember the video of him tripping up over some clumsily placed sticks!

Glesni's dad was 8 (97) the male that was for so long a loser in the love stakes at Rutland. Then finally he got together with 5N (04) the sister of 5R (04). They raised two chicks in 2007 in Manton Bay. In fact I was present on the day the second one fledged except I was an hour too late.

The nest failed in 2008 and then the couple moved to site N in 2009. Then in 2010 two chicks were raised blue 11  and blue 12 and remarkably both came back to the UK  to nest successfully. 

Of course this was not known until 2012 by which time  8 (97) was dead.

The story of 8 (97) is well worth reading again. 

Thankyou Tiger for the link to 8(97) rather sad story!