Osprey Sightings 2024

It is one of the earliest and they seem pretty sure on Facebook that it is an osprey

After looking at the photos and then lightening the images it looks very much like an Osprey to me.
It's an early one.

Could it be that it is an odd one that has overwintered here, and not migrated in the Autumn? A young bird perhaps?

This is early. But in previous years I think the consensus is that many of these early arrivals are probably Scandinavian birds passing through as very few were reported to be back on their nests in Scotland within a week or so of the early first sightings in the U.K.

Do you have a link to the pic Richard, I couldn't find the page in FB?

Several people have lightened the images, me included.

Here's a couple of the lightened pics. Looks pretty definite to me

Thanks for those pics Richard, does look just like an Osprey, just hope it's coping with inclement weather conditions!

Other opinions were WTE, Marsh Harrier, Buzzard, but it doesn't look anything like them.

Landes
Friday, February 9th, 2024
Etang Blanc - Rive nord / Soustons (40)
Detail : 1x 2nd year
1 Osprey (Pandion haliaetus)
[Paul Lesclaux]
Comment :type mâle

13/02 22:14 Cumbria : Osprey, Tebay
possible reportedly flew over nearby [?]