Most of the ospreys have now embarked on their long journey south to their warmer wintering grounds, where they will spend a vast majority of their time on the gorgeous beaches of West African countries. Though our remaining satellite tracked osprey, 4K(13), hasn’t yet got the memo it is time for him to also make his move, but we will keep you all posted when he does.

As much as it would be lovely to have ospreys here in the UK all year round, unfortunately the good old British weather and ecosystem wouldn’t support them during the deepest depths of winter. If lakes, ponds and rivers were to freeze over the ospreys wouldn’t be able to fish with as much ease and also our fish species lurk in the depths of the water bodies during the winter, thus becoming out of reach for hungry ospreys.

Though 2020 has given us some challenges, it is settling to know that nature in all its glory, continued to go on as normal. For the ospreys, the season has been a great success. This year, 26 adult ospreys returned within the vicinity of Rutland, we had eight successful pairs of ospreys, who raised an amazing 19 chicks between them! This takes the total number of chicks to fledge from Rutland nest sites, since the first successful breeding attempt in 2001, to 188. Will we make it to 200 next year?

The end of the osprey season usually means the Lyndon Visitor Centre will close for the winter. But not this year! For the first time we will remain open until at least the end of October. We will continue to be open seven days a week, but under our new autumn opening hours of 10am to 3pm. We hope to see some of you then!