Rutland Ospreys 2011

06 visits Manton Bay http://t.co/wVHeA4A

Thanks for the report and the great pics, Alan. I'm having problems with my photo editing software so I haven't managed to upload any photos from my 4 visits last week. That last pic of yours is 06 I'm sure - doesn't look like 5R to me, but it does look like the photo of 06 on the latest blog - check out the really white head!  

Hello everyone,

I have joined this group so I can post a question about Rutland Water. Hope this is OK.

We are planning a vist to Rutland Water week commencing 7th August on a day yet to be decided as we will be in the vicinity for a holiday.

Please could someone tell me the best place to see the ospreys, and how far away they are from the viewing area? I am hoping to get some photos!!!!

I've had a good look at the official website, and have to say it looks like a brilliant place. Any info greatly appreciated.

Thanks.

Hi Linda and welcome!

You need to visit the Lyndon reserve, which is in the SW corner of the reservoir. Both the hides accessible from the visitor centre - Shallow Water and Waderscrape - have views of the osprey nest in Manton Bay, which is the only one actually on the reservoir, and also features on the webcam.

As for the distance & photo opps, take a look at the photos & reports in this thread by Sandy and Alan Petrie, who go there regularly. It's a great place to see ospreys, as the nest is fairly low down compared with "tree" nests. Alan saw 7 residents and intruders on his latest visit!   

Susan H said:

Hello everyone,

I have joined this group so I can post a question about Rutland Water. Hope this is OK.

We are planning a vist to Rutland Water week commencing 7th August on a day yet to be decided as we will be in the vicinity for a holiday.

Please could someone tell me the best place to see the ospreys, and how far away they are from the viewing area? I am hoping to get some photos!!!!

I've had a good look at the official website, and have to say it looks like a brilliant place. Any info greatly appreciated.

Thanks.

Hi Sparrow - Manton Bay is THE place to see the osprey at RW. If you go to the Lyndon Reserve on the south shore it is a fifteen minute walk to either Waderscrape or Shallow Water Hides. From Shallow Water Hide the nest is 270 metres away so you'll need a reasonable lens on your camera.  This is the view (Mrs 5R on the perch with two juves on the nest) taken on 24/07/2011:

sparrow: The best place to see the ospreys is from the Lyndon Reserve.There is a  pleasant 20 minute walk from the Visitor Centre to the 2 hides where the nest can be viewed. The best hide for taking pictures from is the Shallow Water hide although the Waderscrape hide has good views as well. I believe it is 266 metres from the hide to the nest althought the ospreys may be on other perches at a similar range. Hope this is of some help. 

Hello Linda and welcome 'over here'. I think Alan and Sandy must know everything about Rutland that you would wish to know. Do enjoy yet another holiday.

Thanks Sue, Sandy and Alan for your help and advice, and thanks Brenda for your good wishes for my next holiday. (Our 4th UK county this year for our project, and 18th in total). The joys of being retired!!!!

I've just spent a pleasant half hour looking back over this thread at all the wonderful photos and webcam pictures. You may all be shocked to know I have never seen an osprey! I shall definitely tell my hubby we are going to the Shallow Water hide, whether he likes it or not. I doubt I'll manage any photos on my FZ38, although I do have a 1.7 teleconverter, so may manage something blurry if it's a bright enough day.

I can't wait now!  Thanks again everyone.

Yet another fish delivery at MB:

Blog update - Unsual behaviour at site B

www.ospreys.org.uk/osprey-blog