The first two of osprey Maya and her mate's eggs have hatched at Lyndon Nature Reserve, Rutland Water.

The first two of the clutch of four eggs hatched yesterday (Sat) evening and were caught on Rutland Osprey Project's webcam.

Katy Smart, Lyndon Visitor Centre Co-Ordinator, told Oakham Nub News at 10.10am today: "Two chicks hatched yesterday evening, the first at 6.30pm and the second at 8pm.

"One of our volunteers saw it happen as she was on osprey watch duty in the hide.

"It's exciting news and lots of people have been ringing up for news.

"We've watched both chicks being fed.

"I will be posting some video and an update on online shortly.

"There's no sign of the other two eggs hatching yet, but the laying times suggest there is a chance this will happen by the end of today. We've got our fingers crossed."

Oakham Nub News spotted a broken egg shell on the nest late yesterday (Sat) afternoon and, then, at about 8.45pm watched as Maya stood up to feed...revealing the chicks.

Partner '33' had returned to the nest with a fish just before 8.45pm - but then flew off with it again.

He returned a few minutes later with the meal, which Maya tucked into, and fed the hatchlings.

Our photos - courtesy of Rutland Osprey Project - capture the chick-feeding.

Ironically, the first two chicks hatched on the same day a new two-storey birdwatching hide was officially opened at the reserve's Manton Bay...offering the best views of the osprey's nest.

Maya was the first of Rutland Osprey Project's 25 birds to return to Lyndon Nature Reserve and the team expected her eggs to hatch first.

She laid her first egg on April 2 and the last of the clutch of four on April 11.

The team is now anxiously waiting to discover if Maya and her mate will become the proud parents of the project's 150th chick.

Provided all goes to plan, the third chick of Maya's clutch to hatch will be the 150th since the first ospreys were reintroduced by the project in 1997.

The hatchling will be of double note - not only marking the project's considerable success, but also a poignant reminder that the osprey was extinct in central England for 150 years.

Maya and '33' have been a successful breeding pair at Rutland Water's Lyndon Nature Reserve, home to Rutland Osprey Project, since 2015.

Maya has raised a total of 21 chicks since she first bred at Lyndon Nature Reserve in 2010. Three of those chicks now return to breed.

Bird-lovers can watch Maya and her mate's nest around the clock via the project's webcam.

Visit the Rutland Osprey Project website by clicking the red button below.

Rutland Osprey project has launched a new fundraising initiative. Supporters can text the word 'OSPREY' to 70085 followed by the amount they wish to donate - with a minimum £5. So, to donate £5 text 'OSPREY5' or £20 text 'OSPREY20'. Texts cost the donation amount plus the standard rate message charge.

Donations will used to develop the project, expand outreach, improve understanding and protection of the osprey and help enhance the education impact of the visitor centre.