Ospreys return to Rutland Water with first confirmed sighting of a female osprey signals the start of spring
Following a record number of Osprey chicks in 2025, Ospreys have returned to Rutland Water and conservationists hope for another season of fantastic breeding and the birth of the 300th chick.
On 13th March 2025, female Osprey who is referred to as 25(10) returned to the nest at Manton Bay. 25(10) was born in 2010 at an off-site nest but has returned since 2013 for numerous successful breeding seasons at Rutland Water.
However, she has landed on the nest usually occupied by Maya. Maya is usually the first female to return to Rutland Water and is the most successful breeding female, having raised an impressive 38 chicks over the last 15 years. Previously, when 25(10) has landed on the nest before Maya has returned, Maya has kicked 25(10) off the nest to claim it as her own. Birdwatchers and members of the Leicestershire and Rutland Wildlife Trust team are keen to see if similar drama will unfold this year.
The Rutland Osprey Project was founded in 1996 by Rutland Wildlife Trust in collaboration with Anglian Water, hoping to reintroduce these incredible birds to the area and grow a breeding population across England.
According to Tim Mackrill, PhD, who works closely with the Rutland Ospreys, "The sight of an Osprey diving talons-outstretched to pluck a fish from the water must rank as one of the most amazing of all wildlife spectacles. Once synonymous with the lochs and coasts of northern Scotland, you are now just as likely to encounter a hunting Osprey in central England, thanks largely to the success of the Rutland Osprey Project."
Since the project started, the first successful Osprey breeding was in 2001, a total of 278 chicks, with a record number of 25 being born last year. This year, the project hopes to welcome its 300th chick.
Joe Davis, Head of Reserve Management at LRWT, is hopeful about the Ospreys' future: "Rutland's ospreys are thriving, proving that proactive conservation can transform the fortunes of endangered species. This success is thanks to our dedicated staff, passionate volunteers, and the unwavering support of our members. We hope to reach the incredible milestone of 300 successfully fledged Osprey chicks this year and that Maya does return and reaches the incredible milestone of fledging her 40th chick this year!"
If you're interested in learning more about Ospreys, visitors can see the Rutland Ospreys at Manton Bay, which is a short walk from the Lyndon Visitor Centre at Rutland Water. You can also watch them on the Osprey webcam by clicking here.
If you want to get involved with the brilliant conservation work that takes place at Rutland Water, check out the Leicestershire and Rutland Wildlife Trust website for volunteer opportunities and more.
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