Bird
spectacle  |
Rutland Water is one corner of England where you're guaranteed a knock-out
ornithological experience.
This waterway is bird-tastic, particularly
in spring. | | Ospreys
on a nest at Rutland Water. Photo c/o PA Images |
Rutland
is the home to one of Europe's largest man made reservoirs.
Built during
the 1970s to serve the Midlands, Rutland Water has become a haven for wildlife
including migrating birds. When the reservoir was created, a narrow strip
of land at the western end was allocated as a nature reserve.
Three large
lagoons were also created to provide a habitat for a variety of waders and wildfowl
throughout the year. Bird chorus  One
of the highlights of a visit to Rutland Water is a trip into the woods to see
its singing stars - the Nightingales.
This attractive brown bird is notoriously
difficult to spot but its fabulous voice stands out during spring. The birds
arrive at Rutland in late April and it's during the first two weeks of their arrival
that they show and sing. But you'll need to get up early to catch them at
their melodic best during the dawn chorus between 5.30pm-7.30pm. Rutland
is also home to one of Britain's largest Cormorant colonies with between 70-80
pairs of birds. These elongated black birds are easily spotted, although
in spring they also develop a large white splodge of colour on their sides designed
to attract a mate. Ospreys at close quarters  Rutland
Water is perhaps most famous for its Ospreys - it's one of only two locations
in Britain where these birds breed.
In the mid 1990s some Osprey chicks
were relocated to Rurland from Scotland, kick-starting a highly successful reintroduction
project. Today the birds are thriving and visitors can see the birds as
they hover over the water and perch on their nests from relatively close quarters. Another
good way of spotting them close to the water is to take an early evening cruise
on the Rutland Belle. Photo credits Osprey
photos courtesy and copyright of PA Images (top image) and Scottish Wildlife Trust. | 
