The Fisher King Returns

The spectacular fish-eating bird of prey, the ospery, has been sighted in Herts at this time of year as it refuels before flying to Africa. Charlotte Hussey of the Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust celebrates its return.

Osprey, while widely distributed worldwide, were exterminated in Britain by collectors in the early 20th century. Years of conservation effort to protect Scandinavian osprey that naturally colonised in the years following the demise has meant that this amber listed species can now be spotted across the UK, including in Hertfordshire.

While osprey populations have increased in this country they are still a rare sight and a real treat to see outside of their strongholds. The main UK outpost is Scotland but they can also be seen in north Wales and breeding took place in the Lake District in 2001 – the first osprey nest in England for more than 150 years. Osprey were also introduced at Rutland Water in the east midlands in 2001 where they are now an established breeding species.