The progress of the project during 2002

The pair of Ospreys that produced a chick in 2001 returned and nested again in 2002. (Picture right) Three eggs were laid, and the adults completed their incubation. However, hatching coincided with a period of prolonged heavy rain and, sadly, no chicks survived. The adult pair, 03(1997) and an unringed female, remained in the vicinity of the nest until the end of August ,with the male continuing to bring fish for the female.

The Manton Bay nest © Anglian Water Osprey Project

 

A one-year-old female who was being satellite tracked proved to be an exception to the rules for migrating juveniles. She spent the winter and spring in Portugal (rather than West Africa), and then in June returned to the UK. Full details are on her own webpage, U06(2001)

The 2002 Osprey nest © Anglian Water Osprey Project  

Another five-year-old male, 08(1997), occupied territory at Manton Bay in the SW corner of the reservoir. He attracted a series of young females including a two-year old translocated Osprey T05(2000). A long-lasting relationship with another unringed female during July and August offered hope that breeding will occur here in 2003 (This pair are pictured on the left.)

Three other translocated males were also seen regularly, with T06(2000) sighted for the first time and 03(1998) and 09(1998) establishing territories but failing to attract mates. Co-ordinated watches around the reservoir by staff and volunteers regularly identified six or more Ospreys.  

Visitors to the Lyndon Reserve (Wader Scrape and Shallow Water Hides) had excellent views of the birds throughout the summer.