Extended periods of dry weather over the summer have led to "absolutely brilliant" feeding conditions for ospreys at Rutland Water, the Leicestershire and Rutland Wildlife Trust has reported. Tim Sexton from the trust stated that the lack of rain increased fishing opportunities for adult birds, resulting in some chicks fledging earlier.
In 2025, the Rutland Osprey Project, which began in 1996, saw a record 11 breeding pairs produce 31 chicks. This year, 24 chicks hatched from 12 nests. Sexton attributed the lower number of chicks this year to two experienced birds not returning to the colony, being replaced by younger breeding birds.
Sexton noted that some chicks, including one named 8R5 from the Manton Bay pair Maya and 33, were "very healthy" and "well-fed." 8R5 has not been seen since 31 July and is believed to have already begun its migratory journey to the west coast of Africa for the winter months. Members of the public may be able to see fledglings until about mid-September before they start their migration to Africa, settling in Senegal or The Gambia for good fishing opportunities.