Osprey

In the 1950's our spectacular 'fish hawks' began to return to their ancestral nesting territories in Scotland. More recently, delighted bird lovers have spotted nesting pairs in Bassenthwaite, Cumbria and as far south as Rutland Water near Leicestershire.

Osprey were once a common sight in the wild territory of the Scottish Highlands. Sadly, persecution by fish farmers and Victorian trophy hunters kept them out of Britain for nearly half a century. Now, however, the dedicated efforts of conservation experts have helped establish mating pairs in various parts of the country. Visitors can watch osprey catch their fish and feed their young at several public view nest sites, and sharp-eyed birdwatchers may be lucky enough to spot a migrating osprey stocking up on fish by a lake, reservoir or canal.

Osprey inhabit most parts of the world, but are scarce in North-West Europe and not found in Antarctica. Our breeding birds very wisely head for hotter climes come the autumn. Most journey to west Africa and return with the warmer weather in March or April. Many of the osprey commonly sighted in Norfolk are thought to be passing visitors from Scandinavia. These non-breeders stay to fish the Broads for as long as four weeks during their journey south.

Images courtesy of www.rspb-images.com