At Oakham Nub News, we love this time of year for sharing updates from the Rutland Osprey Project and Leicestershire and Rutland Wildlife Trust about the annual goings-on of the Ospreys at Rutland Water. It is with heavy hearts that we are reporting that one of this year's four osprey chicks was found dead with an injury on the left side below the neck on the shoreline yesterday morning. 

For avid Osprey fans, volunteers and local people that regular visit Rutland Water or view the nest cam, this news has been heart-breaking and has come as a real shock, having watched mum Maya year after year nest at Manton Bay and this year lay and raise four beautiful chicks. 

This year mum Maya had four chicks (Photo: Rutland Osprey Project)

In a statement published yesterday morning by the Rutland Osprey Project, they outlined the events of the night before that led to the discovery of the deceased chick that morning, along with footage from the nest cam.

They said: "At 21.31, we see 3R6 take off from the nest and shortly afterwards there is a splash and we see both Maya (the mother) and 3R8 look towards that direction. 

"At 21.41, with both 3R5 and 3R8 on the nest, we then see Maya take off from the perch and do a fly around the nest. At this point, we see 3R6 in the water, making his way to the shore. 

3R6 in the water (Photo: Rutland Osprey Project)

"The decision was made not to intervene last night due to the challenging conditions and not wanting to disturb the other Osprey, especially 3R8 who has yet to fledge. We checked at first light and subsequently Tim Mackrill sadly found 3R6 deceased on the shoreline with a wound on its left side below the neck. 

"We are trying to organise a post-mortem to see exactly what might have happened." 

Local people and long-time Osprey fans have outpoured love for the ospreys on social media, expressing sadness at this news. 

For continued updates on the Ospreys and the death of 3R6, visit the Rutland Osprey Project's Facebook page for updates.