Ospreys (England’s fish-eating birds of prey)
Ospreys are fish-eating birds of prey, who live in Africa, but migrate over 3000 miles to England each year. A few years ago, these beautiful birds (which look a bit like large brown-and-white gulls) were almost extinct.
Due to hunting in Victorian times, at one point there was just one breeding pair left, in Scotland.
This is a real conservation success story! Thanks to volunteers on Rutland Water, today numbers have returned. They are still pretty rare to see elsewhere, although they are around in parts of Cumbria.
Ospreys use their reversible toes (that turn 180 degrees) to hunt for slippery fish. They are such good ‘fishermen’ that around 70% of dives are successful. And if hungry, they usually catch a fish in around 12 minutes. Their eggs often hatch one-by-one, sometimes up to 5 days apart. The birds are possibly named after the Latin word ‘ossifragus’ (it means ‘bonebreaker).
Birds of prey are wild creatures, so should always be left alone, unless you know they are injured or in danger. Parents are usually nearby, so observe if concerned. Read more on how to help England’s birds of prey.
The Dangers of ‘Farming versus Rewilding’
With Reform UK riding high in the polls, this is a good example of why farmers and rewilding experts need to work together (Reform policy is for all rewilding land to be given over to farmers).
This has happened previously in Cumbria, which led to England’s last golden eagle dying on the remote eastern fells.
Wild Fell is the wonderful story of local ecologists who worked with farmers, to keep them happy, while still protecting wild land for endangered species. This is how it’s done. Please note (MPs).
