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Monday 6 July 2015

Ospreyitis !!!

One bird has dominated my thoughts these last few months, a bird that is without doubt my absolute favourite, the Osprey.
Ospreys are astonishing birds, despite looking so good, they are birds that are perfectly equipped for their existence, and their annual migration to western Africa and back is just amazing. Not only that they migrate thousands of miles and then return to the very same nest, and the same partner. Each spring it is fascinating watching and learning about the different birds returning to the various nests.
They are one of the conservation successes of recent times, recovering from just one breeding pair in Scotland in the 1960's, to hundreds of pairs now, not only in Scotland but now in northern England in the Lake District and Northumberland, to west Wales, and to another conservation success story their reintroduction at Rutland.
I have travelled a lot these last few months, 4 separate visits to Rutland, and the long drive to Aviemore in Scotland, with another Aviemore trip this coming weekend. And also hoping to fit in a trip down to west Wales and see the birds that are nesting on the Dyfi Estuary.
Below are a selection of my Osprey images from these trips....

post dive, getting a good grip of the fish

about to take off

lift off from the water with a nice trout

clearing the water

A beauty

off he goes back to the nest

female landing at the Loch of the Lowes nest

Blue XD complete with Satellite tracker leaves after a successful dive

Male leaving a nest

this nest is on a secluded Scottish Loch, with three chicks

another stick comes in to the nest

Blue 01 leaves with a nice trout from Ryhall near Rutland

giving me a stare as he flies above me

The nest in Manton Bay on Rutland Water

Manton Bay male.... Blue 33

Manton Bay female having a wash after feeding the chicks




5 comments:

  1. No prattle from me just....BLOODY HELL GARY!

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  2. Magazine and book quality Gary. Superb.
    Your travels and time have really paid off.

    I saw the Dyfi pair when I was up in Wales earlier. A long way off from the observation hide, but a great reserve. Worth the visit.

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  3. Outstanding Gary,all your time patience and travel has certainly paid off.

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  4. Gary. Outstanding top quality images..no wonder PW has taken to swearing.!!! All the hours and travel you devoted to obtaining these has really paid off.Can't see how you can better these on your next trip to Scotland!! My osprey shots are from the Esthwaite birds and I hope for some more before they depart.

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Thanks for dropping by, any comments you may have are greatly appreciated.
Gary