17.06.2021- Zoom Presentation: Back from the Brink – The Rutland Osprey Project

Speaker: Abi Mustard
Reporter: Sue Gale
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Abi is the leader of this project, which aims to firmly re-establish the Osprey as a breeding bird in central England. The Osprey is our third largest bird of prey with a wingspan of 1.4 to 1.8 meters. The females are largest, and it is possible to distinguish chicks in the nest on the basis of size only. In the UK 2 or 3, occasionally even 4, eggs are laid, the current pair at Rutland being exceptionally
efficient in rearing 4 chicks each year. Ospreys are exclusively fish eaters and are adapted to do so. They can rotate an outer talon to give a better grip on the slippery prey. They also have excellent eye-sight, and especially strong wing muscles so that they can rise from the water while holding their prey.

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