The Flight of Bird R06(1999)

Osprey R06 was thought to be female but DNA testing later revealed it to be male. It was translocated to Rutland Water on 12 July and released on 29 July. Its satellite transmitter was fitted on 3/9/99. Its mother was S07 and its brother S08.

Wing 410mm, weight 1230g on 20th July.
Wing 433mm, weight 1295g on 27th July.
Wing 462mm, weight 1470g on 3rd September.

On 8/9 there was a very accurate location showing where it roosted just outside the reserve on the south shore of Rutland Water.

It was last seen at Rutland Water on 21/9. Daily transmissions were expected from 3/10/99 but the last recorded transmission was on 27th September when R06 was at Dover.

There are two obvious possible reasons for this - the transmitter may have failed, or the bird may have died and its radio be in a position where no transmissions can be received by the satellite. It could still be that we will suddenly receive a transmission but it seems more likely now that we will not hear any more. Of course, there is a slim chance that if R06 is still alive its ring number will be sighted and reported - it could even make it back to Rutland Water in future years. Alternatively its body may be discovered and we may get to hear about its location.